[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Originally Posted by SaurAswale

1. ISI+ECE certification is a must. ECE 22.05 have been around for 20yrs and new ECE 22.06 is much advanced and safest among the others. ( I only have knowledge from RyanF9's video and what google has to offer).
2. Not sure why but I don't feel secure about the Quick release retention mechanisms. I'll prefer Double-D ring even if it is less convenient.
3. Pinlock visor is a good to have.
4. Not sure about weight as I had not done 300kms+ rides in single day.

Why don't you consider the MT Hummer? Although it doesn't have the ECE 22.06 certification, it is fairly light and well-balanced at 1450 gms. My friend who picked it up is pretty happy with its comfort and says it has decent levels of noise isolation as well. Of course, if you want a pinlock along with it, you'll need to shell out an additional 2 grand. If you want a Double D ring, then the MT Targo is another option

[SaurAswale]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

Why don't you consider the MT Hummer? if you want a pinlock along with it, you'll need to shell out an additional 2 grand. If you want a Double D ring, then the MT Targo is another option

Thank you @WhiskeyTangoFox,
Yes I had MT Hummer on my list, but I am really constrained by the budget.
IMO if I have 2k extra to spend, I should spend it to buy gloves/good quality
kneepads (riding jacket and pants are out of budget for now) or Orazo riding shoes.

Another thing, does anyone have experience with online retailers to buy Helmet/riding gear?

[trailsndirt]

I'd prefer to try the shells in the shop vs. an online buy, especially if on Amazon or FK. Chances of fakes or the item being kept in not-so-nice storage are quite high.
I took an MT Revenge series earlier in the year and did try out other MT shells for sizing and surprisingly found the same size in different models -- Hummer, Revenge 2, etc did not fit the same way.
If getting a newer shell of the same size then it should be ok to order online unless a local store has stock to try out.
Fit and feel differ for everyone. The same goes for riding boots and gloves. Powersports had a nice collection of boots but I did not get the right feel for the sizing when I wore them and walked about the shop. Riding boots don't usually wear in given they are stiff and their sole role is to protect vs. comfort. Another size was not available to try out for a better comparison. Hence, its best to try the kit out before buying. Heck, if the feel is good and you find one online for less, then nothing stops one from clicking Buy Now.

For the sun visors, I have a request for those going for MTs - use them in the stores for a few minutes and see if you are comfortable. Mine seems to be optically distorted - get headaches when I used it on the rides. Instead, I've had to get a dark shield which is nice but not so great for late evenings and those super early morning rides.

[adrian]

My quest for a good fitting helmet is finally over.

Previous helmets : Steelbird SB1, Steelbird Motocross helmet and Studds Shifter.

Helmet Size : With a head circumference of 56 cms, I had used medium sized helmets (the small sized helmets I had tried on up to now were uncomfortable since the chin section would be touching the lips giving a claustrophobic feeling).

Helmets considered : Axor, SMK, MT Thunder 4 and LS2 FF800

Axor and SMK were discarded earlier on from the advise from forum members.

Went to Helmet World Trivandrum to try out the MT Thunder 4 and the LS2 FF800. Selected the MT Thunder 4 since it had more field of vision than the LS2 FF800, which is a beautifully engineered helmet, which is lighter than the MT Thunder 4.

Helmet Sizes tried : Tried the medium and small size of MT Thunder and may be due to the oval shell shape, the small size was a perfect fit for me (just the cheek pads pinching and that too not horribly)


So ended up buying the MT Thunder 4 (Graphic version EXA)



























Weight of the helmet : 1550 grams (the same as that of my studds shifter and I think the steelbird motorcross weighs more.) The beauty of the MT Thunder 4 is that it's weight is uniformly balanced that you won't feel it weighs 1550 grams.

