Helmets

[xpranav]

Re: Helmets

sorry but the average life span for even the branded helmets are at max 2-3 years that is if you don't crash. If crashed, they suggest for immediate replacement as even hairline crack in a helmet won't function properly.

I had read it to be 5 years here Guide: How to Choose a Good Helmet in India | Bike Chronicles of India . And yeah I must apologize to miss the crash/fall situation part.

[Cleaner]

Re: Helmets

Was LS2 FF350 discontinued? I can't see FF350 on the LS2 website, but there is a similar looking helmet, named FF351, maybe they changed the model name.

[Sunnyside_up!]

Re: Helmets

Was LS2 FF350 discontinued? I can't see FF350 on the LS2 website, but there is a similar looking helmet, named FF351, maybe they changed the model name.

That's what's being claimed. But I'm skeptical since the FF351 weighs 340 gms less and is much lighter and therefore has to be a different construction. How can they be the same model if they have different construction? I don't buy it.

----------------------


On a different note - (this may be a bit OT) - during my work week, I handle and come in contact with a LOT of different types of gear and helmets. Most of it is mundane and some downright crap - but every once in awhile, I get to work with and handle something special. These are a few of the special pieces of art I got to handle this week!


The Schuberth SR1 - probably the best made helmet I have seen till date and now at the top of my bucket list!

The Arai Corsair V - no doubts as to why this brand is so popular.

The Shark Speed R Sauer . I was surprised by the quality of this helmet.

The AGV K3 from the VR series. Popular because of VR but no match for the others - still worth a mention because of amazing graphics!

[bavlo]

Re: Helmets

Hey guys...

I have been looking for a duel sport helmet. SOL has one and if anyone here has used it then a review here will be of great help.... Also if there are better options please suggest...

Thanks
Love, light and peace.

Sent from my GT-S5830 using xBhp Connect mobile app

[prateek2210]

Re: Helmets

The Schuberth SR1 - probably the best made helmet I have seen till date and now at the top of my bucket list!

Alongwith SR1 , an AGV Pista GP for me would complete my wishes.

If wishes were horses

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Helmets

Hey guys...

I have been looking for a duel sport helmet. SOL has one and if anyone here has used it then a review here will be of great help.... Also if there are better options please suggest...

Thanks
Love, light and peace.

Sent from my GT-S5830 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Yes it has been used by a very senior member to his Ladakh ride, and he's been all praises about it. Unfortunately most people get it confused for the off-road helmets. Yes you may find other cost effective helmets at very less prices, but this one is purpose made and you can be rest assured.

Sunny, Schuberth, man. I can go on and on about that helmet. Just excellent stuff.

Cheers!
VJ

[senotrius]

Re: Helmets

I believe Schubert is among the most expensive brands out there
Some cost close to 1000usd rite.(without import tax)

[Sunnyside_up!]

Re: Helmets

Would love to learn something from you on this. Most of the laymen like me here know that the better and/or expensive helmets are primarily so because of the quality/material of the construction (especially of the shell). What are the small things that make such helmets above the rest? Or what the small things that we know add up to some real value in the product?

Eg. I have only used Airoh, and I know that the light weight is the plus point for it. Again as a layman, when I see this pictures you have put up, I can only visually understand the little things that are different. In the Schuberth, I love the air vent especially on the top. I can also see a finer cut in the visor and the area where it meets the shell when closed. Also, the chin area is styled differently than the usual smooth curve. In the Arai, though I know it's a top-end brand, used in moto-sports and loved by bikers here, but I cannot visually make out much. In the Shark, I loved the cuts both at the chin and at the back, the vent style on top and back and especially that jaw-nose mask thingy. Didn't see much in the AGV and the graphic wasn't to my taste.

So basically, apart from our research, visually what are the things we should know and be able to spot that lends real value to the helmet?

That is a loaded question and would take an exhaustive answer but I'll try to make it short and simple.

