Best sub-$200 helmet?

[Reswob]

Had a little spill last weekend, and while my helmet is virtually undamaged, it's my understanding that once it's been crashed, the helmet is no good anymore. I could get the same one for $70 on clearance, but if my budget allows I'd like to take the opportunity to upgrade.

New helmet must be:
-same head shape as HJC CS-R1
-reputed brand name
-relatively quiet (CS-R1 is LOUD!)
-decent venting
-budget is $200 MAX, to my door

[Daeldren]

Look at the scorpion exo 400 and 700 line, 750 line has the air bladder system which allows you too conform the cheekpads to your custom fit. Most of the scorpion lines will be around your pricerange at closeout.

["A"]

The ones that fits your head properly.

IT's your head, how much is it worth to you?

[Reswob]

Originally Posted by "A"

The ones that fits your head properly.

IT's your head, how much is it worth to you?

It's worth $70, the cheapest DOT-approved full face I can get. However, features like less wind noise and cooler venting are worth a little more. If you're not going to bother reading the OP, please don't waste everyone's time by replying with something irrelevant.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Reswob

-same head shape as HJC CS-R1

and what would that be?

[00NissanNinja]

Originally Posted by kkim

and what would that be?

scorpion exo-700 is on closeout at sportbiketrackgear for $100 and at motorcycle gear its on closeout for $175. You can also watch a review of the helmet on sportbiketrackgear

[Reswob]

Not sure. WebBikeWorld says long-oval-ish.

[CZroe]

I've seen the blue Scorpion EXO-1000 on clearance for $99 and the gray/silver for $139 at Cycle Gear. They ran out of stock of the blue but I still had to have it and bought gray/silver. Love the helmet! It's MUCH quieter than my G-MAX GM58S and the features/quality put it lightyears beyond the GM.

Anyway, did your helmet take any of the impact? As in, "force absorbed from your head into the foam as a result of impact to the outer shell?" If not, it's probably fine according to one high-end helmet manufacturer (I think it was Shoei).

[Reswob]

I don't think it took any direct impact. It has some small scratches just behind the visor on one side and the visor won't seal closed. From the way the EMTs where talking you would have thought it was cracked in half or something!

[00NissanNinja]

Might be best to stick with HJC with a long oval head I think. Although scorpion helmets fit a wide variety. My exo-400(which I would like to sell) was a good helmet and may be a bit quieter than my shoei. The vents on the exo-400 aren't the best though and you will barely tell a difference between open and closed. The exo-700 is better in every way from what I've seen and heard from others.

[kkim]

webbikeworld says it's a Slightly Narrow (SN) Helmet.

I have an exo-700 XL in almost perfect condition (maybe used 5 times) that I've been thinking of selling (it's also a SN helmet). The shape just doesn't fit my head, though I really like the features of it. It's hi vis yellow.

[setasai]

I have both the EXO-400 and 700 and I like them both. With the aeroskirt, wind noise is decreased dramatically and ventilation on both is very adequate as well. Try some on and if it feels comfortable, just get one and be done with it. Reliable, look cool, and comfy.

[Reswob]

What's the difference between the 4 and 700? They seem to be the same per the description on Scorpions website.

[kkim]

7 is a bit higher quality than the 4. never owning a 4, I can't comment, though. I think the shapes are a bit different as well.

here, read for yourself...
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...le-helmets.htm

[00NissanNinja]

Originally Posted by Reswob

What's the difference between the 4 and 700? They seem to be the same per the description on Scorpions website.

The 700 uses a fiberglass kevlar composite shell while the 400 uses polycarbonate. The 700 is also lighter than the 400. Additionally the venting on the 700 is a bit better and the rear exhaust vent and upper vents have 3 detents on them to help meter airflow. Other than that they are pretty similar. I like the style of the 700 more than the 400. Also this may be a bit over your budget but check out the brand new 500's they have some really nice features

[setasai]

Originally Posted by Reswob

What's the difference between the 4 and 700? They seem to be the same per the description on Scorpions website.

You can read all you want but when it comes down to it, you'll know instantly which one you like better once it's on your head. Personally, I dont think you can go wrong with either one if all you are looking for is a protective helmet that is decent/good or possibly great in every aspect depending on who you talk to.

[Live2ride]

I believe some of the prices on (http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydire...Class2/Helmets) <--this page will influence your decision if your looking for an exo style helmet. That is the same site I got my jacket from, great price and fast, free shipping (not sure if helmets ship free).

(Couldn't add the "this page" link from my phone)

[gfloyd2002]

Originally Posted by Live2ride

I believe some of the prices on (http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydire...Class2/Helmets) <--this page will influence your decision if your looking for an exo style helmet. That is the same site I got my jacket from, great price and fast, free shipping (not sure if helmets ship free).

