Comparison test sports helmets

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Comparison test sports helmets
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Helmets

Comparison test sports helmets

Comparison test sports helmets
Sporty helmets up to 400 euros

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How much helmet do you get for 400 euros? PS tested 11 sports helmets with a double-D closure for safety, comfort and other criteria.

Sebastian Lang

11/13/2008

Hard shell soft core

Helmet on. Too tight. Helmet off again and next helmet on. No, it presses on the forehead. So get down with it and look for another model. That one back there looks nice. Is also from a well-known brand. Try out. Sits comfortably and even withstands the mandatory on-helmet shake-slip test. Perfect. Bought. This is how, or at least something like that, the big motorcycle accessory chains, the main trading point for new helmets, often make the decision for new head protection. A very simple approach, given the importance of a helmet for safety and fun while riding a motorcycle. After all, in addition to the fit, a whole range of other factors also play an important role in the search for the sacred integral:

The visor should be fog-free and allow sufficient forward visibility even in a racing position, the ventilation should work, the helmet should not be too loud and should not pull up at higher speeds. Oh yes: it should be safe too, if possible. And not too expensive: if possible, less than 400 euros. Do you get head protection for this money that meets all the criteria? The big PS sports helmet test should clarify this question. The first research is promising. All major manufacturers have sports helmets with a double-D closure that are below the targeted price threshold. However, Arais Condor is a discontinued model and therefore not interesting for a test, and some helmets are only in the plain-colored version below the 400 euro threshold. In the end, 11 models find their way to the PS test center, ready to endure a mixture of functional, practical and shock absorption tests.

Function test


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Before the practical test, the test helmets are first carefully examined. The quality perception, fit, handling and equipment are on the test plan. Schuberth and HJC in particular shine here with their clean workmanship and additional sun protection. Most other helmets also make a good quality first impression? However, AGV and Marushin are lagging a little behind. In general, it is noticeable that many helmet manufacturers use too small and cumbersome visor change mechanisms, above all AGV and Lazer. Shoei shows how it can be done better, with intuitive controls and large buttons. When it comes to ventilation, Shoei also presents: Adjustment options on the chin, forehead and back of the head ?? more is not possible. Only the control levers could be a bit bigger. Here Lazer and Schuberth are ahead, Suomy, on the other hand, annoys the pilot with an unnecessarily complicated turning mechanism on his forehead. There is good news to report from the visor front: Almost all viewing windows remain completely fog-free, only the X-lite showed a slight haze. In return, the Italian manufacturer offers a smooth chinstrap and a useful visor lock. Suomy and HJC could learn a slice of this with their poorly thought-out, three-stage, closed-half-open-open variant. Suomys Vandal convinces with a great fit and pleasantly soft lining. Only Shark, Shoei and Schuberth sit similarly well. The lining of the 999 NX by Marushin looks scratchy and smells a little chemical? good that it can be easily removed and washed. The lightest helmet comes from Japan: Shoei XR 1000. Weight: 1332 g. Even the pretty carbon part FS-10 from HJC weighs almost 100 g more. Remarkable: Schuberth’s R1 weighs just 1448 g despite the additional sun visor.

Practical test


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As before, not every helmet is suitable for people who wear glasses.

And how are the eleven candidates doing on the road? Loud wind noise, uncomfortable seat, poor ventilation; bad helmet properties can completely spoil the fun of motorcycling? and thereby also restrict safety, for example through a narrow field of vision or too much movement in the head area. That is why the criteria aerodynamics, noise, ventilation and field of vision were in the foreground in the practical test. Two testers checked the helmets on a two-lane expressway at 100 km / h for wind noise and at 150 km / h for aerodynamic behavior such as lift, lateral forces or general restlessness. The test bike was an undisguised Suzuki Bandit 1200. There is still a lot to improve in all areas. With many models, for example, you cannot tell whether the ventilation is open or closed. Instead, indefinable, sometimes annoying eddies spread in front of the driver’s face. In this area, Schuberth, Shoei and X-lite stand out positively, their ventilation in both the chin and head areas clearly channeling fresh air through the helmet. When it comes to noise, too, there are few positive things: AGV and Marushin produce unpleasant noises that get louder with increasing speed. IXS and Uvex are the least likely to strain the pilot’s hearing. When it comes to aerodynamics, strong side forces and too much movement when turning your head are the main problems. The IXS HX 702 remains calmest here and feels pleasantly soft. It also offers the best field of vision ?? Even in a racing position, the view ahead remains unobstructed. The models from AGV, IXS, Schuberth, Shoei, Uvex and Suomy are recommended for people who wear glasses. To check safety, all helmets were put under the hammer or in the sled at TuV Rheinland.

