High end helmets

Spoonguy wrote:

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

Motocrossjunky wrote:

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

Meister wrote:

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

The real Sasquatch wrote:

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...

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.

 

Meister wrote:

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

Spoonguy wrote:

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

Motocrossjunky wrote:

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

The real Sasquatch wrote:

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...

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. 

Meister wrote:

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

The real Sasquatch wrote:

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...

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.

 

Meister wrote:

Wheres the sm5 22.06 fit in there? Only reason im considering the 8 is because i value the adjustable liner. 

Spoonguy wrote:

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

SilentAssassin wrote:

Try out a new lid that has current protection technology. You can get a Fly Formula CC for $200 at RMATV. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

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...

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.

 

Meister wrote:

Wheres the sm5 22.06 fit in there? Only reason im considering the 8 is because i value the adjustable liner. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I have not sold any SM5's or handled any in person, only the SM8 and SM10's. So I'm not able to really compare them as well...

I have not sold any SM5's or handled any in person, only the SM8 and SM10's. So I'm not able to really compare them as well.

The SM5 is a totally different helmet that has never shared any parts with  the SM8 and SM10's . It is a polycarbonate shell, so basically strong  plastic.   Even with the 2024 SM5 meeting the ECE 22.06 rating I personally would feel safer in a carbon/composite shell. The SM5 only has 2 shell sizes  XS-M share a shell and L-2XL share a shell. So generally when You are at one end of the sizing it will not fit as well as the helmets with more shell sizes. They make up the size by adding or subtracting padding in the liner. So You may end up with a more cushy liner on the smaller end of each size range. And it could even be more comfortable. But its the EPS that is doing the job of absorbing a crash. 

I saw info from Leatt that says a 10% decrease in overall shell size reduces rotational energy transfer by 30% . To me that means that if I am wearing an SM5 that is a size large, I have a shell that is not the optimal size since it is the same size for large -2XL meaning it is bigger than needed and a compromise on how it deals with the rotational energy transfer.   Where the SM8 and SM10 would have a shell that is only as big as is needed.  Of course its a balance between protection for different types of impacts and energy absorption that helmet designers have to account for and they try and get the best mix.  

It is nice that it passes the newer testing. But  it is still heavier and in SOME types of impacts I think the SM8 would be better ( my opinion based on the materials used and how they react) . Fiberglass and  Carbon Fiber spread out the forces of an impact over a larger area. 

The major  area that was redesigned on the SM10 was the chinbar and some of the EPS by the chinbar. So that may be an area that the older design may have not been as safe as the newer ece22.06 rated helmet in SOME crashes. These statements are my opinion  based on my knowledge of the changes made to the old helmet and how the different materials work in a helmet and my understanding of the testing processes.  The mouthpiece/chinbar was cut and angled downwards more like the shape of the SM5 chinbar area.  I have not compared the (2) SM5's to each other to see what was changed from the 23 to the 24 models so  I don't know how the insides may have changed. They look unchanged from the outside in the photos. But it seems like the chinbar shape is the thing that allowed it to pass the newer ECE testing.  That may not really help You out. 

 

 My gut says the SM8 because of the materials  and more shell sizes so the fit should be better. But it is hard to argue with the science of the 2024 SM5 passing a test that the SM8  has not.  The ECE22.06  testing  is more though and focuses more on rotational energy than the 22.05 testing. It was also changed to better test the fronts of the helmets and test at more angles. Also they talk about how ridgid a helmet is and how a more rigid helmet is better at higher speeds but worse at lower speeds. So there could be changes to the thickness  of the shells that can not be seen too. Most likely the shells have been made less rigid to work better on slower speed impacts if there are changes that are not visible. Since the 22.06 rating requires the helmets to work over a wider range of impacts.  

 

Finish wise and feel of the materials used, the SM5's should be very similar to the 8 and 10. They save money by having fewer shell sizes, so less molds. And the polycarbonate shell is less expensive to produce. I do not know how well they vent compared to each other. But they will also be a little heavier too. I'm going to continue to wear my SM8 personally.   

6D helmets did not need to be changed to meet the 22.06. All ATR-2 helmets are the same and rebuildable.They may be a little heavier and not vent as well. But it's hard to argue  about how safe they are. I know You did not ask about them. But they are another very safe helmet.      

