High end helmets

Spoonguy
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Mc Kean, PA, USA
2/12/2024 4:32am

I think you can get deals on Euro specific helmets lately because the Euro union raised standards again and some of the older helmets are not going to be attempted to be recertified. I buy some stuff from Euro suppliers, like Chrome burner and such, it is pretty easy.

1
2/12/2024 4:38am

It’s the same as an Aviator 3, the carbon Formula might even be slightly lighter. The Aviator got a lot heavier with ECE 22.06.

Motofinne wrote:
Fly Formula Carbon S: 1290 grams +/-50g (size MD/LG) Fly Formula CC: 1340 grams +/-50g (size MD/LG) Airoh Aviator 3: 1330 g ±50 g Airoh Aviator 3 top end carbon: From 1270 g ±50...

Fly Formula Carbon S: 1290 grams +/-50g (size MD/LG)

Fly Formula CC: 1340 grams +/-50g (size MD/LG)

Airoh Aviator 3: 1330 g ±50 g

Airoh Aviator 3 top end carbon: From 1270 g ±50 g

 

So they are basically identical in the weight department.

 

Spoonguy wrote:

I have a Fly dealer near me, maybe I will check them out.

1
1
GoonBoy911
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Washington, UT, USA
2/12/2024 4:45am

Spare no expense for helmets!

4
2/13/2024 10:18am
Mr. Ted wrote:
Absolutely worth it. I'm a 56 year-old vet rider and face planted a couple days before New Year's day in my Fox V3 RS, which is...

Absolutely worth it. I'm a 56 year-old vet rider and face planted a couple days before New Year's day in my Fox V3 RS, which is their top of the line helmet. I didn't get knocked out or have any kind of head injury. This was a 3rd gear crash straight onto my face. My wife immediately ordered the same helmet. Worth every penny, all 75,000 of them. 

How much lighter is it compared to a 09 v3 fox helmet.  I Love the way it fits the 09 model.  The ruptured disk in my neck r pretty bad now. I think a lighter helmet would help along with injections. The v3 rs carbon solid white is 599.99 on foxes site. 

The Shop

2/13/2024 10:56am

I had written out my normal 1500 word reply. But decided that a shorter reply might have more impact. I would say go to a local shop and try on some helmets. Buy last years color helmet on closeout if You wanna save money. 6d and Alpinestars are what I wear now. I do sell those brands, but I sell them because I believe they are safe.  Leatt has a lot of good info on testing and designing helmets that is worth looking at.  The Fly Formula  is another helmet I would say is one I would feel safe in.

 

No amount of money can buy me back the memories I have lost  from the hits to my head. I want the best shot at being as safe as possible.     

5
mtbkris2
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2/13/2024 11:30am Edited Date/Time 2/13/2024 11:36am

FWIW, I saw a study(?) not too long ago that compared the protection of high budget and low budget motorcycle helmets and some of the high budget helmets performed as poorly as the low budget helmets

 

Also a random tip, helmets should be replaced after a head impact crash, or 5 years of use

1
mooch
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Fantasy
2/13/2024 12:33pm
mtbkris2 wrote:
FWIW, I saw a study(?) not too long ago that compared the protection of high budget and low budget motorcycle helmets and some of the high...

FWIW, I saw a study(?) not too long ago that compared the protection of high budget and low budget motorcycle helmets and some of the high budget helmets performed as poorly as the low budget helmets

 

Also a random tip, helmets should be replaced after a head impact crash, or 5 years of use

Yep replace after a head hit ... unless you have a 6D ATR2 which can be sent in to be inspected and rebuilt.  That's one reason I go with 6D. 

1
oldnescVet
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2/13/2024 1:27pm

IMG 3364.png?VersionId=l3f5ZCBF2DnQAGqtkjzzhK6I’m not cheap but 67$ new unused. I’ll wear it 12 times and hang it on the wall. CP, CC and formula…all the same innards! 

2
2/13/2024 1:53pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2024 1:55pm
oldnescVet wrote:
I’m not cheap but 67$ new unused. I’ll wear it 12 times and hang it on the wall. CP, CC and formula…all the same innards! 

