Need new helmet...best bang for the (reasonable) buck...opinions?

Spooner
Profile picture for user Spooner
Posts
2446
Joined
1/8/2011
Location
Kansas City, MO, USA
Spooner 2/18/2022 7:53am
2/18/2022 7:53am
wrc777 wrote:
ECE helmets can use a thinner outside layer due to the different test methods compared to US DOT. Alpinestars says the M10 ECE is 100g lighter...
ECE helmets can use a thinner outside layer due to the different test methods compared to US DOT. Alpinestars says the M10 ECE is 100g lighter than the DOT version. The weight difference seems bigger with carbon shells compared to composite or full poly.
They are both ECE, its more that its non-DOT that makes it lighter. You are correct though, they have to add a layer to meet DOT ratings.
1
GingerSnapRacing 2/18/2022 8:37am
2/18/2022 8:37am
TeamGreen wrote:
I’ve worn the TLD Polyacrylite SE4 on many occasions… Vegas to Reno 2021 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/02/16/533838/s1200_9D8B9AEB_1A6B_483D_B8A8_439072F8DAE3.jpg[/img] Day in the Dirt 2018 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/02/16/533840/s1200_073751CB_669D_4935_92A8_BFF7E337F73F.jpg[/img] And even in a few shootouts…and...
I’ve worn the TLD Polyacrylite SE4 on many occasions…
Vegas to Reno 2021

Day in the Dirt 2018


And even in a few shootouts…and I have one that I got for last November’s Day in the Dirt, too. No pics of it, tho.

I’ve crashed and smacked my head pretty dam hard in them, too. Heck, Troy even wears Poly helmets himself. So, I’m thinking that for the price and with MIPS and the multi layered foam…just like the other SE4s…it’s a great helmet for under $250. They seem just as effective as my SE Carbon and Composite helmets.

Friends have bought them on Clearance for $150.
I will echo the SE4 poly not super heavy, price is great, can get simple or pretty sweet paint jobs. Easy to find for under $250. I’ve had good luck in them.
I used to always wear Fly F2 carbon great price and great for for me have bashed my head in them and have lived to ride again.
Personally any poly version of a higher end helmet is my go to as I don’t want to pay the premium for carbon though it does have some benefits for weight which can also be safer in some scenarios.

Debating on trying 6d next with their clearance models being a nice price.
2
Shenzi
Profile picture for user Shenzi
Posts
2693
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
SWFL, FL, USA
Fantasy
907th
Shenzi 2/18/2022 8:40am
2/18/2022 8:40am
Shred wrote:
I am thinking Bell MX-9 w/Mips. I know....it’s my brain so I want to protect it but it’s hard to spend $600. I am looking for...
I am thinking Bell MX-9 w/Mips. I know....it’s my brain so I want to protect it but it’s hard to spend $600. I am looking for good protection at a reasonable price. Opinions??
Thanks
I still have my 2021 carbon SE4 TLD for sell on ebay. Wore it 4 times, impeccable conditions like brand new 😬
Grovesy98
Profile picture for user Grovesy98
Posts
246
Joined
10/14/2019
Location
GB
Grovesy98 2/18/2022 8:47am
2/18/2022 8:47am
Grovesy98 wrote:
I can also recommend the Troy Lee SE4. I've worn Arai for a long time, and tried most of the newer model brands available, but like...
I can also recommend the Troy Lee SE4. I've worn Arai for a long time, and tried most of the newer model brands available, but like the SE4 the most for fit, comfort, weight, looks and price. I have the Composite and its feather light at only 1200 grams
[YM] wrote:
Are you sure it's 1200g?


2

The Shop

See All »
Falcon
Profile picture for user Falcon
Posts
12411
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
Falcon 2/18/2022 3:40pm
2/18/2022 3:40pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
I can also recommend the Troy Lee SE4. I've worn Arai for a long time, and tried most of the newer model brands available, but like...
I can also recommend the Troy Lee SE4. I've worn Arai for a long time, and tried most of the newer model brands available, but like the SE4 the most for fit, comfort, weight, looks and price. I have the Composite and its feather light at only 1200 grams
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever put on my head. I swear I've lost a few weeks off my lifespan, it was so bad. I'm back to my old Arai and I'll go buy another.
1
[YM]
Profile picture for user [YM]
Posts
193
Joined
9/15/2021
Location
USA
[YM] 2/18/2022 3:54pm
2/18/2022 3:54pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
I can also recommend the Troy Lee SE4. I've worn Arai for a long time, and tried most of the newer model brands available, but like...
I can also recommend the Troy Lee SE4. I've worn Arai for a long time, and tried most of the newer model brands available, but like the SE4 the most for fit, comfort, weight, looks and price. I have the Composite and its feather light at only 1200 grams
[YM] wrote:
Are you sure it's 1200g?
Grovesy98 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/02/18/534191/s1200_Screenshot_20220218_164246_com.android.chrome_edit_16580080436532.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/02/18/534192/s1200_Screenshot_20220218_164305_com.android.chrome_edit_16596540579238.jpg[/img]


