What helmet to buy?

[brian_bkk]

While my Shoei helmet is out of action.

Looking for a mid range decent quality helmet for road trips on the Versys.

I have heard people say good things about the HJC.. but a common theme is.. The helmet is noisy.

Any recommendations for mid price level helmet.. Will buy it in Bangkok.

Cheers

Brian

 

[DavidFL]

Indeed I too as thinking about this the other day - buying a new helmet, but not wanting one with a lot of noise.

I'm happy with my Arai, but the price is still right up there.

There are a few comments about helmets on this thread

Where to buy a good full face helmet?

 

[DavidFL]

Shark Helmets Thailand

SHARK Helmets Thailand


http://www.sylvangsupply.com/

 

[monsterman]

Shark are good  helmets

 

[DavidFL]

Looking for a new spare helmet for the heat & I decided to have a crack at a peaked adventure helmet.

The Arai Tour X Adventure helmet

that I was earlier interested in 2 years ago

Recommended Bangkok Motorcycle Shops

had jumped in price from 17,000 to 28,000 baht - now possibly the most expensive? helmet on the market in Bangkok - more costly than the Arai race replicas at around 21,000-24,000 baht. Not impressed I did suggest to the Arai dealer that they were taking the piss with a 11,000 baht price increase.

So I started doing the rounds in Bkk - 320SP, SKR Proshop, before ending up at Paddock. I didn't really see anything I fancied, until I spotted an O'Neal Sierra helmet

& it was probably the colour that got my attention at first - blue to match the bike. Ha Ha.

Then there was the price only 7,500 baht, plus multiple air vents + a internal sun visor. I had to try three on before I decided on the correct fit. Then I changed my mind to an all white one, thinking that I would let the sticker guy in Chiang Mai have a go at tarting the helmet. The box came, it was wrapped ready to go & then I thought again, better try it on with my balaclava to make doubly sure. And sure enough the fit was not right, so another change of size. 4th time round.

A white Sierra

for the heat & sun beating down mercilessly year this summer.

A week later & 1,300 baht poorer, the guys at Monster Wrap in Chiang Mai have done their magic.

but why buy this helmet?

In the big heat this year pottering around mapping the old Arai is just too hot at low speed with the sun beating down fiercely on your visor & face. That peak on the front makes a huge difference when you're just chugging along slowly.

The fit on the helmet is quite good & no complaints so far. The multiple air vents seem to do their job as well. So for 7,500 baht I think kit is going to be good value for money. There's a Bell Adventure helmet I need to check out, but I think the O'Neal is going to do the biz for me.

Ive already tested the helmet out at 140kp on a loop up to Phrao - yes it is a bit noisier than the Arai, but I don't see it as a serious problem. The real test will be a week on the road next, at slower speeds than 140 because I don't think the O'Neal is up to the Arai protection standard, that's for sure.

The helmet would appear to the same as the as the AFX FX-41 which has these proclaimed features:
Aerodynamic shell design constructed using an advanced lightweight composite poly-alloy
Flip-up, flush fit, quick release, single turn screw face shield with side covers
Shield itself is optically correct compound curved, scratch-resistant and protects against UV-rays
Shield can also be used without the visor with included side cover kit
Smoke tinted inner flip down sun shield system with left side slide lever
Helmet liner and cheek pads made with a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial nylon, all of which are removable and washable
17 points of ventilation with chin, side, forehead top and rear vents
Retention system is quick release with sewn on ECE logo
Provides ample ear cavity space for most speaker systems
A clear coat finish to protect paint & graphics
Meets or exceeds both ECE 22.05 and DOT FMVSS-218 motorcycle helmet safety standards

From an Aussie ONeal web page
At O'NEAL, appropriate head protection is exactly what it really is all about! We provide you with an entire array of helmets made up of high tech components as well as the most recent in head protection innovation. O'NEAL Helmets are available within a range of the maximum of safety criteria which includes DOT, SNELL 2010, ECE and Australia Standard. Always keep your head in the possession of the specialists and place your confidence within the company that has furnished remarkable rider protection for over four decades!
Features
Shell is manufactured using ABS (DOT) or using Polycarbonate (ECE/AS).
Guaranteed to Meet D.O.T. (U.S. only), ECE (Europe), and AS (Australia) safety standards and criteria.
Extremely plush detachable and cleanable cushioned lining helps to keep you cool and dry by wicking away moisture.
Shield is detachable to enable open face riding or goggle use.
Modifiable visor design and style.
A total of seventeen air vents assist in keeping you cool and dry for additional comfort.
Durable and long lasting multi-colored clear coated graphics and artwork.

