Advice Needed - New Helmet

[GSgal]

Hey all, I'm getting back in the saddle after a few years off. I decided to stop lurking and join in. I've been doing a bit of research for a new helmet and came across this guide: https://bikerrated.com/sharp-5-star-rated-helmets/ - do you guys worry about SHARP ratings? I seem to remember an ACU sticker was all you needed when I last bought a lid but should I get a 5-star rated one this time?

[Jug]

Hi Sally & welcome.

I don't pay particular attention to the SHARP rating, in this country any helmet for sale from a reputable company will be safe enough for me.
I just tend to go for a half decent one that is in a sale somewhere, likely an outgoing model or colour.

[TLS-Moose]

Whilst I pay attention to SHARP scores, they're not the be-all and end-all.

A helmet from a reputable manufacturer, with a proven track record, that is sized and fitted correctly is priority one for me.

Decent visor size, quietness, removable/replaceable padding, a good choice of shell sizes, weight, etc., also have a bearing on choice.

You don't say where you are, but I'd suggest going somewhere like J&S or GT (Plymouth), Bridge or CMS (Exeter), Helmet City (West Bay) where they will have a decent selection in a variety of sizes. Try on plenty, take their advice on fitment, make up your own mind....

[menzies3032]

I have to say that my starting point is the sharp rating and anything lower then a 4 star will not be going on my head. But after that making sure that it’s a good fit and is comfortable it absolutely key.... for example AGV 5 star helmets are great but they don’t fit my head where as a x-lite helmet that’s 4 star fits very well and is multi composite fibres on the outer shell and has an inbuilt drop down aviator style sun visor which works very well.

So need to got and try some and see which ones you like. Moose has given you the places to go on the post above

[julesh]

As has been said you need to be able to try different lids on, I have a Medium Shoei shaped head tried a medium Arai and was having headaches within 10 minutes, I am on my 3rd Shoei NXR now, quiet,comfortable and meets, exceeds all safety standards, if you can wait til November motorcycle live is at the NEC chance to try on lots of different manufacturers lids and maybe grab a bargain

[billinom8s]

i was only concerned that mine had the gold acu sticker on it. buying a shark lid i knew that the quality was going to be there, like everyone else has stated - need to try them on.

could tick all the boxes for you but if it doesn't fit it's just an expensive ornament and you won't get out and ride your bike as the lid hurts.

[Ming]

Try loads, you'll be able to narrow it down to 2 or 3 makes in no time. I have an Arai shaped head but they don't do a flip front so that's out. Shoei do an excellent flip (the Neotec) but it hurts my forehead. I had a Nolan which is supposedly the same as an X Lite but the carbon version has a different internal sun visor as the Nolan..... So after 2 months of trying different ones I've got the same again!

[shammy666]

Helmet City in Cheddar are really really good to help you find one that fits properly and will order in things if not quite right.
I’d personally never buy a ‘budget’ brand.

HJC RPHA 11 for me but have to have XS cheek pads in a S lid as the XS lid is to small and S lid is too big....the 2 together and sorted, that’s how awkward I am when buy them They seem to crash well too

[Mr Tuscan]

I’ve got a Caberg flip helmet mines 4* but they all seem to vary
Very comfy I went for the Droid version but I get annoyed that the sun visor flip lever is directly on top of the helmet, the last place my hand should be when riding down the road, all bar that it’s lovely

76953F9C-9565-470D-BE6D-79DB6260EB12.png

[MikeZ]

As said above, any decent make that fits properly. If your helmet doesn't fit then it doesn't work properly. Imagine if you're wearing a sloppy lid, when your helmet hits the deck at 50mph, then your head hits the inside of the lid at 50mph.

[Mervin]

helmets ? my mate Pete 1965 royal marines display team in the USA

triumph.jpg

[bambam]

Best advice is make sure it fits regardless of make.
Then spend how much you like on the one that floats your boat.

[GSgal]

Thanks for your posts, that's super helpful

[menzies3032]

i was only concerned that mine had the gold acu sticker on it.

I have had 3 x-lite helmets all of them have a 4 star sharp rating however none of them ever come with the ACU sticker. Amazed I have managed to use them on track and don’t get stopped.

[goatpants]

I use Sharps as a guide. Also use Shark lids. Used to use Arai but got a life and found there are better, quieter and cheaper options. As long as the fit is good and rated good then not too biased.