[Senotrius]

Ok, let me rephrase. If one can afford, costlier brands are available as well. 85k-1lakh for an imported Arai tour XD-5 is still too much IMHO. ECE 22.06 certification preferred irrespective of price range and brand.

[no_fear]

Originally Posted by Senotrius

85k-1lakh for an imported Arai tour XD-5 is still too much IMHO. ECE 22.06 certification preferred irrespective of price range and brand.

Last year, someone I knew in our riding circle used to wear a very basic helmet, touting the ECE 22.06 certification. I had told him to upgrade, and if possible to get an Arai or Shoei. A few weeks later he bought an Arai, and went riding to Shimla on his Ninja 1000.

Had a head-on collision with a HP Roadways bus. He broke his ribs, and a few bones, but was saved because of the helmet. His head and body were wedged into the front of the bus. The doctor attending to him at the ER told him point blank that his life was spared because of the helmet.

Yes - Arai is costly, but the cost is justified when this can make a difference. There is a reason why Arai and Shoei command such a high premium, they have years' worth of accident and crash data, including fatalities, to come up with products that keep a rider safe.

Attached are the pics of my friend's crashed bike - he kept the helmet at home as a reminder.

[scarn]

Originally Posted by Senotrius

Ok, let me rephrase. If one can afford, costlier brands are available as well. 85k-1lakh for an imported Arai tour XD-5 is still too much IMHO. ECE 22.06 certification preferred irrespective of price range and brand.

Many basic ECE 22.06 helmets are designed simply to pass the tests and earn certification, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. An ECE 22.06-certified helmet from a brand like Axor is still safer than one with no certification. However, brands like Arai go beyond just meeting standards—they focus on making their helmets as safe as possible, regardless of certifications. This commitment to safety is why so many people around the world say they wouldn’t wear anything other than an Arai helmet. I've heard countless stories of people surviving head-on crashes thanks to wearing a top-quality helmet, while others have tragically died because their ECE 22.06 thermoplastic helmet failed, crushing their skull on impact. The quality of materials in premium helmets plays a big role in how well they protect riders in crashes that exceed standard ECE test levels.

[Senotrius]

Yes agreed. Materials and quality of production matter. All the more reason to avoid Axor/Smk/Ignyte ECE 22.06, IF one can afford to, and start with an LS2/HJC ECE 22.06. The Xpod model (which I owned as well) by TVS are also rebadged/ vega manufactured Axor models. Ditto for some RE helmets which I also tried. Sadly, there's no realistic chance that Arai may come officially into India with a lower sticker price. I'm talking about the mediocre quality control of local brands. That's the focus of my advice. Arai is superior but extremely costly as well. The comment regarding Arai and costly brands was a side note.

[AtheK]

Originally Posted by no_fear

Last year, someone I knew in our riding circle used to wear a very basic helmet, touting the ECE 22.06 certification.

Definitely, helmet should be the most expensive thing you should own in your riding gear without a doubt. Even for my local runs I wear a Scorpion Helmet, some one asked me that why do I wear Scorpion and sometimes even Shoei on my regular runs, and my answer is simple, my head is the same and I want it as much protected as possible.

I was about to pick the HJC RPHA1 this time, but a last minute request from a friend for Arai made me get Arai for him as he had damaged his current helmet. I will be adding RPHA 1 to my arsenal along with Shoei X-14 and Scorpion R1 Air.

[100Kmphormore]

Originally Posted by no_fear

Last year, someone I knew in our riding circle used to wear a very basic helmet, touting the ECE 22.06 certification. I had told him to upgrade

He literally owes you his life + an Arai. This is eye opening regarding the ECE certification bracket - I bought an Axor Apex with ECE 22.05 (would have been something in the HJC or AGV beginner series, had I been on TeamBHP and read the interactions). Is Axor a Vega brand with ECE certification?

I for once cant wait to atleast get a Shoei RF1400 atleast when I restart touring (for quieter touring at highway speeds). The amount of carelessness and lacklustre attitude a friend showed, buying subpar gear for the cheapest deal since he rides a "only 250 cc" bike has me not at all riding with him since some time now. Everyone in my riding gear has to wear basic gear (jacket, helmet, gloves, boots) if I am to ride with them.

Please share your collection of helmets (and pictures too!)

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

He literally owes you his life + an Arai. This is eye opening regarding the ECE certification bracket - I bought an Axor Apex with ECE 22.05 (would have been something in the HJC or AGV beginner series, had I been on TeamBHP and read the interactions). Is Axor a Vega brand with ECE certification?

ECE 22.05 and ECE22.06 are way different. It maybe just a minor increment in the number but the 22.06 testing procedure is a whole different ballgame. Arguably, it is the golden standard in road based helmets if you don't consider FIM homologation for motorcycle racing applications.

The reason why ECE22.06 or similar standards like Snell or Sharp exists is because a Helmet is a safety equipment and it should be safe and pass the current force and abrasion limits irrespective of the price. The main objective is to reduce the disparity in safety between extremely expensive fancy lids and the run of the mill polycarb lids. Because an acceptably high level of safety should be available to all of us. The higher the price = the better the safety isn't always true. There was a time when ARAIs used to get really bad ratings when SHARP rating system was introduced and some of the cheaper and apparently 'unsafe' helmets was rated better. Testing standards change and they get better all the time with more research in crash safety.