As you probably know, SPG distributes the very popular SENA BT Comms and the SMH 10R is very popular with the SBK crowd, but is a little tricky to install, so the Experience Centre in Chennai often gets very high end helmets for installation. Since some of these helmets were not designed specifically for comm units, it is sometimes quite tricky to install and the helmets quite literally have to be taken apart to install the comms. Considering that these are sometimes USD1000/- helmets like the Schuberth, the staff normally call me in for these, since it requires a working knowledge of helmet construction and design and each helmet is different. Obviously, nobody ones to screw up such an expensive product!

Since I have to literally dismantle the helmet, I get a first hand look at the inner workings, parts and quality of the insides. The magic is always in the details. For example, the Schuberth is easily the Rolls Royce of this group. Every part, down to the most basic simply reeks of quality and precise engineering. Everything snaps and clicks together with precision. The components are all superbly finished, no rough edges, laser cut components, exact dimensions, and obviously high quality engineering. The quality of all materials used is just outstanding and obviously engineered to last the life of the product - no chance of any plastic bits ever snapping off in this helmet - no Sir! The EPS mould is superbly finished without any fissures or extrusion marks, uniformly dense and fits into the shell without any gaps. Quality of the hardware used, the moulds, plastic clips, laser cut foam, superior fabrics, straps, tapes, and even glue points all point to German engineering at its best. Nothing - not one single thing - is out of place or gives you any doubt as to the level of care and precision with which this product was made. Even the insides of the shell is superbly finished. I am known for being critical and having a hawk-eye to spot faults, but this helmet left me dumbfounded! Is it worth a US$1000/- dollars in materials and engineering? Probably not. Would I buy one, even if I have to beg, borrow or steal? Definitely!

That's how good it is.

Of the others, the Shark was also impressive for its quality, which comes at a much lower price point than the Arai, which though also very well made and superbly finished is not in the same league of the Schuberth. The AGV is frankly an entry level helmet amongst this group and in fact only slightly better than entry level helmets available in the Indian market. Quality of construction is VERY average compared to the others and I suspect the helmet's price and popularity is only due to its brand ambassador - VR!

I'm often asked if this brand is better than that, or is this model better than that and my observation is that most of the time, we are taken in simply by the brand and its image, so more often than not, we end up spending for a logo or celebrity endorsement. A look at the insides of the product will often tell a different story. Very often we end up paying exorbitantly for entry level products of famous brands, sometimes for products that are not even made by them, just carrying the brand label. IMO, the K3 falls in that category. A consumer product aimed at the entry level biker (in foreign markets). The Shark and Arai would be pro-sumer products, aimed at a higher level of biking awareness, though I must say here that the Arai is again leveraging on the popularity of its brand. This Schuberth is top level professional stuff and it shows.

Unfortunately in the Indian context, given the immaturity of the Indian market, most of us are unable to go beyond the looks of the helmet. Graphics and "ishtyle" play the most important role in product selection, with the "VFM" card being bandied about by many. You will often hear phrases like "cheap and best" as criteria for selection. In which universe has the cheapest ever been the best? We are ready to pop a thousand bucks in a city like Bangalore for a movie and snacks but will bitterly haggle over a couple of hundred bucks and debate interminably the value of a quality helmet that may one day save our life - go figure!

Alongwith SR1 , an AGV Pista GP for me would complete my wishes.

If wishes were horses

i am supposed to be getting my hands on an AGV Pista in a few days for an install flying in from Mumbai. I can hardly wait myself!

[santhoshknn]

Re: Helmets

Helmet Visor query: I have the SOL 68 SII and the visor has developed quite a few scratches over the past year. Having had luck with polishing products in the past, I got the Meguiars Motorcycle Plastic Cleaner/Polish and tried it last night. Like most polishes, it's abrasive in nature. So, I was expecting good results from the polish. Even though it made the surface smooth, the scratches weren't completely removed (few,however, were deep scratches). Multiple attempts didn't help and my earnest elbow grease only resulted in peripheral scratches.

