Review: Echo Quick Release Helmet Buckle

[BikerBeagle]

Having the Caberg Justissimo for the last 2 years, I really got used to the buckle connector on the chin strap. When I recently purchased new half-helmets, they didn't have this feature and I was back to using D-rings.

I didn't know about this product, but many of you might already ...in doing a google search one day just for giggles (get it, google for giggles - I crack myself up!), I came across Echo Helmet Quick Release Buckle. It doesn't look like much ...seems kind of flimsy in the photos, so I was a little leary of buying it, but for under $10, what did I have to lose? I received it in the mail yesterday and just have to say, "WOW". I'll never buy another D-ring helmet without getting one of these with it.

It still doesn't look like much even in person, 3 pieces, two metal and a plastic body, but installation was a 'snap' (literally) and I was surprised at how strong the thing ends up being. It's a little difficult to get connected at first because I'm unfamiliar with it (I had the same problem with the Caberg buckle), but I'm sure I'll be using it like second nature before too long.

It's really a good quality item. Highly recommended. They can be purchased all over the place for around $8-$9.

[vulcancowboy]

Thanks, I had looked at them too and had the same concerns you had, but based on your review I think I'll add one to my Christmas list.

[A2rider]

Would like to stock some at work. Strangest reason so far to buy one:

Man wanted it to be able to get his helmet off quickly in case his bike went down!

I love working in a m/c shop!

[Ruger]

Could not agree more. I have 3 of them, one on each helmet. My dealer carries them. He sells them for $6 each then I get 10% off because I bought my bike there - not a bad deal at all.

[AuroraGuy]

What advantage is there to this?
Just taking the helmet off faster?

I am not clear about why people use them...and wouldnt it add to bulk on the harness already and likely flop around?

..just wondering

[waltdisney]

I have put a quick buckle on every helmet i have owned for years and years.
I would flat out refuse NOT to.
It makes it so quick and easy to put on and take off, even with gloves on.

[RichLockyer]

+1.
Consistent adjustment, and easier to get on and off WITH GLOVES ON for those cold 65 degree California mornings


I've got that particular clip on both of my street lids and my offroad lid.
Wife has a problem with it due to carpal tunnel, but I found one that is a different style (all plastic, seems secure though) that she can work.

She would have trouble with d-rings even without gloves... if the QR's were not available, I would have to put velcro on her strap and she would just pull it through the d-ring once and stick it closed.... even the plastic QR is more solid than that.

[AuroraGuy]

Cold mornings?
It was below 30f out here in WI this am and stupid me still rode in....
I just cant give it up (yet) even if I loose my fingers/toes to frostbite...HA!

[Mercury]

these sound good - i may have to try one... anybody want to take pics of how it goes on there... or heck for the 8 bux maybe ill just get it and try it


i found on amazon - where i have an account

Amazon.com: Item Code - AC1201 : Black Echo Quick Release: Sports & Outdoors

this is it right?

kenny

[RichLockyer]

You slip the long thin metal piece through the loop where your D-Rings are (on the face side of the D-rings). That piece slips into the plastic part, which locks in.

The second piece threads onto the right strap, in/out/over/under (one loop).

That smaller piece latches into the plastic, BUT, the really cool thing is that the stress points are metal-on-metal, and the plastic only keeps them from twisting or pulling outward.

Takes 2 minutes to install.

[CycleDude]

That thing looks really cool!

[Frenchy]

I had the exact one on one of my helmets. POS, is the term that best describes them. It is flimsy, and doesn't alway engage correctly. I would put one of those on one of my enemies helmets.

IMHO, the words "quick" and "release" do not belong together in motorcycling. If you were going to use it on a bicycle helmet, I would say it's "OK".

I would say "Don't do it!!!"

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by AuroraGuy

Cold mornings?
It was below 30f out here in WI this am and stupid me still rode in....
I just cant give it up (yet) even if I loose my fingers/toes to frostbite...HA!

I know!

I broke my coldest ride record (28F) this morning with 25F! It was still dark out when I left. I had an "ice cream" headache after about ten minutes, then I was "cool". For some reason, I fealt much warmer on the highway at 90mph, than I was on the back roads at 35-40mph...

[BikerBeagle]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Takes 2 minutes to install.

Dang, you're slow!

Originally Posted by Frenchy

I had the exact one on one of my helmets. POS, is the term that best describes them. It is flimsy, and doesn't alway engage correctly. I would put one of those on one of my enemies helmets.

IMHO, the words "quick" and "release" do not belong together in motorcycling. If you were going to use it on a bicycle helmet, I would say it's "OK".

I would say "Don't do it!!!"

Well, I have to say I haven't experienced any of that so far. I admit it doesn't look like much separated, but once put together, it seems to be quite strong to me ...and it is DOT rated. *shrug*

I'd even go so far as to say it works so well, I wouldn't put one in my enemy's helmet either.

[RichLockyer]

Originally Posted by BikerBeagle

Dang, you're slow!

Remember... when looking at my working times on projects, keep in mind that I'm only using one hand.

The other has a beer in it!

[SpectreMan1]

They've been out for ages.
I've used one for several years now not a problem yet!

[RampRat]

Interesting concept, might have to track down a couple and give em a shot

[Surftechuser]

Thanks for the review!