Author Topic: Lightest helmet available...? (Read 2672 times)

chornbe · « **on:** September 05, 2017, 08:00:25 PM »

I'm having more and more neck pain.

I hit a really jarring pothole yesterday, and my ~4lb helmet slammed down vertically, and damned near made me pass out from the pain.

For reference, I have one neck fusion, and one bulged disc that I'm really trying to NOT have surgically fixed; the last one really put me off neck surgery for as long as I can hold it off.

I need the absolute lightest full face helmet for round/round-oval head that I can get. I'm *almost* to the "price doesn't matter" point (but seriously, price DOES F*&KING matter!!!!)

What say ye...?

Or should I just sell the bike and get a Miata? (protip: No!)

naustin · « **Reply #1 on:** September 05, 2017, 08:22:30 PM »

Whatever claims the title is almost certainly made of carbon fiber and polished unicorn horn, so be prepared to mortgage something.

Seriously though, maybe the HJC carbon fiber models?

Then again, based on this - the spread between the lightest helmets and a typical helmet doesnt amount to much more than a haircut. Maybe neck exercises are a better route to go.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm

chornbe · « **Reply #2 on:** September 05, 2017, 08:46:54 PM »

My current modular is about 1/2 lb heavier than my Scorpion, and it is VERY noticeable. :\

PatM · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2017, 08:21:13 AM »

X-lite 802RR ultra carbon. A friend of mine has neck issues too and she opted for one of those.
Not cheap but for her a real pain saver.

ps I retired my shoei neotec for an x-lite 1004 ultra carbon modular after she got hers. Heavier than the 802RR but still lighter than most modulars.

HipGnosis · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2017, 08:58:01 AM »

I bet this is pretty light

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2017, 12:48:47 PM »

Harley riders must get some things right...after all, they all ride around with little piss pots on their heads. They have to be light.

chornbe · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2017, 02:53:30 PM »

Quote from: Papa Lazarou on September 10, 2017, 12:48:47 PM

Harley riders must get some things right...after all, they all ride around with little piss pots on their heads. They have to be light.

That was a viable beer-powered discussion one evening.

ixxion · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2017, 06:14:24 PM »

Ebay and the closeout kings. For example, there's Nexx XRiR Carbon on ebay for $225.

Alternatively, look for the off road helmets, which are often significantly lighter than the road design.

chornbe · « **Reply #8 on:** September 12, 2017, 06:13:38 AM »

The NeXX Carbon offroad is very enticing, and at $450, it's one of the cheaper full carbon options. I'm quite smitten with the Shoei RF-SR which is, apparently, the new replacement for the Qwest (which was a great helmet, if a little large in the shell - I'm assuming they're retiring it in full embarrassment of the stupid spelling of the name).

Anyway, I have a barely-used, in-great-shape GMax GM54S modular helmet that I absolutely love that I'll ship out for $100 to anyone interested here in the CON US 48. Size Large, pearl-white color. Has the integrated rear-facing light with three modes, drop-down sun visor, normal d-ring retainer.

expatbrit · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2017, 06:05:44 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on September 12, 2017, 06:13:38 AM

The NeXX Carbon offroad is very enticing, and at $450, it's one of the cheaper full carbon options. I'm quite smitten with the Shoei RF-SR which is, apparently, the new replacement for the Qwest (which was a great helmet, if a little large in the shell - I'm assuming they're retiring it in full embarrassment of the stupid spelling of the name).

Anyway, I have a barely-used, in-great-shape GMax GM54S modular helmet that I absolutely love that I'll ship out for $100 to anyone interested here in the CON US 48. Size Large, pearl-white color. Has the integrated rear-facing light with three modes, drop-down sun visor, normal d-ring retainer.

I've an AGV Corsa I wear on track; it's incredibly light, though I have never actually weighed it. It's also eye-wateringly expensive, so I had to be drunk to buy it. I'm not sure this is a good thing.

Bryan.VFR · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2017, 07:13:36 AM »

I had a Suomy helmet once, for just a short while. It was the lightest helmet I've ever had on my head (though that's not saying a whole lot), but it was also about the noisiest. But the reason I didn't end up keeping it was that it was the not the right shape for my head, not very comfortable.

I'm not sure how many places list the actual weight, but I know webbikeworld.com does.

chornbe · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2017, 07:49:18 AM »

I got a mile recommendation on a Suomy over the weekend at the ESTO event from Steve. His argument for them was the weight, hands down. His argument against them was... concerning... suggesting the fasteners holding the straps on were not great, and it generally felt loose and poorly finished.

