1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Helmet Recommendation

Discussion in 'All Terrain Vehicles' started by spaghettiedy, May 22, 2009.

  1. May 22, 2009 at 10:48 AM
    #1
    spaghettiedy

    spaghettiedy [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Member:
    #9470
    Messages:
    734
    Gender:
    Male
    Pittsburgh
    Vehicle:
    09 DC LB Sport in Black 4x4
    Gray Weathertechs, LG Wet Okoles, Tacome OEM Bedmat
    I'm looking for a helmet for ATV'n and Downhill MTB'n. It has to be super light, comfortable, and I really don't want to pay Arai/Shoei prices. What's everyone have or thoughts on which helmet you might get next?
     
  2. May 22, 2009 at 10:56 AM
    #2
    Hops

    Hops Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    Member:
    #14304
    Messages:
    106
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gabe
    south mississippi
    Vehicle:
    08 Silver Streak Mica Access Cab 4X4
    Shock and leaf spring TSB, Neoprene seat covers, weathertech digital fit floor mats, vent visors, bug shield, secondary filter removed, K&N drop-in filter, century camper shell, 265/75R16 ATM's...
    I wear a shoei V-moto and i love it but it is a little pricey. I really like the new Klim F4 helmets. They retail for about 300 bucks and they have the sickest ventilation system ive ever seen. I wouldnt spend much less than that because you definitly get what you pay for when it comes to helmets...
     
  3. May 22, 2009 at 11:03 AM
    #3
    spaghettiedy

    spaghettiedy [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Member:
    #9470
    Messages:
    734
    Gender:
    Male
    Pittsburgh
    Vehicle:
    09 DC LB Sport in Black 4x4
    Gray Weathertechs, LG Wet Okoles, Tacome OEM Bedmat
    That's what I'm afraid of. It is my mellon, and I've only got one of them.
     
  4. May 22, 2009 at 11:17 AM
    #4
    Hops

    Hops Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    Member:
    #14304
    Messages:
    106
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gabe
    south mississippi
    Vehicle:
    08 Silver Streak Mica Access Cab 4X4
    Shock and leaf spring TSB, Neoprene seat covers, weathertech digital fit floor mats, vent visors, bug shield, secondary filter removed, K&N drop-in filter, century camper shell, 265/75R16 ATM's...
    Yeah i work in an atv dealership and when people try to buy a cheap helmet i ask them how much is there head worth.
     
  5. May 22, 2009 at 11:18 AM
    #5
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

    Joined:
    May 31, 2008
    Member:
    #7011
    Messages:
    17,562
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rotorhead
    Around
    Vehicle:
    08 Red/Graphite and Satin Black
    Inside: Tint, Wet Okole 1/2 Piped Red/Black Covers, Black Weathertech Digital Fit Mats, URD Short Throw w/ TWM Weighted Knob, USA Spec iPod adapter. Outside: 4300K Retro w/ Angel Eyes and Red Shrouds, 5000K Blazer Fog Light Retrofit, Debadge, Bed Locking Handle, Satin Black Rims Performance: TRD/Steigmeier Blower w/ 2.7 Pulley. 668 Injectors and 320 LPH AEM Fuel pump. URD UCON and 7th Injector. DTLT Headers, URD Y-Pipe, Wicked Flow Muffler. Suspension: Both: OME Shocks Front: 886X's and TC UCAs Rear: Dakars Armor: Relentless Front Bumper Relentless High Clearance Rear w/ Tire/Rotopax Swing Out Relentless Front, Mid, and TCase skids BAMF Diff Skid Recovery and Spares: Fullsize Spare Tire 2x2 gal Rotopax 1x1 gal Rotopax 1x1 gal Water Rotopax Warn 9.5XP-S Winch Hi-Lift Extreme 60" Ironman Off-Road Recovery Kit
    To a point...When you pay for a shoei or an arai- You pay for the name and the lighter frame.

    I paid 225 or so for my Scorpion and have complete faith in it. I'm not going to get the Walmart special and ride with it...but I'm not going to set a dollar value that makes it "safe" or "not safe"

    I gave Ed my low down on the Scorpion I have- I really love it- Comfortable, Great Visor selection with a really nice quick swap system. They also stood by their warranty-I had a plastic vent that cracked inside at the base of the threads- Un-replaceable part and had a new helmet within a week.
     
  6. May 22, 2009 at 11:35 AM
    #6
    T@co_Pr3runn3r

    T@co_Pr3runn3r XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Member:
    #12767
    Messages:
    14,566
    Gender:
    Male
    <----------------->
    Vehicle:
    08 RC Prerunner SR5
    +2 on not cheapin out on the brain bucket.
     
