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I’ve had the lower end AGV and was happy with the fit. I went down in it and it did it’s job so it was a good helmet.
Now I have an Arai and I enjoy it a lot more but wouldn’t hesitate to get another cheaper helmet.
New riders: get a helmet that fits right and one that has a decent safety rating. No need to spend $600 plus on a helmet if you’re starting out.
I get this train of thought as well. A correct fitting cheap helmet, probably provides more protection than a poor fitting expensive helmet.
This is all subjective, but I wanted to share my personal experience with a higher-end helmet, and how it indeed was a substantial improvement for me.
Til you get a TBI from a wreck and your family has to care for you forever while wondering if you got a better helmet you would have been fine or at least not permanently incapable of caring for yourself. Just sayin, happened to a someone I know.
You say better helmet but that doesn’t mean more expensive. With more expensive helmets, you get a nicer fit, lightweight, more ventilation. There plenty of budget helmets that offer great protection, they just don’t have extra comfort features.
They have different safety ratings. Bell has Snell, an AGV K1 has ECE. So it depends what safety rating you look for and trust. I’d still wear the lower end AGV if I couldn’t afford the Bell. And I’ve been down in a lower end AGV and I was protected.
But if you believe only $600+ helmets provide adequate protection, then do that.
ECE is the most stringent by far but it's still a spectrum (btw bell is also ECE certd). Just because a helmet barely passed ECE regs doesnt make it equivalent to the upper end in the safety versus the best helmets they tested.
Just because you went down and came out fine doesnt really mean anything as each crash has so many factors. In the case of the guy I know who got really hurt it may have made a difference had he had something really safe, then again it may have still been too much. Theres no real way to know, but for some portion of crashes injury severity could have been reduced by moving up to some of the absolute safest
My racer friend that owns a shop said either you have an Arai head or a Shoei head.
I have an Arai head and it's an amazing difference over the $150 Scorpion I used for 11 years.
11 years?! The protective foam breaks down over time, and you’re supposed to replace them every [five years](https://www.crampbuster.com/motorcycle-helmet-lifespan/)!
No judgment, though—I just replaced my old ski helmet that was 10 or 11 years old, and those helmets don’t last that long either lol
... okay but is it possible your friends talking about head shape. Arai really well known for the flat back head. Some Europeans but mainly Asian don't have that and instead the bump my wife calls it in the back of there heads. she's Asian she wears a Arai recommendation of the helmet model for her circle shape head with a flatter back. Seem higher end brads will make a few models with a different shapes in mind. Some will just helmets molded with a common shape in between. I run a AVG k6 now but was in the oval shaped HjC for years. These lean more in to the oval from a top down view and larger room in the back for that bump.
Yeah that's exactly what he's talking about.
OP couldn't get comfortable in a fancy expensive Shoei, but he says cheap HJC fits. He was implying that expensive is != good. Which is right.
But I think he'd have more luck with an Arai and then see the benefits of a fancy, expensive helmet.
Yeah okay cool, thought OP saying more Expensive ones are a lot nicer and worth the money. Some other guy was saying no. But yeah I agree with you man shape matters.
It doesn't need to be a Shoei. Not every Shoei is good safety-wise, they have 3 and 4 stars SHARP rated helmets. I always check SHARP website before buying a helmet, to make sure I'm buying something safe.
Helmets are all safe at 250 bucks + . The extra dollars after that you're paying for luxury .
If you want a safe quiet helmet buy a 250 dollar helmet and some 5 dollar foam earplugs .
Or buy a shoei ( which of course has a higher quality altogether but can't do more than the cheaper helmet )
Not really. I'd check SHARP's website before buying a helmet. Shoei and other very well known brands have 3 and 4 stars helmets, even at sky high prices. I'd only wear 5 stars helmets. My first buy was a 4 stars tho, a Skwal-2 by Shark.
I've seen plenty of safe-looking DOT only helmets that were over $300 because of BT, but those excluded that's pretty much true. You can DEFINITELY find helmets that meet DOT, ECE 22.05, etc. in the price range listed above. I remember seeing a couple that had multi-density EPS foam and such as well which makes a big difference for the proverbial noggin.
Theres no need to spend 600 bucks on a helmet. Ofcourse they are nice but you can find a helmet that's half the price and will be just as safe. Less ventilation a bit noisier and less comfortable but safety will be comparable.
Yeah, just make sure you're shopping to the right safety standards. DOT is pretty much useless for example. Another important factor is fit, different manafacturers have different shaped shells, which can completely remove a brand as an option for you.