Spoonguy wrote:

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

Motocrossjunky wrote:

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

Cayden Thompson wrote:

I would never buy one also watching Ando tip over a couple years back and rung his bell pretty bad. Didn't even look harsh.  REPLAY -...

I would never buy one also watching Ando tip over a couple years back and rung his bell pretty bad. Didn't even look harsh. 

REPLAY - Jason Anderson Crashes Out of the 450 Main in Detroit - Motocross Feature - Vital MX

Meister wrote:

Wheres the sm5 22.06 fit in there? Only reason im considering the 8 is because i value the adjustable liner. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I have not sold any SM5's or handled any in person, only the SM8 and SM10's. So I'm not able to really compare them as well...

I have not sold any SM5's or handled any in person, only the SM8 and SM10's. So I'm not able to really compare them as well.

The SM5 is a totally different helmet that has never shared any parts with  the SM8 and SM10's . It is a polycarbonate shell, so basically strong  plastic.   Even with the 2024 SM5 meeting the ECE 22.06 rating I personally would feel safer in a carbon/composite shell. The SM5 only has 2 shell sizes  XS-M share a shell and L-2XL share a shell. So generally when You are at one end of the sizing it will not fit as well as the helmets with more shell sizes. They make up the size by adding or subtracting padding in the liner. So You may end up with a more cushy liner on the smaller end of each size range. And it could even be more comfortable. But its the EPS that is doing the job of absorbing a crash. 

I saw info from Leatt that says a 10% decrease in overall shell size reduces rotational energy transfer by 30% . To me that means that if I am wearing an SM5 that is a size large, I have a shell that is not the optimal size since it is the same size for large -2XL meaning it is bigger than needed and a compromise on how it deals with the rotational energy transfer.   Where the SM8 and SM10 would have a shell that is only as big as is needed.  Of course its a balance between protection for different types of impacts and energy absorption that helmet designers have to account for and they try and get the best mix.  

It is nice that it passes the newer testing. But  it is still heavier and in SOME types of impacts I think the SM8 would be better ( my opinion based on the materials used and how they react) . Fiberglass and  Carbon Fiber spread out the forces of an impact over a larger area. 

The major  area that was redesigned on the SM10 was the chinbar and some of the EPS by the chinbar. So that may be an area that the older design may have not been as safe as the newer ece22.06 rated helmet in SOME crashes. These statements are my opinion  based on my knowledge of the changes made to the old helmet and how the different materials work in a helmet and my understanding of the testing processes.  The mouthpiece/chinbar was cut and angled downwards more like the shape of the SM5 chinbar area.  I have not compared the (2) SM5's to each other to see what was changed from the 23 to the 24 models so  I don't know how the insides may have changed. They look unchanged from the outside in the photos. But it seems like the chinbar shape is the thing that allowed it to pass the newer ECE testing.  That may not really help You out. 

 

 My gut says the SM8 because of the materials  and more shell sizes so the fit should be better. But it is hard to argue with the science of the 2024 SM5 passing a test that the SM8  has not.  The ECE22.06  testing  is more though and focuses more on rotational energy than the 22.05 testing. It was also changed to better test the fronts of the helmets and test at more angles. Also they talk about how ridgid a helmet is and how a more rigid helmet is better at higher speeds but worse at lower speeds. So there could be changes to the thickness  of the shells that can not be seen too. Most likely the shells have been made less rigid to work better on slower speed impacts if there are changes that are not visible. Since the 22.06 rating requires the helmets to work over a wider range of impacts.  

 

Finish wise and feel of the materials used, the SM5's should be very similar to the 8 and 10. They save money by having fewer shell sizes, so less molds. And the polycarbonate shell is less expensive to produce. I do not know how well they vent compared to each other. But they will also be a little heavier too. I'm going to continue to wear my SM8 personally.   

6D helmets did not need to be changed to meet the 22.06. All ATR-2 helmets are the same and rebuildable.They may be a little heavier and not vent as well. But it's hard to argue  about how safe they are. I know You did not ask about them. But they are another very safe helmet.      

Meister wrote:

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Its much appreciated. I decided to pull the trigger on an 8 as i had a line on...

