Helmets

[Sandeep Patnala]

Re: Airoh Speed Fire Pit Bull Review

Because you cannot Like you're Own Post

he he.. never observed or bothered about it, but felt something was missing and found that part :P

[chaosaddict]

Re: Airoh Speed Fire Pit Bull Review

[MENTION=58794]Sandeep Patnala[/MENTION] - Got your PM bro & jumped here for the review, must say, a crisp one!! Ride safe bro!!

[Sandeep Patnala]

Re: Airoh Speed Fire Pit Bull Review

@Sandeep Patnala - Got your PM bro & jumped here for the review, must say, a crisp one!! Ride safe bro!!

Thanks Bro

[neil.jericho]

Re: Airoh Speed Fire Pit Bull Review

Sandeep,

Nice helmet and crisp review. Does it have the D ring system?

[icemang]

Re: Helmets

Icemang Sir ...... With every due respect I think we on this thread deserve a better justification from you for your transition to Cross from Steelbird.

I am confident that a person with a wisdom as bright as yours, you must have come across the differences in the nature of the Indian standards and the European ones. It will be so stupid of me to go on and elaborate my point any further before you.

I suggest a little info to implement completeness in your example. There is a neck-band/guard to save lives in situations when a human body is exposed to higher speeds in professional races/environments (and here I am not-at-all eligible enough to pin the smart @$$e$ on the streets). Surely the Lift from Yamdoot has to be accepted but I can at-least put my effort in a direction that when I die I take away my so-called-satisfaction with me.

I only meant to serve a completeness to your post by dropping a reply. Please feel free to correct me. FYI, I am a young guy and I always appreciate a person from whom I get a chance to learn

Signing off with one of my favorite Chinese proverb: "When winds of change blow, some people build walls and other build windmills"

Your elaborate reply to my post merits that I respond in a like vein.

Just to make matters clear. Neither I nor you nor any other member on this forum needs to justify a personal choice. Because it is personal. Such choices are dictated by a plethora of factors out of which cost, for most of us, is a serious QR.

As I have written earlier, the model of SB that I was used to was unavailable/out of production. There was no other maker which approached the quality and comfort of my SB at a comparative price so I went in for CROSS. Now that I can compare the SB model and the CROSS model, I can say with utmost confidence that the model of CROSS I bought turned out to be of a lower quality, in the long run, than the equivalent SB model! For example, the rexine outer of the lower padding wore out in the CROSS within 2 years whereas for the SB, it was still going strong even after 4 years. The padding too became more compressed as time passed. Maybe the model was a low cost one, just like the ones from SB at the lower end of the price spectrum...

As regards Indian standards vs Euro ones. It is very simple. If one desires a standard, then one should be willing to pay for it. There is a rule about helmets being illegal without the ISI brand mark. If one trusts Euro standards over those set by the ISI/the ISI has not set any transparent and implementable standards, then one should be willing to bend the rules a bit by affixing an ISI logo on the helmet to satisfy the traffic police. I have not gone to a helmet shop in a long time so am unaware of the certificates held by SOL, LS2 etc. At times, one has to flex the rules if one values one's life. Ironical, isn't it...

About the neck whiplash. I was considering a normal helmet wearer riding a bike on the streets. I am aware of the HANS in F1 though not sure if a similar system prevails in motorcycle sports. More often than not, the neck muscles react to prevent a serious whiplash but if the skull is naked or has only a cursory protection, then the injury is inevitable. And therin lies the tragedy of it all. Forsaking safety for economy is understandable but only till a point.

My young friend, I have as much to learn from you (perhaps more) as you from me. Is that not one of the objectives of interacting on this forum? Learning never stops.

The Chinese proverb is a good but only when the wisdom it encompasses is correctly understood for both walls and windmills

[AK3D]

Re: Helmets

As I have written earlier, the model of SB that I was used to was unavailable/out of production. There was no other maker which approached the quality and comfort of my SB at a comparative price so I went in for CROSS. Now that I can compare the SB model and the CROSS model, I can say with utmost confidence that the model of CROSS I bought turned out to be of a lower quality, in the long run, than the equivalent SB model! For example, the rexine outer of the lower padding wore out in the CROSS within 2 years whereas for the SB, it was still going strong even after 4 years. The padding too became more compressed as time passed. Maybe the model was a low cost one, just like the ones from SB at the lower end of the price spectrum...

