Opinion on Carbon Fiber helmets vs. other types
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Opinion on Carbon Fiber helmets vs. other types
I'm starting to lean towards getting an HJC AC-3 Carbon Fiber helmet. They also make this same helmet in a non carbon fiber version and it's much cheaper. I've tried searching this forum and google for pros/cons of carbon fiber helmets, but I'm not coming up with any good info that's up to date. Does anyone happen to know any pros/cons to Carbon Fiber helmets? or any studies/research done by motorcycle magazines/companies? Is it worth the extra money?
thanks!
Che
thanks!
Che
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
I don't know the answer, but here is a link to testing that was done on carbon fiber vs. polycarbonate helmets, as they relate to DOT vs. Snell standards. It is technical in nature, but if you read it closely, you can determine what is best for you!
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Marquette MI.
From what Iv'e read the outer shell of the helmet is there to disperse the impact of the hit throughout the helmet. A fiberglass or carbon fiber shells will stay together better in an impact. Carbon fiber shells can be made lighter and more durable and it looks pretty cool. I read somewhere that the polycarbonate shells performed better in the impact test than the cloth helmets. If you have the extra cash then I would get it if thats what you want. I'm cheap and buy the inexpensive polycarbonate helmets but I really like the looks of the carbon fiber..
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
I don't know the answer, but here is a link to testing that was done on carbon fiber vs. polycarbonate helmets, as they relate to DOT vs. Snell standards. It is technical in nature, but if you read it closely, you can determine what is best for you!
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
Most regular DOT helmets are made of polycarbonate, because the impact resistance is higher than ABS helmets that they mentioned in the article. (30+ years in the plastics raw materials industry) However, carbon fiber is lighter but also stiffer, which is what they are also referring to.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
The primary advantage of a carbon fiber helmet is comfort. Since it weighs less, it is less likely to cause fatigue for the rider when worn for extended periods.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,023
Likes: 1,352
From: Virginia
I changed out my old HJC fs-15 for the carbon fiber version. I don't even notice that I am wearing a helmet now. Best thing I have bought since the stock seat replacement.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
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From: Eastern NE
IMO, you can't put a price tag on personal safety - especially with all the cage distractions out on the roads (i.e. cell phone, texting, eating/driving, etc.). Definitely worth the extra $$$ & you'll enjoy the lighter-weight comfort.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 923
Likes: 43
From: New Hampshire
I just purchased a G-max helmet from a local dealer. 1/2 helmet, flat black, has a snap in ear protector, comes with visor/no-visor and had a flip down sunshield (kinda gimmicky, but I can see it might help in certain situations). Every bit as light as the HJC carbon fiber helmet it's replacing, and it fits better/sits lower.
Had never heard of the brand before, but for $75 in the store, how could I go wrong. So far, I really like it. Not super small, but decent coverage...
They have a "naked" version too, without the sunshade that might be smaller, dealer didn't carry those...
Had never heard of the brand before, but for $75 in the store, how could I go wrong. So far, I really like it. Not super small, but decent coverage...
They have a "naked" version too, without the sunshade that might be smaller, dealer didn't carry those...