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Posted by: Cat500
I am looking for a good quality full faced motorcross style helmet for casual riding. I don't want to take out a loan at the bank to pay for it. I was wondering if anybody has any information on places that have the best deals and selection in helmets. I son't expect to get a helmet for $50, but I'm not paying over $200 for one either (which is the price tag on many of the finer helmets at my local dealers). Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by: Tree Farmer
PowerSports Mall, accessible from the ATV Connection website features helmet sellers, I think, along with the host of mail-order ATV accessory sources.
The major helmet manufacturers maintain websites with lots of useful data; unleash your search engine and you'll find plenty of interesting dope.
Finding a helmet that fits comfortably encourages visiting a "hands-on" local dealer. I've found relatively inexpensive, yet DOT and sometimes also the more rigorously-tested Snell qualified helmets at local dealerships, on sale from time to time.
Modern helmet designs typically appear unforgiving regarding fit; there's little tolerance between comfort and torture (unlike older helmets, with less crashworthy and more flexible suspensions). What you see (feel) is what you get; try-before-you-buy has its points, in contrast to "UPS roulette," the mail order game.
A suggestion: don't make the, "Well, it feels a little tight (loose) now, but it'll get better when it gets broken in" mistake: If it ain't right to start with, it NEVER gets any better! (A general rule: Few things, movies, music, TV shows, etc., ever "get better," if they start out lame.)
You're on the right track with a sensible attitude about wearing a helmet; your good judgment is your most important safety device. Any helmet is better than none; no responsible merchant will sell you less than a DOT certified cranium cover; wear it in good health!
Tree Farmer
Posted by:
Chapparal has probably the best selection when it comes to helmets. Order thier catalog and take a look at what they have to offer. Once you find one in the price range you like go to a local shop and try that helmet on. If you like it and it's cheaper at Chapparal, order it.
Just to give you a price example, I just got a Bell Moto 6 from them about 6 months ago for $180 (or there abouts) It's usually about a $300 helmet at most places.
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'96 Banshee, '86 250R 4TRX, 2 '83 185S
Posted by: Willie B
Cat500,
Look at my helmet that I just bought at www.gate.net/~ke4iaj
It is a Thor with removable insides for washing, comes with a helmet bag, and is DOT and SNELL approved. It goes for around $159 for colors. It is available from the new Dennis Kirk catalog. You may email me with more questions if you would like to.
ke4iaj@gate.net
Posted by: hot_shoe_cv
as has been suggested, you'd be wise not to buy any helmet by mail unless you had actually tried on the identical model at a dealer. Helmet sizes vary greatly by manufacturers and even within the same company's different models. The chief differences between a $500 Arai or Shoe, for example is mostly in the amenities built into them , such as removable foam inserts that can be washed, closer fitting cheek pieces, and the big difference is the carbon fiber construction for lightest posible weight. Aside from the discount dept store variety, most helmets are Snell approved, so the safety factor is the one common denominator in all of them. As a tip, when trying a helmet for size make certain that you have the strap engaged as you would wear it and shake your head vigoruosly side to side. If the helmet moves independantly of your head,or worse yet, doesn't move at all, the thing is too large!
And don't forget the goggles.. A happy quad rider is one who doesn't get bees or beetles in his eyes. :)
Cal, the Az hardpacker
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join the Blue Ribbon Coalition online at www.sharetrails.org
[This message has been edited by hot_shoe_cv (edited 07-22-1999).]
Posted by: PamFalcioni
I have everything from a $$$$ Shoei down to a Griffin for dual-sporting and snow riding. I can really tell the difference in comfort when I wear the Shoei -- but my husband just got an O'neal helmet. Nice graphics, relatively lightweight and it has the removeable liner (I'll NEVER buy another helmet without these!!). Cost was around $160 -- excellent bang for the buck.