(Couldn't add the "this page" link from my phone)

Just a warning that IronPony has a no return policy on sale items. For helmet purchases, when fit is a huge deal, this is probably a bad idea. (They also have a $20 surcharge for military purchasers, which is a frustration.)

There are better choices out there. For reviews of online merchants, see Places to Buy Gear Online.

[DEXSPEED]

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...el-Helmet.aspx check this out

[JeffM]

Webbikeworld Helmet FAQ page. Lots of info regarding fitments etc.

Webbikeworld helmet reviews. Tons of choices.

This review of the HJC CS-R1 states that it has a unique head shape. Do you have a local motorcycle shop you can go to and try on some different brand helmets and see how they fit?

I have an EXO-400 and, otherwise from being a bit noisy behind my laminar lip windscreen extension, is a nice helmet for the price. It is actually a great deal quieter on a naked bike .

SparX might be a good choice.

FYI, I ride with earplugs all the time.

[nattygirl]

+1 on the Scorpion helmets. They're the best bang for the buck.

Check this one out. Only $65.00 for the EXO-400. The only size they don't have is large.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/19581/ITEM/Scorpion-EXO-400-Rebel-Helmet.aspx

[KURT]

If the HJC fits your head... then I whole-heartedly suggest you try the IS-Max. It's a bit loud, as are all modulars. But with the integraded face shield and a sub-$200 price. they are great.

My wife and I each have them, and even in 110 degree heat, I find the venting to be sufficient.

[want1sobad]

ridiculous deal on a GREAT helmet

http://www.extremesupply.com/product...O1000APLO.html

[gfloyd2002]

Originally Posted by KURT

If the HJC fits your head... then I whole-heartedly suggest you try the IS-Max. It's a bit loud, as are all modulars. But with the integraded face shield and a sub-$200 price. they are great.

My wife and I each have them, and even in 110 degree heat, I find the venting to be sufficient.

I have the IS-Max, and love it. It's all about fit, as has been discussed previously. But with that, they are well constructed, comfortable, and the convenience of a flip up is great, especially with glasses. The IS-Max also has a flip down sun visor that works very well. I ride with it in the tropics, and it is great in the heat. It does have some noise, as will any modulars, but not too bad, and I ride with earplugs anyway. It isn't Snell rated, though you'll be hard pressed to find a Snell rated helmet for under $200. That is what makes that EXO1000 Vince listed such a good deal.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by want1sobad

ridiculous deal on a GREAT helmet

http://www.extremesupply.com/product...O1000APLO.html

No *quite* as good as Cycle Gear's $99 for Apollo Blue and $139 for Apollo Silver, but those are probably sold out. Might still be worth checking in-store (I'm pretty sure it was an in-store clearance only in the first place).

[Zombiphone]

Originally Posted by hjchelmets.com

If you are unsure if you need to replace your helmet, contact HJC America before using your helmet again.

Not to say that you shouldn't replace it, but you could always see if HJC will look at it for you so you can use it as a back up helmet if it turns out to be okay. I crashed my first shoei helmet a year ago, sent it in to shoei for the price of shipping (About $10), and got it back in about a week with a brand new visor, a fully repaired visor locking system, and a letter saying it was still fully functional. I had already replaced it by then, but I now have two matching and functional X-elevens. I'd say it's worth a shot if you liked that helmet at all.

My only affordable helmet experience is with KBC. If they fit you right, they'll certainly protect you fine in a crash (I know at least one person who can attest to this), but the overall quality is a bit subpar (My visor mechanism doesn't stay open or closed, even though I've hardly ever used it, and the inner padding seems uncomfortable and too sparse after coming back from a much nicer helmet). Otherwise, I typically hear good things about Bell helmets, or you could go for the afore mentioned scorpion, or maybe even a closeout Icon would probably serve you pretty well if they fit your head right, just so you have some more options. Especially since it's still early in the year, you can still get a lot of last years otherwise expensive helmets for some pretty nice closeout prices

[noche_caliente]

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...le_helmet.html
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...le_helmet.html

[oroboros]

Just wanted to add that I bought an exo 700 from sportbikegear. It was my first order from them. It shipped same day FedEx and I expect on Tuesday. $107.00 With shipping
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[DaBlue1]

Check with your local dealer to see if they have Fulmer helmets. You might be surprised at the fit, finish and price. I bought a Fulmer SS. The unique thing about Fulmer Helmets is that they are a U.S. Company and you only find them at dealers. (Their statement why; http://www.fulmerhelmets.com/policy.html)

I had been wanting one but I did not want to pay full price for it. The SS is DOT and Snell rated, has a fiberglass shell. The helmet is much quieter than my Modular helmet, with ear plugs the bike sounds sooo smooth, it's awesome, and wind noise and whistle is really quieted down. I paid $125 on sale for it.