As an afterthought, I should have got a new visor in the first place (which I am going to anyway). But there is nothing more satisfying than a painstaking DIY.

Now to my query. Are the visors polishing proof (a special coat perhaps?) that made it impossible for me to polish those scratches?

Attaching a picture of the visor that shows the major scratches.



Cheers
Santhosh

[prateek2210]

Re: Helmets

i am supposed to be getting my hands on an AGV Pista in a few days for an install flying in from Mumbai. I can hardly wait myself!

Damn!!! I personally cant wait to see a detailed review here from your end.

[Sunnyside_up!]

Re: Helmets

Helmet Visor query: I have the SOL 68 SII and the visor has developed quite a few scratches over the past year. Having had luck with polishing products in the past, I got the Meguiars Motorcycle Plastic Cleaner/Polish and tried it last night. Like most polishes, it's abrasive in nature. So, I was expecting good results from the polish. Even though it made the surface smooth, the scratches weren't completely removed (few,however, were deep scratches). Multiple attempts didn't help and my earnest elbow grease only resulted in peripheral scratches.

As an afterthought, I should have got a new visor in the first place (which I am going to anyway). But there is nothing more satisfying than a painstaking DIY.

Now to my query. Are the visors polishing proof (a special coat perhaps?) that made it impossible for me to polish those scratches?

Attaching a picture of the visor that shows the major scratches.



Cheers
Santhosh

Dang! Your visor looks like you've been playing football with your helmet!

Polishes generally remove scratches by two methods. 1. Filling in the scratch 2. Removing layers of the surrounding areas in an abrasion exercise so that the whole area looses a few microns of material, till it reaches the depth of the scratch. By levelling the surrounding area to the depth of the scratch, the scratch disappears.

Modern helmet visors are made of optical quality polycarbonate, which is an impact resistant plastic, designed to take quite a hit without breaking and/or snap off the helmet at the ratchet, so that sharp pieces of plastic would not cut up your face in a fall. The first filling method would not work, since the filled ares would not allow you to see through, as the optical quality of the visor would be compromised. In the second abrasion method, polycarbonate would not abrade like regular plastics due to its inherent hardness. You can add scratches but cannot buff them out, without affecting the optical quality.

The best/ easiest way to clean your visor is under a running tap with just your palm to rub off the dirt. At the most, you can use a drop of kitchen glass cleaning liquid like Vim/Pril to help dislodge some stubborn grime. Rinse thoroughly under water and pat dry with soft tissue and/or microfibre towel. I clean my visors regularly during pit stops on a ride with water from my CamelBak and they generally last for years without replacement. I've often seen guys rubbing their bone dry visors with paper or cloth at stops. Never rub even microfibre across a dry visor as the dust already on the visor would scratch it. Always rinse the dust off first before wiping.

My own SOL Blue Unicorn is more than three years old now and still has the original visor. Oh, and I don't kick my helmet around too!

[santhoshknn]

Re: Helmets

Modern helmet visors are made of optical quality polycarbonate, which is an impact resistant plastic, designed to take quite a hit without breaking and/or snap off the helmet at the ratchet, so that sharp pieces of plastic would not cut up your face in a fall. The first filling method would not work, since the filled ares would not allow you to see through, as the optical quality of the visor would be compromised. In the second abrasion method, polycarbonate would not abrade like regular plastics due to its inherent hardness. You can add scratches but cannot buff them out, without affecting the optical quality.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. It's indeed an abrasive polish. I don't ill treat the helmet and the only scratch I remember being responsible (accidentally of course) for, is the long line at the center of the visor. Rest were likely caused by curious folks at work. I guess I will have to safeguard the cling film from the new visor when I get one.