Things I liked about the helmet

1. Balanced weight
2. The oval shell shape is perfect fit for my head
3. Premium construction
4. Emergency cheek pad release system
5. Good inner visor (just a slit line is visible at the bottom)
6. External visor with provision for pinlock 70 max vision fog off inserts (the same was out of stock in the store)
7. Supports spectacles

Things that are ok ish

1. The ISI mark is a minute sticker on the side of the helmet. Would have been better if it had been printed on the shell.

2. No double D ring ( again not a big problem for me. I love the quick release micrometric buckle)

Hole in the pocket : With a store discount of Rs.650/-, I paid Rs.12300/- (Have to buy the fog off insert extra once it comes to stock)

regards Arun

Edit : Actually the fog off inserts supported for MT V28 visors are the pinlock 100 max vision which are photo chromatic (wears off after some time though). I had erroneously entered the supported antifog insert as pinlock 70.

[NTab]

Originally Posted by SaurAswale

For gloves, I have settled on Axor Spyder leather gloves. Only CE certified full leather gloves in my budget.

Extend your budget by ₹1000 and you can get much better gloves, and lots of options to choose from. They will come with proper scaphoid bone protection, soft goat leather, and a much better feel. Unlike helmets, if you feel even a little bit of discomfort in your gloves, it’s fairly common to not use them. So invest in good and comfortable gloves, even if you have to wait a few months to arrange some extra cash.

[sprocket]

Originally Posted by NTab

Extend your budget by ₹1000 and you can get much better gloves, and lots of options to choose from. They will come with proper scaphoid bone protection, soft goat leather, and a much better feel. Unlike helmets, if you feel even a little bit of discomfort in your gloves, it’s fairly common to not use them. So invest in good and comfortable gloves, even if you have to wait a few months to arrange some extra cash.

Which brand are you referring to? Can you please share some links?

[aviator1101]

Originally Posted by SaurAswale

I had MT Hummer on my list, but I am really constrained by the budget. IMO if I have 2k extra to spend, I should spend it to buy gloves/good quality kneepads (riding jacket and pants are out of budget for now) or Orazo riding shoes.

I would beg to disagree here Sir.

You must invest maximum amount on a good helmet. If possible with a D ring. Even MT Hummer doesn't have D ring.

Any injury can heal with time, but head injury is the most dangerous and can be life threatening. So please prioritize your purchases.

Another thing, does anyone have experience with online retailers to buy Helmet/riding gear?

I buy mostly from Rynox online or Bikesterglobal.
But you may do that only if you are very sure of your size and fit. Otherwise returns may become time consuming and irritating at times.

[Karthik.guru]

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

...I'd like to upgrade to a dual-sport or motocross helmet. But couldn't find any with a 22.06 certification under my budget which is 10k. Except the MT Thunder 4 which is slightly over my budget I could only find the Ignyte IGN 7. But both weigh a lot (over 1600g). Kindly let me know if there are any other options.

But I'm starting to think if I should just buy a decent helmet within 5k for the time being and save up for a really good one. I really like the design of Axor's Retro Moto-X and it has a fiberglass shell, which is surprising considering it is under 5k.

Me too!
I currently use my trusty old HJC CL17, but given its age and my recent change in riding preferences/style, I wanted to get a second helmet more suitable for trails (lighter, easier to breathe in, option of using goggles).

We have the same requirements and I have also been unable to find any 22.06 rated dual sport helmets in India, and IIRC I could not find anything in the global market as well, specially in our budgets. I figure our options are to either wait and watch if something turns up in the market, or go for a 22.05 helmet. I quite like the Axor X-Cross as its the most affordable dual sport helmet with a double D ring and visor I could find. I just wish it came with a better shell (currently thermoplastic), but hey, can't have my cake and eat it too!

Also, Axxis and LS2 both have a dual sport helmets with polycarbonate shells under 10k, but spending that much money for a 22.05 helmet just feels wrong in 2023.

Cheers!

P.S.- I completely overlooked that the Retro Moto-X had a fibreglass shell, that too at that price! Only adds to the mystery of why they decided to make the X-Cross out of ABS and not something better.

