Can someone name off some good helmets for me

[Lifted07Sierra]

No more than say $300 retail

If its $300 I can probably get it for $250 at my local shop, which is about what I want to spend.

The bike I got is a 08 ninja 250R Red

[RichLockyer]

The best helmet for you is the one that properly fits your head shape and is most comfortable.

Higher priced helmets tend to have better ventilation and padding, so they tend to be more comfortable, but a lot of what you pay for with Shoei, Arai, etc is the name.
DOT/Snell means DOT/Snell... they'll all protect your noggin pretty comparably.


Helmets are just something you can't buy online. Even if you measure your head and it matches the chart... some lids I need an XL. Most I take a L or an ML, some a M... Some lids I actually wear a SMALL! My offroad FF lid is a small... but my buddy has a different model from the same manufacturer in a medium and his is too tight in the cheeks.

[Lifted07Sierra]

Ok sorry I didnt specify something. I wont order the helmet unless I can wear it 1st and make sure it fits.

I just want some brands that people think look good without getting too pricey.

[soc_monki]

i like my Icon Mainframe. it was 250. light and comfortable, and the ventilation is awesome. almost like i have AC while going down the road! and i think it looks awesome as well! mine is green, but it comes in red too.

[Daren]

A lot of folks think the Scorpion brand helmets are the best bang for the buck. I have 2 of the exo-700's and for the price point they are damn nice. Buuuuut that $500 shoei was just too comfortable to pass on

[azwiley1]

If you are specifically looking for brand names,
Nolan, Z1R, Icon, HJC, KBC, Bell,Scorpian to name some

Like mentioned earlier, the best helmet for you is the one that you try on and fits your head the best.

Though you will hear many stories, I see little difference other then feature such as Com-ready, or padding inside, between a 50 and a 500 dollar DOT approved helmet. Sort of like Levi's you are paying more for a name then a jean, that is why I buy 16 dollar D1ckie's at walmart!

[polizei]

I've only tried AFX, but have never had an issue with them, and they are cheap, however not cheaply made. One saved my life, so I'm a firm believer! Check them out, great company, life-time warranty. When I had an ATV accident that almost killed me (didn't because of my helmet) I sent AFX some pictures and my story, and they sent me a brand new helmet. Pretty incredible company if you ask me.

AFX | Motorcycle, Motocross, ATV, Scooter and Snowmobile Helmets

-Cody

[jbsmd]

Did you ever get into a CycleGear store...try some on...most, if not all will be at least DOT.

[KevyzToy]

Scorpion, HJC, KBC, Bell fall into the sub $300 range. Go to a shop and try them on. Walk around the shop for like a half an hour or so with it on. Trying it on for 2 minutes won't do it. Just because it fits when you put it on doesn't mean it will be comfy all day long.

Also what I do it find a shell that fits, then I get new cheek pads for them.

Remember, a large in a HJC may not be a large in a Scorpion.

Once you find what you like, then you can order online.

[Dudester]

Caliber make an extremely well made and safe helmet and there prices are low compared to other major brands which some aren't made as well. You can check them out here --> Caliber Helmets
I own 7 DOT quality helmets, and the Caliper is the one I find most comfortable, aerodynamic, and best looking.

[KraZ440]

Also, remember that different styles will fit your head differently. When I first went helmet shopping, I was looking at FF helmets but not modular, because of the price difference. After trying on several different ones and not getting a good fit, I decided to try out a modular by the same manufacturer. I'm glad I did, because the modular fit much better than the FF ones did.

[DammitMike]

Rich said it right, pick the one that fits best. That being said I'll vouch for my Icon Airframe. The padding is nice and soft (and removeable for washing/customizing the fit) and it vents like a fiend. The faceshield quick release is very nice once you get used to it.

[CycleDude]

I was just looking at an airframe online. That may be my next helmet.

[Army_of_Ninja]

ICON rules! lol no but seriously i love my icon helmet i got the skulls for myself and bombshell for the wife. We are both fully ICON outfitted from our boots to our gloves/jacket/helmet/pants.

[DammitMike]

Originally Posted by Army_of_Ninja

ICON rules! lol no but seriously i love my icon helmet i got the skulls for myself and bombshell for the wife. We are both fully ICON outfitted from our boots to our gloves/jacket/helmet/pants.

I hear that, same for me except for my gloves and leather jacket(but my mesh one is Icon). I just keep getting deals on Icon products that are too good to pass up, $130 for my brand new Airframe on ebay, after oogling over the airframes at the local dealer it was a no brainer.

[Saleenguy]

Nolan modular helmets are the best for all around use IMHO.

[Robert1320]

I just found a brand new full face HJC Dot/Snell for $99.00.
At Flatout in Indy.

[drivenrhythm]

I have a HJC CL-MAX modular. It's the first modular I've ever owned. Used to wear a Shoei FF. This fits like its supposed to, snug and comfortable, and it's the only FF helmet I've tried that won't screw up my glasses frame. $199 at the local shop here in Grand Junction.

BTW...howdy. New member with my first bike in over 2o years. Bought myself a 07 900 Classic for my birthday (58...). Black and Chrome. Right now I call her my Black Kaw. Sweetest ride I've ever owned.

Ride Safe.
Patrick

[KraZ440]

Originally Posted by drivenrhythm

I have a HJC CL-MAX modular. It's the first modular I've ever own. Used to wear a Shoei FF. This fits like its supposed to, snug and comfortable, and it's the only FF helmet I've tried that won't screw up my glasses frame. $199 at the local shop here in Grand Junction.

BTW...howdy. New member with my first bike in over 2o years. Bought myself a 07 900 Classic for my birthday (5. Black and Chrome. Right now I call her my Black Kaw. Sweetest ride I've ever owned.

Ride Safe.
Patrick

Howdy Patrick. Welcome to the forums. I have a CL-MAX too. I like it, but I bought it a little more snug than I should have (my head starts to hurt after about an hour of wearing it). Oh well. I'll make sure that my next helmet will fit a little better.

[Cranky CJ]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

The best helmet for you is the one that properly fits your head shape and is most comfortable.


Helmets are just something you can't buy online.

Dotto. Best advice I ever read on this forum is to "buy one you'll wear". It has to be comfortable and you have to try it on and wear it for a bit before you buy it. Otherwise you won't wear it, or you will end up buying another one. Be it a $50 helmet or a $500 helmet. Try it before you buy it.