Helmets

[Sunnyside_up!]

Guys, does anyone know about AGV helmets sold with an ISI mark?? That's right...Hemant Chheda from AH Helmets, Mumbai (auth dealer for SOL) tells me that the AGV at his store at 12.5> are the Italian imports while the ones <10k which may arrive in 1 mnth are Indian ones with an ISI mark He said they are not MPA but are branded 'AGV'
That sounds very dubious and I'm wonderin if anyone's seen or know about those Indian AGVs...

The cheapest AGV's that I know of are about 10k abroad. Considering that AGV doesn't have an official retail presence in India ( unless I'm mistaken ), an imported unit if genuine should cost about 13k minimum - I talking abt the plain colours of the entry level K3. So if you're getting "imported" for less than this ask many questions!

I have seen however the original MPA-AGV's being relaunched now as just AGV, made in India but frankly not very impressive. They seem a slightly rehashed version of the older MPA models. Here is a link - AGV Helmets for India | throttlers.net

Interestingly, AGV, which is now owned by Dainese, bought out an Indian company in Gujarat, Sabre Helmets to manufacture AGV helmets for export to other countries. Sabre Helmets have ISI certification, so I'm assuming that the helmets above are the ones the dealer is talking about. Here's a link for the list of ISI manufacturers - http://nicdc.nic.in/CMMS/InternetRep...stt=&strBrand=

The twist in the tale is that this factory seems essentially geared for the export market and some of the helmets manufactured here are certified even for the Australian market and it seems that AGV is using cheap Indian labour to produce some of their helmets right here in India! How's that for a kick in the pants to the Chinese?

[B7ACKTHORN]

Interestingly, AGV, which is now owned by Dainese, bought out an Indian company in Gujarat, Sabre Helmets to manufacture AGV helmets for export to other countries. Sabre Helmets have ISI certification, so I'm assuming that the helmets above are the ones the dealer is talking about. Here's a link for the list of ISI manufacturers - http://nicdc.nic.in/CMMS/InternetRep...stt=&strBrand=

....the twist in the tale is that this factory seems essentially geared for the export market and some of the helmets manufactured here are certified even for the Australian market and it seems that AGV is using cheap Indian labour to produce some of their helmets right here in India! How's that for a kick in the pants to the Chinese?

I read about it a while back, regarding AGVs venture as its own in India, but had no clue as to where they manufacture or which local company did they tie up with to, thanks for that sir.

Also, I am sure we Indians would do a better job than Chinese guys when it comes to exporting by manufacturing it locally. IMHO

Cheers!
VJ

[vineetg84]

the CROSS helmet i have recently purchased a few days ago has a minor quality issue. the liner or padding has a velvet like feel on both sides- left & right bottom and this velvet like thing is peeling off, at the point exactly where it touches the helmet edge and if i rub it, it peels faster like a powder. please see pics.







i went to the showroom -"champion sports" and informed them. they said that they will replace the liner/padding and then they took the padding from another helmet of same model and installed it. to check i rubbed it with finger it peeled off instantly. he then checked all 4-5 pieces he had in same model, but all peeled off they said they called the distributor and distributor confirmed the problem in this particular model. he then said that you can take any other helmet by paying the difference amount. but i didn't like the other designs as much so i said you order a fresh padding and give me by sunday.

i told them may be your helmets are lying unsold for long time that why this is happening, but he said -NO this is not old stock.

although it is in no way hampering the normal working of helmet or protection it is offering but peace of mind is gone.

really sad that a new helmet is giving you such a problem,so what was the final word with the champions sports owner?