Often the more expensive helmets are priced at a premium due to the markup due to brand name & history, more advanced shell construction for lightness, better materials used for padding, r&d costs for perfect aero and ventilation, liveries and popular GP rider replica tax, etc. They are in a way better than more affordable lids but not often 200% more safer as their prices suggest.

Get the best helmet your budget allows, if you can stretch a bit, do it. But cannot expect 99% of Indian population to invest 20k-1L in helmets because they just can't afford to do so. Not in the current import restricted scenario. Get a reputed brand which sells helmets in at least 2-3 continents and is held to a higher standard and scrutiny. Get the ones that comply with latest Certifications and testing guidelines. Coming to conclusions based on subjective crash experiences is a futile exercise. Because dynamics of a crash changes drastically for every case.

Ryan explains the nuances of current standards decently in this video.

https://youtu.be/6axCCvpzMKs?si=zfgDYWLYiLm0JHPp

[hikozaru]

Chipping in with yet another take. ECE22.06 is a start line for me, not the finish line just because it has the highest level of safety certification. If you want to nitpick your helmets, Sharp UK, Motocap AU has numerical data for you.

https://www.motocap.com.au/product/x...y-award-winner
https://www.motocap.com.au/product/rx-7v
https://www.motocap.com.au/product/typhoon


Testing Methodology
https://www.motocap.com.au/testing-explained
https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/sharp-testing/

SMK is clearly a few segments below the top lids, but the takeaway here is that SMK does clear ECE22.05 and now ECE22.06 and Sportsbikeshop UK seems to sell Axor. Whether or not you now choose to buy SMK and Axor depends entirely on whether you believe there is a separate 'export tier' QC for them and not for you.

On Shoei vs Arai, I suspect the test methodologies do not take into account Arai's glancing off feature, much like how CE certification for boots rates a hinged Supertech R the same as a Tarmac Adventure. Personally, I would not buy a Shoei or an Arai without getting a professional head fitment though and that is two bridges too far (vs one for just sourcing it in the closest shape and size from your friend abroad).

[no_fear]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

Please share your collection of helmets (and pictures too!)

I do not have a collection of helmets - I just use an Arai RX7 for my rides and Airoh Commander for touring. My older brother has a fascinating collection of helmets, one of which I can post here.

Quick backstory - Every year, at the end of MotoGP / WSBK / motocross season some of the riders sponsored by Shoei come to Japan and meet for dinner and events organized by Shoei. It's a private event and Shoei invites only close guests and business partners. My brother got invited last year and he went for it. Marc Marquez signed a Shoei X 15 Motegi GP for him and also gifted him a Shoei T Shirt with his signature.

The distinguishing feature of the helmet are the small visor screws that are red in color, as that is MM93's "call sign". Helmets worn by him in races have those red screws.

Attached a few pics of the helmet and the T-shirt.

[PrasannaDhana]

I am alive today because of a 4.5k Axor helmet.



I had a motorcycle crash at 120 kmph and am lucky enough to tell about it. Note the half portion of helmet cam mount scratched and gone on the top of the helmet. If I wasn't wearing one, It would have been my scalp and face. It was rated ECE and DOT. I am not sure if it's legit, but it did work where it mattered.

Before buying a motorcycle, budget atleast 10k on a very good helmet.

Buying the right helmet doesn't stop with choosing the brand, but also with choosing how snug it fits your head and how it is restrained. Many people wear helmets that are too loose.

[Sudarshan42]

Speaking of the right helmets, I feel it's time to replace my 7 year old SOL. Life has changed a fair bit since then, with marriage and parental responsibilities being added. Thus the need for something that'll keep me safe on the road has increased drastically. While I hear the arguments made in favour of messrs Arai/Shoei etc, I still can't bring myself to pay that much for what is essentially an urban helmet. I've shortlisted the following that I feel are the best in terms of both budget and safety ratings. I'm not very knowledgeable in this area, so please add on any other criteria that I should have considered. I'm also yet to go to a store and try any of these, so please leave the fit aspect aside for now. Will take a call on which ones to try and will select based on fit after trying.

Option 1: MT Thunder 4
Price- 12,950/-
Safety ratings- ECE 22.06, DOT, ISI
Features- Pinlock compatible, decent aero and ventilation, previous iteration was rated 4 stars on SHARP rating.
Note- no pinlock visor provided, that comes as an additional purchase

Option 2: Airoh Connor 6
Price- 12,950/-
Safety ratings- ECE22.06
Features- pinlock compatible, some new 3D mesh design for better impact absorption (no idea if effective)
Note- no pinlock visor provided, that comes as an additional purchase

Option 3: LS2 FF800 Storm II
Price- 10,700/-
Safety rating- ECE 22.06
Features- pinlock visor included, but vents aren't the best

So, which of these would you pick? If any of you have any suggestions on what else I need to consider, please let me know. Hope this helps others too.

