Buying a Helmet from Trademe? Opinions?

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Postby Leon » Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:12 pm

GX61 Mark II wrote:I've got one of those helmets, from that seller, it is all good, but it is what is on the inside that counts I guess.

has the E - something euro standard label on it.


Just checking, does it have a sticker on the back of the helmet or a cloth tag sewn on the chin strap?
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Postby rollaholic » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:43 pm

if you want an affordable helmet i've been happy with my HJC, its pretty basic but very comfortable. was around $300 iirc
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Postby B1NZ » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:48 pm

You can buy a FFM open face helmet in black or white that is up to standard for under $100 from most motorbike shops, that's what I've been using for the last 5 years :idea:
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Postby Snaps » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:54 pm

Would really rather have a closed face, just a lot safer for my chin :lol:

GX61 Mark II wrote:
I've got one of those helmets, from that seller, it is all good, but it is what is on the inside that counts I guess.

has the E - something euro standard label on it.



Just checking, does it have a sticker on the back of the helmet or a cloth tag sewn on the chin strap?


Would also like to know this, because I've heard if it's just the sticker then it's very likely fake, if it's the tag, then should be the real deal.
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Postby thegreatestben » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:13 pm

Stuff from the road guide should be all legit.
If anybody does want anything let me know via pm
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Postby Leon » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:22 pm

Snaps wrote:Would also like to know this, because I've heard if it's just the sticker then it's very likely fake, if it's the tag, then should be the real deal.


That is pretty much the direction I was heading in too 8) Barring further research anyway.

Certainly the dodgy helmet I was sold had a plain looking ECE22-05 sticker on the back of it, and nothing else.

I've seen a relatively legit looking silver ECE22-05 sticker on the back of a helmet photo online, but I haven't obviously been able to look at the rest of the helmet.

eg:
Image
this is probably a legit helmet assuming it has the rest of the labels


However, scary thought for you ... guess what standard of testing a DOT helmet has to pass? None! It's a voluntary standard with from what I have read, no product testing. Plus, you can buy a helmet that says on the box that it isn't DOT approved, and supplied in the box is a DOT sticker that you can then put on the helmet
[facepalm]
This from the country that likes to sue for practically anything

It's all fun and games.

However the repeating advice here is very sound. Buy a good helmet. Make sure it fits properly and you're comfortable wearing it. Also, look after it! No dropping or leaving it rolling around in the back of the van.
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Postby Snaps » Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:48 pm

Yeah, that's some good advice, and to add some of my own for anyone else reading this thread.. It's also good to buy from a shop as you usually have somewhere to go back to if something goes wrong (unless they up and leave).
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Postby gurutasker » Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:47 pm

Snaps wrote:Would really rather have a closed face, just a lot safer for my chin :lol:

GX61 Mark II wrote:
I've got one of those helmets, from that seller, it is all good, but it is what is on the inside that counts I guess.

has the E - something euro standard label on it.



Just checking, does it have a sticker on the back of the helmet or a cloth tag sewn on the chin strap?


Would also like to know this, because I've heard if it's just the sticker then it's very likely fake, if it's the tag, then should be the real deal.


Got some closed faced FFM helmets from local motorcycle shop for just a little more than $100.
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Postby Truenotch » Tue Jul 07, 2009 10:18 pm

I ran a closed face FFM helmet for 5 years (until earlier this year), was always good. Only bought a new one cause it was getting rough after using it daily on the scooter.

I bought an RCI with Snell approval and am happy with it.
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Postby Snaps » Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:07 pm

gurutasker wrote:Got some closed faced FFM helmets from local motorcycle shop for just a little more than $100.


Got any pics Aaron? (IIRyour nameC. :lol: )

Are they in good condition?

Edit: oh, and sizes?
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Postby Malcolm » Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:52 pm

Those people claiming they bought cheap helmets and they were good...how many times have you had a crash where the helmet has taken a beating and saved your life? I'd think that would be the test of a good helmet, not whether it survives a few years without falling apart, or is comfortable to wear (although they're obviously important too)
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Postby Emperor » Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:23 am

Richard Hammond was wearing a Arai in his jet crash..

Just google "arai helmet tests"
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Postby gurutasker » Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:26 am

Malcolm wrote:Those people claiming they bought cheap helmets and they were good...how many times have you had a crash where the helmet has taken a beating and saved your life? I'd think that would be the test of a good helmet, not whether it survives a few years without falling apart, or is comfortable to wear (although they're obviously important too)


I reckon they are good by looking at the build design and quality. Yes I don't believe in cheaping out on safety equipment, but for the level of motorsport that I am competing I believe it is appropriate (club-sport advanced). I've also been comparing it to the many helmets that I inspect each time i do scrutineering for an event.

Snaps, I will try and track down some pics of what they look like. Mine is a gloss back, my partners is a matt. Pretty plain full faced helmet with vents in the chin and top.