IMG 3364.png?VersionId=l3f5ZCBF2DnQAGqtkjzzhK6I’m not cheap but 67$ new unused. I’ll wear it 12 times and hang it on the wall. CP, CC and formula…all the same innards! 

I believe the CP does not have their "Conehead" dual-density EPS system like the CC and S, but does include the Rheon. How much of a difference does the "conehead" EPS vs the CP's multi density EPS make is anyone's guess. I'm not saying the CP is not a good helmet, just noting that there is a difference besides the shell.

4
Darrin Willis
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Red Deer County, AB, CA
2/13/2024 8:40pm
49weasel wrote:
  Yes they are worth it.  This Moto 10 had one ride and one crash on it.  I’m completely positive if I had something lesser on...

71423875212  FDC58613-F62C-4B91-8EC5-81284B446889 0.jpeg?VersionId=ZYG0GfBm5Tobggt5T
 

Yes they are worth it.  This Moto 10 had one ride and one crash on it.  I’m completely positive if I had something lesser on I’d be dead or a vegetable.  I was out cold for over 5 mins and after I woke up I didn’t even have a headache.  I don’t remember what happened or much of working the following week but I’m alive.  

Sorry but I don't get it? Helmets fucked. Out cold for 5 minutes.Im not seeing your point.  Fwiw I also wear a moto 10. 

3
MX Guy
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2/13/2024 11:37pm

Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.” Ultimately, I think having more than one is a good sign. Any combination of two reputable safety ratings makes for a safe helmet in my book. That being said, the ECE 22.06 rating has a lot of benefits and many regard that rating as the one that makes the most sense for MX use.
 

Helmets also have a shelf life of around 4-5 years. Manufacturers aren’t super open about this because they like being able to sell off old inventory on closeout, and that is definitely something to take into consideration when shopping. A premium helmet on closeout sale very well might already be at that 4-5 year old mark depending on how often the specific manufacturer cycles new stuff, which would mean you’re essentially buying an expired helmet. Additionally, always buy from a reputable retailer. Those super cheap helmets on Amazon are total garbage. 
 

You might have seen MIPS around a little bit. MIPS has created an updated version of their liner system and there should be more helmets coming out with that this year. There are some huge refinements to their previous system, and I’d definitely consider doing your own research on MIPS when making your own decision. Same goes for the Rheon stuff, which Fly works with, and then 6D has their own of course. Any extra attempt at impact absorption is worth looking into when shopping. 

2
2/14/2024 9:44am
MX Guy wrote:
Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.”...

Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.” Ultimately, I think having more than one is a good sign. Any combination of two reputable safety ratings makes for a safe helmet in my book. That being said, the ECE 22.06 rating has a lot of benefits and many regard that rating as the one that makes the most sense for MX use.
 

Helmets also have a shelf life of around 4-5 years. Manufacturers aren’t super open about this because they like being able to sell off old inventory on closeout, and that is definitely something to take into consideration when shopping. A premium helmet on closeout sale very well might already be at that 4-5 year old mark depending on how often the specific manufacturer cycles new stuff, which would mean you’re essentially buying an expired helmet. Additionally, always buy from a reputable retailer. Those super cheap helmets on Amazon are total garbage. 
 

You might have seen MIPS around a little bit. MIPS has created an updated version of their liner system and there should be more helmets coming out with that this year. There are some huge refinements to their previous system, and I’d definitely consider doing your own research on MIPS when making your own decision. Same goes for the Rheon stuff, which Fly works with, and then 6D has their own of course. Any extra attempt at impact absorption is worth looking into when shopping. 

Food obviously expires. But how do helmets "expire" if they just sit there? The foam breaks down or somethin?

1
Johnny Ringo
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Tombstone, AZ, USA
2/14/2024 9:56am
MX Guy wrote:
Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.”...

Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.” Ultimately, I think having more than one is a good sign. Any combination of two reputable safety ratings makes for a safe helmet in my book. That being said, the ECE 22.06 rating has a lot of benefits and many regard that rating as the one that makes the most sense for MX use.
 

Helmets also have a shelf life of around 4-5 years. Manufacturers aren’t super open about this because they like being able to sell off old inventory on closeout, and that is definitely something to take into consideration when shopping. A premium helmet on closeout sale very well might already be at that 4-5 year old mark depending on how often the specific manufacturer cycles new stuff, which would mean you’re essentially buying an expired helmet. Additionally, always buy from a reputable retailer. Those super cheap helmets on Amazon are total garbage. 
 