Some GTR Safety Helmet info on an earlier thread
The 5 Things You Need To Know When Buying a Motorcycle Helmet in Thailand

Some other GTR helmet threads
Buying a helmet
Where to buy a good full face helmet?
Full Face Helmet Suggestions

 

[DavidFL]

Some interesting informaton on Arai helmets at a plant inspection in Japan

About the principle of ARAI HELMET
At first, the lecture started with the speech of ARAI HELMET’s CEO, Mr. Michio Arai.
He talked about the company’s history and principle briefly.
Mr. Arai, who becomes 78 in this year, is surprisingly still an active rider. He is also a heavy user of his own company’s products. Their theme is safety and comfort, and they manufactured helmets with the principle ‘to make the better product than other companies’ even just a little.’ Though I will write about it later, the principle influenced designs and structures a lot.

Forming Department’ to pursue materials and structures
The biggest feature of this lecture was that the participants could actually observe the factory, not just sit and listen.
At first, we went to the Forming Department as the staff to explain guided. In this department, they manufacture the outside of helmets, shell body. The shell body occupies approximate 50% of a helmet’s weight, and it is the important part to absorb and disperse shocks.
ARAI HELMET adopted ‘cLc structure’ or other structure better than that to almost all products. Talking roughly, cLc structure is sandwich structure. It is strengthened by laminating materials which had different characteristics and hardening with resin. Tough the important thing is, as you know, material, ARAI HELMET is particular about the material and adopted several kinds of materials including in-house development.

In order to experience the strength of the material adopted actually, the lecturer passed me the ‘test pieces’ used for strength experiment. The pieces were 6 kinds, normal FRP, carbon, Kevlar, two kinds of FRP with super fiber, and in-house development carbon.
As I folded each material, FRP with ‘super fiber’ which Arai adopted was very flexible, solid, and hard to bend, compared with normal FRP which is usually used for fenders of motorcycles. The price of this super fiber is 6 times of usual glass fiber, and the strength is three times. As I tried to fold the material called ‘super fiber belt’ made to be like a belt in order to strengthen more, it was very difficult for me, having normal adult man’s muscular strength, to fold it. Though it was just FRP, I was very surprised about that it could change like this depending on development of materials. This super fiber belt is used for the surroundings of shield where it is hard to make strong. Furthermore, those two material are used, one is ‘Dyneema’ which is even used for bullet proof vests, and the other is ‘Zylon’ which is said to be one of the strongest fibers. These two kinds of fiber are not used for all shell body but the top of the head made account of these anti-penetrability. Also, there were several devises like putting the super fiber made thickest at most in the chin guarding part to strengthen more.

To cut the shell body, laser cutting by industrial robots were used. Laser cutting which doesn’t apply any blade physically could cut without applying stress to the cut surface. Also, the molds used for manufacturing those shell bodies were surprisingly made by their own company. In Japan, the helmet manufacturer making its own molds is only ARAI HELMET. The merit is to be able to reflect the design and adjust finely as soon as possible, even during test phase. This equipment make it possible to be particular about the arrangement of three types for one helmet. Now, by operating to mold-making machines in parallel, one mold was made in one day.
After shell bodies were finished, all the bodies were checked those thickness or finishing several times. This check was so strict that even 1g lighter/heavier helmet than the regular weight was rejected as defective product. Also, the thinner part was repaired by applying super fiber.
Surprisingly, those processes I wrote so far were merely automated. Skilled workers did those. In ARAI HELMET, complicated processes in manufacturing are not automated but mad by skilled workers.

Particularity about safety

Test machine. There were three types of iron anvil, plane, hemisphere, and edged. In this picture, it was hemisphere.

