Full Face Helmet Help

[jddh1]

I want to purchase a full face helmet (large...big head here lol) and what's the best place to ask for advice? Well here, obviously.
I ride a motorcycle and I've been using an open face helmet for the summer because it was quite hot. But I think it's time to get a proper helmet that I can use even if I want to go to a track for some laps.
Obviously I'm not looking for a 1000 dollar helmet, but something more reasonable price wise. 500 dollar is a decent price ceiling I think, unless you guys advise otherwise.

So what should I look for when looking for one? What do you have and how do you like it?

Also, there's a Scorpion Helmets dealership not 5 minutes from my house. What do you think of them if you have even tried them.

Please, let me know because I need to get one as soon as possible.

[mx_tifoso]

Make sure it is currently certified or that it will continue to be for many years to come.

Also, make sure to try them on to make sure it fits you properly.

What bike do you have?

I don't ride BTW.

[jddh1]

I bought a used 1980 BMW r65 at an auction around here. it was cheap and had to get some work done but it's been running quite well this summer. no problems at all. it's really old but a few spares over the winter and had a good/fun summer.

however, since I now have a proper job, I want to buy a brand new Ducati 1198s. that's gonna be the race track bike.

[Fil]

forget brands, forget hype, forget all that. find a dealership that sells multiple brands and just spend the time trying them all on. each brand/model has different shaping for different head types. the only way you'll find what is good is what fits your headshape well.

just remember one thing, helmets are meant to be tight, almost painful the first time you put them on. after about 2 weeks of riding, they will loosen up and conform snuggly around your head.
if you buy something that's loose or comfortable, quite quickly it'll become oversized and flop around on your head - dangerous and uncomfortable!



as long as it passes regulatory certified standards, cost means very little. match it to your head shape, pick your price range, pick your colour/design, and get out riding!

[compo]

try this link http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

goony

[jddh1]

thanks for the help guys.

the above link comparing various helmets was golden. I guess i'm gonna take my time buying one and not rush into it like I wanted to yesterday. I mean, i'll shop around NYC this weekend, look at a few dozen, try them on and then buy a good one.

If anyone is interested, I found an arts student at NYU who agreed to airbrush my helmet as a "class project" for free. The only thing is that I would have to give it to him for displaying it around certain dates and allow him include photos of it in his personal art catalog. I don't think it's a bad deal. I'll start to work on a design with him in November.

[flynfrog]

thanks for the help guys.

the above link comparing various helmets was golden. I guess i'm gonna take my time buying one and not rush into it like I wanted to yesterday. I mean, i'll shop around NYC this weekend, look at a few dozen, try them on and then buy a good one.

If anyone is interested, I found an arts student at NYU who agreed to airbrush my helmet as a "class project" for free. The only thing is that I would have to give it to him for displaying it around certain dates and allow him include photos of it in his personal art catalog. I don't think it's a bad deal. I'll start to work on a design with him in November.

Do exactly what Fil says.

Also if they are going to paint the helment make sure they are using automotive paint not tshirt airbrush paint. Surface prep is key it should be roughed up with 400-600 grit depending on the paint being used. Also some paint chemicals can destroy the foam crush structure inside so dont over do it on the chemicals.

[jddh1]

Do exactly what Fil says.

Also if they are going to paint the helment make sure they are using automotive paint not tshirt airbrush paint. Surface prep is key it should be roughed up with 400-600 grit depending on the paint being used. Also some paint chemicals can destroy the foam crush structure inside so dont over do it on the chemicals.

Noted. But I think he should know that already. I'll bring it up though.

[mx_tifoso]

Why are you going for an 1198 S instead of a normal 1198 or an 848?

And good luck on finding a helmet.

[jddh1]

Why are you going for an 1198 S instead of a normal 1198 or an 848?

And good luck on finding a helmet.

Lighter weight (chassis and components), better suspension, and all that jazz. And let's face it, it retains value better than a regular 1198. I'm planning on keeping it a long, long time, but you get my point.

[alexbarwell]

I had a similar quandry (back on the helmet issue!)as not currently a biker, but bought a full face bike helmet off a friend to cover road-car track days. Now the rules have tightened, specs for most track days are for helmets with BS certification (there are several, I think the higher/lasting spec is the -25 suffix), and/or Snell 2005 certified, additionally there is Fia certification that might be necessary for higher racing categories. But sizing is like clothes - a Bell large was massive, whereas an Arai large was the right sort of tight fit. Watch out for cheapies that might not be permitted soon and as HANS mounts are becoming a standard feature they apparently will NOT be permitted as a retro-fit probably due to some bodges compromising the design. Polyester shells will probably get stopped as various laminates are considered tougher and less of an issue in a fire. In the UK we have GPR direct at Silverstone and Pole Position as an outlet on Regent Street to try the clobber and the Arai GP5K was about 500 notes.

[gibells]

Hi Mate. I have just bought a Vemar VSR helmet. Tri-composite- Carbon, Kevlar and Glass. It's a brand made in Italy and I have to say the quality is superb. As good as Arai and Shoei but at a much more affordable price. I too have a large head, and the XL I've just bought is in fact very roomy. More like an XXL with a nice wide opening. Have a look out for one.

[RH1300S]

100% agree with fil

I have a Shoei head - some people don't. I can't get on with Arai shapes.

Definately try different helmets.

Once you have a brand/brands that feel like they suit your particular skull - do some research about helmet noise. Don't underestimate how important a quiet helmet is.

A friend has just bought a Schuberth helmet - he says STUNNINGLY quiet.