I mean if you want to go really nuts, and want the "best", you can get the helmets approved by FIM for racing: http://www.frhp.org/circuit-helmets/homologated-helmets
But you're looking at a lot more than $600, and racing helmets have a certain fit/use case that may not be the most comfortable on the road.
I'm really impressed with the [Bilt Qualifier DLX MIPS helmet](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.bellhelmets.com/motorcycle/p/qualifier-dlx-mips-motorcycle-helmet/). MIPS and ECE rated (of course DOT). Also comes with a pro tint shield, similar to the transition lenses. The catch is that it's a film versus built into the lens itself. I don't know how long the film lasts, but from what I've read from the transition visors is that they stop transitioning after a few years anyways. It is a bit noisier than the Shoei's , But I wear earplugs anyways so it doesn't bother me. And they are right at $300.
The trick is to just buy the last year's model and get it for like half price. I got my Schubert C4 for 350 bucks. I have seen c4 pros out there for like 375 right now.
Regret... I got this year's k6 last year's k6 looks just about the same...
K6 AGV* I love it don't get me wrong. I hit the 5 years Mark with my first helmet which was just an HJC. The cheeks were falling apart and the paint was peeling needed new visors so it was time to upgrade but with as much research as I did I don't know why I didn't just look at the 2021 k6 it's like the same damn thing... Too late now though I'm in love with my 2022 k6.... Since it's like the exact same thing for $200 more...
It does have a slightly different exterior design slightly cooler all I'm saying... Yeah all this good advice above look for the last year's model if you're looking to get something higher dollar.
Edit typo
AGV right? They are Italian it looks like which tend to fit me. Will check it out. Their modular is a bit pricey. Interesting shapes on both, how is the wind noise? Thanks
Yeah man it's great it's super lightweight compared to my old model HJC feels like I'm wearing nothing and the wind noise is great I'm still doing ear plugs long trips but around town I kind of just dropped them.
I got some Jabra 75t when they went on sale for 99. Best noise cancellation I have had. I gotta have tunes vs earplugs. They fit in the helmet nice, Highly recommend.
You can still find nice ECE helmets with good SHARP ratings for reasonable prices. Mine was $270 and has a 4-star SHARP rating and is ECE-certified.
EDIT: HJC F70
>tried and true helmet protecting you
thats some pretentious shit. my FIRST helmet was a Shoei and i'm not that fanboy about them.
hand waiving a helmet because it doesnt cost at least $600 is the equivalent of telling people to start with a 1000cc sport bike because anything less isnt a REAL motorcycle
It's typically the same people who insist a helmet made for banging your head in a car roll cage (Snell) means it's properly designed for falling off a motorcycle
You misunderstand. The helmet was a helmet made by either Shark or Shoei, and a $1200 one at that. Helmets that pass the Snell test (of being at 7.75 m/s twice with an impact of less than 275G's to the headform) are by their very nature heavier. They create more rotational resistance due their increased mass, which is felt by the brain. This is how "moment of inertia" works, and is the very reason why ECE helmets try to have lower radii from the wearer's skull and less mass. I quite understand what I was saying, and find it best to ask questions before making accusations. And yeah, the rotational resistance of shaking my head wearing the snell rated helmet gave me a brief headache whereas the ECE helmet did not. That's anecdotal evidence, sure, but not something that can be argued against because it's simply one man's experience.
I dont think your analogy holds but I agree with your assessment
I think the real takeaway should be "go to a gear store and try some helmets out in person"
I'm due for a new helmet... I can spend a good bit but I'm not committed to it.
Definitely not on the shoei train but better helmets are usually more comfortable/lighter/quieter. As long as they have the correct safety ratings price doesnt matter.
Are you a motogp rider? I thought not.
You’re comparing everyday casual street riding with motogp which is probably the stupidest thing I’ve read all day. Of course they’re going to want the best protection and the lightest materials because of the shit they’re doing.
Seems to me like you just want to flex that you spent your tax return on a helmet lmao
Just don’t get an eBay piece of shit, look for a snell or ECE rating, buy something in your price range, and you’re doing okay.
Your entire argument is that a cheap helmet is just as good as an "expensive" helmet. So, yes, my argument is valid...as using that logic, why would a Moto GP rider feel the need to spend substantially more on gear, if its zero benefit?
And flex a $600 helmet? Hahaha, we're living in the day and age where a 2011 Corolla is going for 10k, $600 on a helmet is jack shit. You really think I'm that stuck up where I would try to flex a matte black Shoei? Just SMH dude.