Next, we saw the performance test of helmets at the test hall next to headquarters.
They showed us anti-shock, anti-penetration, strength test of chin straps, and penetration test of shields. ARAI HELMET does tests as not only JIS or, depending on products, SNELL but also its own safety standard tests. Those tests are stricter than fixed standards. The test we actually saw was FIA (like F1) said as the strictest in the world, using helmets made by ARAI. The result was on passing line. Also, though the test is not fixed in SNELL, they do the test to make multisite impacts on one helmet supposing the real accidents.
However, the lecturer said “These tests are for measuring numeric data in the same condition, not for recreating the actual accidents.” If the impact speed is shown as km/h, even SNELL, which is said to be strict is about 27-28 km/h. However, in the actual accident, it is possible to become 80 km/h or more. The helmet to be able to absorb the impact can’t be manufactured actually. Thus, there is ARAI HELMET’s ‘R75 SHAPE’ which is popular design principle in these days. R75 SHAPE is to slip and avoid and the strength of shell body to slip. As they were not satisfied with the test result only, it could be seen that they were also strongly particular about the design and safety.

Left/ Though it is hard to see it in this picture, there was a test helmet in the red circle on the top of testing machine. The height was more than 4 m.
Right/ The result of piercing test. This piercing test was also used for the weak part, drain hole.

In order to absorb shocks and reduce the damage to brain, the strength of shell bodies and design are important. Furthermore, the inner liner playing the role of a cushion is also an essential factor.
In Japan, ARAI HELMET only uses “multistage formed liner” fitting the strength of shell bodies. Multistage formed liner means the technology to change the hardness depending on the part to use. It is supposed to protect heads by making the top part soft and the solid inner liner protected the forehead part as the forehead part is hard to strengthen due to the opening of shields. Of course, it is integrally molded. Among those who read this report, there may be some people to have some questions like why it is needed to change the hardness or why the soft part is needed. However, this is because of thinking about the crushed speed of inner liners when the helmet actually gets shocks. If it is too hard, the brain will get damaged. If it is too soft, it will not be able to absorb shocks. This softness is to change the hardness of inner liners depending on the strength distribution of a shell body. This technology is the very ARAI HELMET’s particularity, which had invented the combination of FRP shell body and inner liners made of styrene foam for the first time in Japan.

Left/ Shield piercing test machine. It shot an iron ball into the shield by air pressure like a real bullet of an air gun.
Right/ The result of piercing test. I only saw the little dent in the red circle.

Source: Japan Web Bike

 

[DavidFL]

Found some interesting history on LS2 Helmets

The biggest helmet manufacturer in the world?

About Us

1991 - LS2 Helmets began its history when Arthur Liao founded Xiqing Plastics for just $500 in Shunde Guandong, China. Xiqing Plastics began making and selling helmets throughout the domestic Chinese market, insuring customer satisfaction and creating products for the Chinese community.
1998 - Xiqing Plastics established MHR Helmet Co. Ltd. with the primary purpose of producing and exporting name brand motorcycle helmets across the world.
2005 - As the business continued to grow, Arthur Liao and his brother Paul made a multi-million dollar investment to establish JIANGMEN PENGCHENG HELMETS, LTD. (JPH) and began manufacturing helmets in a 330,000 sq. ft factory with over 1,000 employees producing more than 2 million helmets a year, thus making JPH one of the largest producers of motorcycle helmets in the world.
2006 - LS2® & Nuvo® helmet brands were registered and began to be sold and distributed inside and outside of China.
2007 - JPH went to Barcelona Spain and created the TECH DESIGN TEAM to distribute LS2 helmets in Europe. As of December of 2009, 400,000 LS2 helmets have been sold throughout Europe.
2008 - JPH became the only helmet manufacturer in China fully approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and received full ISO9000* accreditation.
* ISO Accreditation indicates that the company has been externally assessed and found to have a consistency of approach in developing, implementing and improving the effectiveness of a quality management system that enhances customer satisfaction by meeting customer requirements. This is an International Standard and ADK is one of only a handful of environmental consultancies in the UK that has triple accreditation encompassing Quality, Heath & Safety and Environmental Management Systems.
2009 - JPH sold over two million helmets worldwide and reached a sales record of over $29 million in helmet sales.
2010 - JPH reached a franchise agreement with Allwin Powersports Corp to distribute LS2 helmets in North America.