@icemang : I was going through the Steelbird website. Apparently they have a lot of newer models (more expensive too, at that). These come in multiple varieties, and many are fibreglass. They seem to be high quality, one can only find out after visiting a dealer.

Everyone arguing over the fact that all the foreign brands are great, it is not always so (you get what you pay for). A fibreglass helmet will offer better protection than the thermoplastic ones (arguable but should a helmet crack or not crack - thermoplastic vs fibreglass composite?). The AGV fibreglass helmets like the K4Evo start at around the 200$ range, while brands like Scorpion have fiberglass helmets (700 evo) at the 130$ mark. One can find many cheaper Thermoplastic helmets at much lower rates. Also consider that many of the imports have to pay customs, and the helmet which is available for a lower price abroad becomes much more expensive here (and also that the cheaper helmets abroad come at a inflated price here).

Also keep in mind that the LS2 quality has gone down. Compare any LS2 helmet from the past 2-3 years to a newer one, and you'll find the difference, both in the shell as well as the finish.
I have a newer Studds - and I can safely say that it is as good or better in quality as the new LS2 ones. For those who might want to argue, I do own a Sparx S07, for my highway rides, therefore I can give a balanced opinion as to the quality (I selected it as it seemed much better in quality than LS2).

The main testing standards abroad are DOT, ECE and SNELL (and SnellM2010). While ISI might not have similar recommendations, they do at least require some amount of testing that the better manufacturers have to follow. It goes without saying that a cheap plastic hat with the ISI mark, available from a roadside vendor is asking for trouble.

In the end, it depends on your budget and preference, and of course, there are many situations where all the gear in the world will never help, no matter what.

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Helmets

Sandeep,

Nice helmet and crisp review. Does it have the D ring system?

90% of all AIROH helmets have Double D RING retention system.

Cheers!
VJ

[Sunnyside_up!]

Re: Helmets

Your elaborate reply to my post merits that I respond in a like vein.

Just to make matters clear. Neither I nor you nor any other member on this forum needs to justify a personal choice. Because it is personal. Such choices are dictated by a plethora of factors out of which cost, for most of us, is a serious QR.

As I have written earlier, the model of SB that I was used to was unavailable/out of production. There was no other maker which approached the quality and comfort of my SB at a comparative price so I went in for CROSS. Now that I can compare the SB model and the CROSS model, I can say with utmost confidence that the model of CROSS I bought turned out to be of a lower quality, in the long run, than the equivalent SB model! For example, the rexine outer of the lower padding wore out in the CROSS within 2 years whereas for the SB, it was still going strong even after 4 years. The padding too became more compressed as time passed. Maybe the model was a low cost one, just like the ones from SB at the lower end of the price spectrum.
~
The Chinese proverb is a good but only when the wisdom it encompasses is correctly understood for both walls and windmills

While I appreciate the point you're trying to make, I cannot help but feel that your example is a little inappropriate. FYI CROSS is an INDIAN brand, owned by the erstwhile importer of LS2 helmets based in Jaipur. They have merely approached different Chinese manufacturers and asked for their brand label on the helmets. That is the reason that you cannot find a single reference to the brand anywhere outside India.

Considering these antecedents, I am not the least bit surprised to hear of your experience. It is VERY llikely that your Studds was of better quality. Where the low end Chinese manufacturers score over their Indian counterparts is in the finish of the product and overall appearance, which unfortunately are what guides the majority of the buying public, including many here.

Again FYI - SOL helmets sold in India under license by SPG (with whom I am associated) are DOT certified. Every consignment of helmets imported are accompanied by the test certificates, which are on display at the company's Chennai showroom. Many of Chennai's XBhp members have seen these certificates.