Cheers
Santhosh

[bavlo]

Re: Helmets

Yes it has been used by a very senior member to his Ladakh ride, and he's been all praises about it. Unfortunately most people get it confused for the off-road helmets. Yes you may find other cost effective helmets at very less prices, but this one is purpose made and you can be rest assured.

Sunny, Schuberth, man. I can go on and on about that helmet. Just excellent stuff.

Cheers!
VJ

Thanks B7ackthorn...

I want it for my next year laddakh ride and as you said a senior member went to laddakh and he's been there with this helmet so I think I can go for this one.

Thanks
Love, light and peace.

Sent from my GT-S5830 using xBhp Connect mobile app

[Sunnyside_up!]

Re: Helmets

Thanks for the detailed explanation. It's indeed an abrasive polish. I don't ill treat the helmet and the only scratch I remember being responsible (accidentally of course) for, is the long line at the center of the visor. Rest were likely caused by curious folks at work. I guess I will have to safeguard the cling film from the new visor when I get one.

Cheers
Santhosh

i was just kidding buddy - no offense!

Definitely a loaded question and wanted to know more . But thanks for sharing all that info! I will now have to Google some stuff to first fully understand and then increase on my knowledge of this topic.

Your description of the Schuberth gives an idea into the many things that one can/should look out for. In another sense, I guess I may have wanted to ask you ... as laymen, if we are given a helmet devoid of its manufacturer's name, visually what are the features we can spot/how would the quality be arrived at.

I too agree that VFM isn't the perfect point, just value is. A 1000 buck highway-side helmet is 'VF its M', though not value in the real sense! Conversely, say the Schubert may not be 'VF its M' at a 1000 bucks (dollars ), but it is value indeed!

Completely agree about your point of endorsement and image. As previously hotly debated in this thread, the top model of a lower range helmet may be better than the entry level of a higher range helmet.

As for graphics and style, I would allow functionality to dictate style, but what about graphics/colours? I can understand some brands come out with cool looking graphics to attract customers, but why do some brands not??? It is not completely agreeable to say that the informed customer will buy the helmet for it's quality and ignore graphics/colour. If said helmet is already among the best in construction, why not get the icing on top and add 'atttractive' colours and graphics too? Of course, what attracts whom is a personal matter, but am just asking in the generally 'this is good-looking' view.

The western markets tend to go in primarily for monotone and subtle graphics. It's the sports bike crowd and youngsters that tend to go for loud graphics. Asian and third world markets tend to go for louder and sometimes even garish combinations. It's a culture thing I think, with no offense to anybody's taste.

That's why many companies that operate in Asia do not sell those popular graphics in the North American and European markets. Many dyed-in-the-blood European companies have only monotones and graphics that we would call boring! So obviously graphics taste is subjective to the individual buyer. I used to pester the Product Head in SOL for more graphics options, till he informed me that 70% of their North American GMax sales were monotones.

[AmitRavi07]

Re: Helmets

Your description of the Schuberth gives an idea into the many things that one can/should look out for. In another sense, I guess I may have wanted to ask you ... as laymen, if we are given a helmet devoid of its manufacturer's name, visually what are the features we can spot/how would the quality be arrived at.

I also want to get some details from the senior members in recogonizing the quality of a product. While I was searching for a good helmet, I went to Karol Bagh, Delhi to take stock of the options available. At one of the reputed shops, I found a Sparx S07 - freeborn helmet being offered to me at around INR3.5K and in another well known shop an LS2 helmet for INR 2.6K. Having gone through this thread, I was skeptical as to the authenticity of the products and actually spent quite an amount of time to look at the details. Everything looked good and I almost convinced myself that the products were genuine and its just my luck. Bu then again lady luck has not always smiled at me, so decided not to get the helmets in the end.
I know its near impossible to recognize a well made fake from an original and this has been discussed, but if some pointers to check the quality of the materials used in the shell construction can be given, then it will benefit all.

P.S. At last went ahead and ordered a SOL Dragon.