What is the safest helmet to buy?

[Guest notmyname]

What sort of period should you use a lid for? I'm sceptical about using one for more than two years.

[Kranswurm]

Two years for plastic not sure about composite or glass

What sort of period should you use a lid for? I'm sceptical about using one for more than two years.

[RockCoach]

The XAR is a great helmet so why change.

 

This gets very good reviews.

 

http://cdn.coresites.factorymedia.com/dirt_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ixs-1020x1120.jpg

 

 

 

IXS Trail RS

The IXS Trail RS comes away with the title of the most universally comfy trail lid on the market. While most helmets might not fit the odd person, the Trail RS is the only helmet we know of that sits comfortably for everyone who tried it on. This is thanks to a great shell shape, high quality padding that is well positioned inside the shell, and a superb retention system. Not only does the helmet fit and feel great, it is also a looker and comes in a range of solid, bold colours which we think look great. The deep shell offers great side and rear protection for the head, so you know it’ll do the job in a crash. On the subject of crashing, the crash release system in the fully adjustable peak is a welcome touch. The full in-mould construction and 22 sizeable vents both keep the weight at an amazing 320g, and those vents do an outstanding job of keeping your head from cooking. A helmet of this quality should surely be more expensive, so this helmet offers great value on top an already excellent package. The RS stands for Richey Schley and it’s evident at every point that a rider as experienced and knowledgeable as Richey has been involved in this helmets development.

Read more at http://dirtmountainbike.com/products/fresh-produce/10-best-mountain-bike-helmets-2014.html/3#lMOWiJ6JBUBoEls0.99[/size]

By far the most comfortable helmet I've ever used. I am reminded of this occasionally whenever I use one of my others.

[Paul Ruinaard]

We once had a VERY good expert.  Well respected and very knowledgable guy with Hub alias Linega.

 

He would have told you that NO helmet was the safest option.  And I saw his logic in it.  That together with loads of research to prove his theory. 

 

That said, it is the law and as such one must wear one.

 

All helmets go through standards and tests etc.  Thus all pretty much the same protection.  Some cover more area than other but it will all depend on how you crash....road.....branches through helmet.....ears cover etc..

I have first hand experience to prove that any person who espouses this point of view is nothing but a luddite. IMHO this is like teaching creationism in schools. Dangerous, backwards and likely to really disadvantage others.

 

As someone whose life was saved by a  helmet and who sat on a ventilator for four days as a result of an accident in which the helmet broke in to bits, thereby absorbing the impact, I would beg to differ

 

FWIW: I ride with a  POC MIPS helmet now for various reasons. i am not that impressed with the quality but after a lot of research the MIPS concept made sense in terms of transfer of forces to your head and your brain and how this all works.

 

So if you are looking for an idea which is a good start, look at MIPS helmets.

[CogitoErgoSum]

To me R&D into helmets should result in the helmet absorbing impact forces. If it has to break from impact, the force should be transferred away from the skull. Something like a crumple zone....? I don't know if this is possible.

 

I try to keep my helmet at around R1000. Currently have a RP Zumax. Luckily have not tested its impact control...

[Ed-Zulu]

Is there any problem wearing a skate helmet? I saw them for R300 and thought they'd be fine on a MTB, have seen a couple of guys with them and figure they're doing the same job.

Interesting you mention that...about 2 years ago, while travelling through Aus, I noticed that skateboard lids were very popular with MTB'ing there.

 

I've found them to be the easiest way to convince kids to wear helmets, you can stick stickers to them and whatnot...

[bullet77]

My entry level Spez MTB helmet(R550) saved me from serious head injuries or worse in a big OTB on rocky ground. It had 1 big dent but no sign of cracks but I took it in and was showed a crack on the rim nowhere near the dent. 

That helmet absorbed the impact as it was designed too. I was offered a third off price of new helmet but I've now got the next level up about R1100. Totally worth it.

[Dicky DQ]

I have first hand experience to prove that any person who espouses this point of view is nothing but a luddite. IMHO this is like teaching creationism in schools. Dangerous, backwards and likely to really disadvantage others.

 

As someone whose life was saved by a  helmet and who sat on a ventilator for four days as a result of an accident in which the helmet broke in to bits, thereby absorbing the impact, I would beg to differ

 

FWIW: I ride with a  POC MIPS helmet now for various reasons. i am not that impressed with the quality but after a lot of research the MIPS concept made sense in terms of transfer of forces to your head and your brain and how this all works.

 

So if you are looking for an idea which is a good start, look at MIPS helmets.

Hmm Fair comment, but how do you know what would have happened had you NOT been wearing a lid?

 

The reason for the question is that in most cases NOT wearing a lid would have typically precluded you from getting into said situation. So you need to re-look at your argument.

 

Then again I may be a Luddite. 

 

It is like most anti colonialists saying that one cannot use the argument what would Africa be like if the colonialists did not descend on Africa and repress everyone. but that is a different topic altogether.

 

I wear my lid because it is the law and it makes me feel safer, even though it does not.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Hmm Fair comment, but how do you know what would have happened had you NOT been wearing a lid?

 

The reason for the question is that in most cases NOT wearing a lid would have typically precluded you from getting into said situation. So you need to re-look at your argument.

 

Then again I may be a Luddite. 

