A sign I'm getting older as a rider? Helmet dilemma

N

NoTraffic

Well-known member
In riding for a decade, I used to want everything associated with riding to be on the premium side in terms of gear. Now it's time for me to get another replacement daily helmet and I'm not really lusting over a premium helmet even though I have the funds. Instead, I'm looking at entry level helmets because I know it's only a matter of time before I have to replace it again in 3-4 yrs.

The veteran rider in me says, "get the premium helmet because you know you'll be using it almost daily for commuting and having quality build/parts goes a long way when using it everyday". The older side of me says, eh - in 3 yrs time it will be easier to economically replace a budget helmet and getting your normal everyday scratches will eliminate any sense of anxiety or stress when doing everyday errands.

Is this the sign of being wiser, older or a little bit of both? Which road do you take? :ride

Premium helmet= $800+
Budget helmet = $400
 
dravnx

dravnx

Well-known member
Why do you have to replace the helmet in 3 years?
I have a 3 year old Shoei GT Air that I recently replaced the liners, visor and pin lock. It feels, looks and smells like a new helmet.
 
budman

budman

General Menace
Staff member
I go 5 years minimum on my helmet.

A little birdy with Bell told me 7 is fine on a premium helmet.
I am right at 5 now and will let it go a bit longer. Always stored indoors with no real everyday heat cycles so to speak not that I know that affect it though :p

I always go premium for safety, fit, noise etc.
 
N

NoTraffic

Well-known member
dravnx said:
Why do you have to replace the helmet in 3 years?
I have a 3 year old Shoei GT Air that I recently replaced the liners, visor and pin lock. It feels, looks and smells like a new helmet.
Click to expand...

I use my helmets a lot, a lot of on/off instances running errands, etc. In a given pre-covid day, I would estimate taking my RF-1200 on/off about 4-5 times in a given day (cafe, groceries, work, lunch, dinner, etc). All that adds up to a lot of stress on the liners.

I've replaced my Shoei liners twice so far. Other parts that can't be replaced are starting to deteriorate (chin bar, shield detents). I do multi-day all-day trips, ride all-weather - eventually it adds up.
 
kiwi_outdoors

kiwi_outdoors

Well-known member
wore my helmet for 10 years

wore my helmet for 10 years

no problem

included on get-off at T-hill and one drop on the street.
 
D

davidji

bike curious
NoTraffic said:
Is this the sign of being wiser, older or a little bit of both? Which road do you take? :ride

Premium helmet= $800+
Budget helmet = $400
Click to expand...
I buy what fits, or close to fitting. But I also want a photochromic faceshield. I'm lucky if I have anything to buy at that point let alone weigh costs.
 
WWWobble

WWWobble

This way...That way...
How about a premium at just a touch more than budget price? If you have time, wait for sales to occur.

Motorcyclegear.com has Shoei RF1200 solid colors at $499 right now. So you can get a premium replacement for almost a budget price.

I ordered an Arai Signet X solid color from them last June for $499 when they were running a sale. No issues re delivery or pricing.
 
bikeama

bikeama

Super Moderator
Staff member
I have gone premium for many years. Only did one street test of a helmet in 1999. Kissed the helmet and tossed it away. Normally I start looking at 4 or 5 years for a new helmet. I like Shoei and have used them for years. Spring of 2019 Cycle Specialties had an open house and had a 50% off or more table. Paid $300 for Quantum X Arai. and sold my 3-year-old Shoei RF 1200 for a bill. But as was said find one that fits, maybe the most important thing in buying a helmet.
 
cal scott

cal scott

Wookie
NoTraffic said:
Premium helmet= $800+
Budget helmet = $400
Click to expand...

Your price cut-offs don't seem to be representative of the market. If you look on Revzilla, there are only 6 helmets that are priced over $800 out of 90 models. Additionally, helmets in the $400 range are bang in the middle of the price range so I wouldn't classify them as budget - there is a ton of helmets even below the $250 mark.

Once you would think about the helmets in three categories: budget (<$300), value($300-$600), premium ($600+), the idea that your getting a great helmet at the $400 price point likely feels more acceptable. The reason to go premium would be to get features that are not found in the value helmets or to get that cachet brand.
 
Kornholio

Kornholio

:wave
Someone told me a long time ago to always ask yourself what you think your head is worth when choosing a helmet. For me, it's always been Shoei.
 
dravnx

dravnx

Well-known member
NoTraffic said:
I use my helmets a lot, a lot of on/off instances running errands, etc. In a given pre-covid day, I would estimate taking my RF-1200 on/off about 4-5 times in a given day (cafe, groceries, work, lunch, dinner, etc). All that adds up to a lot of stress on the liners.

I've replaced my Shoei liners twice so far. Other parts that can't be replaced are starting to deteriorate (chin bar, shield detents). I do multi-day all-day trips, ride all-weather - eventually it adds up.
Click to expand...

My helmet gets similar usage. I commute 4 days a week, ride every Sunday and have done 5X 3 day trips this year.
My Shoei is holding up just fine and I can foresee another couple of years on it unless I get bored or need some retail therapy.
 
Wolf

Wolf

Experienced, not Skilled
You consider $400 to be a "budget" helmet???

Fuuuu... Just picked up my 3rd HJC CL (guess it's an "i10" model now.. but essentially the same thing). $150.
 
kuksul08

kuksul08

Suh Dude
budman said:
I go 5 years minimum on my helmet.

A little birdy with Bell told me 7 is fine on a premium helmet.
I am right at 5 now and will let it go a bit longer. Always stored indoors with no real everyday heat cycles so to speak not that I know that affect it though :p

I always go premium for safety, fit, noise etc.
Click to expand...

It's actually longer than 7 too. Entirely dependent on how you treat it.

Helmets are designed to save your life in a major crash. It takes a lot of energy to properly compress the liner and shatter the shell. In low speed impacts there is minimal effect and in some cases depending on the helmet construction, it will rebound right back to where it started. Dropping the helmet without anything in there doesn't damage the liner either. As long as the shell is intact it's still fine to use, albeit a bit ugly and scratched up.

The main thing you get from paying a premium these days will be the addition of rotational energy devices such as MIPS. There is real evidence to show it reduces brain damage. That's something I'd look for in a new helmet, alongside the sound levels, comfort, and features such as auto-tinting face shield or internal sun visor. Sometimes you can get all these features without breaking the bank!
 
ZCrow

ZCrow

Well-known member
I thought the real rule for helmets was once it gets to stinking too bad even after cleaning. Your mileage will vary.:teeth

I bounce between mid and high depending on what available when the time comes. I never regret paying more for more comfort or better safety ratings.
 
Whammy

Whammy

Veteran of Road Racing
Whammy does the 5-7 years will never go budget always premium... How much is your head worth to you?
 
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