Helmet test in detail

Test helmets do not have an easy life: First they are cooled down to 20 degrees Celsius, then clamped on a sled and transported to a height of 3 meters. From there they fall down and hit a metal surface. This happens in five different places, plus a chin blow. Ouch. In order to do justice to such a demanding material test, PS went to specialists: Messrs. Schneider and Schaudt from TuV Rheinland in Cologne put the quality of the eleven test helmets through their paces. For this purpose, the test candidates were sent to Cologne a few days before the test date, where the TuV marked the exact impact points on the forehead, right and left side of the helmet, crown and back of the head and cooled down to 20 ° C in two freezers. This is what the corresponding test standard ECE-R 22.05 wants. To test the shock absorption values, the experts insert a metal test head with a three-dimensional sensor into the helmet, fix it in place and place the helmet on a rail. The helmet is precisely aligned using a laser pointer so that the prescribed test surface hits the flat anvil. According to the standard, the helmets must hit the five test points at 7.5 m / s
and must not exceed a negative g-value of 275. In addition to this delay value, the TuV computer determines an HIC value (“Head Injury Criterion”), which expresses the severity of the expected traumatic brain injuries as a number. This value cannot exceed 2400. Slightly different rules apply to the chin section of a full-face helmet: it hits at 5.5 m / s, but the limit values ​​remain the same.
Most helmets passed the impact test at all six test points without exceeding the limit values. However, these are designed quite generously; So it’s all the more frightening that some helmets do not comply with them: The AGV was twice the permissible HIC value. PS therefore deducted one point for each limit value violation. Important: Even after the test, you cannot tell how good the helmets are in terms of shock absorption. For example, the upper shell of the Schuberth model broke at the back of the head, and after the measurements, the fiberglass fabric could already be seen on the left side. The Shark RSI, on the other hand, showed no external marks at all, but the values ​​of the Schuberth were significantly better. So again the admonition never to buy a used helmet? For the sake of your head.

AGV stealth


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Contact:
Haberlein & Mauerer AG,
80801 Munich, Tel. 0 89/3 81 08-104,
Internet: www.agv.it

Price: from 279.00 euros
Weight: 1466 g
Sizes: XS to XL

Conclusion: (37 points)
The AGV has some problems
to fight. Especially in the practical test, it annoys with loud hissing and whistling noises as well as imperceptible ventilation and a poor fit. When it comes to shock absorption, it doesn’t look much better? The HIC value exceeds the limit of 2400 at two points. The processing is on an average level, the ventilation mechanism seems a bit rickety. The good suitability for glasses as well as the problem-free putting on and taking off should be mentioned positively.

HJC FS-10 carbon


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
HJC Germany GmbH,
41468 Neuss, Tel. 0 21 31/52 35 60,
Internet: www.hjc-germany.de

Price: 399.99 euros
Weight: 1424 g
Sizes: XS to XXL

Conclusion: (48 points)
If this helmet test were about looks, would the HJC FS-10 Carbon be way ahead? thanks to the well-made carbon fiber. Amazingly, the weight of the HJC is only in the middle, despite the light material. Visor changes can be carried out without any problems thanks to intuitive operation, while driving, apart from the loud wind noise, the strong drafts in front of the eyes and the only minimally noticeable ventilation are a nuisance. The sun visor and the chic helmet bag are worth mentioning.

IXS HX 702


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Hostettler GmbH,
79379 Mullheim / Baden, Tel. 0 76 31 /
1 80 40, Internet: www.ixs.com

Price: 349.90 euros
Weight: 1510 g
Sizes: XS to XL

Conclusion: (59 points)
It looked so good for the IXS. After functional and practical tests, the HX 702 was surprisingly in the leading position. The combination of good aerodynamics, low wind noise, a large field of vision and a good fit earned him a lot of sympathy from both testers. The helmet was also convincing in terms of handling. Unfortunately, the TuV test was not so positive and cost the IXS points. At the end there is a fifth place and the wish that the manufacturer improves the shock absorption.

Lazer Fiber D1


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Buse GmbH, 52159 Roetgen,
Tel. 0 24 71/1 26 90,
Internet: www.buese.com

Price: 299.95 euros
Weight: 1506 g
Sizes: XS to XL

Conclusion: (52 points)
The inconspicuous matt black color of the Lazer says it all. He is in the midfield in all areas and is hardly noticeable. The very well-dimensioned ventilation buttons and their function are exemplary. The workmanship and the pleasantly soft and comfortable lining are also impressive. One of the less strong sides of the Fiber D1 is its poor suitability for glasses,
the loud wind noise and the rather heavy weight. The shock absorption values ​​are at a medium level.

