Need Opinions on Helmets

I was facing the same dillema, I wanted a helmet that didnt go faster than my bike, yet I wanted to check out the full race look too. I shopped a bike dealer in Springfield,Missouri and was able to compare Arei,Shoe,Scorpian,AFX etc. I found an HJC SY-MAX-II and love it! Its was offered in a solid color, its "modular" meaning the whole front of the helmet flips open offering the best of both types of helmets. I pondered what a huey helicopter pilots helmet would be like because they have the flip down shaded lenses while remaining open face. Well, the SY-MAX-II has that feature! Very Cool! Its a little pricey @ $350 but still well below the first three listed above. The helmet is pictured with my bike at beartooths forum under "zoros stallion". I still have a weakness for Starfighter,Phantom and Huey helmets, must be the age...lol.

kano wrote:

im looking too
these are 2 of the helmets im looking at,
both green but available in other colours.

Bell Apex Reactor Helmet green

bell Sprint helmet green

A Bell saved my life in the 80's so when I went helmet shopping that was what I went looking for. But after checking I decided that the quality just wasnt what it used to be. They got bought out since then and quality went down in my opinion. Thats when I looked at the Shoei and Aria, A Simpson was on my list also. Which ever you decide dont decide on price alone. It must fit good and be comfortable, a helmet can save your life so do some research and make an educated decision. Your life could depend on it........This is just my opinion and not meant to be the gospel.

Today I was looking at the Bell Star, seemed to be a nice looking helmet with nothing too flashy on it. Nice lines and looked simple. There aren't too many reviews on it other than comfort. I guess this is one of those things where I'm going to have to try a bunch on. I just needed a starting point to get an idea of what I wanted but I am definately looking into the ARAI Vector(thanks Tybolt) or the Bell. I tried a helmet on like you are talking about Zoro. My head is huge so it felt like darth vader in a helicopter but my dad loves that helmet.

Fozzie,
You are in NC too, right?
I didn't find any good prices locally and I got it from internet where appeared to be lowest then.
Like Bell to Kawickrice, Arai saved my life once.

Walmart, yes walmart sells all black full face helmets for 100 CAN - 90 US that look a tad vintage and not too sporty.

I was skeptical at first about the quality, however, I was quite surprised at how it held up over the past 3 seasons. I also bought one for my GF so we could match.

At that price I can buy a new one and not worry too much if I drop it or scratch it somehow.

Just an idea as I know some guys are going to trash the idea of buying a helmet at Walmart, but I would rather use the extra cash for anther fixer upper ect.

Oh yeah and they are DOT and CSA approved, just like the other lids.

KR

Sorry guys, had to do it as I posted a picture of a Roof French Helmet earlier.

Think this Kraut helmet could be a little noisy though.

Seriously ROOF helmets are excellent!!!!
See earlier post and check them out on Google.

Tried to resize

Simpson Outlaw

This is my latest helmet and I love it. Super quiet, very light and well made. Flat black with a smoke visor. Now people don't know whether to stare at my bike or my helmet! :laugh:

Yeah, I'm from NC but I'm in Iraq right now so the only thing I have to go on are you guys and helmet reviews. I have alot of time on my hands so thats what I do. I was planning on just buying a helmet so it will be there when I get home but after hearing from all you guys here I think i might wait, gather information and just find somewhere where I can try them all on. But its nice to know from first hand experience that the helmets performed. Thanks for the info.

thanks for your service.....be safe.....hurry home...peace craig


Fozzie wrote:

Yeah, I'm from NC but I'm in Iraq right now so the only thing I have to go on are you guys and helmet reviews. I have alot of time on my hands so thats what I do. I was planning on just buying a helmet so it will be there when I get home but after hearing from all you guys here I think i might wait, gather information and just find somewhere where I can try them all on. But its nice to know from first hand experience that the helmets performed. Thanks for the info.

Same from here. Come home safe. Thank you for your service. Maybe we can get together when you come back to NC.

I had an hjc, until it was stolen a year ago......why somebody would want a sweaty smelly hement.....i dunno. I bought a Z1-R phantom off ebay for 89 bones with free shipping. Not a bad helet at all, its a little loud , and the visor fogs up in cooler weather, but i usually ride with if flipped up one or two clicks. Overall not a bad helmet for the money at all.