Helmets

[neil.jericho]

full face helmet or modular helmet (chin Up/flip up) which one to go for? and which helmet will suit for black thunderbird twinspark?

Full face is always safer. With a modular helmet you will tend to flip your lid up (especially in the city) which makes it extremely unsafe for you if you have a fall. Kinda defeats the purpose of a helmet ....

[DeVille]

Opinion on Lids tried

So couple of days after I tried on quite a few helmets in Bombay in the 5k-10k range, here's my take on them-

SOL
Tried the SF-1 & SL-68S II

1. + Feature-packed to the brim (19! vents, LED at rear, more visor opening positions)
   + Lot of padding ensures a good fit thanks to generous cushioning that's removable and washable
   + Good quality and attention to detail
   + Great VFM for those who aren't too brand conscious/ discerning
   + DOT certified
   
   - As has been mentioned, quite heavy (SL-68S II is slightly lighter due to LED absence) and bulky
   - No retractable sun visor (perhaps only missing feature)
   - Limited variety in graphics
   - Also, no carbon-fibre model in the range
   - At ~6k, inches into the territory of reputed brands that have lighter lids (KBC et al)

Rjays

Default black ones and a red-black one (which I tried, dunno the exact name)

+ Compact design
+ Snug fit
+ Comparatively Lightweight (I'm guessin well under 1600 gms)
+ Backed by reputation of the Aussie maker, popular for biking gear
+ Fantastic VFM at 3.9k


- Not many features to boast about
- [EDIT] Visor extremely hard to open (literally had to pry it open with my paws!)
- Hardly any options in colors, graphics
- No certification printed, on the rear it had a sticker of the Australian certification with some other particulars that looked like it cud peel off (or was supposed to be?!) any moment

- Complaints of extended usage leading to discomfort and headache/ pain around the head (heard this from riders as their 1st hand experience., NOT MINE)

Airoh
Full-face, Speedfire Joker- 7,900

+ Incredibly lightweight at the price-point
+ Solid, no-nonsense quality that speaks for itself
+ Compact


- Measly features with just couple of air-vents thrown in
- Seemingly Outdated shape and design (The visor aperture looks much smaller/ narrower than the others but cant comment on whether it hampers visibility )
- Was it just me or was there NO ECE/ DOT certification printed??
- Graphic isn't attractive enough to me

P.S. Couldn't actually wear this one as the store owner was finicky about my sweaty head and had a Try-only-if-you-sure of buying policy (and I tried the Rjays instead)


Sparx
Mentioned the models in my previous post, tried the Kintaro

+ Contemporary design
+ Great quality and finish
+ Best paintjobs from the lot
+ DOT certified

- Fit isn't remarkably great (tho as good as or better than average)
- Expect more features (atleast relevant ones like the visor positions) at the price
- Many of those awesome graphics aren't available

KBC
KBC Helmet - VR RETRO ZERO (Yellow)

+ Superior fit (than Sparx)
+ Many options for those with budget >10k
+ DOT certified

- Graphics are quite staid
- Fancier graphics unavailable


SUMMARY

• Can anyone here confirm/rebut the thing I've heard about Rjays lids?? It's quite disturbing and though the riders in question were puzzled as to the rationale behind the pain caused by the helmet, I have my doubts and have struck Rjays off my list (temporarily even though it provides the best VFM)

• Also (reluctantly) slashing SOL as I'm lookin for a lid tat shudnt exceed 1.5 kgs in weight and tho they feel good and have many features, I think it's the fundamental of comfort tht shud dicide d helmet

• So, RIGHT NOW, as I see it I have Airoh, Sparx and KBC as options. On current form, I'm tempted to go for Airoh which is one of the big 3 (Arai, AGV) with a lot of respect goin for it. Also a Made in Italy helmet at ~8k is irresistible!
  BUT, the PRS guys promised that they'll get HJC (supposedly World #1) in approx 3 weeks and I'm curious to see what they have to offer below 10k. So until then, it's another wait

Fellow riders, please suggest/ advise on my selection and lemme know if I've made the right decision to wait or I'm better off choosing one of the above options


P.S. There were a couple of AGVs (ridiculously light) at S.M.Studios but were outta my budget at 12.5k hence ain't considering them. (Pros and cons similar to the Airoh)

[Binoy]

Sparx
Mentioned the models in my previous post, tried the Kintaro

+ Contemporary design
+ Great quality and finish - True
+ Best paintjobs from the lot - +1000
+ DOT certified and ECE / 22-05

[INDENT]- Fit isn't remarkably great (tho as good as or better than average) - I found the Fit and finish is better than any other helmets you mentioned here.
- Expect more features (atleast relevant ones like the visor positions) at the price - Yeah the visor is really difficult/tight to operate(open/close)
- Many of those awesome graphics aren't available

The points in bold are my opinion on SparX S-07

[catchdoon]

The same reason when you have bajaj chetak and a 150cc bike in front of you and you will still choose the bike.