Nice. I was hoping that you weighed it yourself as I was told that the composite was just above 1400. I wonder if dirtbikeexpress weighed it to get the number that they're using.
wrc777
Profile picture for user wrc777
Posts
3198
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
115th
wrc777 2/18/2022 4:45pm
2/18/2022 4:45pm
Falcon wrote:
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's...
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever put on my head. I swear I've lost a few weeks off my lifespan, it was so bad. I'm back to my old Arai and I'll go buy another.
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best.

Weight and cooling are a big deal to me. I have read that Bill Simpson considered helmet weight a big factor in how well it protected. Basically the theory goes the lighter it is the slower your head hits things. I know my neck appreciates a lighter helmet. The cheap fly kinetic helmets are surprisingly light (1350g if I remember), but they don’t cool nearly as well as the fly formula and astars.
Shred
Profile picture for user Shred
Posts
1524
Joined
10/21/2021
Location
Brighton, CO, USA
Fantasy
172nd
Shred 2/18/2022 8:54pm
2/18/2022 8:54pm Edited Date/Time 2/18/2022 9:00pm
[YM] wrote:
Are you sure it's 1200g?
Grovesy98 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/02/18/534191/s1200_Screenshot_20220218_164246_com.android.chrome_edit_16580080436532.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/02/18/534192/s1200_Screenshot_20220218_164305_com.android.chrome_edit_16596540579238.jpg[/img]


[YM] wrote:
Nice. I was hoping that you weighed it yourself as I was told that the composite was just above 1400. I wonder if dirtbikeexpress weighed it...
Nice. I was hoping that you weighed it yourself as I was told that the composite was just above 1400. I wonder if dirtbikeexpress weighed it to get the number that they're using.



Don’t get too excited...you live in the USA. Here is a clip from the Troy Lee composite SE4 page for USA approved helmet. Troy Lee doesn’t show both weights but you can see what I am talking about more clearly on the Bell helmets. You can see that the screenshot below shows Bell Moto 9 Flex and they show both USA and Europe weights. About 200 grams difference. Bell photo on top Troy Lee SE4 US version on bottom
Clearly DOT standards requirements are different from IECE...that or Americans are so much smarter they have more to protect...hence better protection.😜😜🤣






Undersprung
Profile picture for user Undersprung
Posts
48
Joined
12/31/2020
Location
Rogers, AR, USA
Undersprung 2/21/2022 5:51pm
2/21/2022 5:51pm
The Forumla CP blows my MX9 Mips out of the water in pretty much every category for not much more money.
1
1
Broseph
Profile picture for user Broseph
Posts
1202
Joined
4/28/2018
Location
Stevenson, WA, USA
Broseph 2/23/2022 6:48pm
2/23/2022 6:48pm
3
JackLHyde
Profile picture for user JackLHyde
Posts
804
Joined
9/10/2006
Location
Nice Oak, DE
JackLHyde 2/24/2022 1:24am
2/24/2022 1:24am
What about a Leatt 7.5? Seems to be very well priced, also with a goggle. They are also ECE 22.06 tested. I don't know if by purpose or by mistake, but Leatt publishes the testing report on their website.
murph783
Profile picture for user murph783
Posts
1355
Joined
3/2/2011
Location
USA
murph783 2/24/2022 5:57am
2/24/2022 5:57am
murph783 wrote:
I just got a 6D ATR-1, for 500 bucks. Could definitely have been cheaper, but looking at the other top of the line ones, it was...
I just got a 6D ATR-1, for 500 bucks. Could definitely have been cheaper, but looking at the other top of the line ones, it was the cheapest option by at least $150. I actually liked the feel on my head more so than the ATR-2, just a nice coincidence that it was also 200 bucks cheaper or so.
clay677 wrote:
I’m an atr 1 guy myself. I think for the price point and what technology your getting I think it’s probably one of the best options.
After buying it, I noticed 6D has them on their site for $350
1
Grouper
Profile picture for user Grouper
Posts
300
Joined
11/28/2021
Location
Paducah, KY, USA
Grouper 2/24/2022 3:53pm
2/24/2022 3:53pm
Falcon wrote:
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's...
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever put on my head. I swear I've lost a few weeks off my lifespan, it was so bad. I'm back to my old Arai and I'll go buy another.
wrc777 wrote:
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best. Weight and cooling are a big deal to me...
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best.