  7. May 22, 2009 at 11:40 AM
    #7
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

    Joined:
    May 8, 2008
    Member:
    #6497
    Messages:
    112,751,502
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    FlimFlubberJAM
    Tenoe, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2019 Rubicon 4 Door,
    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    I had an HJC FS-15, and it was a great helmet. Plenty of ventilation, and was the most comfortable on my mellon. Its a street bike helmet, but you could try some HJC's on and see how they fit. I can testify for their durability, as my Wife has hit me in the head with many hard objects (with my helmet on), and it offered superior protection, and sound dampening. Also, with it on, I couldnt hear her screaming at me.
     
  8. May 22, 2009 at 11:55 AM
    #8
    spaghettiedy

    spaghettiedy [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Member:
    #9470
    Messages:
    734
    Gender:
    Male
    Pittsburgh
    Vehicle:
    09 DC LB Sport in Black 4x4
    Gray Weathertechs, LG Wet Okoles, Tacome OEM Bedmat
    That's awesome!!! I've been looking into them as well. From what I'm told, they make alot of other brands as well.
     
  9. May 22, 2009 at 12:20 PM
    #9
    ToyoComp

    ToyoComp Addicted Mod'r

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2008
    Member:
    #5684
    Messages:
    116
    Gender:
    Male
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 4x4 TRD Off Road DC
    Sway-A-Way Race Runner 2.5 coil over (3" lift) & Icon 2.5 rear shocks on RXT springs, Total Chaos UCA, ToyTec differential drop, Tom Woods Driveshaft, SpiderTrax spacers, 8128 Pro Comp wheels, Toyo Open Country RT 285/70/17, DT Long Tube headers, URD MAF, TRD CAI & exhaust, Line-X coated Famous Fabrication front bumper, Demello Sliders and rear bumper, Wet Okole covers, Rigid LED spot, driving & fog, bed mat, debadged & EBC Stage 4 rotors and pads
    I have a Fox V3 (Motocross) and love it! Had an HJC prior to that but there is a definite weight advantage for the Fox. Main thing is to try them on as the shape of your head will not fit the same in different makes.
     
  10. May 22, 2009 at 1:04 PM
    #10
    Simon's Mom

    Simon's Mom Wag More Bark Less

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2007
    Member:
    #1297
    Messages:
    10,170
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Judy or Jude :)
    NEK Island Pond VT
    Vehicle:
    13 TRD OR DC MGM
    Stock for now
    Another vote for HJC. It is what everyone in my family has worn, motorbike riding, atv, & sledding. My friend Chris who owns a dealership swears by them as well. They have several different models & configurations. I have personally worn a CL-14, 15 & now own a Sessions full face. You would probably want a moto style correct? I do not think you would be disappointed with HJC.
     
  11. May 23, 2009 at 3:20 AM
    #11
    FoxySandChick

    FoxySandChick Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2008
    Member:
    #9505
    Messages:
    2,956
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Kristin
    Henderson, NV
    Vehicle:
    07 DC 4x4 Base model V6 Impulse Red Pearl
    De-badged, limo tint, black wet okole's, weathertechs, extra d-rings, TSB bilsteins
    As long as it is DOT and Snell approved you will be fine no matter if you pay $100 or $300, they all have to meet the same minimum standards and hardly any brands go above and beyond those standards. The differences are usually just comfort and looks not safety.

    I wear a Fox helmet, I've landed on my head a couple of times and never had a problem with my head or the helmet :D.
     
  12. May 23, 2009 at 5:06 AM
    #12
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

    Joined:
    May 31, 2008
    Member:
    #7011
    Messages:
    17,562
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rotorhead
    Around
    Vehicle:
    08 Red/Graphite and Satin Black
    Inside: Tint, Wet Okole 1/2 Piped Red/Black Covers, Black Weathertech Digital Fit Mats, URD Short Throw w/ TWM Weighted Knob, USA Spec iPod adapter. Outside: 4300K Retro w/ Angel Eyes and Red Shrouds, 5000K Blazer Fog Light Retrofit, Debadge, Bed Locking Handle, Satin Black Rims Performance: TRD/Steigmeier Blower w/ 2.7 Pulley. 668 Injectors and 320 LPH AEM Fuel pump. URD UCON and 7th Injector. DTLT Headers, URD Y-Pipe, Wicked Flow Muffler. Suspension: Both: OME Shocks Front: 886X's and TC UCAs Rear: Dakars Armor: Relentless Front Bumper Relentless High Clearance Rear w/ Tire/Rotopax Swing Out Relentless Front, Mid, and TCase skids BAMF Diff Skid Recovery and Spares: Fullsize Spare Tire 2x2 gal Rotopax 1x1 gal Rotopax 1x1 gal Water Rotopax Warn 9.5XP-S Winch Hi-Lift Extreme 60" Ironman Off-Road Recovery Kit
    So she says...Did you get the helmet inspected or replaced after the landing??
     
