July 31st, 2011, 02:38 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Sev
Location: Vancouver
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09' 250r Thunder Blue Posts: 165
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Carbon fiber helmet vs Other composites
Well with the money I have left I figure may as well get a great helmet, just wondering about the difference between carbon fibre or others. I know it will be a bit lighter (my wallet will be also) but will it provide drastically improved protection or just a marginal increase? is it worth an extra $100? Not sure what to look for besides a helmet with the right fit. Trying to find bell helmets in vancouver is a PITA also.
Thinking about the bell star rally or Cerwinski Carbon (soooo awesome) |
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July 31st, 2011, 02:48 PM | #2 |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
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That is an expensive helmet! I wouldn't pay that much, unless I had a good paying job. I'd be really worried about leaving it anywhere though.
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July 31st, 2011, 06:44 PM | #3 |
There's a limit to s2pdty
Name: A.D.
Location: NoVa the burg
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.
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I'm also planning on gettin myself a B-STAR, I heard good things about them
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July 31st, 2011, 07:25 PM | #4 |
Yoshi
Name: Dr. Ew
Location: Visalia, CA
Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 11 Ninja 250 Posts: 63
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carbon fiber shell b nice but i'd be more concerned with the material beyond that. If i read about helmets right, that material is the part that handles the impact more than anything, yet the shell also works together with it. Check out Shark with their carbon fiber shells and they say that it helps spread the impact throughtout the entire helmet. gLuck with the new Lid and post pics of what you choose and review please.
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July 31st, 2011, 07:54 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.
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Most if not all certified snell/dot/ece helmets will protect well. The material differences generally come down to other features like weight and balance of the helmet. Helmets with lighter materials like carbon fibre will feel lighter but protect just as well.
If you are looking for an awesome helmet, make sure it's certified, fits YOUR head well, and everything else is gravy. I have a Scorpion EXO-400 helmet. I love it but when I purchase my next helmet, these are the features i'm thinking of including. 1) modular - so that I can easily access the front facial space. for example if i wanted to get a drink or talk to someone directly. 2) drop down visor or bell's photochromatic face shield. 3) keep the great fog free coating that scorpions have 4) better venting 5) last but not least AWESOME graphics |
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July 31st, 2011, 08:04 PM | #6 |
2012 is here,let's ride!!
Name: dex
Location: visalia,ca.
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009R,'12 suzuki +500 Posts: 354
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carbon
helmet weights, easier on the neck it all falls on the design and features that you like.what up rider DREW
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July 31st, 2011, 08:23 PM | #7 | |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
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Quote:
I noticed you have a green bike..here is a helmet that sadly isn't modular, but those can flip-up in an accident. It doesn't have a drop down visor, but just get a tinted shield or sunglasses. It's a Scorpion and it is compatible with the "Everclear" shield. It has better venting (or so I'm told). They have a green version with awesome graphics..I would get this helmet if I had a green bike. It has a nose breath shield. Lastly, it's Snell rated. AFX FX-100 Multi Helmet Okay. Once again I don't recommend the Flip-Up/Modular Helmet. Anyway, it has ear cavity space for speakers. It has a flush-fit, side-coverless face shield that is optically correct, compound-curved, scratch-resistant and protects against UV-rays. I don't know about the venting...read the reviews. This does have a dark smoke, tinted one touch, inner flip down, sun shield system. This isn't Snell rated but does have DOT certification. It uses the same outer shields as the FX-90 street helmet. Lastly, it comes with a cloth carrying bag. This helmet has more color choices. Though notice, I picked these two helmets because of the graphics, there are base models and other variations. -All are available in green and an array of different colors. I would recommend the first one because it has a Snell certification, but that's just me.
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July 31st, 2011, 08:31 PM | #8 | |
Yoshi
Name: Dr. Ew
Location: Visalia, CA
Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 11 Ninja 250 Posts: 63
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Quote:
Sadly i went straight to a Shoei RF-1100 so i don't know what to compare it to. but ya as dex said, design and features lead me to the shoei. |
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July 31st, 2011, 08:37 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.
