Hi Andy:

I'm not certain I agree with that. While it is true that in most fully developed countries, all helmets offered for sale must pass whatever testing standard that country mandates, there can be some very significant differences between helmets that both pass the standards test. The differences don't always correlate with pricing, but generally speaking, I think "you get what you pay for".

Having said that, I do agree wholeheartedly with you that it is a complete waste of money to pay any premium for a helmet that has fancy graphics on it.

Better quality helmets will offer features such as more comfortable padding around the cheeks and strap, and often can be fitted with different sizes of cheekpads and/or helmet liners in order to optimize fit.

If a rider will spend a lot of time in environments where rain, fog, or cold weather is common, a Pinlock face shield (or similar: a double-element face shield that minimizes fogging) is worth the extra cost.

Full-face helmets with a flip-up front chin bar, such as the Schuberth that I have, can be of great value to riders who wear glasses (like me) or who find conventional full-face helmets to be a bit claustrophobic.

If you apply your argument (cited above) to cars, it would read "Both the cheapest Korean subcompact econobox and the most expensive Mercedes S class have to pass the same vehicle safety standards - so, there is no point in buying anything other than the cheapest Korean subcompact econobox when you next need to buy a car." I think you would agree with me that that statement is a bit over the top.

Respectfully, Michael

I would substitute "Chinese" for Korean above as both Hyundai and Kia both typically finish ahead of Mercedes in reliability ratings.
(Hyundai and Kia, all one company now)

But I get your point ... and it's a good one ... accurate, IMO.

Regards Visors or Peaks ...
I prefer putting a strip of Elec. Tape across the top of my visor. It's adjustable and easily removable. Blocks Sun perfectly, does not compromise quietness or air flow.

Peaks are OK at low speeds, like off road, but going fast they catch the wind and most are really noisy compared to
top of the line street helmets.

I did not know Bilt helmets (Cycle Gear in house brand) were sold in Oz? Bilt are now Very good value and have gotten so much better than the utter crap sold under the Bilt brand a few years back.

My Shoei is ridiculously expensive but is very quiet for a Flip up. Mine current one is wearing out, I'll buy another. The HJC is good but not nearly as quiet.

The Dual sport helmets with peaks ....? Too noisy for me when road riding at 70 or 90 mph ... which we tend to do in deserted areas.

Nice tip :-)


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the ECE 22.05 standard is a joke. It is still the EU norm, because we have a huge market for cheap helmets in central and southern parts of the continent. Money and protection do not go hand in hand, but money and comfort often do, combined with material longevity.

I won´t wear a helmet, that has a shell made out of plastic.. but that´s just me.