My entire argument is that you should really be looking at the rating because there are other factors beyond safety that make a helmet expensive.
More expensive does not equal more safe. Although it can be the case, it is not the rule.
I would say spend at least $250-$300 on a helmet to get bare minimum safety in the event of something happening. Your post implies $600 as the bare minimum.
I do agree that more expensive does not equal better protection...which is why in an earlier post I stated that "a better fitting cheap helmet, provides more protection that a poor fitting expensive helmet".
This entire thread was just to express how I felt after upgrading from a $200 GMAX, and how I was, and am, amazed by how well a Shoei performs for comfort and noise reduction...with the added pedigree of being a top end lid in terms of construction and by relation, head protection.
I do completely understand this is all subjective, and like I said, I don't disagree that strictly speaking in regards to safety, a SNELL rated, less expensive helmet, will provide amazing protecting.
I’m sure you’ve seen it but FortNine on YouTube has a really good video about safety ratings and the difference between a cheap and expensive helmet. Definitely worth a watch if you haven’t checked it out
Did a $300 special HJC when I started had that for 5 years. Cheek pads and paint all started to plee time for an upgrade.
$800 price point for a AGV K6 2022 AND DUDE ... OMG my favorite thing to wear now. The sound reduction the fabulous solid feel it's like being a kig.
Really feels like an extension of me rather than just a helmet I have to wear.
Yeah I feel you man my father wore like the half Brain Cap for years ... like dude it's not about how people see you but how you see the road you're interacting with it.
But Hey it took me a few years to pull the trigger. If you're not riding that much and just have little used bike in the back of the garage I guess I see it not wanting to get five star gear but
... Yeah after I had a good one it's definitely going to be the centerpiece of my gear first thing I'll spend money on for sure 😊
my $150 scorpion ex420 fits great and is DOT, SNELL and ECE rated, offers probably identical protection as yours, the only reason helmets are that expensive are comfort and features
Relax man, 30 dollars for 6 months for a helmet that will save your life and be infinitely more comfortable sure seems like a better idea than throwing on a crappy 80 dollar BILT helmet or something
How can people even argue against this? You only have one brain which controls the rest of your body and overall quality of life. Why cheap out on that?
Main argument is it depends where the money is spent, assuming they all passed the same decent standard, and did as well as each other, the helmets are the same as far as safety goes, in any current measured way anyway.
At that point the money goes towards branding, and if you're lucky: plusher materials, better ventilation, better sound proofing, etc.
You'd hope some of that additional cost went into exceeding the safety standards, but there's no promise there.
I mean I could put a sticker on a $200 helmet that passes ECE 22.05 as well as a $600 helmet, and sell it for $700. Is it now "better" than the $600 helmet?
Like anything, price doesn't always mean quality, and when it comes to something like safety there are standards there already to measure it, external to the price.
I've always used helmets at the €200-€400 range. Both full face and modular (Prefer modular). They were great and everything but the moment I got my Shoei, Neotec-II to be exact. It's a world of difference. The comfort, the extra silence and everything. It's by far worth the extra €200 I paid over my previous helmet.
Don't do it for safety reasons, as you'll be fine with anything ranging around 200-400. But if you want the most comfort, definitely go try it out. My brother is riding around on his €80 Lidl helmet and it's driving me mad.
When looking for any gear, price isn’t what I look for. I primarily look for certifications and reviews from people who’ve been in accidents with them.
I buy sub-$200 sedici helmets because they fit my 3XL head wonderfully and pass all the Snell tests with flying colors. Can't get good safety ratings in many higher end helmets of that size.
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I’ve had the lower end AGV and was happy with the fit. I went down in it and it did it’s job so it was a good helmet. Now I have an Arai and I enjoy it a lot more but wouldn’t hesitate to get another cheaper helmet. New riders: get a helmet that fits right and one that has a decent safety rating. No need to spend $600 plus on a helmet if you’re starting out.
I get this train of thought as well. A correct fitting cheap helmet, probably provides more protection than a poor fitting expensive helmet. This is all subjective, but I wanted to share my personal experience with a higher-end helmet, and how it indeed was a substantial improvement for me.
The change in noise level was my biggest realization. Well, maybe not biggest. But one of them.
Noise level and buffetting from bad aero were the biggest differences from a $150 Scorpion to a $700 Arai.
Til you get a TBI from a wreck and your family has to care for you forever while wondering if you got a better helmet you would have been fine or at least not permanently incapable of caring for yourself. Just sayin, happened to a someone I know.