Weight and cooling are a big deal to me. I have read that Bill Simpson considered helmet weight a big factor in how well it protected. Basically the theory goes the lighter it is the slower your head hits things. I know my neck appreciates a lighter helmet. The cheap fly kinetic helmets are surprisingly light (1350g if I remember), but they don’t cool nearly as well as the fly formula and astars.
Astars helmet doesn’t annihilate your ears? It killed mine.
1
wrc777
Profile picture for user wrc777
Posts
3198
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
115th
wrc777 2/24/2022 4:42pm
2/24/2022 4:42pm
Falcon wrote:
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's...
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever put on my head. I swear I've lost a few weeks off my lifespan, it was so bad. I'm back to my old Arai and I'll go buy another.
wrc777 wrote:
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best. Weight and cooling are a big deal to me...
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best.

Weight and cooling are a big deal to me. I have read that Bill Simpson considered helmet weight a big factor in how well it protected. Basically the theory goes the lighter it is the slower your head hits things. I know my neck appreciates a lighter helmet. The cheap fly kinetic helmets are surprisingly light (1350g if I remember), but they don’t cool nearly as well as the fly formula and astars.
Grouper wrote:
Astars helmet doesn’t annihilate your ears? It killed mine.
From sound? It is louder than the fly but the fly is super quiet. It fits me really well and i have more room to the chin bar so it is a lot easier to use a sip tube than the fly. Easier to get goggles on and off too but I do have to take out the little fence on the top of the chin bar.
1
Shred
Profile picture for user Shred
Posts
1524
Joined
10/21/2021
Location
Brighton, CO, USA
Fantasy
172nd
Shred 2/24/2022 8:25pm
2/24/2022 8:25pm Edited Date/Time 2/24/2022 8:35pm
So I started this thread and got a ton of good input. Thanks for everyone sharing their insight and opinions. I have tired on 6D, Bell, TLD, Aria, Alpinestars, Fox, Leatt, Shoei, and Fly. Best fit for me was Fly. Formula, CC, and CP all fit the same but higher end material felt a little better. Second best fit was the 6D ATR-1. The ATR -2 did not feel as good strangely enough. The biggest difference between the fly and 6D feel wise was the weight. Put the 6D on after a Fly helmet and it felt heavy. After the formula it was very noticeable but even the CP felt lighter. I have had about equal number say one was the best protection wise. I wish there was a comparison with data from motocross type impacts that we could truly say one was safer then the other. Side note, the Australian test data is not recent enough for the latest helmets and not sure how well it took motocross riding into account. Impact on a track can be very different forces then on a street bike.

For now I think Fly is my best choice based on fit and safety.
2
Shred
Profile picture for user Shred
Posts
1524
Joined
10/21/2021
Location
Brighton, CO, USA
Fantasy
172nd
Shred 3/2/2022 1:53pm
3/2/2022 1:53pm Edited Date/Time 3/2/2022 1:56pm
Update....for those posting and/or following the helmet thread. I ended up getting the Fly Formula CC. It is the same as the Formula except the formula is carbon vs a carbon composite. I did not think it was worth $200 more to save 50 grams(0.11 lbs).

The other reason I am posting this is to speak to the lower end Fly Formula...the CP. It was stated that it is the same tech and aside from the extra weight the same protection. That is incorrect. It has a basic EPS with Rheon. Not the Conehead EPS system with Rheon...is does not offer that high end tech...nor quite the same level of protection. I found it did not fit quite the same either. A medium in the CC is snug on me but should wear in to fit right. The CP in a medium was too tight and noticeably tighter then the CC and I did not have confidence it would wear in to fit. I would have needed a large. I tried these on and compared at two different shops and had the same result.