Loris Bas was wearing a LS2 Helmet in his 290KPH MotoGP Crash
Cycril Despres won the 2012 Dakat wearing a LS2 helmet
Marc Coma from Spain won the 2015 Dakar Rally wearing a LS2 helmet
Luc Ackerman, the youngest person to do a successful back flip on a motorcycle wears LS2 helmets

All good stuff
The helmet cheek pads are cut by laser from a single piece of dual density foam
The company has Japanese quality control managers
The production equipment is from Germany
The safety testing hardware is from Canada

and many people thought thought they were a cheap Chinese brand.

 

[David Learmonth]

I'm on my first LS2. Been using it for eighteen months so far. Most comfortable helmet I've had.

 

[Goran Phuket]

Schuberth C3 Pro is quietest helmet on the market.

HJC can last long, cheap but noisy.

Touratech - overpriced and average quality. My disintegrated after 1 month.

Shark - had many of those for my sport bikes. Disintegrated too....asked manufacturer for replacement cushions and what not, they replied once and never heard from them again. And yes, they are here in Thailand, typical.

Now looking at these, NEXX XD1 the same company (from Portugal) that manufactures for touratech but their own brand has more features and better quality, not to mention 60% cheaper.

They have all sorts of color designs and comes even with sun-visor unlike other enduro helmets.

Check this link and available colors below main photo:

Nexx XD1 Adventure Touring Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmet | All Colours & Sizes | eBay

 

[DavidFL]

Some nice helmet reviews here
Motorcycle Helmet Reviews - webBikeWorld
for anyone interested.

 

[Hua Hin]

I have the Nexx XD1 Nice helmet but still prefer my Schuberth C3. Bought the Nexx from Panda Rider.

 

[DavidFL]

I have the Nexx XD1 Nice helmet but still prefer my Schuberth C3. Bought the Nexx from Panda Rider.

How much did the NEXX XD1 cost?

 

[Hua Hin]

I paid 15,500 for the XD1. It was new on the market when I got it. On Panda Riders website they are advertising for 15,000 now.

 

[Dodraugen]

I am looking to buy a helmet in Chiang Mai, type adventure (with a "beak")

Have had a look at Zeromet and Helmet2home so far. Whats your thoughts and experienes with the cheaper ones like Index and Real. Also had a look at LS2 and Molbile (or whatever it was) price range 2400-2900 bath. Are those helmets just chinese junk and should be avoided at all cost or are some of these actually ok quality for the money?

 

[DavidFL]

I am looking to buy a helmet in Chiang Mai, type adventure (with a "beak")

Have had a look at Zeromet and Helmet2home so far. Whats your thoughts and experienes with the cheaper ones like Index and Real. Also had a look at LS2 and Molbile (or whatever it was) price range 2400-2900 bath. Are those helmets just chinese junk and should be avoided at all cost or are some of these actually ok quality for the money?

I'm very happy with the Oneal I bought

7,500 baht.

From my earlier post

but why buy this helmet?

In the big heat this year pottering around mapping the old Arai is just too hot at low speed with the sun beating down fiercely on your visor & face. That peak on the front makes a huge difference when you're just chugging along slowly.

The fit on the helmet is quite good & no complaints so far. The multiple air vents seem to do their job as well. So for 7,500 baht I think kit is going to be good value for money. There's a Bell Adventure helmet I need to check out, but I think the O'Neal is going to do the biz for me.

Ive already tested the helmet out at 140kp on a loop up to Phrao - yes it is a bit noisier than the Arai, but I don't see it as a serious problem. The real test will be a week on the road next, at slower speeds than 140 because I don't think the O'Neal is up to the Arai protection standard, that's for sure.