R Doug · « **Reply #12 on:** September 14, 2017, 07:51:40 AM »

Chris, if you find a lightweight lid that feels good with your neck, how does your neck react to wind resistance? Lid or not, leaning into the wind most likely takes more use of muscles than the lid itself.

chornbe · « **Reply #13 on:** September 14, 2017, 08:13:36 AM »

It's all about vertical compression when I hit bumps

jimmy · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2017, 10:52:50 PM »

You have likely considered this, but I'll throw it out there.

What about those racing neck collars? Would they work on a motorcycle?

http://www.jegs.com/c/Safety-Seats_Neck-Collars-Helmet-Restraints/10501/10002/-1

Max Wedge · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2017, 06:19:14 AM »

Or a Leatt brace?

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chornbe · « **Reply #16 on:** September 15, 2017, 09:08:14 AM »

I think, ultimately, I'm just going to have to get this disc fixed; the lighter helmets just stave that off some. Good, light helmet, properly working suspension and pick-n-choose my riding days and locations carefully. I'm not ready to give it up yet. I'm just not. All because of a bag of tools and a pissed off psychopath. :\

Max Wedge · « **Reply #17 on:** September 15, 2017, 10:43:13 AM »

Quote from: chornbe on September 15, 2017, 09:08:14 AM

I'm not ready to give it up yet. I'm just not.

I get that sentiment. When I do, it will be a sad day. It might also just be my last. Because if it was, that is when I plan on giving it up.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #18 on:** September 18, 2017, 07:03:09 PM »

You have a large head Chris. And I'm not being facetious. What size do you wear? Do you wear full face or open face? Flip up? Dirt bike helmets can give you a lighter weight while still give a semblance of face protection.

I could only find 2 full face helmets that weigh less than 3 lbs. and one just under.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-moto-3-helmet 2 lbs. 12 oz.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/schuberth-sr2-helmet 2 lbs. 15 oz.

I'm not trying to stir the pot, but, one of the reasons I enjoy lean forward bikes is because it relieves the stress on my lower back. I too have vertebrae problems only at the other end. Sitting upright and expecting my lower back to absorb the constant shock and support is not an option. I simply use my arms and shoulders to support myself and rest my chest on the tankbag if they get tired.

chornbe · « **Reply #19 on:** September 20, 2017, 11:45:54 AM »

At 3 1/2 lbs and finding one on sale, I'm giving the Shoei RF-SR a try. It's the replacement for the Qwest which I loved when testing it previously. The RS has a smaller shell over all, and feels very light and nicely balanced in the hand. I'm still up for giving the dirt bike helmet a try. I'm sure I'm not quite done with helmet testing. :\

Anyway, the RFSR... It's nearly a full pound lighter than my current GMax modular, which I otherwise like very, very much. Great helmet, especially given the price. It actually doesn't feel all that heavy until I hit washboard roads or large bumps.

garry · « **Reply #20 on:** September 20, 2017, 12:55:43 PM »

Late to the party here, but my Scorpion EXO-T1200 is a nice enough helmet and comes in at 3# 9oz (fairly light). I found mine (black/silver/white "Quattro" graphics) on sale for just under $200 which is steal considering their MSRP. I can't remember which online place I bought it from though...

Silver on closeout for $150 here:

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/street_helmets/scorpion/exo_t1200_helmet_silver_color.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiuPagau01gIV2bbACh1yrQFJEAkYAyABEgKKYvD_BwE

Virginian · « **Reply #21 on:** September 20, 2017, 01:08:35 PM »

What weight would you consider light?

chornbe · « **Reply #22 on:** September 20, 2017, 02:02:52 PM »

Garry, that's a kick ass deal. Thanks!

Eric, 3 1/2 or less. Thanks.

Virginian · « **Reply #23 on:** September 20, 2017, 02:12:39 PM »

Quote from: chornbe on September 20, 2017, 02:02:52 PM

Eric, 3 1/2 or less. Thanks.

Chris,

I think webbike world might be your huckleberry. Check this guys list out and narrow it down by price point.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #24 on:** September 20, 2019, 09:37:25 AM »

Quote from: garry on September 20, 2017, 12:55:43 PM

Late to the party here, but my Scorpion EXO-T1200 is a nice enough helmet and comes in at 3# 9oz (fairly light). I found mine (black/silver/white "Quattro" graphics) on sale for just under $200 which is steal considering their MSRP. I can't remember which online place I bought it from though...

Silver on closeout for $150 here:

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/street_helmets/scorpion/exo_t1200_helmet_silver_color.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiuPagau01gIV2bbACh1yrQFJEAkYAyABEgKKYvD_BwE

Researching new lids. On the off chance this was still relevant, I clicked on the link. That got me one click away from the other stuff that was still on closeout. Just ordered this helmet in some bumblebee graphic... Hope you still like it, Garry.

https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/closed_face/scorpion/exo_t1200_alias_helmet.html

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