You might have seen MIPS around a little bit. MIPS has created an updated version of their liner system and there should be more helmets coming out with that this year. There are some huge refinements to their previous system, and I’d definitely consider doing your own research on MIPS when making your own decision. Same goes for the Rheon stuff, which Fly works with, and then 6D has their own of course. Any extra attempt at impact absorption is worth looking into when shopping. 

Food obviously expires. But how do helmets "expire" if they just sit there? The foam breaks down or somethin?

Ya I am confused by this also. If it is stored in a climate controlled area with no UV exposure, not sure how they would go bad

2
msp332
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San Mateo, CA, USA
2/14/2024 11:41am Edited Date/Time 2/14/2024 11:57am
DB505 wrote:
I’m wondering if the high end helmets are really worth the money? Yes of course I know they probably protect your head better than a mid...

I’m wondering if the high end helmets are really worth the money? Yes of course I know they probably protect your head better than a mid level or lower end helmet, I usually go the midrange, but as a 60 year old vet, how doesn’t go that fast is it necessary? 
just curious as to what people’s opinions are! 

What evidence is there to suggest "they probably protect your head better than a mid level or lower end helmet"?

Some helmets that cost $700 don't have the ECE 22.06 certification (Klim F5, TLD...), and helmets less than $300 have it (Leatt 7.5, 2024 Fox V1, 2024 Alpinestars SM5...).

I don't care "what people's opinions are." I care what the facts are. Show me the data!

3
msp332
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San Mateo, CA, USA
2/14/2024 11:52am
Juck wrote:
It's worth buying a helmet with the best safety features, but many helmet manufacturers offer their premium safety technology in a plastic shell, which only increases...

It's worth buying a helmet with the best safety features, but many helmet manufacturers offer their premium safety technology in a plastic shell, which only increases the weight, for a fraction of the price of their carbon fibre or fibreglass helmets. Worth at least getting one of those if you don't want to pay the full premium price

Go throw a plastic helmet on the ground and then do a composite one.
Then tell me which one you’d wear. 

Haha without a head weight inside it? And checking damage to the helmet- not the head?
Might as well try the hammer test!

 

 

2/14/2024 1:56pm
Juck wrote:
It's worth buying a helmet with the best safety features, but many helmet manufacturers offer their premium safety technology in a plastic shell, which only increases...

It's worth buying a helmet with the best safety features, but many helmet manufacturers offer their premium safety technology in a plastic shell, which only increases the weight, for a fraction of the price of their carbon fibre or fibreglass helmets. Worth at least getting one of those if you don't want to pay the full premium price

Go throw a plastic helmet on the ground and then do a composite one.
Then tell me which one you’d wear. 

msp332 wrote:
Haha without a head weight inside it? And checking damage to the helmet- not the head? Might as well try the hammer test!    

Haha without a head weight inside it? And checking damage to the helmet- not the head?
Might as well try the hammer test!

 

 

My head doesn’t have much in it so an empty helmet it probably quite comparable Wink

Let’s all just get together and crowd fund some helmet testing at a few places and put the data together. 

4
2/14/2024 2:47pm
MX Guy wrote:
Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.”...

Some things to keep in mind: safety ratings are and always will be subjective. There is no end all be all rating that is “the best.” Ultimately, I think having more than one is a good sign. Any combination of two reputable safety ratings makes for a safe helmet in my book. That being said, the ECE 22.06 rating has a lot of benefits and many regard that rating as the one that makes the most sense for MX use.
 

Helmets also have a shelf life of around 4-5 years. Manufacturers aren’t super open about this because they like being able to sell off old inventory on closeout, and that is definitely something to take into consideration when shopping. A premium helmet on closeout sale very well might already be at that 4-5 year old mark depending on how often the specific manufacturer cycles new stuff, which would mean you’re essentially buying an expired helmet. Additionally, always buy from a reputable retailer. Those super cheap helmets on Amazon are total garbage. 
 