[vikaroura]

ok, i was overcharged, we will discuss that later.

first tell me how to check, whether it is original or duplicate?

and how to prove to the shop that it is duplicate?

and how do you know that "champion sports" sells duplicate helmets of cross and ls2.



i know it hurts our ego, but i don't have time now to look for another helmet. if the helmet is genuine, i will live with that liner padding cloth.

anyway to check.

overcharged? i dont think so,if you read earlier posts on the same model,there are people who have paid 3200rs for the same helmet,you can join the cross facebook community and get your query posted there.

there will always be a difference in pricing at different retail outlets,you enter a nike showroom ,the pricing will be fixed whether 2000rs or 5000rs,same if u enter a shoe shop in a city area,he will offer 40 % off on nike,it depends upon individual to individual,not all will go to the city area to buy,

regarding duplicate products i dont think its feasible for any indian company to make such a product in such a less price,you take our indian helmets for example,a studds rhyno model which is so ordinary,retails for 1700 bucks,how can a duplicate product be produced that too with all graphics colors etc etc at a cheaper price

[vikaroura]

where can i buy a sol helmet in pune?are there any sol dealers in pune?my brother has shifted there for his education and he told me to buy it for him from mumbai,i will have to travel to pune just to deliver his helmet plus if the size doesnt fit he doesnt like the model,i dont think the store will take it back

[catchdoon]

You got it wrong. When buying a helmet, it's always adviseable to buy the helmet in person, and not over the wire. Since I made that mistake and paid a price for that. So from that day on, never recommend online helmet buying.

By warranty what I meant is, check for manufacturing defect, ie loose pad holders, loose or broken fins, broken open/close mechanisms, broken visor springs, scratched visor, etc etc. As you buy from online, it's easy for people to loot people saying it's a good piece and blame on teh transporter for any mishap. I've experienced it.

Regarding sources, ask them from where did they source the helmet from, is it China or elsewhere. Because even both good and fakes are made in China, just to make sure the seller knows something and that we don't make a fool of ourselves buying fake. You can see his reaction and then judge, pretty elementary, if you ask me.

Genuine parties give some sort of warranty on whatever they sell. Now it doesn't mean those who doesn't offer guarantee is selling fake gears, but then at least he is able to return it free of cost and replace if there is any defects.

Always take your time to check the helmet, fit, finish and go for it only when you're satisfied, else just don't go for it, even if the seller insists. It's hard-earned money, you don't wanna give it to someone for free, literally.

Now, what you meant regarding accidental damage is your fault, you can't blame the distributor for that. Either if the helmet is fake or genuine, if you've damaged it thru crash or whatsoever, it's your fault. So that doesn't come into the equation.

Hope it clears some doubts.

Cheers!
VJ

True that. As you had suggested, I have mailed across that website for queries. Hope to get some response. Will share the same here.


Also would like you people to know that the guy running http://www.bikegears.in is the same guy with the username "eastwins" (http://myworld.ebay.in/eastwins/?_trksid=p4340.l2559). So any of you have the prior experience of purchasing through him earlier?

[ABikerAtHeart]

Name of the latest ls2?

Need a new ls2. Details on the latest model launch,anyone?

10characters

[Sunnyside_up!]

Also, I am sure we Indians would do a better job than Chinese guys when it comes to exporting by manufacturing it locally. IMHO

Cheers!
VJ

I'm not sure about that - I've not seen any Indian product come close in quality of finish to the helmets made by the Chinese. I'm not saying all Chinese helmets are great but the ones you get here, like Cross and LS2 are far better finished than our desi brands. I'm sure our Indian brands are capable of good construction quality - the Studds Scorpion that I saw recently was one very well made helmet but still lags behind the cheaper Chinese imports in terms of finish.

For some reason, we just don't seem to have got our act together. Even the best of Vega and Studds made in India leave some finishing to be desired. The quality of the finish, attention to detail, etc., are lacking. I hope that the export oriented units that produce helmets for export will be doing a better job.

What is sad is that established Indian companies that have the financial muscle and capacity to produce quality gear if they wanted to still continue to churn out shabby helmets (compared to the imports) since the bulk of the market is not bothered. 90% of the market simply want something cheap to put on their heads to avoid the cops - safety and quality gear is the furthest thing from their mind.

[B7ACKTHORN]

I'm not sure about that - I've not seen any Indian product come close in quality of finish to the helmets made by the Chinese. I'm not saying all Chinese helmets are great but the ones you get here, like Cross and LS2 are far better finished than our desi brands. I'm sure our Indian brands are capable of good construction quality - the Studds Scorpion that I saw recently was one very well made helmet but still lags behind the cheaper Chinese imports in terms of finish.

