Make Sure You Try a Helmet On Before You Buy Online!

[IanDMacDonald]

So, been looking at a few helmets that have caught my eye. One of them was a Bell, which seemed kinda cheap. Went into the store today and was immediately bombarded by pushy sales peeps that were new to the store. Not sure where all the others were who knew that I did not like to be bothered. Anywho, found the helmet and I was disappointed with the build quality. The worst part was that the display has a broken sun visor. So, looking at other models and I noticed a theme: no Arai's, Shoei's, etc. All HJC, Gmax, Vega, Bell's, etc. This is Flint, so I assume they pulled the expensive stuff cuz it was not selling. Makes sense. But, what bothered me was that two different sales people saw me holding some cheap helmet and commented on it being a good helmet and they have it. I called the second guy out on it and told him reviews said I was better off with a bicycle helmet. He snickered as if he was caught and walked away. Anywho, the point is, don't trust the websites and Revzilla reviews based-off looks. Go in and try them on. Feel the mechanics of them. It seems all the online vendors review them for the good. I rely on other avenues for the bad, and those are what determine my purchase.

Still looking at the Scorpion Exo GT-3000, although I found a good deal on a Shoei modular helmet.

[crazy steve]

I would never buy a helmet without trying it on....

Now, as to the cheap vs expensive thing, Motorcyclist ran an article a number of years ago on just how safe the various helmets were. One extremely interesting aspect of that testing was that the cheaper DOT-only rated helmets subjected your brain to fewer G-forces in the event of an accident than a Snell-rated helmet. The more expensive the helmet, the more impact it withstood (and transmitted to your brain). I lost the link to their archives, but it's still out there if you search. $$$ and ratings don't guarantee safety.

[IanDMacDonald]

Yeah, I read that article Steve. Lengthy article. But, the cheapness was in other areas of the helmets. Vents broke-off in my hand, etc.

[DiverRay]

The "best" from that article was the ZR-1. I own and wear it. Yes, not "snell", but it fits, and works for me. The visor is an HJC, so I can get a new one easily. The Bell I've looked at locally, and I like it. Cheap, but it IS a very quiet helmet, and that is something I need.
I will need a new helmet soon, but until then I have good protection that I hope I never need.

[jetmechmarty]

I have an Arai helmet. The fit is so good I could sleep in it. There's lots to like, but one thing. It's time to replace it and it's about as expensive as they come. I'm on a Ford Pinto budget with Cadillac taste.

[IanDMacDonald]

I have three Arai Signet GT's that are 15 years old. You can definitely tell the difference between that helmet and a cheap Gmax. However, after scratching all of my helmets up last year, I need to buy a new one with all the features that older models do not have. For all those that are interested in what I think is a great helmet, check-out the Scorpion Exo GT-3000.

[madmax-im]

Same is true fo all your gear...you should at least try it on in a real store...I tend to want to support local vendors but if they are too expensive at least i can try it on and later order it online...I have had very good results with my 2 Shoei helmets...excellent fit and comfort as well as excellent ventilation...I also have a HJC SyMax2 modular and i am quite happy with that as well...all my helmets retail for about $300 or so...

[mrhammer2u]

Reviews are not so helpful with helmets. Unless the reviewer took a hard fall and has a success story,..as in they lived. Otherwise the comfort has to do with the shape of your head. Def best to try on.

I have a Shoei GT Air. Tried on the $700 bucket in the store, loved it and found one online for $300! Was brand new, just had a very small mark on it that's barely noticeable.

I also have a $100 HJC that is also super comfy. But it's a 2xl, they seem to run small.

[Hak]

I have ordered all of my gear through RevZilla and can't say enough about the website. With the amount of reviews and the insanely informative videos on each and every product, I have always bought with confidence and never had anything that surprised me with the fit. They go especially in depth with helmets, telling you how to tell what your head shape is and then telling you what head shape fits best in what helmets. They tell you exactly how and where to measure. Even if you do manage to order the wrong size or even just don't like it when it shows up, it's free returns/free replacement. Also you can call any time and talk with one of the 'gear geeks' and the amount of knowledge they have on all of these items is just ridiculous.

Saw all the bashing on online shopping and just had to share my experiences lol I personally hated trying to buy gear in person, the sales people are always the worst. Not even mentioning the insane price inflation when buying in store.

[IanDMacDonald]

Oh, I have no qualms with Revzilla. I just figure they're compensated for their reviews, as I have yet to see a review that has a negative remarks.

[fredintoon]

I would never buy a helmet without trying it on...

Hi steve,
I did. I took a chance on buying a used Nolan flip-face from a nice man on this list who said his head was the wrong shape to fit it.
I'm not going to speculate which of us has a weird-shaped head but it fits me just about perfectly.
Gotta love a flip-face, it's the best choice for us glasses wearers.
Only drawback is remembering to flip the thing closed before riding off.
Really gotta love the Nolan's strap latch. it's so much less fiddly than the usual twin D-rings.
About cost vs safety, a cheap nasty helmet on your head is way safer than an expensive race replica helmet left home because it's too hot to wear one.
BTW, I've been riding since 1956 and must have fallen off hundreds of times.
Always wore a helmet, always landed on my arse. Now that's good insurance.