Helmet Pricing

JG463
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Stillwater, OK US
5/12/2021 9:01am Edited Date/Time 5/16/2021 4:20pm
Wow! After not looking at gear for 5-6 years it amazes me the pricing of some of these helmets. I thoroughly believe in the protection aspect and having good gear. But $500+ just seems a little steep. I have found some closeouts for the $400 price range.

What are you guys wearing and why?
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Preston412
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Saint Augustine, FL US
5/12/2021 9:17am Edited Date/Time 5/12/2021 9:19am
Bell Flex because it has the best all around fitment for my head shape. If the high end helmet does not fit your budget, there are a few good midlevel ones on the market like Oneal series 10, THOR, FOX and I believe the 6D ATR-1 is between $400 and $500.
If you are not concerned so much with colorway then grab a high end on closeout.
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mattyhamz2
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5/12/2021 9:24am
Bell Moto 9. I get mine after they go on sale. Picked mine up for $345otd.
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JG463
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5/12/2021 9:47am
Preston412 wrote:
Bell Flex because it has the best all around fitment for my head shape. If the high end helmet does not fit your budget, there are...
Bell Flex because it has the best all around fitment for my head shape. If the high end helmet does not fit your budget, there are a few good midlevel ones on the market like Oneal series 10, THOR, FOX and I believe the 6D ATR-1 is between $400 and $500.
If you are not concerned so much with colorway then grab a high end on closeout.
It’s not necessarily if it “fits” my budget but more so stomaching the amount! 😂 I appreciate your response and input.
LungButter
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Yellow Pine, ID US
5/12/2021 9:49am
I'm wearing a Bell Moto 9 Flexx that I picked up on closeout for $400. It's ugly as sin but the price was right.

I'm willing to pay pretty much whatever it takes to have a high end helmet but I do my best to pick up last years color on sale when I can.
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The Shop

MelonFan123
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Ventura/LA County, CA US
5/12/2021 9:52am
Common topic here on VItal...I think most agree that fit is very important. Like Preston412 said, some helmets fit different head shapes better. For me, I personally like the Japanese helmets for their quality and superior manufacturing, and I wear a Shoei as they fit me perfect. I have tried 6D and Bell in the past, both are manufactured in China and/or Taiwan btw.

Here's my list of importance. I feel that everything under "fit" is subjective and personal choice as to their importance.

(1) Fit
- quality/features
- price
- availability
- looks
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Leeham
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Rochester, WA US
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5/12/2021 9:53am
A lot of the midlevel helmets are just as good as the high end premium helmets. Usually the same safety features, but the shell construction wont be like carbon fiber. For instance the Alpinestars M10 and M8 are the same helmet, just shell construction is different.
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JazzyJJ
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PNW, WA US
5/12/2021 10:08am
Common topic here on VItal...I think most agree that fit is very important. Like Preston412 said, some helmets fit different head shapes better. For me, I...
Common topic here on VItal...I think most agree that fit is very important. Like Preston412 said, some helmets fit different head shapes better. For me, I personally like the Japanese helmets for their quality and superior manufacturing, and I wear a Shoei as they fit me perfect. I have tried 6D and Bell in the past, both are manufactured in China and/or Taiwan btw.

Here's my list of importance. I feel that everything under "fit" is subjective and personal choice as to their importance.

(1) Fit
- quality/features
- price
- availability
- looks
Noting wrong with Taiwan, they're the world leader in carbon tech and facilities. Go buy a 20k bicycle and the frame is likely made in Taiwan.
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JBecker 72
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VA US
5/12/2021 10:09am
I am also in a Moto 9 Flex that I paid $400 for.
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MPJC
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5/12/2021 10:20am
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well under 200), fit great, and have MIPS. The Bell is a bit heavier than the Fly but also cheaper and doesn’t give up much, if anything, in protection. I think it’s simply false that you have to spend 400+ to get a good, safe helmet.
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Richy
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UK GB
5/12/2021 10:42am
Honestly, I'm in a mid level Bell with their MIPS shenanigans, purely as if I shelled out big or on something real nice, I wouldn't trust myself to replace it if and when it got a good - but not huge / aesthetically blatant - hit.

