Helmets

[MikeW-71]

Right here goes. What are the main differences between a £10 Helmet and an £80 Helmet? Is it just design and name?

Ive currently got a Raleigh Helmet from Go Outdoors. But notice my head gets pretty hot during rides and I start to get headaches. Is cooling something that gets better with cost?

Sometimes not much, sometimes a lot.

Usually, as expense goes up, cooling and weight are improved. Fit is the most important thing though. I tried a more expensive model to the one I bought, but it was uncomfortable, and therefore no good.

 

[Citius]

Helmets - like socks, underpants or shoes - are an essentially personal thing. You really do have to make your own mind up.

 

[nickg]

I understand that.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Ok. I would suggest you prioritise comfort and feel over considerations of cost or construction. Take your time to get the straps right, take a buff or cap etc to be sure that it'll still fit and be comfy with some winter ear warmth as well as on your naked summer head, If you can't go out for a test ride, keep it on in the shop for as long as possible, waft it about on your head as much as you can to get some sort of feel for the airflow across the vents.

In terms of impact testing, SNELL standards are generally considered to be higher than EU or BS.

The helmets I've owned have generally been £20-40 range, Bell, Giro and currently a Decathlon one. I've tried far more expensive helmets from same manufacturers and supposedly better names and found them far less comfortable, Specialized ones particularly fit my head like an instrument of torture, they are unbearable after minutes.

This is a key consideration, you can own the most expensive or best constructed or highest performing in regulatory tests helmet in the world but if it hurts your head after 10 minutes will you really be wearing it for an all day ride?

You are the only person who can decide which ones make your head happy and which ones don't, after that you can make your own value judgement on cost, manufacturer, the importance you ascribe to the standards sticker it has inside, how well constructed it looks and feels and which one you will feel most confident stepping over your crossbar wearing.

 

[Tojo]

I've been riding motorcycles since I was 17 and always spent as much as I could afford on a helmet as I always remember the saying "if you have a 20 quid head buy a 20 quid helmet... how much is your head worth"..........

 

[marzjennings]

For the more expensive lids.....Usually better fit, more vents, lighter, better crash replacement policy, more strap adjustability, usually same safety rating.

 

[bpsmith]

As above, shop around, to see what's out there, then try some on and buy what fits.

As far as pricing, then there is usually a decent increase in quality, with better materials and design as you spend more. Clearly there are marginal returns once you get past the £80 mark.

 

[Arrowfoot]

Generally the vents are bigger in more expensive helmets, the construction better and the straps are also better. There is also back of head wider coverage. It should cool you while providing protection.

 

[mjr]

There seems little correlation between price and whether helmets pass the tougher (but still inadequate IMO) Snell tests. Cheap helmets rarely do but beyond about £30, it seems random. Helmets seem to be marketed on fashion rather than efficacy.

 

[Licramite]

For safety go Snell tested, - which is standard in the states not europe/uk - so maybe look at a states sourced lid.
assuming this lid is for road work specialised are good.(and snell tested) £50 seams to be a good level of cost to quality
too steep for me, but it would stop me banging my head if I thought it was going to cost me £50 to replace.
Obviously fit is crucial, again I tend to wear a sweat band under my helmet so I don't go for a tight fit helmet.
like everything in bikes you can spend a fortune but your not going to get a serious helmet for under £25.

 

[Rob3rt]

Are any helmets marketed on their levels of safety and protection?

Not many do, POC are one example of a brand that do, not necessarily impact protection, but definitely marketed with "safety" being one of the primary points.

 

[Rob3rt]

Well they do say 'improved' protection, although they don't actually say how or in what respect. They do say the spec is to EN1078 though.

They definitely emphasise safety in their marketing, whether there is any real substance, I have no idea but they make a big deal of colour and contrast. Impact protection, not so much, that I recall other than increased coverage?

 

[Profpointy]

I've been riding motorcycles since I was 17 and always spent as much as I could afford on a helmet as I always remember the saying "if you have a 20 quid head buy a 20 quid helmet... how much is your head worth"..........

Ah but would you therefore buy a £10000 helmet?

 

[mcshroom]

Standard advice is that they are probably better styled, lighter and better ventilated. The finish will probably be a little better. To be honest the safety function is a source of heated debate anyway, and there is unlikely to be much of a difference in protection between a more expensive than a less expensive one. If you can find one accredited to Snell standards then it has passed a tougher test than the EN standard.

Your head will fit some helmets better than others, so go to a shop and try on as many as you can. Try not to look at the price tag before you test it. You'll probably not end up with the most expensive helmet. When you know which are the best helmets for comfort, you then need to decide which one you are willing to pay for.

Oh, and also look in the mirror when you wear them. Some make you look far more like a mushroom than others

 

[jnrmczip]

Reviews can help a little but est thing to do is try some for yourself. Just get the correct fit and one with enough vents you should be fine.