Aha ... but perhaps there are also newcomers to BM everytime certain subjects are raised? Thereby giving them the opportunity to voice their thoughts too or may be not
But, gbnp, I have seen this thread in one form or another on a few occasions, and very few newbies take the opportunity to post their thoughts on them. I am not knocking the regulars who do post, if it weren't for them, then forum threads might solely consist of an opener and nothing more.
As a newbie can I thank you all for your posts I read learn and inwardly digest from all that you experts say! However re safety equipment I would always buy something that meets the standard , feels comfortable , is from a specialist (as I listen to their advice too) and in the price bracket I could afford! Simples!!
However there is a reason most of the more pricey lids are more pricey. Try wearing it for 15 odd hours a day 6 days a week and the cheaper stuff often falls to bits, gets itchy or just simply makes you deaf or gets you a wet head/face when it rains.
There are exceptions to this a few years ago I got a refund on a shuberth C3 because basicly it was a complete pile of crap, especialy as the £450 shuberth was out shone by my £120 Nolan. But on the other hand my £500 shoei blew every thing into the weeds.
I have to say personaly I really don't like the uber cheepo cheepo stuff. And defiantly not at some thing silly mph. Nowt to do with protection I just like my visor to stay down, not let in water and the helmet to stay still on my head.
Gloves are an even bigger no no get good stuff, have you ever tried phoning for an ambulance with your hands torn to shreds after using them as skids at 70mph?
IMHO, a £40 helmet is fine if you only have a £40 head. In all bike gear I buy the best I can afford that fits (sometimes difficult at my size!), functions, and is comfortable. E.G As a spectacle wearer I prefer a flip-front, preferably with internal sun visor. Previously had a Caberg Justissimo, currently Nolan N103, may change in the next year or so?
If you hit a brick wall head first at 30mph. You will die .In that situation the only difference between a brand new £500.00 helmet and an old £40.00 helmet is your next of kin will be £460.00 poorer lol.
If the lid is pretty and you've got the spare dosh . Buy it coz it's pretty. Don't buy it coz you expect it'll be safer in an accident. It won't be.
or you could do what i did go on ebay and win a brand new in box still with labels etc on £600 shoei for ta dah £95 woohooo.i love my arais and shoeis not cos they is pretty or cos they are expensive.the reason i go for a more quality helmet is because they are more comfotable and fit my head better and there is nothing worse than riding in an uncomfortable lid.also the wind noise and drafts are about 90% less than in a cheap lid.yes they go through all the same safety checks but for me its not just about if it protects my skull.its much much more than that.why if a helmet doesnt fit my head,gives me headaches from the noise or makes me cold from drafts would i choose to wear it.again personal choice and many reasons come into it when buying helmets.its the same with leathers theyre all made from the same thing "leather" but people insist on rst,spada,dainese to name a few!! your paying for the name!!! theyre made with the same leather,stitcing etc but some are more than double the price of others because of the name!!!!! but i personally buy what fits me best and sits best when im riding
Because jp I have worn the same brand and style lids for the last 8yrs or more so I know what fits and what doesn't.and besides I went and tried on the same model in a local shop before getting the one from the bike shop on eBay
Well said ZZR (Deb?) - there's more to it than just the basic safety standard which they all have to pass. Why buy a Rolls Royce when a Ford Ka does the same job?