It's all relative I guess, we all wanna be safe and think we're doing what we can to maximise that but, for just one piece of the moto puzzle, $650 to one guy is nothing and to another it is a whole lot.
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Falcon
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Menifee, CA US
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5/12/2021 10:47am
I just purchased a modern, full-carbon MIPS helmet from a respected manufacturer. It seems like it is right in there in the discussion for best helmet in most of these threads. I bought it because I have a good hookup with the company and I love their gear.
-HOWEVER-
The helmet, as nice as it is, is like a medieval torture device when compared to my old Arais. It is shaped as if it is literally designed to save your life in the event of a crash by making sure you never want to ride, and thus cannot crash. I'm just about to give this $700 helmet to my 11-year old son so I can go buy another Arai. Can't afford to do that yet, but I'm all about it as soon as I can.
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Motofinne
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FI
5/12/2021 11:12am
You could (and probably still can) get some cracking deals on the Bell Moto 9 Flex helmets out there the last year. I got my latest one in the spring of 2020 for 290€, which is insanely good value for money.
Preston412
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Saint Augustine, FL US
5/12/2021 11:36am Edited Date/Time 5/12/2021 11:38am
JG463 wrote:
It’s not necessarily if it “fits” my budget but more so stomaching the amount! 😂 I appreciate your response and input.
Don't assume I think you are cheap or can't afford the high end price. I can afford it but I have a budget I try to stay in and usually don't pay retail for anything because the wholesale/closeout sector is well equipped to handle the needs of most. Just take a little time to surf around the internet and you will be happy you did.
wrc777
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Greenwood, IN US
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5/12/2021 11:43am
I have seen Astars M8 for under $400 and even M10 for right at $400. If you have a good relationship with your local dealer you can probably get a Fly formula CC for under $400 too.
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msp332
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San Mateo, CA US
5/12/2021 11:59am Edited Date/Time 5/12/2021 12:01pm
I look for the certifications first. Several manufacturers are marketing their helmets as safer without the test certifications.

There are only a few helmets currently certified to the new ECE 22.06 standard, with a "low speed" impact performance requirement. The least expensive of these right now is the Leatt 7.5 V21 at $260 (Leatt 8.5 and 9.5 are the others).

Snell M2020D is the other standard (requires the highest speed impact to pass). Arai VX-Pro4, Shoei VFX-EVO, Bell Moto 9 & 10 (not Moto 9 Carbon Flex) are the only moto helmets to meet this standard. Bell Moto 9's can be found for $420, maybe less.

