I have 2 helmets that I own that I'd like to do a review on and a 3rd that I've worn for a short period of time and then witnessed someone else wreck with it.
HJC (unknown model) $89.95 from local ATV dealership. Paid $0
Uses a polycarbonate shell and single layer foam padding. The inner comfort liner is thin foam and does well for the price. Has 6 intake, 3 exhaust vents. It fits somewhat snug yet is still comfortable. The visor is long enough to keep dirt from falling on you and also blocks the sun without being in the way. The highest ratng is DOT.
PROs
-Fitment is as expected
-Easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble
-Visor is of sufficient length and not in the way
-Large area for goggles
CONs
-Does not flow much air
-Cannot remove strap pads to wash seperately
-Some graphic designs are ugly as sin
-Allows sweat to get in your eyes
Verdict: Can't go wrong for under $100
Side note: This is the pass-along helmet. One guy purchased it and gave it to a friend when he got something better. That friend passed it on to me. I'll do the same when someone else needs a helmet. The initials will be on the helmet, as well as the phone number for the first guy so that he can see where all it has ended up over the course of time. Cool IMO.
Fox (V2) $299.99 online, (owner) paid $319.99 in store
Uses a fiberglass shell and dual layer EPS liner padding. The inner comfort liner is somewhat thin, but still sufficient. It is easy to disassemble and wash. Has 10 intakes, 4 exhaust. The fit is too small for normal sizing. It is common to go with a larger size than normal when using Fox helmets (you need a large, order an XL). The visor is somewhat short for my taste, yet the owner says he'd gotten used to it. There is a decent amount of airflow and keeps you pretty cool. Has DOT and Snell 2010 (Snell = good) ratings.
PROs
-Fitment is great if sized properly
-Relatively easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble
-Large area for goggles
-Moderately cool, especially if riding at speed
-Most graphics are great in most opinions
CONs
-Sizing is small. This can frustrate some if they have to exchange it.
-For $300, the comfort is not all there.
Verdict: Great helmet for the weight, airflow, and safety for $300, especially since they can be found for under $200 through reputable online distributors.
Side note: The guy (my cousin) who actually owned the helmet was in a horrible accident where he cased a whoop while sideways on a YZ450F. He was going to wreck either way, unfortunately, he got the short end of both sticks. His head hit very hard in-between 2 whoops and he broke his collar bone. He did walk away, but the helmet was destroyed. That's what they're meant to do. It's likely that it saved his life.
Fox (V4) $589.99 online, paid $289.99 +S&H
Uses a carbon fiber/kevlar shell with dual layer liner and thick foam cmfort liner, as well as MIPS (multi impact protection system). The firment is incredible and there are no pressure points whatsoever, even after having the helmet on as long as an hour at a time. The airflow is unreal and very even across all sides. Has 16 intakes and 10 exhaust vents (fox lists 15 online but 16 in owners manual. Also, I can count). It can be a little tight getting it on and off, but that's likely designed as such to keep the helmet on in the event of an impact.
PROs
-Fitment is perfect if sized properly
-Unbelievalby comfortable
-Can disassemble for cleaning in under 10 seconds.
-Goggle opening is very open. Nearly impossible to see with goggles on.
-Great airflow at any speeds
-Modern graphics
-Comes with an extra visor
-Very balanced while in use
CONs
-Sizing is small. This can frustrate some if they have to exchange it.
-The foam insert at the mouthpiece is nearly impossible to get back in if it ever comes out.
-It's light, but not $600 price tag light
Verdict: There are strong competitors in the $500+ range, but it can be an absolute steal when next year's model rolls around. No matter what you get in this price range, it's going to be safe if nothing else. This is the most comfortable helmet that I've ever had on BY FAR.
HJC (unknown model) $89.95 from local ATV dealership. Paid $0
Uses a polycarbonate shell and single layer foam padding. The inner comfort liner is thin foam and does well for the price. Has 6 intake, 3 exhaust vents. It fits somewhat snug yet is still comfortable. The visor is long enough to keep dirt from falling on you and also blocks the sun without being in the way. The highest ratng is DOT.
PROs
-Fitment is as expected
-Easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble
-Visor is of sufficient length and not in the way
-Large area for goggles
CONs
-Does not flow much air
-Cannot remove strap pads to wash seperately
-Some graphic designs are ugly as sin
-Allows sweat to get in your eyes
Verdict: Can't go wrong for under $100
Side note: This is the pass-along helmet. One guy purchased it and gave it to a friend when he got something better. That friend passed it on to me. I'll do the same when someone else needs a helmet. The initials will be on the helmet, as well as the phone number for the first guy so that he can see where all it has ended up over the course of time. Cool IMO.
Fox (V2) $299.99 online, (owner) paid $319.99 in store
Uses a fiberglass shell and dual layer EPS liner padding. The inner comfort liner is somewhat thin, but still sufficient. It is easy to disassemble and wash. Has 10 intakes, 4 exhaust. The fit is too small for normal sizing. It is common to go with a larger size than normal when using Fox helmets (you need a large, order an XL). The visor is somewhat short for my taste, yet the owner says he'd gotten used to it. There is a decent amount of airflow and keeps you pretty cool. Has DOT and Snell 2010 (Snell = good) ratings.
PROs
-Fitment is great if sized properly
-Relatively easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble
-Large area for goggles
-Moderately cool, especially if riding at speed
-Most graphics are great in most opinions
CONs
-Sizing is small. This can frustrate some if they have to exchange it.
-For $300, the comfort is not all there.
Verdict: Great helmet for the weight, airflow, and safety for $300, especially since they can be found for under $200 through reputable online distributors.
Side note: The guy (my cousin) who actually owned the helmet was in a horrible accident where he cased a whoop while sideways on a YZ450F. He was going to wreck either way, unfortunately, he got the short end of both sticks. His head hit very hard in-between 2 whoops and he broke his collar bone. He did walk away, but the helmet was destroyed. That's what they're meant to do. It's likely that it saved his life.
Fox (V4) $589.99 online, paid $289.99 +S&H
Uses a carbon fiber/kevlar shell with dual layer liner and thick foam cmfort liner, as well as MIPS (multi impact protection system). The firment is incredible and there are no pressure points whatsoever, even after having the helmet on as long as an hour at a time. The airflow is unreal and very even across all sides. Has 16 intakes and 10 exhaust vents (fox lists 15 online but 16 in owners manual. Also, I can count). It can be a little tight getting it on and off, but that's likely designed as such to keep the helmet on in the event of an impact.
PROs
-Fitment is perfect if sized properly
-Unbelievalby comfortable
-Can disassemble for cleaning in under 10 seconds.
-Goggle opening is very open. Nearly impossible to see with goggles on.
-Great airflow at any speeds
-Modern graphics
-Comes with an extra visor
-Very balanced while in use
CONs
-Sizing is small. This can frustrate some if they have to exchange it.
-The foam insert at the mouthpiece is nearly impossible to get back in if it ever comes out.
-It's light, but not $600 price tag light
Verdict: There are strong competitors in the $500+ range, but it can be an absolute steal when next year's model rolls around. No matter what you get in this price range, it's going to be safe if nothing else. This is the most comfortable helmet that I've ever had on BY FAR.