Just some info if you are doing the same search I was.
7
Falcon
Profile picture for user Falcon
Posts
12411
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
Falcon 3/2/2022 3:36pm
3/2/2022 3:36pm
Falcon wrote:
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's...
See, I'm just the opposite. I bought an SE-4 Carbon and wore it a few times, but I ended up giving it to my son. It's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever put on my head. I swear I've lost a few weeks off my lifespan, it was so bad. I'm back to my old Arai and I'll go buy another.
wrc777 wrote:
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best. Weight and cooling are a big deal to me...
Yeah I can’t wear the tld helmets either. Fly and Astars seem to fit me the best.

Weight and cooling are a big deal to me. I have read that Bill Simpson considered helmet weight a big factor in how well it protected. Basically the theory goes the lighter it is the slower your head hits things. I know my neck appreciates a lighter helmet. The cheap fly kinetic helmets are surprisingly light (1350g if I remember), but they don’t cool nearly as well as the fly formula and astars.
I wonder about Bill Simpson's logic. Lighter is better in the sense that your head won't experience as many Gs from acceleration and deceleration, but when considering an impact, I think the important factor is the time it takes for your head to decelerate to zero mph. A lighter helmet will cause less damage to the ground, but it won't necessarily protect what's inside it any better.
Most helmet companies claim they could make a helmet that protects you from any foreseeable crash, but you wouldn't want to wear it. It would be far too bulky and heavy.

As an aside, a good friend of mine was wearing a Simpson 52 when he was involved in a life-changing accident. He was in a coma for 2 weeks. I'm not blaming the helmet, because it likely saved his life; just a tangential observation.
wrc777
Profile picture for user wrc777
Posts
3198
Joined
5/21/2020
Location
Greenwood, IN, USA
Fantasy
115th
wrc777 3/2/2022 4:24pm
3/2/2022 4:24pm
Falcon wrote:
I wonder about Bill Simpson's logic. Lighter is better in the sense that your head won't experience as many Gs from acceleration and deceleration, but when...
I wonder about Bill Simpson's logic. Lighter is better in the sense that your head won't experience as many Gs from acceleration and deceleration, but when considering an impact, I think the important factor is the time it takes for your head to decelerate to zero mph. A lighter helmet will cause less damage to the ground, but it won't necessarily protect what's inside it any better.
Most helmet companies claim they could make a helmet that protects you from any foreseeable crash, but you wouldn't want to wear it. It would be far too bulky and heavy.

As an aside, a good friend of mine was wearing a Simpson 52 when he was involved in a life-changing accident. He was in a coma for 2 weeks. I'm not blaming the helmet, because it likely saved his life; just a tangential observation.
I assume since your body will fight letting your head contact things the thinking is your neck muscles will slow the head down more before it hits anything. I don’t think he suggested reducing protection to reduce weight just that anything that made it lighter and did not reduce protection would help.

The helmet manufacturer’s comment is because the thicker the padding the more room to decelerate and more room means you can spread out the impact over a greater time and reduce it.
1

Pit Row

See All »
Shred
Profile picture for user Shred
Posts
1524
Joined
10/21/2021
Location
Brighton, CO, USA
Fantasy
172nd
Shred 3/7/2022 4:16pm
3/7/2022 4:16pm
Heads up for my vital friends following this thread. New Fly Formula CC in medium on eBay for only $250. Hard to find really good deals for medium size and this is a great deal for a great helmet from a top notch seller. btw...no association with the seller but I bought my helmet from him and it is perfect.
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1809
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV, USA
JBecker 72 3/7/2022 6:06pm
3/7/2022 6:06pm
I just got a Formula CP from a buddy’s shop for $180. Out of the box it fit great, just like my F2. Really happy with it so far. It was almost 80 degrees yesterday and the ventilation was nice.

2
thatswhathappens 3/10/2023 5:05pm
3/10/2023 5:05pm

Wanted to revive this thread for 2023 as I’ve recently realized that I’m due for a new lid. Any good value deals right now? I’m thinking of buying another Moto-9 with MIPS like I have currently, since they seem to be around $300 or so now.

1
PFitzG38
Profile picture for user PFitzG38
Posts
1743
Joined
11/6/2009
Location
Newport Beach, CA, USA
PFitzG38 3/11/2023 7:40am
3/11/2023 7:40am

Only thing I can add, is if you have a $10 head buy a $10 helmet.