  13. May 23, 2009 at 5:10 AM
    #13
    RoyB

    RoyB Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2008
    Member:
    #9708
    Messages:
    1,645
    Gender:
    Male
    Chicago burbs
    Vehicle:
    '09 TRD DC Sport
    i have been using an hjc full face for my street bikes. no issues yet, but i havent fallen on my head either :D the dealer gave me a free scorpion with my cruiser purchase, i dont care for it much.
     
  14. May 23, 2009 at 5:39 AM
    #14
    FoxySandChick

    FoxySandChick Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2008
    Member:
    #9505
    Messages:
    2,956
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Kristin
    Henderson, NV
    Vehicle:
    07 DC 4x4 Base model V6 Impulse Red Pearl
    De-badged, limo tint, black wet okole's, weathertechs, extra d-rings, TSB bilsteins
    In fact I bought a new one :D
    Actually I've bought a new one every year even if I didn't land on it, I buy new gear all the time.
    What I was saying is my helmet protected my head sufficiently that I was not injured and my helmet did not crack in half or anything like that.
     
  15. May 23, 2009 at 5:57 AM
    #15
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

    Joined:
    May 31, 2008
    Member:
    #7011
    Messages:
    17,562
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rotorhead
    Around
    Vehicle:
    08 Red/Graphite and Satin Black
    Inside: Tint, Wet Okole 1/2 Piped Red/Black Covers, Black Weathertech Digital Fit Mats, URD Short Throw w/ TWM Weighted Knob, USA Spec iPod adapter. Outside: 4300K Retro w/ Angel Eyes and Red Shrouds, 5000K Blazer Fog Light Retrofit, Debadge, Bed Locking Handle, Satin Black Rims Performance: TRD/Steigmeier Blower w/ 2.7 Pulley. 668 Injectors and 320 LPH AEM Fuel pump. URD UCON and 7th Injector. DTLT Headers, URD Y-Pipe, Wicked Flow Muffler. Suspension: Both: OME Shocks Front: 886X's and TC UCAs Rear: Dakars Armor: Relentless Front Bumper Relentless High Clearance Rear w/ Tire/Rotopax Swing Out Relentless Front, Mid, and TCase skids BAMF Diff Skid Recovery and Spares: Fullsize Spare Tire 2x2 gal Rotopax 1x1 gal Rotopax 1x1 gal Water Rotopax Warn 9.5XP-S Winch Hi-Lift Extreme 60" Ironman Off-Road Recovery Kit
    New helmet every year...NICE. I'm a bit of a gear whore too...Two jackets, Three sets of gloves, Two sets of boots. haven't bought pants yet...but I'm sure I will....Once I stop spending money on the truck....:rolleyes:
     
  16. May 29, 2009 at 5:24 AM
    #16
    gunner_20

    gunner_20 .....

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    Member:
    #16770
    Messages:
    284
    Gender:
    Male
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    '10 Tacoma DCLB Sport 4x4
    I had an HJC when i rode street bikes. Got in a wreck and landed on my shoulder and head area. Helmet held up from impact. So im a little bit of an HJC fan.
     
  17. May 29, 2009 at 5:54 AM
    #17
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Member:
    #8407
    Messages:
    2,181
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Pittsburgh - The City of Champions
    Vehicle:
    2020 Pro
    It's tough to use personal experience to determine a helmets level of protection. I had a top-of-the-line HJC AC-X2 on during a wreck on my dirt bike last year.

    I hit ice on a corner and was slammed into the ground. I was out cold for 7 minutes and woke up only feeling half of my body. I don't remember the next 3 days.

    HJC has been criticized for being too hard of a helmet - actually all SNELL approved helmets have been criticized. The Snell rating helps protect helmets during multiple hits - like rolling down the pavement with your head bouncing off the pavement. For off-road purposes, it would be better if the helmet absorbed the impact and didn't transfer the impact to the head (as in my case). Look into helmets with the ECE rating. These are independently tested and more directed to off-road use.

    You can read more about the Snell rating making helmets too hard:
    http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

    Here is my helmet new...

    Helmet_de62be0464657d8395e64c438560953aa85f59e7.jpg

    Here is where my head hit.... You can see that the foam was so stiff, it cracked. I feel it should have absorbed more of the impact. The shell doesn't even indicate a hit. I also feel it should've buckeled a bit.

    IMG_1858_93fb89fe85169e8ea00fd1071b0377097fa1775c.jpg
     
  18. May 29, 2009 at 6:02 AM
    #18
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2008
    Member:
    #8407
    Messages:
    2,181
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Pittsburgh - The City of Champions
    Vehicle:
    2020 Pro
    As for recommendations...

    Look for the Bell Moto 8. These can be found for $150 and are just as good as any Arai or Shoei - which are good but pricey.

    Another awesome brand to look into is Suomy. These are BSI certified, which means they are batch tested.

    You can find some good deals on eBay but you don't get to try them on. I have gone to a local shop and tried one on but bought from ebay (shop owners don't like this so buy something while you're there). Look for closeouts or clearance.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #18
To Top