[100Kmphormore]

Originally Posted by Sudarshan42

I still can't bring myself to pay that much for what is essentially an urban helmet. I've shortlisted the following that I feel are the best in terms of both budget and safety ratings. I'm not very knowledgeable in this area, so please add on any other criteria that I should have considered. I'm also yet to go to a store and try any of these, so please leave the fit aspect aside for now. Will take a call on which ones to try and will select based on fit after trying.

Option 1: MT Thunder 4
Price- 12,950/-
Safety ratings- ECE 22.06, DOT, ISI
Features- Pinlock compatible, decent aero and ventilation, previous iteration was rated 4 stars on SHARP rating.
Note- no pinlock visor provided, that comes as an additional purchase

Option 3: LS2 FF800 Storm II
Price- 10,700/-
Safety rating- ECE 22.06
Features- pinlock visor included, but vents aren't the best

So, which of these would you pick? If any of you have any suggestions on what else I need to consider, please let me know. Hope this helps others too.

I saw these 2 for my next upgrade. The MT Thunder was what I looked at to replace my Axor as an almost confirmed choice. Beautiful fit, decent wind noise protection according to others in my riding circle. The pinlock wont be a disadvantage if you wear spectacles, you have one more screen in its way that WILL fog up

The major difference between highway and city helmets is in how much they weigh, and how your neck feels after a 20 minute stint or a whole day in them. Protection will be the same due to the ratings, its the fit and finish that bumps up the price. The AGV K3 that I saw felt very premium, and the Arai will certainly surpass that. I tried the MT for around 20 minutes in the store and it was certainly better than my Axor. The LS2 surprisingly didnt pique my interest enough to even try them, but they too have good reviews.

I would recommend going through the 2019 episode of how to pick up a helmet with shubhabrata marmar on powerdrift. Good pointers there.

[Flyingdutchman]

Helmets can literally be a game changer; even at lowest of speeds. I have seen deaths where vehicle involved was Splendor, speed was 30kmph but the impact of head was on tarmac. Concrete roads are even worse during impact.

As much as Safety ratings are of paramount importance while choosing helmets, one should not overlook other ancillary parameters such as ventilation, aerodynamics, fitting of the helmet on your head (should be very snug-- Head shake test), Locking mechanism( Double-D preferably), color (always prefer Bright Shiny colors) this one is pretty important. You and your helmet needs to be visible on road. Dark matt colors should be avoided. Helmets is not a fashion accessory).
Pinlock should be purchased at the same time. It's a must while riding in the early mornings. A proper cleaning kit or a simple lense cleaning solution should be used to clean visor to avoid water marks and other wear. Dirty visor is never a good idea. Most of the visors do comes with oleophobic coating nowadays but still always ask the seller about the same. Its very handy in rainy season.

[scarn]

Originally Posted by Sudarshan42

So, which of these would you pick? If any of you have any suggestions on what else I need to consider, please let me know. Hope this helps others too.

I recently upgraded from Axor Apex to LS2 storm 2 and checked all the helmets you have mentioned. I went with LS2 because it felt a lot lighter than the others and the padding is very snug and comfortable. Also it doesn't move as much on my head compared to Axor on higher speeds. If you don't use any intercom the windnoise is also not very high but you would still need some ear protection. The intercoms interfere with the aero of helmets especially bluarmor c30 it is such a chonky boy that I can hear more windnoise on the side it is mounted on.
My recommendation will be to go and check the fit and feel of all the helmets, wear them for good 5-10 minutes and then decide.

[Samarth 619]

I'd like to chip in my thoughts on the 1 Lakh (or Rs. 50k) helmet debate.

Its true that your head is worth far more than any money discussed here, and these imported (Arai, Shoei, Nolan, etc) helmets are one of the best in the world.. A MotoGP star wearing them is proof enough for a layman like me, but there's plently more reasons to believe its safety creds, SNELL ratings and all too.
Yet nothing prepares us completely. I've seen even HJC's getting ripped open on a racetrack. I've seen the graphical de@th of Simoncelli, live on TV.

However, we have to consider the following factors:
1. If your riding is basic, like me, I ride a '13 Duke 390, but I aim to never cross 80 kmph. Plus, my city's traffic is pretty basic, the population itself is 6 Lakh. For such needs, spending big money is a waste. I'm basically a self-glorified commuter.
I've had a crash at 50 kmph once, nothing happened to the head or even the helmet, although it banged the road hard on the highside (sounding like "Tha!!" and then a "wizzz" sounding scrape too.) It was an ISI marked Studds.

2. You have to consider the replacing a helmet after even a minor crash is a must, Arai or whatever brand it is. Theft also occurs once in a while. Who will pay the replacement cost as big as this?
I had an imported KYT once, the best helmet I ever owned, but it couldn't protect me too long. What happened to it, you ask? Got stolen outside a bank.

3. Storage is a permanent tension too. You can't leave it on the bike with a number lock, as I do presently with my 2k costing Royal Enfield branded Studds Shifter.

4. Accessories and Visors are not easily available for such helmets as opposed to Indian ones.

Hence, the helmet should realistically be matched to the use case. A helmet around as expensive as the bike itself for basic commuting is not good financial planning.