Really?? Cm'om you have awesome high end Steelbird head gears!

[vectorz]

Order?

I JUST GOT THIS TODAY......

Hey where did you orderthe Nuvo form, online...dealer? please do let me know I am intrested in a Nuvo.

[prateek2210]

Really?? Cm'om you have awesome high end Steelbird head gears!

They do have but their style is monotonous, and when one can get a better certified helmet (read ECE, DOT) why settle with this.

Hey where did you orderthe Nuvo form, online...dealer? please do let me know I am intrested in a Nuvo.

Please check the planetdsg website

[DeVille]

The points in bold are my opinion on SparX S-07

Does the S-07 have the ECE certification printed n the rear?? May be I overlooked it
At PRS, I tried the M size in both Sparx and KBC, although as per the size chart, the size I'm supposed to wear is S, which I'm afraid would be too tight as I get the M size on my head with great difficulty. When I tried the KBC, it felt just right, very snug though not too tight and felt almost custom-made for me when compared with Sparx. Hence I thought the Sparx cud have had a better fit at the premium of 500 bucks
Caveat: ALL these are 1st impressions, hence aberration may exist

BTW, Which Sparx lid are you using?

[sid137]

open face helmet

guys my friend is looking for an open face helmet, to go with his yellow vespa! was really dissapointed to see the quality of helmets that were on display at the vespa showroom.though they came in agv boxes and had an ISI mark!! any inputs on these? also the budget is around 6-7k. any specific brands, places to go looking in mumbai?

[catchdoon]

They do have but their style is monotonous, and when one can get a better certified helmet (read ECE, DOT) why settle with this.

True. Can you help me selecting a proper lid in a range 2.5k?

[prateek2210]

True. Can you help me selecting a proper lid in a range 2.5k?

In that you can get CROSS, add few more 100s and you can get LS2, Vega Shadow is there along with Vega Boolean. Evergreen Studds is also there

[ryderautoblr]

Does anybody here know the dealer for AGV helmets in Chennai? its urgent!

Yes... U can contact Rainbow Lining works near thousand lights on Mount Road. He is selling AGV helmets in chennai.

If any one Looking for AGV helmets, can contact shop at j c road corner helmet shop or simply mail to [email protected] or [email protected]

[Dreamwalker987]

guys my friend is looking for an open face helmet, to go with his yellow vespa! was really dissapointed to see the quality of helmets that were on display at the vespa showroom.though they came in agv boxes and had an ISI mark!! any inputs on these? also the budget is around 6-7k. any specific brands, places to go looking in mumbai?

try this: Sparx Helmet - OFRY 6K
@performanceracing.in

Performance Racing Store. Sparx Ofry Helmets

[B7ACKTHORN]

So couple of days after I tried on quite a few helmets in Bombay in the 5k-10k range, here's my take on them-

SOL
Tried the SF-1 & SL-68S II

1. + Feature-packed to the brim (19! vents, LED at rear, more visor opening positions)
   + Lot of padding ensures a good fit thanks to generous cushioning that's removable and washable
   + Good quality and attention to detail
   + Great VFM for those who aren't too brand conscious/ discerning
   + DOT certified
   
   - As has been mentioned, quite heavy (SL-68S II is slightly lighter due to LED absence) and bulky
   - No retractable sun visor (perhaps only missing feature)
   - Limited variety in graphics
   - Also, no carbon-fibre model in the range
   - At ~6k, inches into the territory of reputed brands that have lighter lids (KBC et al)

Rjays

Default black ones and a red-black one (which I tried, dunno the exact name)

+ Compact design
+ Snug fit
+ Comparatively Lightweight (I'm guessin well under 1600 gms)
+ Backed by reputation of the Aussie maker, popular for biking gear
+ Fantastic VFM at 3.9k


- Not many features to boast about
- [EDIT] Visor extremely hard to open (literally had to pry it open with my paws!)
- Hardly any options in colors, graphics
- No certification printed, on the rear it had a sticker of the Australian certification with some other particulars that looked like it cud peel off (or was supposed to be?!) any moment

- Complaints of extended usage leading to discomfort and headache/ pain around the head (heard this from riders as their 1st hand experience., NOT MINE)

Airoh
Full-face, Speedfire Joker- 7,900

+ Incredibly lightweight at the price-point
+ Solid, no-nonsense quality that speaks for itself
+ Compact


- Measly features with just couple of air-vents thrown in
- Seemingly Outdated shape and design (The visor aperture looks much smaller/ narrower than the others but cant comment on whether it hampers visibility )
- Was it just me or was there NO ECE/ DOT certification printed??
- Graphic isn't attractive enough to me