You might have seen MIPS around a little bit. MIPS has created an updated version of their liner system and there should be more helmets coming out with that this year. There are some huge refinements to their previous system, and I’d definitely consider doing your own research on MIPS when making your own decision. Same goes for the Rheon stuff, which Fly works with, and then 6D has their own of course. Any extra attempt at impact absorption is worth looking into when shopping. 

Food obviously expires. But how do helmets "expire" if they just sit there? The foam breaks down or somethin?

Ya I am confused by this also. If it is stored in a climate controlled area with no UV exposure, not sure how they would go...

Ya I am confused by this also. If it is stored in a climate controlled area with no UV exposure, not sure how they would go bad

The EPS breaks down. I think that keeping it in a climate controlled area would extend the life. Sweat also contributes to the breakdown of the EPS.   Some people's sweat is harsher than others. But that is also a part of it. Keeping the liner clean and dry while it's in the helmet is a good idea.  A lot of toxins can be released through sweat.     Maybe some of the adhesives used also could degrade. It might also come down to insurance and liability to a degree too. 

 

Price alone should not be the deciding factor . Fit, safety ratings and any test results You can find that apply to your use should all be taken into consideration when buying a helmet . Even chest protectors have safety ratings now. with different levels. It is nice to see some sort of safety testing to use to compare items when You are looking. And know that the item you are buying has been tested to the highest levels that are currently available. Like another poster said there are some lower priced helmets with the newest ECE rating and higher priced helmets without the rating.   Helmets can also exceed the testing baselines, the more expensive versions tend to be lighter weight and use materials that spread out the force of an impact over a larger area. 

Sometimes cheaper helmets will have more padding. A thicker liner to make up the sizes and only 1 or 2 shell sizes. But it's the EPS and other materials that are built into the helmets that provide the impact absorption. The liners are mostly for comfort. More expensive helmets will often have 4 or more shell sizes and You are paying for the better fit and extra molds. With only the XS and S sharing a shell and XL and 2XL sharing shells.     

2
2/15/2024 6:59am

Meh...$125 USD Bogotto Carbon helmet is light and works. 

It does meet ECE 22.05 and is 1100g (+- 50g) for a small shell size so I won't knock it. 

Some would prefer additional anti-rotational technology like MIPS or RHEON, additional shell sizing (Bogotto only has 2 shell sizes for the V328 carbon), and meeting the new ECE 22.06 cert though.

1
msp332
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San Mateo, CA, USA
2/15/2024 9:25am

Shot Furious solid is even less with ECE 22.06 certification.

$106 helmet safer than a $750 helmet!

1
1
BobPA
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USA
2/15/2024 10:19am

I hear people in here saying they only buy the best. What is the "best" based on? Just because a helmet has a huge price tag does not guarantee it is good. Be nice to see an independent lab do some testing. The old "I crashed and only got knocked out for 30 seconds, but if I had an x brand helmet it would have been worse" story is not good evidence IMO. I have a Bell moto 9 and it fits me perfectly, she is just getting a bit old. talk about sticker shock while shopping for new lids, these things better come with a radio for the asking price.

5
Meister
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Canton, OH, USA
2/15/2024 10:47am

I was set on an sm8 but you guys got me trippin on the ECE stuff... Lol

1
ChiefLPD
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Location
Leesburg, GA, USA
2/15/2024 10:53am
Rickyisms wrote:
Just don’t be like the guy I parked next to at the track a couple weeks ago with a sweet Pro Circuit edition Moto 10 with...

Just don’t be like the guy I parked next to at the track a couple weeks ago with a sweet Pro Circuit edition Moto 10 with a huge crack in the shell and scrape marks all over it. When I told the guy that after a hit that substantial that helmet is no good he hit me with a “It was $1000 it better be good for more than one crash.” 

I was thinking about this reading down to this point. How do low/mid helmets size up to high-end helmets in multiple hit scenarios? My moto days are long gone, and I primarily ride street and dual-sport now. The user manual of most street helmets I've seen state to discontinue use after a crash and warn that the lack of visible surface damage may not be indicative of internal helmet damage. (Moto helmets probably come with this exact same disclaimer from their lawyers, but I never read any of that stuff back then).

