Team-BHP - Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:

Originally Posted by //M (Post 2763446)

I am looking for a DOT certified and easy to maintain helmet. . I am open to other brands too and my max budget is 4.5-5K's.

SparX has a couple of helmets in the 5k range and is DOT and ECE certified.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki (Post 2763437)

The helmet looks really good. Does it have good ventilation?

It has only 1 ventilation inlet on top, and 1 in front (which I presume helps in defogging to). I haven't used it on the road yet to check what's the real deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki (Post 2763437)

Does it have a pump system to fill air into cheek pads?

Unfortunately no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamseller (Post 2765668)

Has anyone here tried the KBC Tarmac as well as the Sparx S 07? I have used the latter and want to go for the KBC. Just wanted to have an idea from users as to how good the KBC is vis-a-vis the SparX. TIA!

SparX and KBC are from the same company. :)

From here:

SparX says that the brand was started by the owners of KBC Helmets who, my guess is, apparently saw the handwriting on the wall with the new wave of low-priced helmets hitting the shelves and they wanted a brand that would sell for less than the current KBC lineup without diluting the current pricing strategy of the KBC brand.

KBC apparently had a lot of extra capacity at their offshore plant, and a deal was struck. It makes business sense to leverage your manufacturing capability and experience, your design and marketing teams and your market presence, so KBC thought "Why not?" and jumped in. To address the dangers, KBC...uh, I mean SparX...decided to compete on quality and features.

Here is a detailed review on KBC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_aditya (Post 2765705)

SparX and KBC are from the same company. :)

From here:
.
.
Here is a detailed review on KBC.

Yes, have read these reviews. Only question is if the KBC is worth the extra grand over the SparX (the price difference here) given this in the review: "Tarmac may be near the top of the list, although we don't think it edges out the SparX S-07 which has a nearly identical list price and near flawless quality".

One confused soul I've become saar. SOS!

I love the finish on the KBC which is why this confusion exists, in case you were wondering. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamseller (Post 2765744)

Yes, have read these reviews. Only question is if the KBC is worth the extra grand over the SparX (the price difference here) given this in the review:

In that case i would say go for something better. The SparX and the KBC are nearly identical.

Have you seen Airoh helmets? The fit and finish is absolutely brilliant. My next lid will most probably be an Airoh :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by n_aditya (Post 2765777)

Now, KBC and SparX are replaced by SOL and Airoh in my list. :)

My LS2 needs to be put to rest soon and then I'll have just one helmet.

Only grouse is that we really are out of options in this part of the country and I don't want to order online without trying the fit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamseller (Post 2766580)

Now, KBC and SparX are replaced by SOL and Airoh in my list. :) My LS2 needs to be put to rest soon and then I'll have just one helmet.

Only grouse is that we really are out of options in this part of the country and I don't want to order online without trying the fit.

Sorry, your post doesn't make sense :confused:

Airoh is available in India through Bachoo Motors, Mumbai and Performance Racing Store also stocks various imported helmets. You can order from them using the respective sizing chart and they are very customer friendly so exchange is not a bother if you order the wrong size.

Quote:

Originally Posted by //M (Post 2768725)

Where can I buy a SOL helmet in Mumbai? It would be really helpful if somebody can share the complete address of the stores.

SOL helmets can be procured from:

A.H. Helmets,
691/1, Adarsh Nagar, New Link Road,
Oshiwara,
Andheri West,
Mumbai - 400 102.

Contact Mr. Hemant Chheda on +91 98925 10506.

Link - Contact Us - SOL Helmet India

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkdas (Post 2772010)

Nice! How much did it cost? Site says 4550/-

Yes but including taxes it was 5350/- in Mumbai. Dealer's price is 5150/- as told to me and I got it for 5300/-. Maybe the price in Chennai or Bangalore will vary by a little margin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by //M (Post 2772002)

Got a SOL SL68S-II Metal Man.:D

Thats a sweet looking lid //M. Congrats on the buy. The graphics look cool :)

Do share a detailed review for us. The tiny spoiler at the back should help in keeping the helmet steady and free of any bobbing at high speeds.

Ride safe. :thumbs up

Edit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by //M (Post 2772041)

Yes but including taxes it was 5350/- in Mumbai. Dealer's price is 5150/- as told to me and I got it for 5300/-. Maybe the price in Chennai or Bangalore will vary by a little margin.

See the link I had posted above, the listed price is the retail price sans any local state taxes. Calculate the tax % for your state/city to check if you were overcharged. If you were charged extra, you can send an email to SOL helmets India via the form on their site to notify them about this. They take these things seriously.

I need a few skull caps but I feel they are overpriced here, at 100-150 per cap. Is this the pricing everywhere? Any place in Mumbai where I could get it at a cheaper rate? Rather than spending 150 for a skullcap, I could get a balaclava for a bit more, but I personally don't prefer a balaclava.