Modern Vespa

Thanks Al, we're in the same choir. My only counterpoint would be that Sharp does point out that there are failures. The boy noted that there was a problem with system helmets. When I wear my 3 star 40% helmet, I'm quite happy with my odds. Just not as comfortable as in my BB hats. I've made much riskier bets but in making the book the odds aren't a problem for me.

I've been an avid Sharp reader. Their price/performance comparisons are very revealing. A most excellent and lone resource IMO. I wish they'd review the N43. That's a helmet I might embrace. Or at least wear more often.

Helmets, like oil are the topic of lots of subjective material. Terms like "stricter requirements" without any info about whether the "stricter" is of real protective benefit.

Not knocking Snell, but rather consumer behavior, as it is interesting that folks swoon over Snell because all DOT helmets "do not meet Snell standards", yet miss the fact than some Snell helmets do not meet DOT. Or that a manufacturer pays for the ability to put "Snell" on their helmets, and the lack of a "Snell" certification does not necessarily mean the helmet doesn't meet or exceed Snell standards. Just means they didn't go to the expense of submitting the helmet to Snell, for whatever reason. Or that Snell defended M2005 for years as the "absolute best", until M2010 came along incorporating some of the standards they clearly refuted in defending M2005.

And not to just pick on Snell, but as noted above, some DOT (FMVSS 218) standards have nothing to do with protection at all, but must be met to claim compliance.

I'm sure Snell is doing the best they can, but protective technology is a continuously emerging science, and "standards" can fall behind the available;e technology, as witnessed by the M2005/M2010 progression. Thus, I have admiration for the SHARP program, as it takes evaluation beyond a simple "PASS-FAIL" that is based in minimum standards and debunks the "higher price = higher quality" misconception.

The various standards serve a purpose - to minimize the odds that you will put a useless piece of crap on your head. They cannot insure that a helmet is a "Silver Bullet".

All that said, it a personal choice, and I would not deny anyone who says so their privilege to make such a choice. However, open the door to making unsupported "better protection" claims, and I might speak up.

We wear Cabergs because they fit, fit, fit our heads comfortably, and have the secondary tinted visor, a search that took quite a while.

The best advise for choosing a helmet. The best helmet is the one you wear.

Had a few offs over the years. Face planted once and wrecked my full face helmet doing so. I got a new helmet for £120. I guess the new face would have been more expensive and a lot more painful. Full face helmet is the wise choice. Open face the fashion choice.

^^^^^ This.

This beauty came today to replace the over-tight GT Air. A Shoei Neotec, size M.

The GT Air was a size L, but the fit seems completely different and it fits well. I'm more than happy with it. More so once the pads have broken down a little.

No decision yet on manufacturer... I have decided on a modular helmet though... My wife doesn't want my rugged handsome face to be damaged

Good man! I ended-up swapping my M Neotec for an L Neotec. It's a great helmet, very comfortable; I absolutely love it now.

What sort of budget are you considering?

Hey I am close to an Iron Pony, I will check them out!!! Want to ride up there with me Sat?
Oh yea thats right it sucks outside right now, but how about soon???

Huh?