The helmet would appear to the same as the as the AFX FX-41 which has these proclaimed features:
Aerodynamic shell design constructed using an advanced lightweight composite poly-alloy
Flip-up, flush fit, quick release, single turn screw face shield with side covers
Shield itself is optically correct compound curved, scratch-resistant and protects against UV-rays
Shield can also be used without the visor with included side cover kit
Smoke tinted inner flip down sun shield system with left side slide lever
Helmet liner and cheek pads made with a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial nylon, all of which are removable and washable
17 points of ventilation with chin, side, forehead top and rear vents
Retention system is quick release with sewn on ECE logo
Provides ample ear cavity space for most speaker systems
A clear coat finish to protect paint & graphics
Meets or exceeds both ECE 22.05 and DOT FMVSS-218 motorcycle helmet safety standards

From an Aussie ONeal web page
At O'NEAL, appropriate head protection is exactly what it really is all about! We provide you with an entire array of helmets made up of high tech components as well as the most recent in head protection innovation. O'NEAL Helmets are available within a range of the maximum of safety criteria which includes DOT, SNELL 2010, ECE and Australia Standard. Always keep your head in the possession of the specialists and place your confidence within the company that has furnished remarkable rider protection for over four decades!
Features
Shell is manufactured using ABS (DOT) or using Polycarbonate (ECE/AS).
Guaranteed to Meet D.O.T. (U.S. only), ECE (Europe), and AS (Australia) safety standards and criteria.
Extremely plush detachable and cleanable cushioned lining helps to keep you cool and dry by wicking away moisture.
Shield is detachable to enable open face riding or goggle use.
Modifiable visor design and style.
A total of seventeen air vents assist in keeping you cool and dry for additional comfort.
Durable and long lasting multi-colored clear coated graphics and artwork.
​

Bungy is happy with is Bell that costs about the same.
You can get these from Helmet2Home.
For a bit extra I think you get a lot better quality.

Now after using it for 18 months I can't believe why it took me so long to get an adventure helmet - how did I ride so long without one & that extra sun protection!

​

​

 

[blackb15]

All good information I like Arai but it seems some helmets just suit some heads and that's the most important after safety comfort and wearibilty .
I wanted to buy a Rossi replica but just couldn't get a comfortable fit.
Safe riding
Paul

 

[DavidFL]

Looking for a new spare helmet for the heat & I decided to have a crack at a peaked adventure helmet.

The Arai Tour X Adventure helmetView attachment 92052

that I was earlier interested in 2 years ago

Recommended Bangkok Motorcycle Shops

had jumped in price from 17,000 to 28,000 baht - now possibly the most expensive? helmet on the market in Bangkok - more costly than the Arai race replicas at around 21,000-24,000 baht. Not impressed I did suggest to the Arai dealer that they were taking the piss with a 11,000 baht price increase.

So I started doing the rounds in Bkk - 320SP, SKR Proshop, before ending up at Paddock. I didn't really see anything I fancied, until I spotted an O'Neal Sierra helmet

View attachment 92053

& it was probably the colour that got my attention at first - blue to match the bike. Ha Ha.

Then there was the price only 7,500 baht, plus multiple air vents + a internal sun visor. I had to try three on before I decided on the correct fit. Then I changed my mind to an all white one, thinking that I would let the sticker guy in Chiang Mai have a go at tarting the helmet. The box came, it was wrapped ready to go & then I thought again, better try it on with my balaclava to make doubly sure. And sure enough the fit was not right, so another change of size. 4th time round.

A white Sierra

View attachment 92054

for the heat & sun beating down mercilessly year this summer.

A week later & 1,300 baht poorer, the guys at Monster Wrap in Chiang Mai have done their magic.

View attachment 92055

View attachment 92056

but why buy this helmet?

In the big heat this year pottering around mapping the old Arai is just too hot at low speed with the sun beating down fiercely on your visor & face. That peak on the front makes a huge difference when you're just chugging along slowly.

The fit on the helmet is quite good & no complaints so far. The multiple air vents seem to do their job as well. So for 7,500 baht I think kit is going to be good value for money. There's a Bell Adventure helmet I need to check out, but I think the O'Neal is going to do the biz for me.

Ive already tested the helmet out at 140kp on a loop up to Phrao - yes it is a bit noisier than the Arai, but I don't see it as a serious problem. The real test will be a week on the road next, at slower speeds than 140 because I don't think the O'Neal is up to the Arai protection standard, that's for sure.

