Landracing Forum

East Coast Timing Association => ECTA Rules Questions => Topic started by: RansomT on October 01, 2010, 12:34:15 PM

Title: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: RansomT on October 01, 2010, 12:34:15 PM
With the new rules and expiration of my Snell 2000 helmet, it has come time to start the process for a purchase of a new helmet.

Back in 2002, I looked long and hard for a helmet that had a “smaller” shell that allowed me to get behind the stock wind screen of a Busa.  I lucked into one.  However, I don’t believe that I will be that lucky this time.

How do y’all plan on looking for helmets or how do you?

I can tell you that I have a newer style Shoei  (2XL) that has a melon sized shell and has no chance of getting out of the wind.  Comfortable for cruising around, but will shake you off the bike in a full tuck at speed.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: davidd on October 06, 2010, 08:28:04 PM
My philosophy on helmets is to start with the Snell qualified ones and try on the cheapest helmet. As long as it is certified Snell, the more expensive helmets only supply more options or fancy paint. I test for fit and that is it. I have been using the $115 HJC C-15 for several years. If I hit the ground I throw the helmet away and  buy a new one. That is difficult to do if you are paying $300-$600 for a helmet. I think of it as cheap insurance.

If you have fitting problems you may be stuck with more expensive helmets. Good luck,

David
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Cajun Kid on October 06, 2010, 08:52:03 PM
Cheap helmets are to protect cheap contents. (if you have a $25 head buy a $25 helmet)

I would look for a current Snell Certification first, then the quality of materials used, then the fit, finish and lastly any options and paint scheme.

When I was a bike guy, I had done a lot of research on helmets and my top 4 Snell M rated helmets in order of price for good quality and features.
Aria , Shoei , Bell, HJC  I have used all 4 brands and feel you would be well protected with a top model from any of these 4 manufacturers.

Charles
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on October 06, 2010, 09:30:32 PM
If you'd like to do it this way -- it'll help.  go to the Snell Foundation website.  They've got a list of all the helmets they've certified -- including not just by brand, but also by size.  Keep that reference available while you're shopping for the other attributes you want.

And if you order online or by mail -- please consider stipulating that the helmet you receive must carry the Snell cert. that you want (that is, if you want a 2010 sticker in there - don't let them substitute an older one 'cause they're "moving old stock first").

Nancy and I got caught that way -- I don't want anyone else to have that scam foisted upon them.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: donpearsall on October 06, 2010, 09:52:32 PM
One thing that I have been looking for (and not able to find) is a tall front opening so I could see ahead while in a tuck. When you are in a tuck, it is hard to bend your neck enough to see straight ahead. It seems like all the helmets have equal sized openings. Maybe it is a DOT regulation or something. Anyway, while you are shopping consider that you have to be able to see ahead while bent over.
Don
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: k.h. on October 06, 2010, 11:18:42 PM
Zeus ZS-3000 helmet.  Interesting, flip-up with Snell cert.  Can't find a dealer in the US, but am hoping to obtain one before next season.  We shall see.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: ol38y on October 07, 2010, 12:44:17 AM
You might want to check with Tom Evans first. I believe I overheard him say flip-ups are not legal.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: DahMurf on October 07, 2010, 06:46:38 AM
My current expiring this year $25 on closeout helmet, yes an exact replacement for the one I crashed in and proved worthy also has a larger eye port. I believe the measurement was 144mm. It's a Z1R plain vanilla helmet. I haven't been able to find anyone advertising a larger eyeport anymore. My plan is to hit up a bunch of motorcycle dealers & the winter motorcycle show with my tape measure and maybe even my fish (N2O)  scale this time to check the eyeport opening and the weight. I'll be looking for a Snell 2010 since I can finally get a smaller outer shell under the new rules instead of a mans size shell with extra padding. I expect it to be a painful process. I'm hopeful I can find something I can get through one of our suppliers (ie at cost) or online cheap because I hate spending a lot on a helmet. I find that the inner cushions tend to shrink up and in a years time I need it replaced for proper fit anyway. If it's cheap enough I pass it on to someone with a slightly bigger noggin or use it for the street & get a new one for racing.