I have no idea why anyone would buy one without either of these certifications now. $260 seems reasonable to me.
kb228
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Mansfield, OH US
5/12/2021 12:08pm
Its high but its one of those things where you ask yourself how much is my head worth. Theres $60 helmets and helmets that cost over $1000. $250-$450 gets you something that blends price and safety together. I paid $250 for my MC moto 9 on clearance.
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Skerby
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Mayes County, OK US
5/12/2021 12:25pm
I bought a Bell MX-9 on accident, thought it was a clearance moto9. Great helmet though, can't complain for 150$.
JG463
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Stillwater, OK US
5/12/2021 12:26pm
Dang that moto 9 seems to be the best value. Anyone use TLD helmets?
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Rickyisms
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FL US
5/12/2021 12:56pm
Skerby wrote:
I bought a Bell MX-9 on accident, thought it was a clearance moto9. Great helmet though, can't complain for 150$.
I have 2 of them, they're solid helmets for the money.
sandtrack315
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Philadelphia, PA US
5/12/2021 1:22pm
It’s an expensive sport, an extra 200-300 bucks for a top end helmet is small in the big scheme of what it costs to ride.
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Rawly
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Simi Valley, CA US
5/12/2021 1:31pm
My current 6D -ATR-2 is the first high dollar helmet I’ve purchased in a long time. Have had several concussions , so figured I’d spend the extra money for it. Haven’t had a bell ringing crash in it yet. The good part about the 6D is when you have a big hit , you send it in for a rebuild rather than replacing it. Not sure what other brands offer this ?
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xrmark
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Lake Elsinore, CA US
5/12/2021 1:38pm
MPJC wrote:
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well...
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well under 200), fit great, and have MIPS. The Bell is a bit heavier than the Fly but also cheaper and doesn’t give up much, if anything, in protection. I think it’s simply false that you have to spend 400+ to get a good, safe helmet.
I bought the mx-9 at Temecula Motorsports. Thought I had a great helmet and knocked myself out first crash in it, liner was cracked after that. I guess it did it’s job but man I was kind of bummed it was one and done
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Rickyisms
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5/12/2021 1:40pm
MPJC wrote:
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well...
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well under 200), fit great, and have MIPS. The Bell is a bit heavier than the Fly but also cheaper and doesn’t give up much, if anything, in protection. I think it’s simply false that you have to spend 400+ to get a good, safe helmet.
xrmark wrote:
I bought the mx-9 at Temecula Motorsports. Thought I had a great helmet and knocked myself out first crash in it, liner was cracked after that...
I bought the mx-9 at Temecula Motorsports. Thought I had a great helmet and knocked myself out first crash in it, liner was cracked after that. I guess it did it’s job but man I was kind of bummed it was one and done
If you hit hard enough to knock yourself out in any helmet it should be retired IMO.
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Munson'd
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5/12/2021 1:58pm
I bought a TLD SE4 back in 2019 for $150 on closeout. It has mips, good ventilation, and is comfy. I feel like that was a steal.
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5/12/2021 2:00pm
MPJC wrote:
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well...
Last 2 helmets are Fly F2 Carbon and Bell MX-9 MIPS. Both were inexpensive (the Fly was 225 on close out and the MX-9 is well under 200), fit great, and have MIPS. The Bell is a bit heavier than the Fly but also cheaper and doesn’t give up much, if anything, in protection. I think it’s simply false that you have to spend 400+ to get a good, safe helmet.
xrmark wrote:
I bought the mx-9 at Temecula Motorsports. Thought I had a great helmet and knocked myself out first crash in it, liner was cracked after that...
I bought the mx-9 at Temecula Motorsports. Thought I had a great helmet and knocked myself out first crash in it, liner was cracked after that. I guess it did it’s job but man I was kind of bummed it was one and done
All helmets are one and done.
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MotoMan12345
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Woodbine, NJ US
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5/12/2021 2:44pm
If ur brain only worth $500? Safety first man
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xrmark
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5/13/2021 9:58am
All helmets are one and done.
What I mean is I shouldn’t have gone to sleep. Cheap helmets are cheap for a reason
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skeef
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AZ US
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5/13/2021 10:03am
Falcon wrote:
I just purchased a modern, full-carbon MIPS helmet from a respected manufacturer. It seems like it is right in there in the discussion for best helmet...
I just purchased a modern, full-carbon MIPS helmet from a respected manufacturer. It seems like it is right in there in the discussion for best helmet in most of these threads. I bought it because I have a good hookup with the company and I love their gear.
-HOWEVER-
The helmet, as nice as it is, is like a medieval torture device when compared to my old Arais. It is shaped as if it is literally designed to save your life in the event of a crash by making sure you never want to ride, and thus cannot crash. I'm just about to give this $700 helmet to my 11-year old son so I can go buy another Arai. Can't afford to do that yet, but I'm all about it as soon as I can.
Astars? I loved the helmet at first but it does have a funny shape and the padding broke in kind of wierd. I also went from a buzz cut to long hair in the last year so it does squeeze harder now. I will say it is the lightest helmet I've ever put on for sure
APLMAN99
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Dallas, TX US
5/13/2021 10:14am
All helmets are one and done.
xrmark wrote:
What I mean is I shouldn’t have gone to sleep. Cheap helmets are cheap for a reason
It's hard to measure an impact like that after the fact. May have 'went to sleep' with any helmet. May not have. Hard to say.

I've known guys who have had concussions wearing Arai helmets too. They may have received worse concussions in 'cheaper' helmets, but maybe not........
Falcon
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Menifee, CA US
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5/13/2021 10:45am
Falcon wrote:
I just purchased a modern, full-carbon MIPS helmet from a respected manufacturer. It seems like it is right in there in the discussion for best helmet...
I just purchased a modern, full-carbon MIPS helmet from a respected manufacturer. It seems like it is right in there in the discussion for best helmet in most of these threads. I bought it because I have a good hookup with the company and I love their gear.
-HOWEVER-
The helmet, as nice as it is, is like a medieval torture device when compared to my old Arais. It is shaped as if it is literally designed to save your life in the event of a crash by making sure you never want to ride, and thus cannot crash. I'm just about to give this $700 helmet to my 11-year old son so I can go buy another Arai. Can't afford to do that yet, but I'm all about it as soon as I can.
skeef wrote:
Astars? I loved the helmet at first but it does have a funny shape and the padding broke in kind of wierd. I also went from...
Astars? I loved the helmet at first but it does have a funny shape and the padding broke in kind of wierd. I also went from a buzz cut to long hair in the last year so it does squeeze harder now. I will say it is the lightest helmet I've ever put on for sure
No, not Alpinestars. I don't really want to crap on the brand name because I like everything else they do, plus other people may really like the fit of their helmets. I'm just having a hard time wearing it. It's not just uncomfortable; it's actually mildly painful. There are pressure points in the rear, behind my ears.
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