Unlike street bike and most other motorsport helmets where any crash is pretty much a day-ender...moto guys commonly crash (helmet takes a hit), then they jump up, remount, and get back in the race...under the presumption that their helmet still has the same protective capability should they go down again and the helmet have to take another hit (possibly even in the same spot). I don't know much about helmets or helmet ratings (maybe this is factored into the Snell, ECE, or other ratings, Idk), but this begs the question if higher end helmets (marketed more for racing/competition applications vs. trail riding) maintain a higher degree of protection AFTER an initial hit?

2/15/2024 11:26am
Spoonguy wrote:

Been wearing Airohs for years and years. Would not wear anything else

I’ve recently been at a helmet test and saw it literally break in half with some just standing on it. Would never wear it

2/15/2024 11:28am

I never understand the helmet thing. You can get the most current model of most brands for a significant discount most times if you are willing to wear last years color scheme. Personally, I would never wear any helmet other than the most current best one offered from a brand thats innovating (Bell, Fly, 6D, etc). Seriously, you can get a fly formula carbon for under $300 on Motosport rn. Its beyond me why people are buying helmets with 15 year old technology still. 

5
2/15/2024 12:33pm
Meister wrote:

I was set on an sm8 but you guys got me trippin on the ECE stuff... Lol

The SM8 shares the same liner and EPS as the 2023 and older SM10. The new SM10 that has the newest ECE rating has a different EPS , no longer has the cut outs for headphones/speakers, the cheek pads have a collar bone bumper type thing on them and the mouthpiece /chinbar has been shortened and the mouthpiece is more angled. So even though it looks very similar to the older version, that was very similar to the SM8. The new helmet has a lot of changes.  Who knows if they were needed to get it to pass the test, or if they refreshed it and wanted to give people an excuse to buy the newest model? No way to know for sure . But there are  a lot of changes that are very minor looking so I would lean towards the changes being needed to pass.  

 

Side note, if You end up going with a new SM10 to get the new ece rating, try it on, they fit a little tighter than the SM8 and previous generation SM10's did.  

A lot of the SM8's are on closeout from my distributor. I wonder if a refreshed SM8 is on the way? Or if it will be dropped.  If You bought an SM8 and than an extra visor and the nicer helmet bag the SM10 comes with. You end up spending the same. The newest SM10 comes with the same great bag, but instead of an extra visor it comes with a clear tinted visor extension for mud races, and a rubber plug set for cold days to block the vents.  If You were to buy an SM8 and the new visor that You would need to run the mud visor, plus a mud visor and helmet bag. You would spend the same or more than buying an SM10 to start with.  I have wondered how there was room in the market for 2 so similar helmets. The SM10 is a better value in my opinion. You get the extras plus a better carbon shell that is lighter.

 

2/15/2024 12:49pm

Cancel the order for A kit and an exhaust. 
 

Buy the best helmet. 

5
2/15/2024 12:51pm
BobPA wrote:
I hear people in here saying they only buy the best. What is the "best" based on? Just because a helmet has a huge price tag...

I hear people in here saying they only buy the best. What is the "best" based on? Just because a helmet has a huge price tag does not guarantee it is good. Be nice to see an independent lab do some testing. The old "I crashed and only got knocked out for 30 seconds, but if I had an x brand helmet it would have been worse" story is not good evidence IMO. I have a Bell moto 9 and it fits me perfectly, she is just getting a bit old. talk about sticker shock while shopping for new lids, these things better come with a radio for the asking price.

Based on personal opinion and the Internet. BOGOTTO for the value win. I bet many here don't even know wtf MIPS is, let alone other non essential jargon. 

3
2/15/2024 12:57pm
Spoonguy wrote:

Been wearing Airohs for years and years. Would not wear anything else

I’ve recently been at a helmet test and saw it literally break in half with some just standing on it. Would never wear it

Who was doing the test?  I can't picture there being a test that includes somebody standing on a helmet in a controlled lab. 

Sounds more like a clickbait Youtube video than a legit scientific test. But I would love to be wrong and see photos of guys in lab coats standing on a helmet, adding more guys until it broke.  The how many dudes can stand on a helmet test rating. 

Helmets are designed to crush,crack break apart as they absorb the energy from a crash. And if there is not a head in the helmet it will be weaker in the dude standing on it test. 

1

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