If I find anything good in my search I'll post it up here & would greatly appreciate if everyone else would do the same!
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: relaxedphit on October 07, 2010, 12:21:36 PM
The Cycle Gear store near me has a pretty good selection of Arai, Shoei and HJC helmets. I've used their store before to decide what brand & model that works for me, before I order one on line. Arai once did this but went back to selling through distributors, but Harley is the only  place that requires you to come into a store and have the proper one fitted - you can't order one through the mail. Like everything else Harley, the manufacture is out sourced and at least one of their producers is AGV- a pretty good product.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Cajun Kid on October 07, 2010, 12:29:00 PM
I did not know AGV was still around,,, heck years and years back I saw a test where an AGV helmet was hit by a LAWS  Rocket and the shell remained intact ...

I am glad the helmet survived the impact, but can you imagine the headache !!!!

Charles
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: 55chevr on October 07, 2010, 08:48:13 PM
I have a long time old fashioned affection for Bell helmets ... I think I have owned 6 of them going back to the 60-s .... I surfed the net for the last one 5 years ago and got a good deal on it ... tough to beat a Bell ...
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: ol38y on October 07, 2010, 08:59:05 PM
I have a long time old fashioned affection for Bell helmets ... I think I have owned 6 of them going back to the 60-s .... I surfed the net for the last one 5 years ago and got a good deal on it ... tough to beat a Bell ...

LOL, I've been thinking the same thing. I bought a Star the first year they came out. It was way too hot for desert racing though. One thing I did notice this year. The new Bell Stars have the little ducktail and really eliminate wind buffeting. But, when you try and lay your head down flat on the tank the ducktail really gets into the wind. So, my only option was to keep looking where I was going... Kinda takes the fun out of it...    :roll:
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Cajun Kid on October 08, 2010, 07:18:42 AM
I have a long time old fashioned affection for Bell helmets ... I think I have owned 6 of them going back to the 60-s .... I surfed the net for the last one 5 years ago and got a good deal on it ... tough to beat a Bell ...

Joe, I too am a Bell guy from way back.. My current car Helmet is a Bell BR1 (Racer Series) SA2005 and is still good for 5 more years.  Once the new SA2010 Helmets are available I need to get a new one that has the Air Intakes for my Helmet Cooling System,, I am looking at Bell and Simpson as they are fully compatible with the cooling system. 

See you in 3 weeks,

Charles
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: White Monster on October 08, 2010, 09:39:37 AM
Snell Certified Helmets Listing
Things you should know about Snell certification ....
 :wink:

    http://www.smf.org/cert.html

M2010 - For Use with Motorcycles
This Standard addresses the problem of protecting the head from direct impact with surfaces or objects that might be encountered in a motorcycling accident.   This 2010 Standard establishes performance characteristics suitable for motorcycling and for use with other open motorized vehicles in which the driver and passengers may not be enclosed such as boats, motorized carts, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.

SA2010 - For Use in Competitive Automotive Sports
This Standard addresses the problem of protecting the head from direct impact with surfaces or objects that might be encountered in a racing accident.  Since auto racing drivers are frequently unable to escape quickly from accident involved vehicles, their helmets must also provide a measure of protection against fire.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: relaxedphit on October 08, 2010, 12:19:53 PM
Charles, I hadn't thought about it but the AGV was bought maybe ten years ago (and the last one bought from a Harley shop). It is a very heavy helmet. I've wanted a Bell since I couldn't afford one in the early '70s. The only ones I've seen in stores were pretty flimsy but they were the half helmets--pretty much for a target group not very interested in head protection. If anyone knows about head shape, sizing, models and good suppliers, please let me know. OK I know about my head shape - it's long and very lumpy.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: saltwheels262 on October 09, 2010, 05:22:20 PM
got a 2005 snell z1r helmet from
j.c.whitney in '07 for a good price.

