Thoughts on best half helmet out there? DOT or novelty...doesn't matter.
Thoughts on best half helmet out there? DOT or novelty...doesn't matter.
So, I'm in the market for a new helmet. I purchased a helmet a while back while at a bike rally that I loved. Being as "observant" as I am...I saw the DOT Approved tag, liked the way it fit, and after that didn't think much of it. Well, when I went typed in "Advanced Carbon Composite" online yesterday to find a new helmet to match the one I have, I was in for a surprise. The guy was given a cease and desist order by the NHTSA because his helmets don't comply (Evidently I'm the last to find this out 
) with NHTSA standards
Anyway, question is...Since these helmets are not longer legal to make...what are y'all's thoughts on best helmets that are DOT approved but don't weight 200 lbs and have 9 inches of padding in them? And are they any helmets out there that aren't all the way up to DOT approval but are substantially safer than nothing?
Sorry if this is a recurring topic, I didn't see anything like this in my search. Also, I'm sure this is a polar topic....soooooo
) with NHTSA standardsAnyway, question is...Since these helmets are not longer legal to make...what are y'all's thoughts on best helmets that are DOT approved but don't weight 200 lbs and have 9 inches of padding in them? And are they any helmets out there that aren't all the way up to DOT approval but are substantially safer than nothing?
Sorry if this is a recurring topic, I didn't see anything like this in my search. Also, I'm sure this is a polar topic....soooooo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,745
From: PNW
I'm sure there's a ton of threads like this but always room for one more. 
I have 2 varieties of half helmets - Zox Retro for warm weather and Bell Shorty for cooler temps. The Zox is much narrower than the Bell and looks better - no mushroom head. It is DOT rated but still a cheap helmet. It is a minimal effort against crash injuries, but certainly better than no helmet by far. The Bell Shorty is one step up. Heavier. More mushroom. It has zip in ear flaps which reduces the mushroom effect and adds protection against the elements. I'm guessing it's better for crash protection.
Both can be had for dirt cheap on Ebay.
edit - note that the matte finish on the Bell helmet went bad on mine. I think the hot desert sun melted it and made it sticky. Looks like hell now.
I have 2 varieties of half helmets - Zox Retro for warm weather and Bell Shorty for cooler temps. The Zox is much narrower than the Bell and looks better - no mushroom head. It is DOT rated but still a cheap helmet. It is a minimal effort against crash injuries, but certainly better than no helmet by far. The Bell Shorty is one step up. Heavier. More mushroom. It has zip in ear flaps which reduces the mushroom effect and adds protection against the elements. I'm guessing it's better for crash protection.
Both can be had for dirt cheap on Ebay.
edit - note that the matte finish on the Bell helmet went bad on mine. I think the hot desert sun melted it and made it sticky. Looks like hell now.
Last edited by nevada72; Oct 10, 2012 at 11:34 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
Likes: 184
From: Big ol Titties
I rock a Daytona half helmet and love it. It's one of the smallest I have found that is DOT. Before that I ran a Bell Drifter and never really liked it. It is way heavier and caught alot of wind. Not sure if Daytona just uses more shell sizes to keep them less bulky or what but it is significantly smaller than other 1/2 helmets I have seen.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls, TX
I just got my Outlaw Ultra-slim helmet from leatherup.com. By far the lightest and smallest DOT I have ever seen. There is an entire thread about this helmet on this site complete with pics. I got the matte black fiberglass version for $39.99. Love it!
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...le-helmet.html
This guy did a great job on describing the helmet.
I ordered the "ultra slim". I would be interested in hearing the difference between it and the "ultra low profile" if anyone knows.
Thanks for the help!
So, I'm in the market for a new helmet. I purchased a helmet a while back while at a bike rally that I loved. Being as "observant" as I am...I saw the DOT Approved tag, liked the way it fit, and after that didn't think much of it. Well, when I went typed in "Advanced Carbon Composite" online yesterday to find a new helmet to match the one I have, I was in for a surprise. The guy was given a cease and desist order by the NHTSA because his helmets don't comply (Evidently I'm the last to find this out ) with NHTSA standards
Anyway, question is...Since these helmets are not longer legal to make...what are y'all's thoughts on best helmets that are DOT approved but don't weight 200 lbs and have 9 inches of padding in them? And are they any helmets out there that aren't all the way up to DOT approval but are substantially safer than nothing?
Sorry if this is a recurring topic, I didn't see anything like this in my search. Also, I'm sure this is a polar topic....soooooo
) with NHTSA standardsAnyway, question is...Since these helmets are not longer legal to make...what are y'all's thoughts on best helmets that are DOT approved but don't weight 200 lbs and have 9 inches of padding in them? And are they any helmets out there that aren't all the way up to DOT approval but are substantially safer than nothing?
Sorry if this is a recurring topic, I didn't see anything like this in my search. Also, I'm sure this is a polar topic....soooooo
By the way,they will rebuild your old one if you send it to them. Here is a link, http://www.headtriphelmets.com/
Trending Topics
If you are going novelty, check out scull crush. Unsurpassed Made in USA quality and protection that will rival DOT. But they are pricey.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Just so you know, ACC is still in business and going strong. They just changed the name is all. If you dig into the whole Cease and Desist thing you will find they they got screwed by the government by changing the rules in the middle if the game by changing testing facilities. The new facility used different #'s for certification that the previous one did. The helmets passed fine to begin with.
By the way,they will rebuild your old one if you send it to them. Here is a link, http://www.headtriphelmets.com/
By the way,they will rebuild your old one if you send it to them. Here is a link, http://www.headtriphelmets.com/
Glad to see he figured out a way to keep on goin!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
Just so you know, ACC is still in business and going strong. They just changed the name is all. If you dig into the whole Cease and Desist thing you will find they they got screwed by the government by changing the rules in the middle if the game by changing testing facilities. The new facility used different #'s for certification that the previous one did. The helmets passed fine to begin with.
By the way,they will rebuild your old one if you send it to them. Here is a link, http://www.headtriphelmets.com/
By the way,they will rebuild your old one if you send it to them. Here is a link, http://www.headtriphelmets.com/