The helmet would appear to the same as the as the AFX FX-41 which has these proclaimed features:
Aerodynamic shell design constructed using an advanced lightweight composite poly-alloy
Flip-up, flush fit, quick release, single turn screw face shield with side covers
Shield itself is optically correct compound curved, scratch-resistant and protects against UV-rays
Shield can also be used without the visor with included side cover kit
Smoke tinted inner flip down sun shield system with left side slide lever
Helmet liner and cheek pads made with a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial nylon, all of which are removable and washable
17 points of ventilation with chin, side, forehead top and rear vents
Retention system is quick release with sewn on ECE logo
Provides ample ear cavity space for most speaker systems
A clear coat finish to protect paint & graphics
Meets or exceeds both ECE 22.05 and DOT FMVSS-218 motorcycle helmet safety standards

From an Aussie ONeal web page
At O'NEAL, appropriate head protection is exactly what it really is all about! We provide you with an entire array of helmets made up of high tech components as well as the most recent in head protection innovation. O'NEAL Helmets are available within a range of the maximum of safety criteria which includes DOT, SNELL 2010, ECE and Australia Standard. Always keep your head in the possession of the specialists and place your confidence within the company that has furnished remarkable rider protection for over four decades!
Features
Shell is manufactured using ABS (DOT) or using Polycarbonate (ECE/AS).
Guaranteed to Meet D.O.T. (U.S. only), ECE (Europe), and AS (Australia) safety standards and criteria.
Extremely plush detachable and cleanable cushioned lining helps to keep you cool and dry by wicking away moisture.
Shield is detachable to enable open face riding or goggle use.
Modifiable visor design and style.
A total of seventeen air vents assist in keeping you cool and dry for additional comfort.
Durable and long lasting multi-colored clear coated graphics and artwork.

Some GTR Safety Helmet info on an earlier thread
The 5 Things You Need To Know When Buying a Motorcycle Helmet in Thailand

Some other GTR helmet threads
Buying a helmet
Where to buy a good full face helmet?
Full Face Helmet Suggestions

After my Chinese truck hit in Laos I can say that I'm still happy with my Oneal Sierra I helmet.

R13n - Hit By A 22-wheeler Chinese Truck

The helmet took a bit of a hit on the left & has some scratch marks

it performed perfectly & I have no complaints. It is top value for money for me!
A ONeal Sierra that I bought for 7,000 baht in Bangkok. I've done tens of thousands of kms with this helmet and it works a beauty for me.

So when I got back to Chiang Mai & saw the Sierra II on special at Helmet 2 Home, I could not resist & bought the new model for 4,500 baht. An absolute steal at this price!

The old model Sierra I on the left & Sierra II on the right.
The Sierra II has more vents & more plush lining. It gets my vote for another 100,000 kms @ 4,500 baht.

 

[DavidFL]

After my Chinese truck hit in Laos I can say that I'm still happy with my Oneal Sierra I helmet.

R13n - Hit By A 22-wheeler Chinese Truck

The helmet took a bit of a hit on the left & has some scratch marks
View attachment 128043
it performed perfectly & I have no complaints. It is top value for money for me!
A ONeal Sierra that I bought for 7,000 baht in Bangkok. I've done tens of thousands of kms with this helmet and it works a beauty for me.

So when I got back to Chiang Mai & saw the Sierra II on special at Helmet 2 Home, I could not resist & bought the new model for 4,500 baht. An absolute steal at this price!
View attachment 128044

View attachment 128045
The old model Sierra I on the left & Sierra II on the right.
The Sierra II has more vents & more plush lining. It gets my vote for another 100,000 kms @ 4,500 baht.