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Its much appreciated. I decided to pull the trigger on an 8 as i had a line on one for a great deal. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I have not sold any SM5's or handled any in person, only the SM8 and SM10's. So I'm not able to really compare them as well...

I have not sold any SM5's or handled any in person, only the SM8 and SM10's. So I'm not able to really compare them as well.

The SM5 is a totally different helmet that has never shared any parts with  the SM8 and SM10's . It is a polycarbonate shell, so basically strong  plastic.   Even with the 2024 SM5 meeting the ECE 22.06 rating I personally would feel safer in a carbon/composite shell. The SM5 only has 2 shell sizes  XS-M share a shell and L-2XL share a shell. So generally when You are at one end of the sizing it will not fit as well as the helmets with more shell sizes. They make up the size by adding or subtracting padding in the liner. So You may end up with a more cushy liner on the smaller end of each size range. And it could even be more comfortable. But its the EPS that is doing the job of absorbing a crash. 

I saw info from Leatt that says a 10% decrease in overall shell size reduces rotational energy transfer by 30% . To me that means that if I am wearing an SM5 that is a size large, I have a shell that is not the optimal size since it is the same size for large -2XL meaning it is bigger than needed and a compromise on how it deals with the rotational energy transfer.   Where the SM8 and SM10 would have a shell that is only as big as is needed.  Of course its a balance between protection for different types of impacts and energy absorption that helmet designers have to account for and they try and get the best mix.  

It is nice that it passes the newer testing. But  it is still heavier and in SOME types of impacts I think the SM8 would be better ( my opinion based on the materials used and how they react) . Fiberglass and  Carbon Fiber spread out the forces of an impact over a larger area. 

The major  area that was redesigned on the SM10 was the chinbar and some of the EPS by the chinbar. So that may be an area that the older design may have not been as safe as the newer ece22.06 rated helmet in SOME crashes. These statements are my opinion  based on my knowledge of the changes made to the old helmet and how the different materials work in a helmet and my understanding of the testing processes.  The mouthpiece/chinbar was cut and angled downwards more like the shape of the SM5 chinbar area.  I have not compared the (2) SM5's to each other to see what was changed from the 23 to the 24 models so  I don't know how the insides may have changed. They look unchanged from the outside in the photos. But it seems like the chinbar shape is the thing that allowed it to pass the newer ECE testing.  That may not really help You out. 

 

 My gut says the SM8 because of the materials  and more shell sizes so the fit should be better. But it is hard to argue with the science of the 2024 SM5 passing a test that the SM8  has not.  The ECE22.06  testing  is more though and focuses more on rotational energy than the 22.05 testing. It was also changed to better test the fronts of the helmets and test at more angles. Also they talk about how ridgid a helmet is and how a more rigid helmet is better at higher speeds but worse at lower speeds. So there could be changes to the thickness  of the shells that can not be seen too. Most likely the shells have been made less rigid to work better on slower speed impacts if there are changes that are not visible. Since the 22.06 rating requires the helmets to work over a wider range of impacts.  

 

Finish wise and feel of the materials used, the SM5's should be very similar to the 8 and 10. They save money by having fewer shell sizes, so less molds. And the polycarbonate shell is less expensive to produce. I do not know how well they vent compared to each other. But they will also be a little heavier too. I'm going to continue to wear my SM8 personally.   

6D helmets did not need to be changed to meet the 22.06. All ATR-2 helmets are the same and rebuildable.They may be a little heavier and not vent as well. But it's hard to argue  about how safe they are. I know You did not ask about them. But they are another very safe helmet.      

Meister wrote:

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Its much appreciated. I decided to pull the trigger on an 8 as i had a line on...

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Its much appreciated. I decided to pull the trigger on an 8 as i had a line on one for a great deal. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I think You will love it!   Hope that I was helpful. While I do sell them as a dealer. I was not trying to make a...

I think You will love it!   Hope that I was helpful. While I do sell them as a dealer. I was not trying to make a sale on here. Just trying to help people when I can.

I purposely did not use my company as my screen name so that it would not look like I was on here spamming and I only mention that I sell them to let people know that I have that biase.  Alpinestars and 6D were brands I became  a dealer for because of the product not the profit .  Post what You think about it after you get it and ride in it. What helmet are you replacing  with the SM8? 

