Helmet Construction - Poll.

Just a quick poll to prove a point.

What no Arai

I guess I should do some research on what both of those terms actually mean first. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Originally Posted by Gmonsta

What no Arai

I guess I should do some research on what both of those terms actually mean first. Anyone care to enlighten me?

i havent got a clue either, i dont realy care what its made of, as long as its passed all the tests, fits well & looks good

Originally Posted by Gmonsta

What no Arai

I guess I should do some research on what both of those terms actually mean first. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Basically, Carbon based or fibreglass based...

Carbon based are the light ones, the really, really light ones are just carbon and generally cost as much as a good service, set of tyres & a track day


Edit:

I may not be 100% right there.....

My Astro R is "Super Complex Laminate Construction. Three layers of super fibre composite for a very rigid outer shell."

However, the cheaper GP-5X is actually made from fibreglass.

So now I'm not sure either.....
.

[rictus01]

Pollys = plastic based, normally cheaper, the older ones used to break down quicker in the sun and be more subject to certain sticker adhesives and paints.

Compo = multi layered/mixed shell material, generally lighter or stronger or both for a given weight, more costly to produce, better life span, although they started as primaraly fibreglassed based, now days can be based around stronger and lighter stuff, depended on price.

You can also get plain fibreglass construction, same benefits as composite but heavier.

I'd alway get a Composite constructed Helmet if possible, as I belive they are more protective (yes I know they both pass the same tests), but not at the cost of fit.

Chers Mark.

You missed the "I don't care so long as it keeps me noggin in one peice when I kiss tarmac" option.

[Stu]

I think his point is that one will do that better (or for longer) than the other.
What is a Shoei Raid? (one not II)

Don't care that much, my first helmet was polycarbonate and the one I have now is fibreglass. Both did well in a impact test by a magazine a few years back, the cheaper poly did well cos it didn't let a big spike go straight through the helmet. And I'm gullible enough to believe them.

In t'old days I was told that a polycarb one would need replacing even after a light knock - but a fibre one would be fine as long as there weren't any visable cracks...

... but this was also in the day when a fibre one felt like having your head incased in concrete.

Oh yeah - and you also got told that you couldn't spray paint stuff on a poly but you could on a fibre. Meh.

Beyond that I have no idea - as far as I'm concerned it could be made from some space age composite material that would make a chemistry nerd cry tears of joy...

... or hardened cowpoo that would also serve as a firelighter in an emergency...

As long as it's got an Arai sticker on it I'm sold. It's the only 'badge' I have to wear darhling - I'd rather be a fashion victim than just a victim.