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July 31st, 2011, 08:44 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nick
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 168
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I've had a Bell star for over a year and I can say I'm glad I didn't spend the extra on a carbon version, the thing is fairly light and I haven't experienced any strain from wearing it. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that its very loud, plan on wearing ear plugs. Mine was only $200 new, from a closeout website here.
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July 31st, 2011, 10:06 PM | #11 |
ratlab
Name: reese
Location: tracy, ca
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): gsxr1000,R3x2,RC390,FZ07,XR100 Posts: 132
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+ 1 on the noise-flows a lot of air-don't know about winter usage and sizing is 1-2 sizes smaller than other helmets-can't go wrong with shark,arai, or shoei-for something as important as a helmet you should only buy premium
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August 1st, 2011, 12:07 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Sev
Location: Vancouver
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09' 250r Thunder Blue Posts: 165
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heading to a giant warehouse of gear tomorrow. Getting stoked!! will upload pics of the lid soon.
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August 1st, 2011, 12:10 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nick
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 168
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If you dont use headphones while you ride you might want to try putting some quilt batting in those spaces for sound deadening, I'm going to try it out this weekend.
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August 1st, 2011, 01:34 AM | #14 |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 13
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More important than Carbon fiber vs. traditional is the fit of the helmet. Be sure to get a helmet that works for your head shape, and be sure to try on the helmet first. You may be surprised that a well reviewed, technical helmet feels worse on your head than an inexpensive mass-market model. Bell Stars have a reputation for being a bit narrow, for example, and if you have a rounder head, you may want to look at something like the Kali Naza Carbon for a carbon fiber helmet that is extremely well priced and a bit on the round side.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm has very good information about helmet shapes and reviews, but it won't substitute for actually going and trying one on.
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August 1st, 2011, 09:32 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dylan
Location: virginia beach
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R SE:WHITE Posts: 27
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Have you tried the HJC FS-15 Carbon? They are on Amazon for 200 (down from 4-500 a year or so ago)
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August 1st, 2011, 10:12 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Hyon
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green SE Posts: 574
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In regards to protection, as long as it is Snell/DoT/ECE certified, the protection level is going to be comparable. What you get when you start go up in the price range is all the little things that make it more comfortable to wear: venting/weight/shield features/more intricate designs.
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August 1st, 2011, 10:33 AM | #17 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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Maybe it's wrong of me, but I just couldn't fathom spending six bills on a Bell.
Just because two different brand helmets have the same certs, that doesn't mean that they provide the same level of protection. It also doesn't mean they have the same fit nor quality of build.
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 1st, 2011, 01:20 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nick
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 168
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Only $250 for the star at the previously linked site.
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August 1st, 2011, 01:37 PM | #19 |
#squid
Name: nickypoo
Location: Five Guys
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jul '16
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Just get a cardboard box and stuff it with pillows
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August 1st, 2011, 01:46 PM | #20 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
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August 1st, 2011, 02:14 PM | #21 | |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 1st, 2011, 02:46 PM | #22 | ||
ninjette.org member
Name: Tim
Location: philly
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Quote:
Quote:
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August 1st, 2011, 02:57 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
You are right though. 6x more protective is absurd. |
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August 1st, 2011, 03:45 PM | #24 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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The more expensive helmets are more expensive because of there features. Head checking at 100mph with a crap helmet will hurt, with a nice helmet it cuts the air. Nice helmets flow more air, have a wider field of vision, lighter, quieter, the list goes on.
And for shark, stay away from them at this point. There pulling there distribution for the US so trying to get any warranty issues dealt with will be a bitch. I have a shark, love it but im now kinda sol if anything happens
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August 1st, 2011, 04:25 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
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Really? That's a bummer. I love their design for the Evoline modular helmets. I think its very unique and could be refined to become much better. Thanks for the heads up.
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August 2nd, 2011, 02:40 AM | #26 |
That rider dude.
Name: Eric
Location: Orlando, Fl.
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 White Ninja 250 SE. Posts: A lot.
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Sorry to slightly derail the topic, But...
Are there any helmets besides scorpion that have that? I have the EXO-500 and am pretty sure I didnt get the right fitting size (too small). So I'm thinking I'll go try other helmets on. It's the fog free stuff that keeps me with scorpion. Are there other helmets with fog free visors? |
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August 2nd, 2011, 03:25 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dylan
Location: virginia beach
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R SE:WHITE Posts: 27
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The HJC FS 15 Carbon I mentioned has a pinlock system in it. I have one, and it is very effective. You can change out the pinlocks for different colors (i.e. tinted) and they are easy to change out, and do a great job at keeping out fog.