1
2
Munson'd
Profile picture for user Munson'd
Posts
399
Joined
8/19/2019
Location
Madison, WI, USA
Munson'd 3/11/2023 7:54am
3/11/2023 7:54am
thatswhathappens wrote:
Wanted to revive this thread for 2023 as I’ve recently realized that I’m due for a new lid. Any good value deals right now? I’m thinking...

Wanted to revive this thread for 2023 as I’ve recently realized that I’m due for a new lid. Any good value deals right now? I’m thinking of buying another Moto-9 with MIPS like I have currently, since they seem to be around $300 or so now.

TLD se4. $134. 
​​​​​​https://www.speedaddicts.com/motorcycle/troy-lee-designs-se4-strike-whi…

1
thatswhathappens 3/11/2023 8:13am
3/11/2023 8:13am Edited Date/Time 3/11/2023 3:34pm
thatswhathappens wrote:
Wanted to revive this thread for 2023 as I’ve recently realized that I’m due for a new lid. Any good value deals right now? I’m thinking...

Wanted to revive this thread for 2023 as I’ve recently realized that I’m due for a new lid. Any good value deals right now? I’m thinking of buying another Moto-9 with MIPS like I have currently, since they seem to be around $300 or so now.

Munson'd wrote:

TLD se4. $134. 
​​​​​​https://www.speedaddicts.com/motorcycle/troy-lee-designs-se4-strike-whi…

Ended up pulling the trigger last night on a Fly Formula CP due to what others stated earlier in the thread, $260 for the RHEON tech makes it hard to beat from a value perspective.

edit: Realized the CC has the Conehead EPS and found one on eBay for $350, canceled the order for the CP and went that route instead.

1
BobbyMyers
Profile picture for user BobbyMyers
Posts
475
Joined
1/25/2023
Location
Aj, AZ, USA
BobbyMyers 3/11/2023 9:55am
3/11/2023 9:55am
Shred wrote:
I am thinking Bell MX-9 w/Mips. I know....it’s my brain so I want to protect it but it’s hard to spend $600. I am looking for...
I am thinking Bell MX-9 w/Mips. I know....it’s my brain so I want to protect it but it’s hard to spend $600. I am looking for good protection at a reasonable price. Opinions??
Thanks

Smoking deal, can't go wrong and it's an American classic. Hot-Corn-Easy-Rider-Helmet-Peter-Fonda-300x300

 

1
Freakazoid
Profile picture for user Freakazoid
Posts
231
Joined
2/7/2017
Location
Tahoe, CA, USA
Freakazoid 3/11/2023 10:32am
3/11/2023 10:32am Edited Date/Time 3/11/2023 10:48am

How are O’neal helmets? Found some 5 series for $100ish and they fit me very well. 

I’m guessing it’s worth $50 more to just find a TLD SE4 Mips on sale for $150ish? Those also fit me well. 

Looking for something cheap and safe to last me 6 months. My Shoei VFX W is getting older and is ready to be replaced, but I can’t afford $600 right now for a premium helmet. Maybe this fall. 

 

dinger212
Profile picture for user dinger212
Posts
365
Joined
1/21/2022
Location
Minneapolis, MN, USA
dinger212 3/11/2023 1:44pm
3/11/2023 1:44pm

Helmet ratings are so confusing. So does this mean the Fly Racing CP is not mips? But instead EPS?

Broseph
Profile picture for user Broseph
Posts
1202
Joined
4/28/2018
Location
Stevenson, WA, USA
Broseph 3/11/2023 2:09pm
3/11/2023 2:09pm Edited Date/Time 3/11/2023 2:18pm

EPS, MIPS, RHEON, KOROYD, CONEHEAD EPS with RHEON, MIPS FLEX CONE EPS NEON FREON with CORDUROID….  

The marketing departments have won. 

2
XC706 3/11/2023 2:46pm
3/11/2023 2:46pm

2023 Airoh Ace, ece 22.05. Size medium.

claimed weight - 1040 grams.

actual weight - 1042 grams.6FA96DDD-D5FF-4D1E-8EDD-06BD680D523C.jpeg?VersionId=T8a48X

 70340FC9-7567-49DC-9FE4-44C4822AB257.jpeg?VersionId=FlYaAUMb1QtBeRR

 

Post a reply to: Need new helmet...best bang for the (reasonable) buck...opinions?