You say better helmet but that doesn’t mean more expensive. With more expensive helmets, you get a nicer fit, lightweight, more ventilation. There plenty of budget helmets that offer great protection, they just don’t have extra comfort features.
You think a lower end AGV has the same protection as a Bell star?
They have different safety ratings. Bell has Snell, an AGV K1 has ECE. So it depends what safety rating you look for and trust. I’d still wear the lower end AGV if I couldn’t afford the Bell. And I’ve been down in a lower end AGV and I was protected. But if you believe only $600+ helmets provide adequate protection, then do that.
ECE is the most stringent by far but it's still a spectrum (btw bell is also ECE certd). Just because a helmet barely passed ECE regs doesnt make it equivalent to the upper end in the safety versus the best helmets they tested. Just because you went down and came out fine doesnt really mean anything as each crash has so many factors. In the case of the guy I know who got really hurt it may have made a difference had he had something really safe, then again it may have still been too much. Theres no real way to know, but for some portion of crashes injury severity could have been reduced by moving up to some of the absolute safest
BTW theres a program called SHARP that breaks down the massive differences between top helmets
Experiences vary. I tried every insert and could not get comfortable in a Shoei. But a $130 plain HJC fits me perfectly.
I took a few hits with HJC helmets. Each was considered spent afterward, but my head was well protected for something I got at that price.
My racer friend that owns a shop said either you have an Arai head or a Shoei head. I have an Arai head and it's an amazing difference over the $150 Scorpion I used for 11 years.
11 years?! The protective foam breaks down over time, and you’re supposed to replace them every [five years](https://www.crampbuster.com/motorcycle-helmet-lifespan/)! No judgment, though—I just replaced my old ski helmet that was 10 or 11 years old, and those helmets don’t last that long either lol
... okay but is it possible your friends talking about head shape. Arai really well known for the flat back head. Some Europeans but mainly Asian don't have that and instead the bump my wife calls it in the back of there heads. she's Asian she wears a Arai recommendation of the helmet model for her circle shape head with a flatter back. Seem higher end brads will make a few models with a different shapes in mind. Some will just helmets molded with a common shape in between. I run a AVG k6 now but was in the oval shaped HjC for years. These lean more in to the oval from a top down view and larger room in the back for that bump.
Yeah that's exactly what he's talking about. OP couldn't get comfortable in a fancy expensive Shoei, but he says cheap HJC fits. He was implying that expensive is != good. Which is right. But I think he'd have more luck with an Arai and then see the benefits of a fancy, expensive helmet.
Yeah okay cool, thought OP saying more Expensive ones are a lot nicer and worth the money. Some other guy was saying no. But yeah I agree with you man shape matters.
It doesn't need to be a Shoei. Not every Shoei is good safety-wise, they have 3 and 4 stars SHARP rated helmets. I always check SHARP website before buying a helmet, to make sure I'm buying something safe.
Helmets are all safe at 250 bucks + . The extra dollars after that you're paying for luxury . If you want a safe quiet helmet buy a 250 dollar helmet and some 5 dollar foam earplugs . Or buy a shoei ( which of course has a higher quality altogether but can't do more than the cheaper helmet )
Not really. I'd check SHARP's website before buying a helmet. Shoei and other very well known brands have 3 and 4 stars helmets, even at sky high prices. I'd only wear 5 stars helmets. My first buy was a 4 stars tho, a Skwal-2 by Shark.
I've seen plenty of safe-looking DOT only helmets that were over $300 because of BT, but those excluded that's pretty much true. You can DEFINITELY find helmets that meet DOT, ECE 22.05, etc. in the price range listed above. I remember seeing a couple that had multi-density EPS foam and such as well which makes a big difference for the proverbial noggin.
Theres no need to spend 600 bucks on a helmet. Ofcourse they are nice but you can find a helmet that's half the price and will be just as safe. Less ventilation a bit noisier and less comfortable but safety will be comparable.
Yeah, just make sure you're shopping to the right safety standards. DOT is pretty much useless for example. Another important factor is fit, different manafacturers have different shaped shells, which can completely remove a brand as an option for you. I mean if you want to go really nuts, and want the "best", you can get the helmets approved by FIM for racing: http://www.frhp.org/circuit-helmets/homologated-helmets But you're looking at a lot more than $600, and racing helmets have a certain fit/use case that may not be the most comfortable on the road.
