Helmet help/advice please!

The Bell Star and RS-1 are both made from Fiberglass/Kevlar blends

 

My helmets arw all composite shell, but there is nothing wrong with polycarbonate. I forget the test, but a few years ago a cheapo HJC "plastic" helmet scored the best in impact absorption.

 

No, but would you follow me around at Tally like you do Conrad???
I could use the help!!!

Yo, if I lived in a glass house everyone would see me neked!:wow: Scary

 

Phil is the man!!!!!! I believe he is the only licensed WERA dude at STG. I about have him talked into coming down for a Roebling round next year.

I have a new RS1 on the way that has a 2014 date. Closeout $209, free shipping! Fiberglass/ kevlar, carbon yo-yo, cream cheese and all the good shell stuff.

 

I think you'll be real happy with the RS1.

I was in the same boat as you two years ago...only wore Arai my entire life and was on a bit of a budget. I have zero complaints with the RS1.

Enjoy!

 

Look at the UK SHARPS Helmet Testing Scheme. The 410 Scorpion poly helmet scores a 4 star rating. I wouldn't put that off my list. I took two big hits in one last week at BIR, I am very happy with the helmet. I was able to toss it in the trash, put on my backup 410, and purchased a replacement 410 on Monday...

 

i'm not impressed with the sharps rating system.. and there are some in the industry (not the helmet makers) that say the same thing (do a google search). That rating system lost a lot of credibility when the rate some Arai helmets poorly. I mean seriously ? what is wrong with your testing methods when one of the best helmets in the world is testing badly?

 

The "Blowing The Lid Off" article in Cycle World highlighted the deficiency in the old Snell system which was based more toward auto racing where the shell of the helmet had to stand up to multiple hits. Snell adjusted with the 2010 standard. What are the complaints of the Sharps system? They test the helmet with hits to the front, rear, left, and right side, and they allow the public to see the results. Is there another test that is better in your opinion that produces the results for the public to view? Currently, Arai do very well on the Sharps tests (most are 5 star), which shows they have adapted well to their past deficiencies for motorcycle use. I want to be able to see how a specific helmet does stand up to hits from multiple directions as opposed to just having the knowledge that it meets a certain standard. There are big variances in those standards. Not being a smartass, what other test is out there that lets the public see the results, so they can make an educated decision on the purchase of a helmet? What are the complaints against the tests processes?

 

This article has been removed from Cycleworld's website because it upset several manufacturers. It was done in 2005. Here is an archived PDF copy...

http://www.westcoastweasels.com/archives/PDF/Blowing_the_Lid_Off.pdf

 

That SHARPs testing must be great, everyone is falling all over themselves to use and promote it.

 

Lol,

The manufacturers do use it in GB. Can anybody state what the flaws are in the Brit Governmet's testing that makes this an unreliable test?

 

Oh, if the brits use it then sign us all up! Up the BSB! Up the boiled meats! Up the nanny state!

<pffffft> I'd rather listen to the cheese eater lecture me for hours on the subject superiority of french culture than the brits on, well, anything.

 

Not at all. Actually, I have been racing since the 80s in karts, cars, and now motorcycles. Used to be an avid Arai owner in my car racing days, because I bought into the adage of the $100.00 head, $100.00 helmet argument. Over time, I have seen through testing that this is not necessarily true. Does Arai make a fantastic helmet? Absolutely! Are they better at protecting your head than other helmets that cost a fraction of what an Arai costs? Not according to the testing that I have seen (Sharps). Is their testing flawed? I would like to be shown if this is the case. If their testing is in fact flawed, I wouldn't use or recommend that anyone look at their testing. I use the best safety equipment I can afford (RS Taichi (Japanese) suits, Knox armor and Handroid gloves with palm sliders, hit air neck vests).

 

I have been a fan of several Scorpion helmet designs, and believe that the R410 is a quality helmet (I don't care how cheap it is on clearance). Yes, the Sharps tests help me pick out this helmet, and the 700 before it. I have tested them myself through crashing (had an off this past weekend at BIR, where my helmet took two big hits). This helmet also has other safety features that make it attractive, like emergency responder removable cheek pads. It has done it's job for me, and because I don't have upwards of $700.00 invested, it is very easy for me to toss it in the garbage bin, go to my backup (I always buy two), and replace the junked one asap. My intentions are not to stir the pot here, and my logic may be flawed. If it is, I am always open to be educated on any subject, as I have surely been wrong on many things in my life...

 

As for the BSI stuff, cross check it with which BSI number the ACU allow for racing...but you probably already know that