From the Forum - Members Speak Out About Helmets

The official newsletter of the International Star Riders Association
©ISRA, 1999. Redistribution prohibited without permission.
Volume 1. Number 7.

The F-Files

Every once in a while, a topic will get covered in the forum that we at the StarCruiser feel needs to preserved, lest it sink into the obscurity of the forum archives. (or, as is more likely, get eaten by Delphi, lost without a trace) The following is from a string that deals with helmets and how to go about finding the right one. This is just another example of how helpful the ISRA Forum can be.

From the Forum:

After hearing someone say you should replace your helmet every three to four years due to perspiration breaking down the inner lining, I thought I would replace my Shoei that I bought in 1985. The first helmet that came to mind was the Shoei r800. I spotted the Nolan 100 series with tip up chin piece, air vents that put Shoei to shame and a quick-disconnect strap. The thing I dislike most about a helmet is un-hooking the strap through d-rings. I understand the safety side of d-rings compared to quick release but the release looks very secure. This helmet is lexan as compared to fiberglass for the Shoei. If there is anyone out there that can share their thoughts or observations it would helpful. Anyone own one of the Nolans?
Bud - ISRA# 1143

I've got the open faced Nolan and have been very satisfied with it. The lexan helmets work ok, but aren't as strong as the glass ones. Not sure that makes alot of difference, since in a big crash, the other injurys you'd recieve would make this a moot point. I agree a quick release strap is nice, but if you do what I've done, sew a piece of velcro to the strap (both sides) then it's not a pain. The real reason you should replace the helmet is that the UV from the sun breaks down the material the helmet's made of; it makes it brittle. Less of a problem with glass helmets. You can wash the liner too, just fill with soapy water and slosh it around, rinse w/ warm water, then let it dry.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

If you're in an accident bad enough to bust up a lexan helmet, chances are your going to break your neck anyway. When you say you have an open face, is that the pivoting one that I'm looking at? Does your's have the quick release?
Bud - ISRA# 1143

Nope, mine's what I guess they call the 3/4 helmet, face is always open, but does have built in sheild. I've tried on the pivoting full face and like it, just can't get used to having my face covered up.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

Recently picked up an Arai on sale. It's full helmet. Compares quite favorably to the Shoei R800 but seems lighter and closer in fit. Uses D-ring but strap has plastic snap to keep it from flapping in the wind. Only complaint... design picks up and augments carb noise with K&N filters bouncing off windshield. Learned another trick the hard way... never, never, never, set your helmet on the bike unless it's strapped. It will fall... inevitably.
John R.

I've had the N100 since July (3000 miles) and am happy with it. Might comment that I have only worn it closed a couple of times so I'm not sure that we are taking advantage of its features. My main reason for buying it was I wear glasses and you can put it on/remove without worrying about the glasses.
Ed Sharpe - ISRA # 855

My wife and I have and love the N-100... I live in an area where the wind blows all the time and it got rid of head bob. My wife loves the N-100 because it's so quiet. We both have glasses and don't have to take them off to put the helmet on. I think its one of the best buys on the market.
Snowdance

I'm another satisfied N100 user. One point is that, to my knowlege, these flip-up models have not been submitted for Snell testing. I'm sure we lose a little protection, but how much? Personally, I'm willing to give a little.
Al Setzer - ISRA # 0671

I am also a very satisfied owner of the Nolan N100. I switch between that and a 1/2 helmet. As to the Snell rating, I asked one of the MSF instructors in August about helmets. He infomed me that the Snell Foundation no longer exists. If anyone has additional or contrary info on this, I'd love to hear it.
Lindsay

I love my N100 flip up helmet, but there are two things you should know in advance:
(1) You should not ride with the chin guard flipped up. I took a short, 1 mile trip with the chin guard up it acted like a sail, nearly to ripping my head off! The chin guard feature is great when you have to run inside the store to pay for gas, etc... without having to take the helmet off completely.
(2) The N100 comes with a clear, lexan shield. Not great for daytime, you should buy a darker sun shield. Unlike the Shoei, the Nolan is a bit more involved to take off & put on. You have to remove pieces and put back together. Not difficult after the first time or two.
One last thought... The Nolan's ratcheting system is far superior, I can't imagine it coming off during a crash. I will also say the the paint job on the Nolan is far superior to most, higher-priced models, and has top-rate consturcion.
Dave Barber

I'm using a full-face AGV, I think it's an H3 or Q3 model. I tried on several full-face helmets and liked the fit. It had more room in front of your mouth and nose and didn't give you the feeling of being 'pressed up against the glass'. It has D-rings and a snap, and the front air vent has a wire mesh which grates the bugs as they come through. <g> The only drawback, and something you might want to consider for other helmets as well, is that the replacement visor is $48.
Wes - ISRA # 418

I noticed that both of those helmets are made in Italy. A dealer mentioned to me one day that a lot of the helmets are made overseas, especially in Italy, because of the, laxed product liability laws.
Chuck - ISRA #886

I had new Shoei RF800. Sat it on my bike seat, turned around. . . you know the rest <G>. ALways secure that puppy!!!
Jim Lee - ISRA #506

NetX makes a good point. I have a tall windscreen and have not had the problem with the wind grabbing the helmet when unlatched.
Ed Sharpe - ISRA # 855

If you take a large hit to the helmet, whether you're wearing it or not, it's integrity is compromised and it might not protect you in a crash. The foam liner and the shell have to be continiously attached for the helmet to do it's job. If it's dropped hard, it breaks the liner from the helmet. They are basically a one shot deal, smack it once and it's broke, time to get another.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

They were submitted to Snell for testing, they flunked.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

As of summer of this year, Snell appeared to be operating. They have a website that lists helmets passed, those that haven't, and why.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

This is from ABATE, I've not had the time to research it for it's accuracy:
ABATE states that helmet testing is done at the speed of 14mph. So, if it's true, an approved helmet will protect you at 14mph, no more. It can aggravate neck injuries, due to the increased weight you're wearing on your head.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729

I've noticed the surface of several helmest to be very soft. It appears that they have this soft surface to absorb initial scraps and dents before the shell is compromised.
John R.

The Snell Foundation appears to be still in existance at least as far as a WEB presence goes. Their site is www.smf.org
Clayton & Candace Dymond - ISRA #1199

I read, on a government website, that the government ratings are actually set quite high and SNELL is set just a notch higher. Does being one notch higher than government standards present any gains? It reminds me a bit of "This is SPINAL TAP", where the government has an amplifier that reads 10, and SNELL's amplifier goes to 11.
Dave Barber

According to my MSF instructor, when a helmet is dropped from approx. 3' or more the layers of fiberglass or lexan will spider-crack. As Bill said, it's a "one time deal" and the future of your helmet is questionable.
Driller - ISRA#265

Having seen a number of crashed helmets, a helmet should split in two in the event of a crash. Dropping the helmet doesn't necessariy damage the shell, it breaks the bond between the shell and the foam liner, comprimising its strength. Almosts every helmet uses polystyrene foam, since it can be injected into a mold to take the shape of the helmet. But the foam has very low bonding strength. The bond won't break in an impact, but the foam layer just under the bond will fracture. There's no way to test it either without destroying the helmet. If you drop it hard, consider it a bad mistake and get it replaced.
Bill Hamm - ISRA#729