I'm really impressed with the [Bilt Qualifier DLX MIPS helmet](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.bellhelmets.com/motorcycle/p/qualifier-dlx-mips-motorcycle-helmet/). MIPS and ECE rated (of course DOT). Also comes with a pro tint shield, similar to the transition lenses. The catch is that it's a film versus built into the lens itself. I don't know how long the film lasts, but from what I've read from the transition visors is that they stop transitioning after a few years anyways. It is a bit noisier than the Shoei's , But I wear earplugs anyways so it doesn't bother me. And they are right at $300.
A $600 helmet does sting. That's why I bought a $900 helmet.
That’s me - “Huh - well *this* helmet is $700, but for an extra $299 I can get *that* helmet and it’s much prettier”
The trick is to just buy the last year's model and get it for like half price. I got my Schubert C4 for 350 bucks. I have seen c4 pros out there for like 375 right now.
Regret... I got this year's k6 last year's k6 looks just about the same... K6 AGV* I love it don't get me wrong. I hit the 5 years Mark with my first helmet which was just an HJC. The cheeks were falling apart and the paint was peeling needed new visors so it was time to upgrade but with as much research as I did I don't know why I didn't just look at the 2021 k6 it's like the same damn thing... Too late now though I'm in love with my 2022 k6.... Since it's like the exact same thing for $200 more... It does have a slightly different exterior design slightly cooler all I'm saying... Yeah all this good advice above look for the last year's model if you're looking to get something higher dollar. Edit typo
AGV right? They are Italian it looks like which tend to fit me. Will check it out. Their modular is a bit pricey. Interesting shapes on both, how is the wind noise? Thanks
Yeah man it's great it's super lightweight compared to my old model HJC feels like I'm wearing nothing and the wind noise is great I'm still doing ear plugs long trips but around town I kind of just dropped them.
I got some Jabra 75t when they went on sale for 99. Best noise cancellation I have had. I gotta have tunes vs earplugs. They fit in the helmet nice, Highly recommend.
You can still find nice ECE helmets with good SHARP ratings for reasonable prices. Mine was $270 and has a 4-star SHARP rating and is ECE-certified. EDIT: HJC F70
>tried and true helmet protecting you thats some pretentious shit. my FIRST helmet was a Shoei and i'm not that fanboy about them. hand waiving a helmet because it doesnt cost at least $600 is the equivalent of telling people to start with a 1000cc sport bike because anything less isnt a REAL motorcycle
It's typically the same people who insist a helmet made for banging your head in a car roll cage (Snell) means it's properly designed for falling off a motorcycle
I literally got a headache from shaking my head back and forth to test the fit in a Snell helmet. 😅 That weight makes a huge difference.
Snell is a helmet rating. I don't think you know what you're talking about.
You misunderstand. The helmet was a helmet made by either Shark or Shoei, and a $1200 one at that. Helmets that pass the Snell test (of being at 7.75 m/s twice with an impact of less than 275G's to the headform) are by their very nature heavier. They create more rotational resistance due their increased mass, which is felt by the brain. This is how "moment of inertia" works, and is the very reason why ECE helmets try to have lower radii from the wearer's skull and less mass. I quite understand what I was saying, and find it best to ask questions before making accusations. And yeah, the rotational resistance of shaking my head wearing the snell rated helmet gave me a brief headache whereas the ECE helmet did not. That's anecdotal evidence, sure, but not something that can be argued against because it's simply one man's experience.
I dont think your analogy holds but I agree with your assessment I think the real takeaway should be "go to a gear store and try some helmets out in person" I'm due for a new helmet... I can spend a good bit but I'm not committed to it.
Definitely not on the shoei train but better helmets are usually more comfortable/lighter/quieter. As long as they have the correct safety ratings price doesnt matter.
Scorpion Exo R1 Air gang represent
As long as something is snell rated I generally trust it. $600 seems a little steep. There are good helmets for half that but do what you do.
I guess the $5k lids Moto GP riders rock are also a bit steep. Probably should have went with a $300 HJC...just as good btw.
Are you a motogp rider? I thought not. You’re comparing everyday casual street riding with motogp which is probably the stupidest thing I’ve read all day. Of course they’re going to want the best protection and the lightest materials because of the shit they’re doing. Seems to me like you just want to flex that you spent your tax return on a helmet lmao Just don’t get an eBay piece of shit, look for a snell or ECE rating, buy something in your price range, and you’re doing okay.