I believe this is the model here

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Helmets/auction-225336002.htm

I try and keep them in the best condition possible, but when buying new the helmets are in good condition?

I bought a medium and so did my partner. From memory they did small, large and extra large as well.[/img]
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Postby THA SHZ » Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:57 am

Please dont sacrifice your well being for saving a few dollars , i completely agree with malcolm , why save on a few dollars , is that seriously worth spending the rest of your life as a cabbage ? :?
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Postby Snaps » Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:09 am

THA SHZ wrote:Please dont sacrifice your well being for saving a few dollars , i completely agree with malcolm , why save on a few dollars , is that seriously worth spending the rest of your life as a cabbage ? :?


I'm in the same situation as gurutasker IMO, the level of racing I will be doing does not warrant the use of a very expensive helmet.

Oh, and Aaron, I thought you meant you had some used ones :lol:
They look pretty good, I presume they pass one of the required standards for your level of racing? I might ask you to get one for me after I've checked out the ones at the local bike shop at the end of the week? If you don't mind 8) .
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Postby FLAWLES » Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:38 am

no offence but thats kind of a oxy-moron

I'm in the same situation as gurutasker IMO, the level of racing I will be doing does not warrant the use of a very expensive helmet.


with the level of racing that you intend on doing, does it invole circit racing with other cars and pple around you?
does it involve walls/banks/colvits? etc

will a $100 helemt save you? that is highly debaitible

i know if i was to run another trackday and your ( anybodys ) helemt didnt have the correct gardes and or had to many marks/straches i would turn you away

cheap isnt always good

motorbile shops and some race prepping shops sell helmets ( be it entry level stuff ) for cheap

do you skimp money on tyres and go for shit ones?
so why do it for the thing that helps keep you alive and think


rant over
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Postby durty starlet » Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:45 am

FLAWLES wrote:
do you skimp money on tyres and go for sh*t ones?




sure do, thanks for asking
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Postby toymato » Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:15 pm

If my helmet has the AS,NZ,Snell or ECE stds markings, and I'm confident that they are genuine, then I don't care if it's a $100 helmet or a $1000 helmet, as long as it fits well, appears well made, and is bought from a reputable seller.
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Postby Snaps » Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:05 pm

FLAWLES wrote:no offence but thats kind of a oxy-moron

I'm in the same situation as gurutasker IMO, the level of racing I will be doing does not warrant the use of a very expensive helmet.


with the level of racing that you intend on doing, does it invole circit racing with other cars and pple around you?
does it involve walls/banks/colvits? etc

will a $100 helemt save you? that is highly debaitible

i know if i was to run another trackday and your ( anybodys ) helemt didnt have the correct gardes and or had to many marks/straches i would turn you away

cheap isnt always good

motorbile shops and some race prepping shops sell helmets ( be it entry level stuff ) for cheap

do you skimp money on tyres and go for sh*t ones?
so why do it for the thing that helps keep you alive and think


rant over


I never said I was going to get a helmet that didn't have the standards, because, like you said, they likely wouldn't let me in. I was asking if the helmets on trademe were legitimate, which was a perfectly good question.

I then got told by a lot of members (including one that does some scrutineering) that those helmets probably weren't very good, I was then directed to an FFM helmet where I have no question that it has the standards.

The racing I will be doing will include walls, and other people, but I will not be going as fast (although I know my car is capable of high speeds) as a lot of other cars in higher classes and therefore IMO does not need an expensive helmet compared to a cheaper one that still passes the same standards.
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Postby gurutasker » Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:25 pm

FLAWLES wrote:no offence but thats kind of a oxy-moron

will a $100 helemt save you? that is highly debaitible

i know if i was to run another trackday and your ( anybodys ) helemt didnt have the correct gardes and or had to many marks/straches i would turn you away

cheap isnt always good

motorbile shops and some race prepping shops sell helmets ( be it entry level stuff ) for cheap

do you skimp money on tyres and go for sh*t ones?
so why do it for the thing that helps keep you alive and think


The FFM helmet is rated to the European E-05 safety standard. Acceptable by MSNZ Sch. A regulations for all levels except international. I keep mine in good condition with as little scratches as possible on it (some are un-avoidable).

Cheap isn't always good, I would agree with that, but expensive doesn't always mean better or safer either. Expensive is often related to features (intercom, HANS etc.) rather than safety.

Skimping on money for tyres? Absolutely. I buy the cheapest tyres possible to run at a gravel Auto-X as it destroys tyres, but not worth wasting my good gravel tyres on (that and they aren't allowed at the venue)

As for the cost of the helmet, I did buy it a good 3 years ago or so, so the price may have increased since then. Let me know if you're interested Snaps and I will have a look one day.

If anyone is unsure about what helmet standards are acceptable, please have a look here:

http://www.hccc.org.nz/files/Helmet%20Standards.pdf

I will be making some more updates soon which should hopefully explain the basic safety requirements for clubsport, and clubsport advanced events on the site soon.
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