got a surprise for Christmas - 2000 Vulcan 500 - and i've never investigated anything about bikes before. I'm not going anywhere until i do a class next month but i need a *really good* helmet (full). Is there a particular brand or two i should focus on?
other than trying on helmets can i measure my head to determine size?

 

Go to a dealer or if you have a Cycle Gear close, go try on as many different brands and models as you can. Each brand is sized different. A large in an Arai may not be the same as a large in an HJC. Also different models of brands fit different shaped heads. An Arain RX-7 Corsair is a different shape than a Quantum, etc, etc.

Try them on and walk around for awhile. Like a half hour or so. While it may feel good when you put it on, it may not after 10 minutes. You may feel stupid doing this, but the employees know what you are doing. After you find the brand, model, and size you like, start shopping online. There are some good deals out there. Arai, Shoei, HJC, Suomy, and Scorpion make some pretty good helmets.

 

I know AGV goes off of head measurements. I am kinda fond of that brand as well.

 

Once above the £100 - US$150 mark there's nowhere near as much difference in protection as some vendors would have you believe, and some of the cheaper helmets perform far better in tests than some very expensive ones.

The main thing is fit, and not all brands fit all heads comfortabley. You need to get to a shop and try on several helmets. It should fit close and a little tight - it'll ease off with wear - but no really tight spots thaty might rub. After fit, look for a helmet with good ventilation. If you plan to ride in rain add a fog mask.

Like Kev says, when you've found the helmet you like, price it on line, but be aware that if everybody does this there'll be no shops left to try anything, so unless the saving is considerable, support your local shop. At least give them a chance to match the price.

Rob

 

shoei.

 

Scorpion, oh and welcome to the forums.

 

I have try some ,,if I have to make a choice base in confort ,price ,looks ,parts ,etc,,,definetlly I will stay with scorpion ,,you can have some good deals in 400 models ,,,but I agree with william ,,you have to try them ,,do not goo to the internet until you have the rigth dimention.

 

I prefer scorpion helmets, I have a exo-700 an it is great. Like the others said, it is all about what you feel cozy in. Go check them out and if it is any of the aforementioned brands (plus a few other good ones) you wil be fine.