 

It is like most anti colonialists saying that one cannot use the argument what would Africa be like if the colonialists did not descend on Africa and repress everyone. but that is a different topic altogether.

 

I wear my lid because it is the law and it makes me feel safer, even though it does not.

Right. 

 

Cos landing with your head on a hard surface is safer than landing whilst wearing a helmet, and letting that contact the hard surface instead, thereby absorbing the majority of skull-cracking forces. 

 

Really, really bright. 

[Paul Ruinaard]

Hmm Fair comment, but how do you know what would have happened had you NOT been wearing a lid?

 

The reason for the question is that in most cases NOT wearing a lid would have typically precluded you from getting into said situation. So you need to re-look at your argument.

 

Then again I may be a Luddite. 

 

It is like most anti colonialists saying that one cannot use the argument what would Africa be like if the colonialists did not descend on Africa and repress everyone. but that is a different topic altogether.

 

I wear my lid because it is the law and it makes me feel safer, even though it does not.

Yeah mate I have read that guy in the USA who had the same point of view. So its not a local point of view, it was some bicycle advocate in the USA. There is always some quirky dude with a contrarian point of view that confuses issues.

 

There are two issues here:

 

1.) Does a helmet provide extra protection, irrespective of Circumstances.

 

This has been proved beyond doubt by many different things. Logic says that a layer between your pip and the ground improves your chances of leaving your grey matter splattered on the pavements. Also all the statistical evidence in teh USA when the helmet use became compulsory on motorbikes and the drop in fatalities ensured that this is not even up for debate.

 

Helmets save lives.

 

And BTW in wars even if you sat on your helmet  they avoided your arse and balls getintg shot off.....

 

2.) Do I ride differently knowing I wear safety gear.

 

If you ride your bike for transport and not for fun then it could be sen to be a possible response that you slow down as a result of lesser safety gear. 

 

But inherently riding bicycles as sport is extreme in terms of sport

 

Simply put I wouldn't go any slower if I had a helmet on or not, nor would a Formula 1 driver if he had a Bell full face or an old open face in the 60's. The decision to slow down is not wired in to 99% of the people who bomb downhill on bikes and off road in extreme sports. They are Extreme. And no one else had helmets or safety gear, so it was the norm.

 

Also I like the idea that if I fall i have knee pads and crash pads so I will ride more extreme stuff knowing that the consequences of a fall are less damaging however I wont go slower or more carefully. I may even ride stuff that only can be done at speed.

 

 

 

But irrespective of what you and your mates say, having a layer between your head and the object that is going to bash you brains out will always reduce the amount of force and trauma your head experiences. So the argument about the safety benefits of helmets should be abstracted from the above and left on the shelf as validated.

 

You cant argue it as it has been proved over and over again.

 

Compulsory helmet laws in many countries reduced the amount of motorcycle deaths dramatically as has improvement in safety gear and other advances from technology. This is not debatable.

 

Its no longer a personal choice as well.

 

BTW - I have been around long enough to have heard people debating compulsory seatbelt use, ABS and Airbags and stability control with similar logic. I will let you draw the logical conclusions around the survivability of a major accident in a car without these versus with these.

 

Same arguments mate, different era. Same conclusion.

[porqui]

What sort of period should you use a lid for? I'm sceptical about using one for more than two years.

 

Why ??

 

You would have to leave it in direct sunlight for a very long time before it would deteriorate - manufacturing processes are that good today.

 

GOOI !! a helmet that has had a serious knock even if it looks fine.

 

As others have said - FIT is important

 

Also DO NOT attach camera mounts or other objects to your helmet even stickers are not a good idea (Helmet surfaces are designed to slide on surfaces and stickers can cause a helmet to have more drag)

[igg]

Why ??

 

You would have to leave it in direct sunlight for a very long time before it would deteriorate - manufacturing processes are that good today.

My understanding is that the sweat and acids from your hair/scalp will make the foam brittle over time and reduce the impact absorption ability.

 

Motorcycle helemts are usually recommended to be replaced every 5-10 years. Though I'm not sure how much of this is the manufacturers just wanting you to replace perfectly good gear.

[BenGraham]

[Onegear]

Didn't want to start a new thread, so thought will ask my question here,

 

Currently I ride with an etto helmet, but the strap gave in. I have gone through and read the whole topic,, but just want to find out if anyone rides with a skate helmet ?

 

Something along the lines of this. I just dig the look. Wondering safety wise how it compares to a bicycle helmet. Will appreciate all advice.

 

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/kerb-skateboard-helmet/4472

[AlanD]

Didn't want to start a new thread, so thought will ask my question here,

 

Currently I ride with an etto helmet, but the strap gave in. I have gone through and read the whole topic,, but just want to find out if anyone rides with a skate helmet ?

 

Something along the lines of this. I just dig the look. Wondering safety wise how it compares to a bicycle helmet. Will appreciate all advice.

 

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/kerb-skateboard-helmet/4472

Good question. I too have seen them and gave it a fleeting thought.

 

I would think aerodynamics and cooling are not so good compared to a cycling helmut but wouldn't really know any other aspects of the comparison.

[Muzzarati]

On a serious not probably one of those Super 2R's with mips.

 

But... The safest helmet is the helmet that can spread the impulse over the greatest time, so you remember that big polystyrene box your microwave came in? Yeah, that's probably the safest helmet.