[icemang]

Re: Helmets

While I appreciate the point you're trying to make, I cannot help but feel that your example is a little inappropriate. FYI CROSS is an INDIAN brand, owned by the erstwhile importer of LS2 helmets based in Jaipur. They have merely approached different Chinese manufacturers and asked for their brand label on the helmets. That is the reason that you cannot find a single reference to the brand anywhere outside India.

Considering these antecedents, I am not the least bit surprised to hear of your experience. It is VERY llikely that your Studds was of better quality. Where the low end Chinese manufacturers score over their Indian counterparts is in the finish of the product and overall appearance, which unfortunately are what guides the majority of the buying public, including many here.

Again FYI - SOL helmets sold in India under license by SPG (with whom I am associated) are DOT certified. Every consignment of helmets imported are accompanied by the test certificates, which are on display at the company's Chennai showroom. Many of Chennai's XBhp members have seen these certificates.

CROSS is an Indian brand? That IS news to me, thanks for the heads-up.

And I am not at all comparing the imports to the indigenous ones at all. Just that some Indian brands are not too far behind their imported (read the GOOD brands) brethren. I don't have the money to spend on a top-notch Euro brand but also am concerned enough about my safety and knowledgeable about it to afford an Indian one like SB. To each her/his own, as per her/his personal choice.

@icemang : I was going through the Steelbird website. Apparently they have a lot of newer models (more expensive too, at that). These come in multiple varieties, and many are fibreglass. They seem to be high quality, one can only find out after visiting a dealer.

Everyone arguing over the fact that all the foreign brands are great, it is not always so (you get what you pay for). A fibreglass helmet will offer better protection than the thermoplastic ones (arguable but should a helmet crack or not crack - thermoplastic vs fibreglass composite?). The AGV fibreglass helmets like the K4Evo start at around the 200$ range, while brands like Scorpion have fiberglass helmets (700 evo) at the 130$ mark. One can find many cheaper Thermoplastic helmets at much lower rates. Also consider that many of the imports have to pay customs, and the helmet which is available for a lower price abroad becomes much more expensive here (and also that the cheaper helmets abroad come at a inflated price here).

Also keep in mind that the LS2 quality has gone down. Compare any LS2 helmet from the past 2-3 years to a newer one, and you'll find the difference, both in the shell as well as the finish.
I have a newer Studds - and I can safely say that it is as good or better in quality as the new LS2 ones. For those who might want to argue, I do own a Sparx S07, for my highway rides, therefore I can give a balanced opinion as to the quality (I selected it as it seemed much better in quality than LS2).

The main testing standards abroad are DOT, ECE and SNELL (and SnellM2010). While ISI might not have similar recommendations, they do at least require some amount of testing that the better manufacturers have to follow. It goes without saying that a cheap plastic hat with the ISI mark, available from a roadside vendor is asking for trouble.

In the end, it depends on your budget and preference, and of course, there are many situations where all the gear in the world will never help, no matter what.

Yes, I have seen the SB website. They have a really wide range. Haven't felt one in my hands for years so cannot comment on their quality THESE days, though.

[sunilyo]

Re: Helmets

Had my first proper ride in heavy rain yesterday. What to do with the water droplets that accumulate on the visor? I tried rubbing my thumb firmly across (like one would wipe sweat from the brow), the little fog on the outside goes away but the droplets remain there mostly. I suppose water sticks to visor and is not supposed to run down the visor because flow would obstruct vision even more??

Visors are easily scratched no matter which quality / brand of helmet you own. The best way to take care of them is to clean them using a soft tissue paper like a toilet paper roll. I avoid using newspapers as the ink on them rubs off on to the visor. They might be good for cleaning / wiping glass surfaces but plastics for me is a strict no-no. You can either use plain water if its just wiping or if you see some dirt on it just use something like colin not too much though and just wipe off. To reduce the chances of water droplets / dust sticking to the visor, after cleaning them just apply some wax , the one that you use for bikes / cars etc. that will make it a bit slippery and will reduce the chances of water / dust sticking to it. if you wear a ring on your finger then avoid wiping using your hands and with gloves on please don't.