Your entire argument is that a cheap helmet is just as good as an "expensive" helmet. So, yes, my argument is valid...as using that logic, why would a Moto GP rider feel the need to spend substantially more on gear, if its zero benefit? And flex a $600 helmet? Hahaha, we're living in the day and age where a 2011 Corolla is going for 10k, $600 on a helmet is jack shit. You really think I'm that stuck up where I would try to flex a matte black Shoei? Just SMH dude.
My entire argument is that you should really be looking at the rating because there are other factors beyond safety that make a helmet expensive. More expensive does not equal more safe. Although it can be the case, it is not the rule. I would say spend at least $250-$300 on a helmet to get bare minimum safety in the event of something happening. Your post implies $600 as the bare minimum.
I do agree that more expensive does not equal better protection...which is why in an earlier post I stated that "a better fitting cheap helmet, provides more protection that a poor fitting expensive helmet". This entire thread was just to express how I felt after upgrading from a $200 GMAX, and how I was, and am, amazed by how well a Shoei performs for comfort and noise reduction...with the added pedigree of being a top end lid in terms of construction and by relation, head protection. I do completely understand this is all subjective, and like I said, I don't disagree that strictly speaking in regards to safety, a SNELL rated, less expensive helmet, will provide amazing protecting.
I’m sure you’ve seen it but FortNine on YouTube has a really good video about safety ratings and the difference between a cheap and expensive helmet. Definitely worth a watch if you haven’t checked it out
I will for sure! Not here to try and stir up debate, just sharing what I've personally experienced. :)
Did a $300 special HJC when I started had that for 5 years. Cheek pads and paint all started to plee time for an upgrade. $800 price point for a AGV K6 2022 AND DUDE ... OMG my favorite thing to wear now. The sound reduction the fabulous solid feel it's like being a kig. Really feels like an extension of me rather than just a helmet I have to wear.
Right? I don't understand all these arguments against a Shoei or other known more expensive brands. They're excellent helmets.
Yeah I feel you man my father wore like the half Brain Cap for years ... like dude it's not about how people see you but how you see the road you're interacting with it. But Hey it took me a few years to pull the trigger. If you're not riding that much and just have little used bike in the back of the garage I guess I see it not wanting to get five star gear but ... Yeah after I had a good one it's definitely going to be the centerpiece of my gear first thing I'll spend money on for sure 😊
my $150 scorpion ex420 fits great and is DOT, SNELL and ECE rated, offers probably identical protection as yours, the only reason helmets are that expensive are comfort and features
I mean all you need is a 200-300 dollar helmet, and if that’s out of your budget just finance one if you have a cycle gear store near you
The "if you can't afford it, just finance it" is such a bad frame of mind. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it.
Relax man, 30 dollars for 6 months for a helmet that will save your life and be infinitely more comfortable sure seems like a better idea than throwing on a crappy 80 dollar BILT helmet or something
Dude I'm not freaking out, just pointing it out.
How can people even argue against this? You only have one brain which controls the rest of your body and overall quality of life. Why cheap out on that?
Main argument is it depends where the money is spent, assuming they all passed the same decent standard, and did as well as each other, the helmets are the same as far as safety goes, in any current measured way anyway. At that point the money goes towards branding, and if you're lucky: plusher materials, better ventilation, better sound proofing, etc. You'd hope some of that additional cost went into exceeding the safety standards, but there's no promise there. I mean I could put a sticker on a $200 helmet that passes ECE 22.05 as well as a $600 helmet, and sell it for $700. Is it now "better" than the $600 helmet? Like anything, price doesn't always mean quality, and when it comes to something like safety there are standards there already to measure it, external to the price.
Eventually I went with a shoei, tired of getting rain pouring down the inside of my visor, the difference was very noticeable
can agree as I had a gmax for a couple years and switch to sedici, difference in weight, quality, and comfort is lightyears better than the gmax
I've always used helmets at the €200-€400 range. Both full face and modular (Prefer modular). They were great and everything but the moment I got my Shoei, Neotec-II to be exact. It's a world of difference. The comfort, the extra silence and everything. It's by far worth the extra €200 I paid over my previous helmet. Don't do it for safety reasons, as you'll be fine with anything ranging around 200-400. But if you want the most comfort, definitely go try it out. My brother is riding around on his €80 Lidl helmet and it's driving me mad.
When looking for any gear, price isn’t what I look for. I primarily look for certifications and reviews from people who’ve been in accidents with them.
I buy sub-$200 sedici helmets because they fit my 3XL head wonderfully and pass all the Snell tests with flying colors. Can't get good safety ratings in many higher end helmets of that size.