Another 60,000 kms later & the old Oneal is getting a bit ratty, like the rider some would say.
I've reglued some of the rubber trimming, that is starting to come loose, but it is never quite fully satisfactory...
Time for another helmet, but I dont like the latest Sierra 11 that has a clip lock & not rings.
Checking up at Helmet2Home there's a black one in my size & a same colour one in an L size, but I need a XXL.
Damn. I don't want a black one.
Oh no problem says the boss. The shell is the same, we can swap over the liner & padding for you?
I try on the black XXL to confirm, yes it fits like a glove, but the same colour white & blue doesn't fit is an L.
The liners & padding are swapped over & hey presto, fits like a glove again.
And just to reconfirm I've got the right size, the size stickers are swapped over as well.
As it is # 3 Oneal, time to bargain a bit & the price comes down to 4,300 baht from 4,500 baht.
The Oneal Sierra II is a winner for me.

The helmet on the left is the one I was wearing when I got hot by the Chinese trailer truck.

R13n - Hit By A 22-wheeler Chinese Truck

My absolute lucky day = first prize in the lottery! A quick one day ride to Luang Prabang from Chiang Khong, to deliver some maps & catch up to a few friends. It's been too long since I've been in Luang Prabang, so rather than bus the maps to Luang Prabang for delivery, why not just pop over...

www.gt-rider.com

The one in the centre has 60,000 kms up.
The one on the right is the new baby

O'Neal Sierra II Helmet

After 18 month the O'Neal Sierra II has proven itselfe to be an great offroad helmet. It has some niggles though. Read the review!

mototravel.uk

The Ultimate O Neal Sierra 2 Reviews - Updated February 2023

Discover the best customer reviews of O Neal Sierra 2 before you buy. Updated %%currentmonth%% %%currentyear%%

www.bike-kit.co.uk

Qualifying Products - Helmets - RevZilla

Qualifying Products - Helmets - Free Shipping, No Hassle Returns and the Lowest Prices - Guaranteed

www.revzilla.com

 

[Marmite]

For those looking for a good budget alternative to LS2 or HJC, I would recommend the Real Helmets. In my opinion they're better made and more comfortable than those two brands and have a good range of styles as well as being easy to find. I got three of them once I sold my bloody horrible Schuberth.

 

[canthai]

For those looking for a good budget alternative to LS2 or HJC, I would recommend the Real Helmets. In my opinion they're better made and more comfortable than those two brands and have a good range of styles as well as being easy to find. I got three of them once I sold my bloody horrible Schuberth.

REAL helmet sun visor film

Had my REAL brand helmet for about a year and really like the fit and internal sun visor but the dark colouring on the visor is 'cracking' and 'peeling' off in a 'crazed' pattern. Getting quite distracting and letting the glare in. Shop I bought it from (In Chiangmai) says there's nothing can be ...

forum.thaivisa.com

 

[Wazza]

Over recent years I have become a fan of Airoh lids. Really light both dirt and road helmets. Aviator dirt lids are 1120~50 g. I use GP500 for track racing, again really light, well vented and have recently bought a ST 501 for touring. It has internal sun visor and still pretty light. They had a range at Helmet2 but not in my size. I usually get them from FC Moto in plain colours or when discounted

 

[canthai]

You can check ratings for most helmets here -

SHARP - THE HELMET SAFETY SCHEME

Welcome to SHARP, the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme, a scheme to help motorcyclists make an informed choice when buying a helmet.

sharp.dft.gov.uk

 

[Wazza]

Great site Sharp, the alphabet of brands. Money spent, large or small doesn’t come with a proportional guarantee of safety it would appear. Fancy graphics only enhance cost, not protection of the melon.
End of the day, choice comes down to fitment, the shape of ones head and appendages, with some personal bling preferences thrown in. Find a brand, size and style you like and bobs your uncle.

 

[canthai]

Great site Sharp, the alphabet of brands. Money spent, large or small doesn’t come with a proportional guarantee of safety it would appear. Fancy graphics only enhance cost, not protection of the melon.
End of the day, choice comes down to fitment, the shape of ones head and appendages, with some personal bling preferences thrown in. Find a brand, size and style you like and bobs your uncle.

Indeed. All a pricey helmet gets you is nicer fit and finish, with an upscale interior.
Gotta laugh when a $200 one outperforms one costing 4 or 5 times more

 

[DavidFL]

Check out the brilliant Fort Nine Helmet Reviews here

https://fortnine.ca/en/reviews/best-motorcycle-helmets

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fort+nine+helmets