franey
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: racer x on October 09, 2010, 09:36:02 PM
I just went from an Aria helmet to a Scorpion Exo. I am very happy with it.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: relaxedphit on October 10, 2010, 09:18:52 PM
At your price Eric, I'd be happy too.. Congrats on the new sponsor.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Warp12 on October 17, 2010, 04:17:00 PM
When do we see Snell 2005 helmets being written out of the rules?
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on October 17, 2010, 04:50:51 PM
At the present -- helmets are allowed for ten years.  And at present Snell Foundation issues new certifications every five years.  So, therefore -- it might well be safe to assume that a Snell '05-stickered helmet will be accepted by the sanctioning organizations 'til the Snell '15 units are out -- likely in 2015 or so.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Warp12 on October 17, 2010, 04:56:45 PM
Thanks Jon.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: tomsmith on December 11, 2010, 10:42:14 AM
Here is a nifty site in Japan.  They have lots of (mostly) high end street stuff in addition to Snell 2010 helmets.  Apparently there is a big market in Japan for exotic street bikes.  I can see a problem with trying the helmets on before buying one.  It is owned by a guy from Australia or New Zealand who married a Japanese girl so they speak English.  They shipped my nifty carbon fiber wallet right away, but that is all I ever got from them so I can't offer any recommendations or other opinions.  The site is fun to look at:

http://www.moto-works.jp/
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: relaxedphit on December 11, 2010, 11:55:58 PM
Is depending on a helmet that's over 5 years old a good idea? I've read that after three years the helmet should be replaced, but then they say I should toss all the helmets I've polished the pavement with too.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Captthundarr on December 12, 2010, 09:10:49 AM
A dropped helmet, read oops I dropped It, may not need to be replaced. If someone gets a little mifed and spikes the pumpkin protector on the pavment then it should be replaced.

 To loosely qoute the snell website the most damage that happens to a helmet is when your nogin is in side of it. ie. If you polish the pavement with your head then you should seriously consider replacing your helmet. the shell and inside padding have been compromised and will not performed as designed the next time you feel the need to polish pavement.  8-)
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: suprf1y on December 12, 2010, 12:47:18 PM
Is depending on a helmet that's over 5 years old a good idea? I've read that after three years the helmet should be replaced, but then they say I should toss all the helmets I've polished the pavement with too.

Helmets don't go bad.

It's unlikely that it's been exposed to anything that would degrade it's function over a 5 year period.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Captthundarr on December 12, 2010, 04:15:32 PM
Is depending on a helmet that's over 5 years old a good idea? I've read that after three years the helmet should be replaced, but then they say I should toss all the helmets I've polished the pavement with too.

Helmets don't go bad.

It's unlikely that it's been exposed to anything that would degrade it's function over a 5 year period.
[/quote
] They don't "go bad" unless they strike something with force. Then thier structure has been compromised and will no longer fuction as designed. Pro drivers and riders replace there helmets after an incident where the helmet struck the pavement or a solid object in the car. Yes the get thier stuff for free, but if your safety is on a budget, well? :roll:
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: tekebird on December 17, 2010, 02:45:42 AM
Helmets do indeed go bad.   it called padding getting sacked out, Ever street helmet I have ever owned has gotten sacked out over time (read gets loose on the melon)  loose helmet= melon bouncing around inside on impact= head bruses

Solution:  grow yourself a big "Fro as the padding wears  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: bharmon77 on February 27, 2011, 09:21:58 AM
Sorry, don't have a new rule book yet. Are all SA2000 obsolete?

BHarmon
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Cajun Kid on February 27, 2011, 10:13:09 AM
SA2000  models are no longer acceptable... Must have a SA2005 or SA2010

Charles
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Cajun Kid on February 27, 2011, 10:22:57 AM
As to helmets wearing out in 3 or 5 years.