Marushin 999 NX

Contact: JF-Motorsport GmbH,
61239 Ober-Morlen, Tel. 0 60 02/91 03-91,
Internet: www.jfmotorsport.de

Price: 229 euros
Weight: 1348 g
Sizes: XXS to XXL

Conclusion: (48 points)
The first test specimen had an unpleasant chemical odor, whereupon JF-Motorsport sent us a second, overhauled specimen a short time later. There the smell was less intense, but still there, which together with the scratchy lining leads to reductions in comfort. There are also deductions in terms of aerodynamics: the helmet pulls upwards significantly. The ventilation should also be better. The low weight and the easy change of visors bring plus points.

Schuberth R1


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Schuberth GmbH,
39126 Magdeburg, Tel. 03 91/81 06-0,
Internet: www.schuberth.de

Price: 399.99 euros
Weight: 1448 g
Sizes: XS to XXXL

Conclusion: (65 points)
Schuberth’s R1 sports helmet can convince in many ways. The very low weight despite the sun visor, the great ventilation and the flawless workmanship are just as pleasing as the easy change of the visor and the large field of vision. The R1 also cuts a fine figure on the TuV test bench? despite chipped paint. Only in the area of ​​aerodynamics does the Schuberth have to give up a bit: at 150 km / h the helmet pulls up a bit and works too much overall. Second place.

Shark RSI


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Shark Helme Germany, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel. 0 41 08/45 80 03, Internet: www.shark-helmets.com

Price: from 299 euros
Weight: 1438 g
Sizes: XS to XXL

Conclusion: (60 points)
Like the HJC, the Shark RSI also impresses in the “Eden”-Design (319 euros) with great external values. The fit is great too; everything sits where it should, the lining is pleasantly soft. The practical visor change at the push of a button and the supple chin strap are also exemplary. It looks less good with the ventilation: The keys are small and a bit rickety, the effect of the ventilation is barely noticeable. Shock absorption, aerodynamics and noise levels are average.

Shoei XR 1000


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Shoei GmbH,
40595 Dusseldorf, Tel. 02 11/17 54 36-0,
Internet: www.shoei.de

Price: from 379 euros
Weight: 1332 g
Sizes: XXS to XXXL

Conclusion: (67 points)
The test winner comes from Shoei. Apart from clear wind noises and slight whistling, the helmet does everything right. The shock absorption values ​​are very good, and the fit and weight are also great. The ventilation is noticeable, but does not reach the level of the runner-up Schuberth. The XR 1000 offers ventilation settings on the chin, forehead and back of the head. Visor changes are intuitive, the chin strap runs smoothly. However, the Kagayama design shown costs an extra charge.

Suomy Vandal


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Suomy Germany,
73525 Schwabisch Gmund, Tel. 0 71 71 /
99 84 37, Internet: www.suomy.com

Price: from 349 euros
Weight: 1480 g
Sizes: XS to XXL

Conclusion: (53 points)
The Suomy Vandal is particularly appealing because of its high level of comfort. The lining is pleasantly soft and the fit is very good. Even with the aerodynamics test, the Italian does not cause any problems. In terms of safety and ventilation, however, Suomy should improve. The knobs on the forehead can hardly be operated with gloves, the shock absorption values ​​are only mediocre. The visor, which only clicks in three stages, is also annoying. The Bayliss-
Design costs extra.

Uvex RS 745


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Uvex GmbH & Co. KG,
90766 Furth, Tel. 09 11/9 73 60,
Internet: www.uvex.de

Price: 329.95 euros
Weight: 1408 g
Sizes: XS to XL

Conclusion: (51 points)
The Uvex 745 passed the helmet test with some ups and downs. On the one hand, it shines with its low weight and low air resistance in the aerodynamics test, as well as with a clean fit and high level of comfort. On the other hand, the helmet is already very loud at 100 km / h and becomes even louder with increasing speed, and the ventilation is barely noticeable. The shock absorption values ​​should also be better. The workmanship makes a high-quality impression.

X-Lite X-701


Comparison test sports helmets


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Contact:
Nolangroup Deutschland GmbH, 71272 Renningen, Tel. 0 71 59/9 31 60,
Internet: www.nolangroup.de

Price: 349.50 euros
Weight: 1430 g
Sizes: XS to XXL

Conclusion: (60 points)
The X-lite 702 shares third place with the Shark RSI. The strengths of the X-lite are the sensible stepped visor notch, the easy-to-use double-D lock and the neat workmanship. The ventilation also works flawlessly and reliably supplies the pilot with fresh air. The biggest advantage of the X-lite, however, is,
that it has no real weak point. Even in its weakest discipline, noise development, it is still in the good midfield overall.

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