What's a good helmet that won't break the bank

[Ryno]

It's time to retire my ancient Arai. Swore I'd never buy anything different after that, but simply can't afford another one right now.
I'm out of touch with whats out there in a more affordable price range.
Love to hear some opinions.,
Thanks

[OreoGaborio]

How much will "break the bank"? $200? $400? $600?

I'm about to pick up an Arai Vector 2 to replace my current Vector, which I love. They go for about 550 bucks with graphics which, as you probably know, is pretty reasonable for an Arai.

[Rossco]

Scorpion EXO-700

Bell Vortex

Both under $100 from STG right now.

[BostonSVkid]

I bought an Arai Profile for 289 shipped from the factory off an online vendor. I can get you his name if you want

[LaRNZ]

I love my shark RSI got it for 330, can probably find em cheaper online.

[Karaya One]

[GNTurbo6]

Sparx S-07. Rear vents done close so it kinda sucks for cold weather but it has vents in the visor which is really nice and it's ECE 22.05 certified. A lot of em come with a dark smoke and clear visor. I paid around $100 for mine. The only reason I bought a new helmet is because my new one is carbon fiber and has a photochromic visor.

[freeskier]

gnt, you like the sparx? ive been looking at those for a while now

[mrezra]

I would suggest a quantitative request. My head seems to like AGV and Arai helmets. I also had a Scorpion, and for the price, it was a great helmet. The best one will fit your head properly. Try on as many as you can.

[Ryno]

My likes Arai too, just my bank account that doesn't agree.

[GNTurbo6]

gnt, you like the sparx? ive been looking at those for a while now

Yeah another cool thing is the shell size isn't as large as most other helmets.

webbikeworld review: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...et/sparx/s-07/

I seem to have a slightly round head shape as both the S-07 and Akuma Phantom II MFR fit me great.

[Pigman]

EBay Arai..... 2-400 Bnew

[ZOG]

Discontinued Bell Apex with kevlar composite shells can be bought around $100-150

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...l+apex&_sacat=

[peterz85]

Scorpion EXO-700

Bell Vortex

Both under $100 from STG right now.

+1 on the Scorpion 700. I have owned Arai, Shoei, Soumy. When I was looking for a spare lid, the EXO caught my eye based mainly on the price.

I tried it on and the fit was better than any of my other helmets. It is now my everyday lid, my Arai is now my spare.

Bottom line, try on a bunch of helmets and get the one that fits your head best (and your budget), that's the one you will be happy with. No one likes to wear a helmet that doesn't fit right.

Pete

[DesmoTull]

HJC scored better than most in real world tests done by (I think) Motorcyclist.

I bought an Arai Profile for 289 shipped from the factory off an online vendor. I can get you his name if you want

Ok, but what's the date of manufacture? Has it been sitting in a warehouse for 3 years before you got it??

[schleppy]

I scored a HJC full carbon lid for for $180 shipped on EBay. I've had a few of their helmets and I have no complaints. They fit well, are DOT/SNELL approved, and don't break the bank.

[jwm2k3]

Some snobs might disagree, but HJC makes a pretty comfortable helmet and as long as you dont go balls out on the graphics they are real cheap compared to the upper end helmets.

Having said that, Scorpion EXO 700 or a closeout EXO 1000 (I ride with an EXO1000 now and also have a high end Shoei and Suomy, both good lids, but my Scorp is better!)

[Cid369]

HJC RPS-10, lightest helmet you can get and Ben Spies wear the same helmet. $355 solid and $399 graphic. It also comes with a pinlock visor and insert.

[scubasteveRR]

i have 2 EXO-700's great helmet for the price. i'd definitely recommend it

[kb1]

I wouldn't trade my Shark helmet for anything, I love it. I think it's the RSI or something like that.

[Trackday Guru]

Suomy: Meets and exceeds ALL US road racing safety requirements by exceeding SNELL / DOT standards.

If you aren't looking for a top-shelf (high-priced) helmet, the new for 2011Suomy APEX Tornado is probly the best choice at $329.00. Yes, I'm a Suomy sponsored rider, and am certainly trying to support my sponsors by posting a reply here, but you can bet I wouldn't be wearing one if the quality wasn't there. If that wasn't the case, I would have been sending my proposals to A LOT more than just 3 helmet companies.....

Suomy sent me two helmets to start the year; The 2011 Excel Biaggi (MSRP $600), and a Tornado (Blue - MSRP $329). I've worn them both and feel no difference in the helmets when riding. Both are extremely light weight and quiet - not a small feat with such a price range between the two.

You can check it out here (just click on the catalog), as well all Suomy helmets for 2011, or by calling the best damned helmet distributor in the country; Van Leeuwen Enterprises at (800) 461-1226. Or you can see it in person if you are planning on being at the track for the Classic weekend. I'm in Ctr garage #4 - and will have both available for you to check out.

Tell them Mike Arbo sent you, and you are supporting those who support racers by buying from them (I have an F1 level contract with them). Who knows, they may even cut you a deal for being a referral.

[The Snowman]

Sportbiketrackgear has closeouts on Shark RSR2 helmets. I've been using one this season for racing and I'm normally an Arai Corsair V user.

Comfortable, well-vented, and under $300.

[ilikenapalm]

So, in case you missed it, just about every helmet got recommended.

[reiobard]

I just ordered an EXO-700 for my new lid, Hoping it holds up to the Hype! But people rarely have anything bad to say about it!

[csmutty]

I have a Shoei RF1100 that I got for $305. This is the first Shoei that I have ever owned but it fits great, is light, and road noise is much better than my HJC that I had before it.