[Srini76]

Dear Team,

I own a 3 year old Nolan N64 Gemini (Chaz Davies Sepang) and it's about 3 - 3.5 years old and sparingly used. In one my recent rides the foam (Cushioning) from the Inner Comfort liner disintegrated - it was after a long while of storage and no use and the foam came through as powder. I also felt that the cheek pads were not as good fit as they used to be (maybe cause the liner disintegrated or maybe the cheek pads also are going bad). I was very comfortable with this helmet a while ago and have done some Chennai Shirdi rides while on the CBR 250R - I now have a Ninja 650.

Queries :

1. I need the Comfort liner for a Nolan N64 (Large) and cheek pads to replace the existing. I am unable to source it in India and am told its a European model when I checked for it in the US.

2. Is it recommended that since it's about 3 odd years old (albeit unused) instead of replacing the cheek pads the helmet itself be replaced?

3. I earlier had a LS2 and this sort of situation did not arise even after 5 years and I replaced the helmet since it was about 5 odd years old. (Does this mean my current Nolan is deteriorating)

4. What would be the helmets recommended in the 10/12/15k range for highway rides (I don't use the bike in city and even if I do its very sparingly) - I am kinda liking the carbon fibre helmet from RE (Eterno) is it as safe as it should be ?

5. Requesting for Full face helmets only and not a fan of open types or motocross helmets.

Any suggestion/Reference/Recommendation is a go !

Srini

[BullettuPaandi]

I could not find anything in the global market as well

I liked Givi's 60.1, which I think is the cheapest I could find. But even dealers here who sell Givi's other products don't seem to sell their helmets.

Only adds to the mystery of why they decided to make the X-Cross out of ABS

I guess, with fiberglass, manufacturing such an edgy-designed helmet is relatively harder than the Retro, which is basically a bucket.

wait and watch if something turns up in the market

I eventually gave up and decided to do this, only for a while considering how unsafe my current helmet is.

[Sebring]

Problem with Nolan is that it is just too comfortable . I'm searching for insides and cheek pads of my open helmet too (Part calf leather), (not available in Europe). Just have to buy a new one

Originally Posted by Srini76

I own a 3 year old Nolan N64 Gemini (Chaz Davies Sepang) and it's about 3 - 3.5 years old and sparingly used. I need the Comfort liner for a Nolan N64 (Large) and cheek pads to replace the existing.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

After years of deliberation, got my first premium helmet - Sheoi GT Air 2 MM93 Marc Marquez Collection with the integrated Sena SRL Mesh.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by Srini76

Dear Team,

I own a 3 year old Nolan N64 Gemini (Chaz Davies Sepang) and it's about 3 - 3.5 years old and sparingly used. In one my recent rides the foam (Cushioning) from the Inner Comfort liner disintegrated - it was after a long while of storage and no use and the foam came through as powder. I also felt that the cheek pads were not as good fit as they used to be (maybe cause the liner disintegrated or maybe the cheek pads also are going bad). I was very comfortable with this helmet a while ago and have done some Chennai Shirdi rides while on the CBR 250R - I now have a Ninja 650.

Queries :

1. I need the Comfort liner for a Nolan N64 (Large) and cheek pads to replace the existing. I am unable to source it in India and am told its a European model when I checked for it in the US.

Srini76, I had a Nolan N86 and around 4 years into my usage of it, the helmets padding began to disintegrate. It looks as though Nolan's helmets havent been stress tested for Indian conditions I scoured the internet for a replacement padding but the reality was that it was too expensive, considering that I dont use my helmets for longer than 5 - 6 years. I ended up giving the helmet away to be kept as a display piece in a friend's store.

Originally Posted by Srini76

2. Is it recommended that since it's about 3 odd years old (albeit unused) instead of replacing the cheek pads the helmet itself be replaced?

If you are particularly attached to the helmet, get yourself the padding from a European store. If not, sell the helmet off and get yourself a new one.