Meister wrote:

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Its much appreciated. I decided to pull the trigger on an 8 as i had a line on...

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Its much appreciated. I decided to pull the trigger on an 8 as i had a line on one for a great deal. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I think You will love it!   Hope that I was helpful. While I do sell them as a dealer. I was not trying to make a...

I think You will love it!   Hope that I was helpful. While I do sell them as a dealer. I was not trying to make a sale on here. Just trying to help people when I can.

I purposely did not use my company as my screen name so that it would not look like I was on here spamming and I only mention that I sell them to let people know that I have that biase.  Alpinestars and 6D were brands I became  a dealer for because of the product not the profit .  Post what You think about it after you get it and ride in it. What helmet are you replacing  with the SM8? 

Meister wrote:

Ive gathered that through your posts and value your opinion for it. I too have worked in the environment so I know what you mean about...

Ive gathered that through your posts and value your opinion for it. I too have worked in the environment so I know what you mean about giving information and ultimately letting people make their own choices. I never pushed stuff on anyone but rather shared real life experiences. Said shop, that was a staple in my life since i could walk, has since closed. Thus, why ive been out of the info game.

 

Im replacing a 4.5 year old carbon formula. Been a solid helmet. Couple weeks back i gave it a smack that made me start looking to replace it. Ive always been pretty happy with it but two things stood out. Upon landings on decent size jumps, the helmet would kinda roll forward on my head a little. Large fit perfect so going down to a medium wasn't really an option. I also felt the nose guard was a tad close and i couldn't keep nose guards on any of my goggles. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I think You will love it!   Hope that I was helpful. While I do sell them as a dealer. I was not trying to make a...

I think You will love it!   Hope that I was helpful. While I do sell them as a dealer. I was not trying to make a sale on here. Just trying to help people when I can.

I purposely did not use my company as my screen name so that it would not look like I was on here spamming and I only mention that I sell them to let people know that I have that biase.  Alpinestars and 6D were brands I became  a dealer for because of the product not the profit .  Post what You think about it after you get it and ride in it. What helmet are you replacing  with the SM8? 

Meister wrote:

Ive gathered that through your posts and value your opinion for it. I too have worked in the environment so I know what you mean about...

Ive gathered that through your posts and value your opinion for it. I too have worked in the environment so I know what you mean about giving information and ultimately letting people make their own choices. I never pushed stuff on anyone but rather shared real life experiences. Said shop, that was a staple in my life since i could walk, has since closed. Thus, why ive been out of the info game.

 

Im replacing a 4.5 year old carbon formula. Been a solid helmet. Couple weeks back i gave it a smack that made me start looking to replace it. Ive always been pretty happy with it but two things stood out. Upon landings on decent size jumps, the helmet would kinda roll forward on my head a little. Large fit perfect so going down to a medium wasn't really an option. I also felt the nose guard was a tad close and i couldn't keep nose guards on any of my goggles. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I'm glad I could help some.  I love what I get to do for a living and sometimes people will confuse my excitement for a product...

I'm glad I could help some.  I love what I get to do for a living and sometimes people will confuse my excitement for a product as a sales pitch. More so when people are in my shop in person.  

Have you tried on an SM8 yet?    If You find yourself feeling like you are between sizes  in it, get the slightly bigger one and the +5mm cheek pads. They have helped  me get a good fit a few times that people were in between sizes .   I think that You'll love it as long as you get the correct size. Sizing seems to be similar with Bell and Fox so far. I wear a size bigger than I wore in my old Shoei. When I first tried one on, I almost did not pull it on all the way. They kinda pop onto your head and can be tight until You are inside it. I came from a Shoei that felt more like it was on my head, instead of how I feel like my head is inside the SM8.  I was going out in my SXS the other day and was going to wear my old Shoei since it was kinda crappy weather. I tried pulled it right off and put it back on the shelf. A friend of mine also came from Shoei and called me the day after his first ride to order a second one. He races 2 to 4 classes every weekend in the Vet nd 450 Pro classes locally and likes to have spares. He said He can not wear the Shoei anymore after riding in the Alpinestars. He is going to try out the New SM10 as his second helmet. 

 

Hope You enjoy the new helmet and don't ever have to test it out.  