Fulmer SS Fear & Loathing Full Face Helmet
* Snell and DOT approved
* Organic-aerodynamic shape
* EPS Padded chin bar
* QR2 Quick Switch shield system
* DRI-LEX moisture wicking interior
* Removable/washable interior
* Padded D-Ring retention system
* Adjustable chin vent
* Air Channel Technology vent system
* Adjustable forehead intake vents
* Free flow exhaust vents
* Rear diffuser
* Removable breath spoiler
* Removable chin spoiler
* Includes helmet sack

http://www.trackdaymag.com/Articles/...ce-Helmet.aspx
http://www.roadcarvin.com/gear/fulmer-ss-helmet-review

[nexus]

I have a HJC FS-15 and the fit is similar to the CS-R1 (which I have tried on), perhaps slightly more oval. It has excellent venting and is probably the quietest helmet I have ever worn. If you look around, you can find one for <$170

[KawiRider]

I have the CL-16 Slayer! It is Snell and DOT approved and is a good looking helmet. It has HJC pinlock shields and the visor swap process for every HJC helmet is feakin easy!

[arnette]

I have a Bell Vortex and maybe I just lucked out, but I'm really happy with it. I've only tried one other brand on top of the bike but the Vortex was much more comfortable and had good ventilation.

Anyone have experience with Bell helmets? Wondering if I was alone on this.

[TenaciousD]

I have a Bell Apex and I love it. It's a great helmet. Check out thebellstore.com and look at the Apex and the Vortex. Both great helmets for cheap. They are DOT and Snell approved. I got my Apex for $105.

I also have a Scorpion EXO-1000 Apollo that I snagged at SportBikeTrackGear for $99. It's got every conceivable feature and is a great helmet, BUT it is not as comfortable on my head as the Bell and it is WAY heavier than the Bell. As a consequence, 8 times out of 10, I ride with the Bell.

The Scorpions run smaller than the Bell. My medium size EXO is a lot tighter than the Bell, although it is loosening up a bit as it breaks in. I have never felt the need to use the inflatable cheek pads at all.

[kevlar250]

Hard to beat this deal, I just picked one up last week. I like having the flip-up chin and was using an HJC CL-Max but wanted the drop-down sun shield on the Sy-Max. Fits like my other XL HJC's.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...le_helmet.html

[Reswob]

Anyone wear an HJC and a Scorpion and know if the Scorpion runs smaller? Tried on both a M and L EXO-400 today and both were super tight.

[setasai]

Not sure but does that really make a difference? If they feel tighter then try on a larger one and see how that feels and buy the one that feels the best. My bro and I both have scorpion's in the same size "M". I have the 400 and he has the 700, they feel very similar as far as sizing goes and I've tried on more scorpion's at the store and they felt similar as well. Point is, I think the sizes are fairly consistent so I doubt it's a fluke for what you felt as a difference.

[JeffM]

Good review for the Bell Arrow:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...et/bell-arrow/

"The Bell Arrow is one of the best motorcycle helmet bargains to be found.

It has excellent build quality and it includes a few features either not found or poorly implemented on other helmets costing three or four times more.

Less than $100.00, outstanding comfort, low noise levels and a five-year warranty? Sign me up!"

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by setasai

Not sure but does that really make a difference? If they feel tighter then try on a larger one and see how that feels and buy the one that feels the best. My bro and I both have scorpion's in the same size "M". I have the 400 and he has the 700, they feel very similar as far as sizing goes and I've tried on more scorpion's at the store and they felt similar as well. Point is, I think the sizes are fairly consistent so I doubt it's a fluke for what you felt as a difference.

You're comparing Scorpion to Scorpion. Scorpion does have a reputation for tighter-fitting helmets compared to other brands marked for the same size. It was the first thing I noticed when trying mine on a cursory search online confirms.

[nexus]

Originally Posted by Reswob

Anyone wear an HJC and a Scorpion and know if the Scorpion runs smaller? Tried on both a M and L EXO-400 today and both were super tight.

Yes, scorpion helmets run smaller than HJC in a given size. I wear a Small in HJC and a Medium in Scorpion.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by CZroe

You're comparing Scorpion to Scorpion. Scorpion does have a reputation for tighter-fitting helmets compared to other brands marked for the same size. It was the first thing I noticed when trying mine on a cursory search online confirms.

Yes I know that but what I meant was, try the helmet on and whatever size fits, get that one. I was also confirming that if he felt that it was tighter, he is probably right and that the scorpion mediums all feel the same so if he orders online, go ahead and order that size because quality control on sizing is pretty good. I suppose I could have said nothing at all. haha.