Both points of view could be valid...

A street helmet that is put on and off several times a day and worn for longer periods of time, will experience more inside wear and the interior padding will become looser on the head than a race only helmet that is used 5 to 10 times a year and put on and off a lot less often.

But on the other hand the helmet actually does not wear out,,, it just can wear inside to a point that if the fit becomes loose,, get a new one with a more recent Snell Cert.

As a rule, for my Race Helmets I get a new model every 5 years and the old one has no wear and is in great shape,,, I figure that in 5 years the safety and technology must have improved so I take advantage of that.

To each his own on replacement intervals and cert dates,,, as long as you are within the guidelines now of SA2005 or newer,,, if your helmet is 5 to 6 years old and you like it.. than so be it.

The inspectors look for the Snell Cert tag and general condition of the helmet when presented in tech.

Have fun and be safe this season.



Charles
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: bearingburner on February 27, 2011, 06:48:22 PM
I've seen new Snell2005 helmets listed for 1/2 price.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: WWWMCLEANSRACINGCOM on February 27, 2011, 07:09:56 PM
I crash tested a HJC in 2005 on the street @ over 135mph. I went down on my left side and smacked my head hard enough to bust the helmet and visor fly off.And a Shoei when I high sided a CBR at around 100 mph in 2007, The bike landed on my head and smashed me up but both helmets did more than i could have ask of them.My buddy Sam crashed at high speed last summer on a CBR 1000, A high side with a KBC and after looking at his gear and seeing him crash I have one in my race bag, Great price on the KBC, And after seeing the price and the results of a real world crash I trust it on my head, Just make sure you get a snell,Were as they make some thats not.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on February 27, 2011, 08:41:13 PM
To go over ground I've trodden before:

When you're shopping for a helmet you can go to the Snell Foundation website and see listings of each manufacturer's helmets that are tested and rated by Snell, right down to the model and (I think) sizes.  Make sure the one you're thinking of buying is on that list.

When you purchase the helmet - be sure to specify that it must be Snell rated 20XX (fill in with your choice of year).  I once bought helmets from one of the online places.  I waited until the model I wanted was now listed in the Snell listing for the newest cert -- but didn't specify on the order.  Sure enough, I got one that was five years old (by rating, at least).  When I asked/complained, I was told they were selling the old stock first before moving on to the newer-rated models.  If I had specified on the order I would have had recourse -- as it was -- I was SOL.

And when you get the helmet that you've specified must be of such-and-such Snell vintage -- dig deep 'til you find the Snell cert. sticker.  They are NOT what you might see on the outside of the helmet, but rather are on the inside of the helmet, well-hidden (usually) under the padded lining.  You'll have to dig to find it, but whether you want to dig that deep or not -- your helmet inspector in the tech line WILL dig for it.  You woudln't want a nasty surprise, would you?  By the further way, the Snell cert. sticker is a rotogravure-process printed label -- that is, on shiny metallic foil and usually pretty difficult to read in the dark confines of the helmet.  But if the helmet is Snell rated -- that sticker will be there and will give you the date.
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: wobblywalrus on February 28, 2011, 01:14:29 AM
Usually I go to a shop with a lot of helmets and try on the ones in my size that meet the safety requirements.  Then I pick the lightest one.  I figure there is less strain on my neck with the light one when I am flopping down the salt during the big crash. 
Title: Re: Motorcycle Helmet Selection
Post by: RansomT on February 28, 2011, 10:07:28 AM
Since I did the orginal post, I figure I should give a follow-up on what I've done.

I worked with Scorpion Sports and recieved a Snell 2005 helmet that was manufactured in late 2010.  The helmet size is an XL with a large size shell.  The 700 series uses the same shell upto an XL, then it goes up a size.  Probably the best fitting helmet that I have ever owned.  But, I'm still questioning the shell size.

If the helmet works out, it should be good until the close of the season in 2015.