Helmet Ratings

[Paul]

NSW RTA Helmet ratings link for those that are interested.

http://www.crash.org.au/ratings.php

Expensive helmets are not always the best.
 :)
Paul

 

[alans1100]

We both have the HJC helmet which is about half down the list. For memory we paid about $350 each for them. Regardless it's much better to avoid needing to use it no matter the cost or the safety standard.

[Down Under]

A very similar helmet rating system to that used in the UK:

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/home

I think the comfort rating system used in NSW would be a bit subjective.  Big difference between testing in the real world and the lab. 

[royst1100]

interesting . there right with the lids i got "shark evoline" comfort is down a bit

[Bikebear]

Not exactly a complete list. Only 2 dual sport helmets listed out of at least 5 I know of in the marketplace. The full face/flip category is pretty small given the number of models and brands on the market. Neither of my helmets appear here nor does the new Shark I just bought the missus. Personally I would go with what fits ya head and is comfortable for you. All the lab studies under the sun can't tell you if a helmet will give you a headache or not.

[terrydj]

Ok experts how come some past the Safety part with a 5 star ratiung and some with 2 stars. Being an idiot and only understanding what I can read????? Basically a heavy thing is dropped on the helmet, right. So how do they judge the impact. How can a helmet have survived the drop more than 2 times that of others. I mean they all got the sticker. Why do I feel like I'm being conned??????
Don't care really as my Shark has just found a lifelong place in the shed, and the comfort rating for me was far less than  good.

[Brock]

Terry,

A helmet must pass the minimum test. For example the minimum may be something like a rounded spike weighing 2Kg with a point of  2cm radius must not penetrate more than 10 mm when dropped from a height of 50 cm. (figures are an example only not actual requirements) A ** helmet may have a penetration of 8mm (a pass) and a ***** helmet 3mm (still a pass). In these politically correct days, a pass is a pass and a fail is some improvement needed..

When it comes down to it, if it meets the standard then its safe to wear. Next comes the fit, a thousand dollar hat that is loose im spots and squeezes in others (ie doesnt fit right) is no good for you as it will move around under severe impact, and it will distract you while riding due to pain. A cheaper helmet that fits perfectly would be much better.

The best bet when buying a helmet is to find the one that fits the best then look at the price.

I personaly wont wear a second hand helmet sourced from who knows where ( like cash converters) as you dont know what stresses that it may have been subject to (and what nasty bugs may have lived in his/her head)

[terrydj]

Thanks mate. So if I was making a helmet I'd just make it to pass the minimum test. Save the dollars, buy me a big boast, fill it with ???????? and laugh at all the fools that brought it just because it had a trendy name on it And me I just brough a second hand Scheuberth owned by a gay guy who lost all his hair because of unknown reasons, and must have had some kind of leprose type thing wrong with him because of the ammount of flesh left in it But it fits great, is real comfy and is real silent so to me its all worth it

[Brock]

 

[saaz]

There is also a bit of debate around Snell vs other standards. Helmets that pass Snell may not e as good as others in a real world crash wherethe impact is not massive. To survive the massive impact the shell and lining may not cushion the forces as much as other helmets that may be better in lower impact situations.  But getting a helmet that fits and i confortable is the most important first up.  If we all knew what sort of crash we were going to have, I for one would not go that ride...

[terrydj]

You know, I have lost a couple of mates due to Bike accidents. Not ones that rode on a Sunny Sunday for a Latte but a couple that rode near everyday, and both died from injuries to their bodies. Fair enough they were wearing helmets, but the damage to their bodies was so severe that wearing a helmet or not they were dead anyway. All I know is that riders die when they hit or are hit by an immovable object, and personally I reckon all a helmet does is make it more easier for the rider to be identified. Oh yeah and stop them huge Victorian and South Australian moths from knocking you out.

[Couch]

Terry.............I certainly agree with you up to a point. I believe most serious injuries to riders would be caused by body injuries, but there are those that are caused by injuries to the head and face as well. I believe body protection is just as important as head protection, yet there are no regulations regarding the wearing of protection equipment for the body. We all have to make up our own minds about how we go about protecting ourselves, and the risks we're prepared to take by not doing so. I have also brought brought a second hand helmet, but it was as good as brand new, without a mark on it. I must admit I didn't think too much about the head that was previously within............bugger!!   I wonder if that has anything to do with my hair falling out