Team-BHP - Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:

Originally Posted by LazyGunner (Post 3907344)

When I went to buy my MT Blade helmet, the guy had shown me a few LS2s as well. I tried to bargain on the helmet price as I was buying two MT Blade helmets and a saddle bag for my bullet at once. He said, "Sir, with MT I can't reduce a single rupee, I'll give you balaclava as complimentary for each helmet. However that Rs.4500/- worth LS2 I can give for Rs.3800/-"

I said how come you can reduce so much on LS2?

He replied, "Everybody who comes here for MTs, SOLs and HJCs know where do we get LS2s from". Then I thought what they discussed on the thread I had read on xbhp was true after all!!

So, I would advise you to stay away from LS2 even if you extend your budget. You might not be getting original stuff. I don't know much about Axor except that it is premium quality helmet from Vega. And Kranos seems to be a decent helmet as well. I have seen few KTM riders wearing them but never used them though.

So i guess the LS2 helmet which i had bought for 3,500 rupees is fake, realizing this after a year of purchase, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sai_ace (Post 3903865)

Hey neil, I use the CL-17 too and wind noise is surprisingly higher than my LS2. Will the ear plugs help? do they block too much noise? And which ear plugs did you use?

I have found that ear plugs are the easiest workaround to wind noise and they do a very effective job. A fellow forum member picked up a set for Rs 10 a piece from a safety store that stocked fire extinguishers, hard hats etc: They make a huge difference especially when you do long distance highway rides.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacs (Post 3907859)

Waiting to try Kranos tomorrow at DJ Helmets Edappally, Kochi being the only dealer here.

I recall DJ having more MTs than Kranos helmets in stock when I visited in December. AutoQueen (opp Kaloor bus stand) was supposed to received new SOL models as well in January so thats worth checking out before you finalize.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urban_Nomad (Post 3903880)

Besides other factors, your head shape vs helmet head shape and of course if you have the correct sized helmet pretty much defines how quiet a helmet is. If someone with an oval head shape (for example) is wearing a helmet with a rather round profile, like most HJCs and GMax; the helmet's gonna be loud once on the move

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urban_Nomad (Post 3903880)

Please do not simply go for a helmet simply because someone says its quiet. It may be quiet for one, cyclone like for another. And this is applicable for the cheapest and the most expensive helmets alike

Im quoting a user review on the expensive HJC RPHA 10 helmet on Revzilla that I read yesterday, for the benefit of forum members to highlight this important point.

"I want to like the helmet, but apparently with my head shape it is extremely loud. Wind noise just channels right up to the bottom of my ears. Even with ear plugs it is almost unbearable.
If I "shrug" my shoulders it goes dead quite or if I wear my beleclauva with earplugs.
Apart from that it is a nice helmet. It is a little snug against my cheeks but I don't dare to order thinner pads as I fear the noise would be worse. (If that's possible)
I've ridden a couple thousand miles with it with temps ranging from 95 down to about 28 and bright sun and pouring rain. (Midwest) I keeps my head cool when needed and warm with all vents closed and curtain installed. The pinlock insert works great!
Double check head shape and size! Other than that it's a great helmet!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rohitj92 (Post 3907606)

So i guess the LS2 helmet which i had bought for 3,500 rupees is fake, realizing this after a year of purchase, though.

But again, I have seen my friends using LS2s for almost a year and these helmets don't show any qualities of being cheap/fake. I feel they are still good helmets but the problem is some are locally manufactured ignoring some of the specs. Its just mental thought that - we might have bought some stuff which is actually something else.

Rumor has it that original LS2s stock is being mixed with fake ones and the fake ones are such good replicas that it's hard to make out the difference. And not all LS2 sold are fake.

So, if I had bought an LS2 without knowing about the racket, I would still confidently use it as long as I feel I need a new one, without worrying whether its original or fake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.jericho (Post 3907870)

Thanks Neil. In fact I took a spin around Edappally Kaloor route where most of the shops are located and sadly none were open on Sunday :Frustrati

I shall be checking out AutoQueen this week along with a friend who is also upgrading to a light weight helmet. Heard they have stock of some Carbon-fiber ones weighing just below 1000g. Any clue?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacs (Post 3908238)

Sunday is a day of rest in Cochin :D I share Urban Nomad's skepticism on the claimed weight assuming we are talking about a proper full face helmet. I have seen a couple of carbon fibre ones IIRC, one was a LS2.

Here are a couple of links that show what carbon fibre helmets actually weigh

http://www.superbike.co.uk/product-r...fibre-helmets/

https://rideapart.com/articles/top-7...mets-available

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Liner (Post 3903849)

Hey thank you! This helmet has the goods! Did you get the goggles, neck liner, and the hinge kit as well? Very sweet that the goggles and neckliner come in the box.

When did you get it and what model year is it? Any pictures?

And finally what did you pay for it?

I bought the helmet last year and received everything you mention except the hinge kit which I believe was released after I bought the helmet. I've never really bothered to take pictures of it (except when it's hanging on the bike's mirror :)).

I paid 30k INR when I bought it, and was lucky that it was on discount then. I believe that the prices are now INR 34k - do check the highnoteperformance website for options etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urban_Nomad (Post 3908256)

Below 1000 gms? It can only mean one of the two:

- They are exaggerating
- Its an Mx helmet, not street

agree:

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.jericho (Post 3908284)

I share Urban Nomad's skepticism on the claimed weight assuming we are talking about a proper full face helmet. I have seen a couple of carbon fibre ones IIRC, one was a LS2.

Here are a couple of links that show what carbon fibre helmets actually weigh

Man - Shocked to see the prices and still their realistic weights. I am visiting them this Thursday positively and shall update here.

Another interesting thing is the price range of LS2, got quotes ranging from 4100 to 4900 for the same model from various shops which again makes me feel the news on replicas are true :eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by naveenroy (Post 3896384)

Guys, looking to replace my daily helmet - a Cross helmet. I was looking online at Kronos and they seem very VFM. How are the prices these days? Around the 3.5k mark?

Details and pictures of Kronos are given here - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ml#post3816848

Nearly three months of use (one long distance trip) update -

Fitting is snug - cheek pads didn't compress / flatten much.

Stability at high speeds - good

Removal and washable - good

Wind noise - top vents extremely noisy beyond 70+ kmph

Visibility - not to my comfort; for city driving it is a bit of a bother, because even after adjusting both rear view mirrors, there are blind spots and needs more than a glance across your shoulder.

Visor - removal and refit needs to be done with care; but clarity of vision is excellent.

Overall, VFM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.jericho (Post 3907870)

I have found that ear plugs are the easiest workaround to wind noise and they do a very effective job

:thumbs up

Absolutely! I have woken up to the concept of using ear plugs very recently and its an absolute revelation. No exaggeration, it is as quiet as the Bhilai temple inside my helmet Bell RS 1 stupid:

Wind noise is good as gone, even at triple digit speeds; while ambient sounds such as horns are easily audible. Definitely recommended

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urban_Nomad (Post 3909740)

concept of using ear plugs very recently and its an absolute revelation. No exaggeration,

I need serious suggestions on this "Wind Noise" business!please:

If you remember I had whined about the pressure point on my forehead with the Shoei?

Ok -- here is a small update. It was perhaps the seating position on the Fatboy that was creating the pressure point on one side of the forehead.

I used the same Shoei on my Multistrada - and rode about 400 plus KMS -- very very minute amount of pressure felt.

The real problem now is -- WIND NOISE!:Frustrati Damn thing roars inside the helmet. inspite of it sitting snug on me.

So any theories?

Solution I guess is : Go Arai! LoL!