Motocrossjunky wrote:

Nope, no YouTube clickbait, I was actually present and happened right in front of me. Airoh wasn’t the only one, but the one that cracked easiest...

Nope, no YouTube clickbait, I was actually present and happened right in front of me. Airoh wasn’t the only one, but the one that cracked easiest. I get that they are comfortable, especially because of their weight, or lack of weight I should say, but it affects the helmets safety drastically as well. 

Motocrossjunky wrote:

Nope, no YouTube clickbait, I was actually present and happened right in front of me. Airoh wasn’t the only one, but the one that cracked easiest...

Nope, no YouTube clickbait, I was actually present and happened right in front of me. Airoh wasn’t the only one, but the one that cracked easiest. I get that they are comfortable, especially because of their weight, or lack of weight I should say, but it affects the helmets safety drastically as well. 

Cortami79 wrote:

So, which helmets came through as the top 3 in safety?

Motocrossjunky wrote:

Nope, no YouTube clickbait, I was actually present and happened right in front of me. Airoh wasn’t the only one, but the one that cracked easiest...

Nope, no YouTube clickbait, I was actually present and happened right in front of me. Airoh wasn’t the only one, but the one that cracked easiest. I get that they are comfortable, especially because of their weight, or lack of weight I should say, but it affects the helmets safety drastically as well. 

Cortami79 wrote:

So, which helmets came through as the top 3 in safety?

Motocrossjunky wrote:

Alpinestars, Arai and Shoei. There were no 6D's

truck wrote:

The older you get, the more likely you are to get a brain bleed. Ground level falls from standing do you geriatrics in sometimes!

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

I talked to a dude that worked at Arai about this a few years ago. The major difference between a "high end" helmet and a mid/low...

I talked to a dude that worked at Arai about this a few years ago. The major difference between a "high end" helmet and a mid/low end helmet is the high end helmets are built to exceed the current Snell standards. Helmet's like Arais are also handmade. An Airoh, for example, is super light but is not built to exceed safety standards, only meet them.

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

I talked to a dude that worked at Arai about this a few years ago. The major difference between a "high end" helmet and a mid/low...

I talked to a dude that worked at Arai about this a few years ago. The major difference between a "high end" helmet and a mid/low end helmet is the high end helmets are built to exceed the current Snell standards. Helmet's like Arais are also handmade. An Airoh, for example, is super light but is not built to exceed safety standards, only meet them.

Meister wrote:

Ive gathered that through your posts and value your opinion for it. I too have worked in the environment so I know what you mean about...

Ive gathered that through your posts and value your opinion for it. I too have worked in the environment so I know what you mean about giving information and ultimately letting people make their own choices. I never pushed stuff on anyone but rather shared real life experiences. Said shop, that was a staple in my life since i could walk, has since closed. Thus, why ive been out of the info game.

 

Im replacing a 4.5 year old carbon formula. Been a solid helmet. Couple weeks back i gave it a smack that made me start looking to replace it. Ive always been pretty happy with it but two things stood out. Upon landings on decent size jumps, the helmet would kinda roll forward on my head a little. Large fit perfect so going down to a medium wasn't really an option. I also felt the nose guard was a tad close and i couldn't keep nose guards on any of my goggles. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I'm glad I could help some.  I love what I get to do for a living and sometimes people will confuse my excitement for a product...

I'm glad I could help some.  I love what I get to do for a living and sometimes people will confuse my excitement for a product as a sales pitch. More so when people are in my shop in person.  

Have you tried on an SM8 yet?    If You find yourself feeling like you are between sizes  in it, get the slightly bigger one and the +5mm cheek pads. They have helped  me get a good fit a few times that people were in between sizes .   I think that You'll love it as long as you get the correct size. Sizing seems to be similar with Bell and Fox so far. I wear a size bigger than I wore in my old Shoei. When I first tried one on, I almost did not pull it on all the way. They kinda pop onto your head and can be tight until You are inside it. I came from a Shoei that felt more like it was on my head, instead of how I feel like my head is inside the SM8.  I was going out in my SXS the other day and was going to wear my old Shoei since it was kinda crappy weather. I tried pulled it right off and put it back on the shelf. A friend of mine also came from Shoei and called me the day after his first ride to order a second one. He races 2 to 4 classes every weekend in the Vet nd 450 Pro classes locally and likes to have spares. He said He can not wear the Shoei anymore after riding in the Alpinestars. He is going to try out the New SM10 as his second helmet. 