For some reason, we just don't seem to have got our act together. Even the best of Vega and Studds made in India leave some finishing to be desired. The quality of the finish, attention to detail, etc., are lacking. I hope that the export oriented units that produce helmets for export will be doing a better job.

What is sad is that established Indian companies that have the financial muscle and capacity to produce quality gear if they wanted to still continue to churn out shabby helmets (compared to the imports) since the bulk of the market is not bothered. 90% of the market simply want something cheap to put on their heads to avoid the cops - safety and quality gear is the furthest thing from their mind.

Second you on that one, sir. That being said, it's the very reason what our consumers want, which is cheap, so the manufacturing houses, don't have a choice except to churn out shabby helmets. If the demand and regulations are what we have overseas were to be implemented here, then that story would definitely change. Fingers crossed.

Cheers!
VJ

[Samarth2536]

Anyone who has visited China will be laugh at the blind patriotism/ bias towards Indian manufacturers. Their factories run into kilometres corner to corner. They can leverage economics of scale much better than Indian manufacturers .Though we can compete at quality levels but not at pricing.

In other words, China produces high quality products at very low cost. India also can/ does produce very high quality products but to compete with the Chinese at the pricing front is different ball game.

[Sunnyside_up!]

Anyone who has visited China will be laugh at the blind patriotism/ bias towards Indian manufacturers. Their factories run into kilometres corner to corner. They can leverage economics of scale much better than Indian manufacturers .Though we can compete at quality levels but not at pricing.

In other words, China produces high quality products at very low cost. India also can/ does produce very high quality products but to compete with the Chinese at the pricing front is different ball game.

You're absolutely right. My job requires me to visit factories in China many times a year and I've also had the opportunity to visit a few helmet factories.

The primary difference is their attitude towards business. They produce with the global stage in mind and sell the surplus locally - we cannot get our mind beyond the local market.

[DeVille]

@vineetg84-
^That's a stunning display of helmets! Nice decor too....

[DeVille]

The cheapest AGV's that I know of are about 10k abroad. Considering that AGV doesn't have an official retail presence in India ( unless I'm mistaken ), an imported unit if genuine should cost about 13k minimum - I talking abt the plain colours of the entry level K3. So if you're getting "imported" for less than this ask many questions!

I have seen however the original MPA-AGV's being relaunched now as just AGV, made in India but frankly not very impressive. They seem a slightly rehashed version of the older MPA models. Here is a link - AGV Helmets for India | throttlers.net

Interestingly, AGV, which is now owned by Dainese, bought out an Indian company in Gujarat, Sabre Helmets to manufacture AGV helmets for export to other countries. Sabre Helmets have ISI certification, so I'm assuming that the helmets above are the ones the dealer is talking about. Here's a link for the list of ISI manufacturers - http://nicdc.nic.in/CMMS/InternetRep...stt=&strBrand=

The twist in the tale is that this factory seems essentially geared for the export market and some of the helmets manufactured here are certified even for the Australian market and it seems that AGV is using cheap Indian labour to produce some of their helmets right here in India! How's that for a kick in the pants to the Chinese?

Phew!....finally got a reply to that query after posting and re-posting! Thanks for the advice and those links.

I'm sure he's referring to the MPA relaunched as AGV, and that's a dampener.....think I'm gonna stay away from these desi-AGVs

However on the AGV Helmets for India | throttlers.net page, I noticed that few of those, especially the VR ones in 1st and 5th pics are the AGVs I saw a mnth back at S.M. Studio, Mulund, M'bai a month when I was thr checking out SOL lids. He quoted about 12-14k and said they were imports
Gotta admiit that d 2nd one with the full-fledged Rossi livery looks fabulous...

P.S. Check the name of Entry #100 in that list of ISI manufacturers

[vineetg84]

@vineetg84-
^That's a stunning display of helmets! Nice decor too....

thank you brother,do visit the store when in Pune

[ASSASSIN07]

thank you brother,do visit the store when in Pune

Can you share the contact details of the shop? Or PM me?