Are some full face motorcycle helmets safer than other?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Are some full face motorcycle helmets safer than other?

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:07:00 PM EDT

I get that you want a proper fit and Snell and DOT certs. But beyond those do some do a better job of protecting you?

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:44:36 PM EDT

[#1]

Nobody?

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:49:32 PM EDT

[#2]

Helmets are an abomination to safety and clearly the more of your head is covered the less protection you have.

<edit> Buy one that's not made like crap and it will protect you just fine. Better is better fit/finish/longer lasting/prestige, but after about $250 the protection-to-dollar ratio levels out FAST.

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:50:43 PM EDT

[#3]

Probably, but it's hard to quantify.

My Shoei, full face, is all that, but is also 8 years old. I've read that they degrade with time and should be replaced periodically for maximum safety.

I'm not quite buying it, but there is now a seed of doubt in my head.

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:53:51 PM EDT

[#4]

I would think that any helmet regardless of price that comes with a DOT certification is going to protect you as well as the next one with the bigger pricetag.

The next one with the bigger pricetag however is going to have different features like better ventilation, removable liner, more comfortable strap, etc that cause it to be higher priced.

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:54:18 PM EDT

[#5]

You do get what you pay for. I have crashed in a few helmets(racing) and good ones do much better. You don't need to spend $900 on a custom painted one, but don't think a $89 motorcycle shop POS is a s good as an Arai.

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:55:29 PM EDT

[#6]

Shoei FTFHS!( for the fucking head save)

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:56:19 PM EDT

[#7]

I buy a new helmet each spring when they are on sale. The racer guys that I know seem to have more fit preferences rather than saying one is less safe than another.

I feel good going w/ a name brand... I really like the modular style, so I think I'll get whatever is new in that type.

I got the new Bell modular last spring, so if they came out w/ a slightly different model, I'd try it, else I'll get a different brand to compare.

There is a helmet superstore that puts out really good comparison videos. Maybe search for some pro reviews like that?

Posted: 3/19/2013 8:58:03 PM EDT

[#8]

A $50 AFX helmet is nowhere near as good as a Shoe, Arai, or even an Icon. With most cheap helmets, you can visibly deform the shell just by squeezing it...

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:00:23 PM EDT

[#9]

It's been a long time since I've looked into buying a helmet.

I'm too lazy to look it up, but I do recall there being a mention of DOT helmets being slightly safer for street use, where as a DOT/Snell rated helmet is better for high speed get offs. Something about the foam in a Snell helmet being harder to take a high speed hit and a DOT helmet being softer b/c it's only really tested for low speed accidents.

I'm not a 100% sure about that, but if you Google it you might hit on something.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:02:10 PM EDT

[#10]

To be honest, there is a school of thought that says snell is actually worse for you. Snell helmets have to be much harder to pass a certain test where they drop the helmet on a metal ball, and that causes more trauma. ECE rated helmets are arguably the safest you can get. Even after saying this I still ride a bell star that's snell rated but I am a firm believer of the ECE standard and my next lid will only be that.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:04:59 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
To be honest, there is a school of thought that says snell is actually worse for you. Snell helmets have to be much harder to pass a certain test where they drop the helmet on a metal ball, and that causes more trauma. ECE rated helmets are arguably the safest you can get. Even after saying this I still ride a bell star that's snell rated but I am a firm believer of the ECE standard and my next lid will only be that.

That issue was resolved with the 2010 Snell certification and isn't an issue any longer.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:11:31 PM EDT

[#12]

Does HJC make quality helmets? They don't seem to be complete bargain basement, but they aren't Shoei or Arai priced either.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:18:46 PM EDT

[#13]

Yes, HJC makes quality helmets. They are very good helmets for the money.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:21:35 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Does HJC make quality helmets? They don't seem to be complete bargain basement, but they aren't Shoei or Arai priced either.

Best bang for the buck IMO. I own several. Just make sure they fit. A poor fitting helmet isn't worth the money you may save.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:22:54 PM EDT

[#15]

Most brands are made from the same Blank helmet. Like blank surfboard or snowboards. I suggest you get the one that fits you best.

I have a shoei that fits me best. I do love the optically perfectly clear face shield though.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:27:22 PM EDT

[#16]

Thank you all, this has been helpful.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:30:07 PM EDT

[#17]

I wear an HJC. Price was nice but the fit was tits. I like modulators but most of them Don't have enough room front to back for my head to fit right. I wind up with the chinbar trying to occupy the same space as my lower jaw. The HJC fits me. If the other more expensive models fit me than I might have gone for them. Spend the money for quality, good fitting gear and you'll not only be more comfortable but a better rider as well.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:37:19 PM EDT

[#18]

I'm still trying to determine if these helmets have a shelf life. If you do a search for "motorcycle helmet shelf life" all you get (as far as I have seen) is internet chatter that they're only good for 3 years or some such, but no solid evidence either way. Unless I'm missing something.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:38:31 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
I get that you want a proper fit and Snell and DOT certs. But beyond those do some do a better job of protecting you?

Of course.

Posted: 3/19/2013 9:49:50 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
Does HJC make quality helmets? They don't seem to be complete bargain basement, but they aren't Shoei or Arai priced either.

I was actually wearing an HJC that was only about $130 otd when i laid my bike down last year.

Smacked my chin into the pavement at around 40 mph and the helmet did its job very well.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Are some full face motorcycle helmets safer than other?

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