Originally Posted by Srini76

3. I earlier had a LS2 and this sort of situation did not arise even after 5 years and I replaced the helmet since it was about 5 odd years old. (Does this mean my current Nolan is deteriorating)

You are right. This issue seems to be restricted to Nolan helmets that were sold in India.

Originally Posted by Srini76

4. What would be the helmets recommended in the 10/12/15k range for highway rides (I don't use the bike in city and even if I do its very sparingly) - I am kinda liking the carbon fibre helmet from RE (Eterno) is it as safe as it should be ?

There are several posts on this thread regarding the various options in the market. The LS2 Storm is what I usually recommend. MT also has a good range of options with an assortment of catchy colour schemes.

[Aaditto]

Hello all!

I've been trying to locate a highway-worthy helmet - but with a small shell-size!

Spent quite some time on this thread trying to locate a similar discussion - but the only one vaguely related to my "problem" was the one quoted below... And that really does not serve my purpose, as such!

So, it would be great to get some pointers on the issue from all you experts.

My head-size: "S" (56 cm) - It seems that makes the choices fewer!? Many brands just don't seem to carry Size:S!
My body-type: Extremely lean & small built! (Height 5'6", Weight 50 kg)

Budget: 3-4 K (5K, with a stretch)

Usage: Highway & rural roads

Homologation: Would like to get something with ECE/DOT + ISI clearance.

So, I am basically looking for a full-face helmet - in size:S - but with a proportionally small shell-size!

Now that is where I am getting stumped. I can't really go to a Store, right away. Since I live & work in an interior rural project. And lately, I've been having to do a 200 km highway run into town (Kolkata - the nearest metropolis) - repeatedly, over the past couple of months - on a Scooty! [Don't even ask! ]

The last couple of trips, I used my (very old) Studds full-face - but that one literally died, on the way back, last trip!

I have to do a similar scooty trip once again, soon!
So, I tried buying a helmet off Amazon. Actually, I bought and returned one (Open-face - Ignyte IGN-1), then bought and returned another one (Full-face - Ignyte IGN-7) off Amazon - since both of them had humongous shell-sizes (seemed to me that the company was using the same shell for the XXL as well as the S sizes!)

At the moment, I am considering the SMK Stellar Sports Solid Matt Black (MA200) Full-face Helmet.

Can anyone give me an idea about the SHELL-SIZE of this helmet - in it's Size:S variant?
Or, can anyone point me towards another helmet/ brand which might come with a proportionally small shell size - of course, within my budget of 3-4K!?

Thanks in advance...

PS: Another important factor for me is that I just can't deal with helmets that are jazzy/ full of graphics - Ideally, I need a matte black/ grey coloured one.

Originally Posted by adrian

My quest for a good fitting helmet is finally over.

Helmet Size : With a head circumference of 56 cms...
... Hole in the pocket : With a store discount of Rs.650/-, I paid Rs.12300/-

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by Aaditto

I've been trying to locate a highway-worthy helmet - but with a small shell-size!

Many brands just don't seem to carry Size:S!
My body-type: Extremely lean & small built! (Height 5'6", Weight 50 kg)

Most international/MNC brands carry at least 2 Shell sizes. With mandatory ISI compliance, not many international brands are currently available in India.

Actually, I bought and returned one (Open-face - Ignyte IGN-1), then bought and returned another one (Full-face - Ignyte IGN-7) off Amazon - since both of them had humongous shell-sizes (seemed to me that the company was using the same shell for the XXL as well as the S sizes!)

Can't really expect all Indian brands to have different shell sizes, although some Indian brands are showing promise like SMK(Studds), Axor(Vega).

At the moment, I am considering the SMK Stellar Sports Solid Matt Black (MA200) Full-face Helmet.

Can anyone give me an idea about the SHELL-SIZE of this helmet - in it's Size:S variant?

You have done your analysis very well, SMK is most appropriate at this price point and shell size.

I have used SMK twister, size M for almost 4 years that too in Unicolour(White), another of your requirement. Size S & M use the same shell size.