For 200 bucks, the HJC FS15 is a really good deal! It is also DOT/SNELL |
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August 2nd, 2011, 03:32 AM | #28 | ||
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 13
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The DOT standard is a good one, it is just that it isn't enforced, which makes it somewhat risky to rely on. If you go with a name helmet manufacturer, someone established who can be trusted to have actually done DOT testing, you'll be fine. Scorpion, HJC, Arai, etc. However, if you go with an off-brand, trusting that any DOT cert is as good as another, you may be putting your life at risk. It is for this reason that I support the Snell standards and think one should usually go with a Snell rated helmet when in the U.S. Those are actually tested by Snell, certification is enforced and tightly controlled. There is serious debate about whether Snell helmets have padding that is too stiff, providing better high speed protection for racing, but actually providing worse protection for most street riding. However, the fact that the testing of the helmet is actually confirmed, done independently, and that Snell enforces their certifications makes it, to me, the superior standard. But Snell ratings costs $$, and if you shop for a Snell helmet, you are going to pay for it. Scorpion provides one of the very few really good lower cost options there. Personally, I go with an Arai.
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August 2nd, 2011, 09:03 AM | #29 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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ECE ratings are also better than DOT since they also do mandatory batch testing from manufacturers, on every model of helmet. They're more comparable to snell. Sparx helmets are on the low price end and carry ECE ratings.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc.../ece-22-05.htm
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August 2nd, 2011, 09:09 AM | #30 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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In the case of Snell/ECE ratings, it does mean that they all provide a MINIMUM level of protection. That's what people need to remember. Just like Honko said, the extra money you pay is for the bells and whistles. The EXO-400 will protect just the same as my RF-1100, but it's not as light and doesn't flow like it either. As long as both are Snell/ECE certified, you can at least be assured you'll be protected the same way.
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August 2nd, 2011, 10:22 AM | #31 | |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
"Snell and DOT standards are baselines, not objectives. The starting point, not the goal." <-Arai helmets
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 2nd, 2011, 10:41 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
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Sure you can assume minimal level of protection but how would as a consumer assess anything past that?
As for the DOT standards, I know it's not enforced which is why I also added "from a reputable company". I understand it might not be exactly the same level of protection but I highly doubt that as long as it is certified to DOT/SNELL/ECE and from a REPUTABLE brand that you'd have that large of a difference. |
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August 2nd, 2011, 11:26 AM | #33 | |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
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Quote:
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The www.ModMy250.com guy |
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August 2nd, 2011, 03:28 PM | #34 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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This knowledge I have acquired over many years, there's no "link." I had to ride a lot, with many people, race a bunch, with many people, see many people crash with high end helmets, see many crash with low end (but still w/ certs) helmets, wear a bunch of high end helmets, wear a bunch of low end helmets, crash with both, etc. I offer this knowledge to you without you having to do all what I did to acquire it. You can do with it what you like. My head is worth more than a $175 helmet with certs.
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 2nd, 2011, 10:02 PM | #35 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.
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August 3rd, 2011, 03:29 AM | #36 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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I never deal in hogwash
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 3rd, 2011, 04:32 AM | #37 | |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 13
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Quote:
But, you do tend to get other benefits from moving upmarket. In addition to the certainty that the certs are valid, you (often) get weight benefits, noise, comfort, etc. The difference between my Arai and my HJC is marked.
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"Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake |
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August 3rd, 2011, 05:02 AM | #38 |
Ninjette wanabe :D
Name: Ruslan
Location: San Jose
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): white 300 :D Posts: A lot.
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Hey icon has the best helmets they have all the certs ;] jk i know nada of there helmets.
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VROOOM vrooom >.> |
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August 3rd, 2011, 09:19 AM | #39 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
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It seems we are in agreement here. I do not deny any of this. I'm feeling lazy so end discussion.
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August 3rd, 2011, 10:30 PM | #40 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Austin
Location: San Diego
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