[sunilyo]

Re: Helmets

Thanks buddy, my query though is for during the ride. Your idea about wax is proper, but then my second query also is ... would droplets of water that remain where they are affect vision more or would the lines of running water?

And yes, post-ride, I cleaned up with some old cotton yesterday, ran one small wet piece over visor and helmet and then one dry piece all over. Worked good enough for me. Thanks for telling me about the newspaper ink.

Oh, i didnt read your query properly.

Well to answer your query if its raining while you are riding then there is nothing you can do about it, if its obstructing your vision then just open the visor no other way.

Post the rain when the rain droplets are still stuck to the visor you can either use a soft cotton cloth to wipe of. A little bit of water on the visor will not obstruct your view though it can be irritating.

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Helmets

Had my first proper ride in heavy rain yesterday. What to do with the water droplets that accumulate on the visor? I tried rubbing my thumb firmly across (like one would wipe sweat from the brow), the little fog on the outside goes away but the droplets remain there mostly. I suppose water sticks to visor and is not supposed to run down the visor because flow would obstruct vision even more??

Sunilyo is right. Using tissue papers would suffice, and they can handle the drizzles pretty well. I remember once picking quite a handful of tissues from a hotel just in case and it helped a lot in cleaning the visor and my face too. The softer the wiping material, the better the cleaning.

Now you need to keep a few points in mind. Never wipe the visor dry, NEVER. It can cause microscopic scratches over the visor and ultimately when used upon at night, you can see stars and light scatter. But those scratches are a given. Proper due diligence at the right time, can suppress the effects overtime.

Damp or moisten the cloth you're using to wipe the visor. On a rainy day just a swipe with your left hand thumb finger with little pressure from right to left, which clears most of the visor clean, and I do it almost on a daily basis these months (Ooty = rain = fcuked up)

I use leather glove for both my local riding and touring. And personally leather gloves clear the visor pretty clearly provided they themselves become damp enough on a rainy day and plus they are soft on the visor.

Cheers!
VJ

[nadz11.ns]

Re: Helmets

I just about managed yesterday. When rain was very heavy and/or I was in motion, I just focussed through. Other times, wiping firmly with one thumb stroke or lifting and closing the visor. As it is, with full face helmet, then visor, then rain ... visibility range goes down. Then managing potholes, flooded water, buses, impatient car owners etc you wish you could at least see better!

it will always be a problem in rains.. the best thing you could do is to stop when the visibility goes very down..
we can't get wipers on the visor like cars
also wiping with the hands won't be of any help.. it might cause even less visibility for a second or so after that..

[siddharthsure]

Re: Helmets

^guys what to do with fog??? My ls2 visor gets fogged inside when it rains and becomes pretty hard to drive. Everytime I open,put my finger inside the helmet and clean any solution?? Like antifog?? Plz help

Sent from my MT11i using xBhp Connect mobile app

[B7ACKTHORN]

Re: Helmets

^guys what to do with fog??? My ls2 visor gets fogged inside when it rains and becomes pretty hard to drive. Everytime I open,put my finger inside the helmet and clean any solution?? Like antifog?? Plz help

Sent from my MT11i using xBhp Connect mobile app

Fog is inherent in most visors unless it's fog treated even fog treated takes a second or two to get de-fogged. But most guys on LS2 face the same problem, and me too have faced the same. Solution? Just open at the end of the visor lock very little gap so that air flows in not too much but very little. When you close the visor and bring it down to close it fully, don't close it fully, just give it a slight gap, say 0.3 mm or so at the end so air flows in and de-fogs.

But in most high spec helmets you can't do them as they have three way ratchet system which use PINLOCK which is pretty costly and will only suit a PINLOCK assisted visor. PINLOCK is nothing but an antifog plastic sheet that one sticks inside the visor, and it is 100% fog proof no matter what.

But to keep it simple, do this way of leaving the visor open very slightly at the moment it locks, that way you reduce the fog's intensity dramatically.

Cheers!
VJ