 

Hope You enjoy the new helmet and don't ever have to test it out.  

BobPA wrote:

Just an FYI the SM8 has been discontinued. 

Motofinne wrote:

Never understood the handmade argument, especially in this day and age. I don't see how it makes a helmet any safer or better than something produced...

Never understood the handmade argument, especially in this day and age.

I don't see how it makes a helmet any safer or better than something produced by machines and humans in combination.

All that matters is that the company manufacturing the helmet has rigorous QC standards that are being followed. How they actually make the helmet is in my mind completely secondary.

 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I figured that something was going on with the closeouts on all of them and no new part numbers.  It makes sense not to have 2...

I figured that something was going on with the closeouts on all of them and no new part numbers.  It makes sense not to have 2 so similar helmets . How did you find out they are discontinuing it?  

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I figured that something was going on with the closeouts on all of them and no new part numbers.  It makes sense not to have 2...

I figured that something was going on with the closeouts on all of them and no new part numbers.  It makes sense not to have 2 so similar helmets . How did you find out they are discontinuing it?  

BobPA wrote:

When I was trying to order one through Parts Unlimited the part number I wanted comes up as "discontinued and cannot be returned". They are also...

When I was trying to order one through Parts Unlimited the part number I wanted comes up as "discontinued and cannot be returned". They are also not present in their current 2024 Alpinestars catalog.

Hopefully they are doing an update and will re-release midway through the year. The SM10 got an update this year as all of the part numbers are new. 

Boggins wrote:

6D ATR2 is 1 of the best on the market. Best to protect your brain with a high end helmet.  If you cant afford new, look...

6D ATR2 is 1 of the best on the market. Best to protect your brain with a high end helmet.  If you cant afford new, look online for gently used +-$300-250.

The real Sasquatch wrote:

I figured that something was going on with the closeouts on all of them and no new part numbers.  It makes sense not to have 2...

I figured that something was going on with the closeouts on all of them and no new part numbers.  It makes sense not to have 2 so similar helmets . How did you find out they are discontinuing it?  

BobPA wrote:

When I was trying to order one through Parts Unlimited the part number I wanted comes up as "discontinued and cannot be returned". They are also...

When I was trying to order one through Parts Unlimited the part number I wanted comes up as "discontinued and cannot be returned". They are also not present in their current 2024 Alpinestars catalog.

Hopefully they are doing an update and will re-release midway through the year. The SM10 got an update this year as all of the part numbers are new. 

The real Sasquatch wrote:

Yah , I just got a few of the last closeout SM8's that they had in the black/pink/neon yellow and blue.   Parts Unlimited doesn't carry the...

Yah , I just got a few of the last closeout SM8's that they had in the black/pink/neon yellow and blue.   Parts Unlimited doesn't carry the full line of Alpinestars stuff in the US so I did not read too much into it.   I saw  SM8's in the 24 Alpinestars catalog. I thought it was just the solid colors , but I just looked again and they have all of them in it. The same colors as 2023 though.  I do hope that they are doing an updated version. The updated SM10 no longer fits me . Most of the new SM10's that I've sold , people had to go up a size. Maybe its just the Large.  But so far everybody that wore a large in the 23 helmets had to go up a size. I wear a 2XL so there is no way to go up. I have not gotten any 2XL's in yet to try. And do not want to order one just for myself. They are not as popular of a size around here. 

 

  They will discontinue a part number and add a new one sometimes . Like when ARC was bought all the old ARC stuff was discontinued and new stuff that was pretty much the same replaced it. They did not have the 2024 SM10 in the 2024 helmet and apparel catalog. I'll ask my Rep. There is a rep on here that may be able to chime in and let us know too.

Making a new version would make sense since Alpinestars is based in Italy and all of the helmets over there have to pass the new ece22.06 rating now. Maybe the SM8 is going on vacation until a new one is released? The 2 helmets are so similar though it is strange to offer the both. If they offered an SM10 with the cheaper bag and no visor extension or vent plugs ,I wonder how much the price could be lowered?  at retail those items make an SM8 cost the same or pretty close to the SM10 .