P.S. Couldn't actually wear this one as the store owner was finicky about my sweaty head and had a Try-only-if-you-sure of buying policy (and I tried the Rjays instead)


Sparx
Mentioned the models in my previous post, tried the Kintaro

+ Contemporary design
+ Great quality and finish
+ Best paintjobs from the lot
+ DOT certified

- Fit isn't remarkably great (tho as good as or better than average)
- Expect more features (atleast relevant ones like the visor positions) at the price
- Many of those awesome graphics aren't available

KBC
KBC Helmet - VR RETRO ZERO (Yellow)

+ Superior fit (than Sparx)
+ Many options for those with budget >10k
+ DOT certified

- Graphics are quite staid
- Fancier graphics unavailable


SUMMARY

• Can anyone here confirm/rebut the thing I've heard about Rjays lids?? It's quite disturbing and though the riders in question were puzzled as to the rationale behind the pain caused by the helmet, I have my doubts and have struck Rjays off my list (temporarily even though it provides the best VFM)

• Also (reluctantly) slashing SOL as I'm lookin for a lid tat shudnt exceed 1.5 kgs in weight and tho they feel good and have many features, I think it's the fundamental of comfort tht shud dicide d helmet

• So, RIGHT NOW, as I see it I have Airoh, Sparx and KBC as options. On current form, I'm tempted to go for Airoh which is one of the big 3 (Arai, AGV) with a lot of respect goin for it. Also a Made in Italy helmet at ~8k is irresistible!
  BUT, the PRS guys promised that they'll get HJC supposedly World #1 in approx 3 weeks and I'm curious to see what they have to offer below 10k. So until then, it's another wait

Fellow riders, please suggest/ advise on my selection and lemme know if I've made the right decision to wait or I'm better off choosing one of the above options


P.S. There were a couple of AGVs (ridiculously light) at S.M.Studios but were outta my budget at 12.5k hence ain't considering them. (Pros and cons similar to the Airoh)

Answers for the above highlighted questions in bold

First off, I've been using the RJays lid for the past one year and it's been all smiles and I have their top-of-the-line AIROH GP 500 helmet which is a pretty EXCELLENT helmet, Italian heritage there. Excellent construction, excellent quality and excellent design, what not. But the fit is far too tighter.

Now pros of RJays
Been using it for one year, good snug fit, excellent vision and good wind flow.
Nice graphics and good quality.
NUVO and RJays are all made in the same factory using the same moulds, now I dunno how many of them know this.

Cons
A tad too costlier.
Quality of the internal components could be bit better, but for that price it's not a big deal.
The certification doesn't come as a printed one but as a sticker, which makes it look like a cheap helmet.


Pros AIROH
EXCELLENT in whatever ways you can call it
+1000 for the lightweight, weighs close to 1000 to 1100 grams. GP 500 that is, no idea what other thermoplastic helmets' weight are.

Cons
Too tighter fit, I usually wear a L size, but this is is way too tighter for me, since it's a racing helmet, it's usually a little tighter side.

Pricing could have been a little lower, but for a high-end race helmet,

To conclude
=======

It's not a wise idea to bring in RJays to compare with AIROH, but then both are helmets and do their job well.

I've been more more comfortable wearing an RJays than an AIROH. I use RJays when I tour which gives excellent comfort, AIROH for short jaunts and anything around 100 to 200 KMS range. Never a day I've experienced of RJays creating a headache or neck pain whatsoever, hearing it for the first time, strange.

Go for what your budget allows and the best you can afford.

Cheers!
VJ

[RascalAngel]

I dont know whether it is appropriate for this query in this thread but nevertheless i need to ask. Have any of you guys experienced itching after 10mins of helmet use?? this happens to me everytime! may be because of dandruff etc. but is there any workaround to this?? How do guys wear helmets on long tour's in hot sweaty conditions without the head itching??

[Binoy]

Does the S-07 have the ECE certification printed n the rear?? May be I overlooked it
At PRS, I tried the M size in both Sparx and KBC, although as per the size chart, the size I'm supposed to wear is S, which I'm afraid would be too tight as I get the M size on my head with great difficulty. When I tried the KBC, it felt just right, very snug though not too tight and felt almost custom-made for me when compared with Sparx. Hence I thought the Sparx cud have had a better fit at the premium of 500 bucks
Caveat: ALL these are 1st impressions, hence aberration may exist

Yes S-07 has both ECE and DOT. check this

Different persons have different shapes/profiles for the head. Like Ovel, round etc. For my head Sparx was the perfect fit and the reason I not liked KBC its not a finish compared to sparx(read the lower versions of KBC like tarmac etc. high end KBC is a different story). I am comparing the same price range KBC vs SparX only. Peoples have varying tastes na, that's why there are always choices.

BTW, Which Sparx lid are you using?

Sparx S-07 - The Master