I posted a rather lengthy reply to this same topic a couple of months ago, but I guess it would merit an instant replay. In January I was involved in an 80 mph head on my WArrior (40mph +the Kx250's 40 mph=80 mph into an immovable object). Altho I suffered a blood clot on the left frontal lobe of the brain & a broken shoulder plus assorted contusions elsewhere, I'm sure the Shoei helmet I wore was the reason I'm able to write this now. I don't recall the model name of the Shoei, but it was one step down from their best. Of course I have retired that brain bucket as they're only designed to take one hard hit.After that incident I decided that since head transplants are not yet available, I would replace it with the next step higher. That happens to be the Arai Pro. It has all the above mentioned features plus a few more, one of which is a carbon fiber shell, making it very light;
a definite plus for long or hard riding in hot weather. It isn't cheap ($450) but neither was my hospital bill, $7000.
One other thing, I'd not recommend buying any helmet via mail or internet as they vary greatly in their size specifications. One needs to put the thing on to determine the fit & overall comfort. It should fit so that it will turn with one's head in rapid movement side to side, and the cheek pieces should fit so that the cheeks are slightly "pooched" out.
Also, the Snell & DOT ratings are standards of MINIMUM requirements and some brands exceed those standards. Most all are both Snell & DOT approved. now.

 

briancwatkins--I haven't made up my mind yet on which helmet to buy. I also haven't been doing any riding. I'm going to check out the local shops to see what they have. Of course I'll be armed with prices I have found on the Internet. I can't believe how many different type, brands, sizes, shapes, etc. there are in helmets!!!! Here are a few links I have been checking out:

http://www.accwhse.com/bell.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.competitionaccessories.com/htm/helmets.cfm
http://www.rockymountainatv.com/home.asp?sid=00029976
http://www.accwhse.com/hjc.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/bieffe.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/kbc.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/m2r.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/msr.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/nolan.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/oneal.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/scott.htm#Dirt goggles
http://www.accwhse.com/smith.htm#Goggles
http://www.accwhse.com/thh.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/vector.htm#Helmets off-road
http://www.accwhse.com/vetter.htm#Helmets off-road

and I am sure there are many more.

hot_shoe_cv--I am sorry to hear you had that head-on accident. Man, it sounds like you are very lucky to even be alive!!! I appreciate your advice and I'll be trying on helmets to see how they fit and definitely be wearing one when I hit the trail. Hope you mend up and get back to riding soon.

Thanks again for the information.

1986 Bayou 300 2WD

 

Silverfox2,
Oh, I've been back on the gas for a couple of months now after replacing the frame on my quad, which was bent big time. In fact I just got off the phone with a Yam. dealer re the Raptor. Thinking about putting my order in for one of the six they will get.

 

SilverFox,

I would have to agree with FoxRace5150. When I was shopping around for a helmet I looked at weight, washable liners and ventilation. One of the best ventilated helmets I found was the Fox Pilot. It cost $300 but worth every penny riding in 110F.

You probably don’t have to deal with temps that high but I have lived in the desert all my life so what’s hot to you is a whole lot different than what’s hot to me. All off-road helmets by law will protect your head but not all can do it comfortably.

You get what you pay for. After a good hard sweat you want to be able to remove the liners to wash them, with cheaper helmets this is usually not possible. If you want to save a few bucks go for the all white. You can usually save $30-50.

Hot_Shoe, did you get that Arai helmet? In my 2000 Chaparral catalog it has big bold letters printed across the page “NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN THE USA DUE TO RESTRICTIONS”. As for mail ordering or the internet: The Dennis Kirk catalog has a really nice sizing chart that compares manufacturer size to hat size. Although it does not show every brand out their it’s a good reference. Mail order and the internet are heaven for people like me who live in the middle of know where with only one dealer that has to order everything anyway. Best of all if I order outside CA the shipping is usually far less than what I would have paid in taxes.

P.S. My philosophy on the wind in you hair types: If they are stupid enough to ride without a helmet than they have no brains worth protecting.

Also just my opinion but I think riding an atv or db with a street helmet looks stupid but at least it’s a helmet. Use the helmet designed for your application, which in this case would be off-road.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks again to all who shared information. I ordered an O'Neal helmet and Scott goggles this afternoon.

1986 Bayou 300 2WD