Looking for a new helmet for my better half. She is looking purely at the designs, and the majority she's picking out are described at poly-carbonate / thermo-resin / thermoplastic. I'm of an age when I can remember poly-carbonate helmets of the late 70's and 80's with the mould line down the center of the helmet and warning not to apply stickers etc and what ever you do, don't paint them. So, fast forward 40 years, what are the general thoughts on these modern poly-carbonate / thermo-resin / thermoplastic. Use will be fair weather only, maybe 2k miles per year as a pillion. Thoughts and experience appreciated.
I have a Schuberth helmet which I regard as a quality manufacturer and that is polycarbonate. They are all tested to the same standard. Fit is more important than anything else in my opinion.
I bought the wife this one as she liked the design and Shark are a good make(i hate them personally) it's thermoplastic and it is good quality and now 75 quid in this sale. https://www.xlmoto.co.uk/mc-gear/mo...Al-BAf1vJFGMSi3KlAgaAkbLEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I wear a Schuberth C3pro. No idea if it conforms to UK regulation, but it fits well, is comfortable and quiet.
There has been for some time. All helmets worn on UK roads must meet British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark, or equivalent European standards. https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi_4veW2OrrAhWRUcAKHZCmAh8QFjABegQICxAD&url=https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-helmet-law&usg=AOvVaw2Xqz_O-XJKwdMX7a0wGWbt
Agree, but the safety and test ratings of the current "plastic" helmets is on a par with fibre glass. I will try and steer her towards a fibre / composite helmet, just wanted to see if there were horror stories about the "plastic" helmets, and it seems there isn't.
Most important thing with a lid, for me at least, is fit and comfort. Tried some really pricey lids that just didn't "fit". They all differ slightly, despite being the same size. Find one that fits her head and that she's comfortable in. All lids sold will meet standards and regulations. It's one thing to "meet" the regs, but the better ones far exceed them. To quote an old Bell helmets advert...... "got a $10 head? wear a $10 dollar lid"
Schuberth do ladies fit helmets but Helmet City have a fitting service and worth a visit (they have balaclavas so you can still try) so long as it’s not £29.99 from eBay the sharp ratings are a bit hit and miss according to some but it’s another place to look https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/
Having just bought a helmet that’s worth more than my car; buy the best you can afford. Some good 0% interest deals on some top end helmets at the mo from Infinity etc etc. Like buying shoes, fit/comfort is paramount. Leave helmet on for a good 15 minutes too to see if EPS digs in anywhere. Bought a Shoei Quest a few years ago. But riding home wearing it I wanted to throw it in a hedge after 30 minutes. Very painful on the crown causing a fair bit of pain.
How are the tests being exceeded? Does anyone know. Are there more stringent tests that are voluntary?
