Helmets, Helmets, Helmets

[SpeedyManiac]

Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a new helmet as my old one needs to retired (wacked a tree real good last season, the foam is badly damaged). My old helmet was a HJC CL-X3 which was a great helmet. I've done a little bit of research and there's a ton of quality helmets on the market now. Right now, I'm looking at price range of under $400 CDN, preferably less than $300 CDN. This limits me a little bit, but there's still a ton of choices.

At the moment, I've really been eyeing up the HJC AC-X2, AC-X3 and the AC-X3 Carbon. The AC-X3 carbon is a little on the pricey side, but I've seen it and thought is was one sweet helmet. The only reason I'm considering the AC-X2 is MX South has it on pretty cheap right now. What exactly is the difference between the AC-X2 and AC-X3?

As you can see, I'm kind of partial to HJC helmets as I've been really happy with my old one and the price is right. I am open to other suggestions though. Thanks guys,

Steve

P.S. The other question I have is colour. Right now I've been leaning to a plain black or white. If I get the carbon fibre helmet it'll definitely be in the clear coat so I can see the weave. Thanks again.

 

[FruDaddy]

At a glance, some of these details will make a bigger difference than others. It appears that the X3 is better designed (if only a little) in every way. (Disclaimer, most of this is cut and paste from the HJC website)

X2:
Light weight Fiberglass composite shell
Low through, second generation advanced channeling ventilation system, pulling heat and humidity up and out.
Removable/washable DuPont CoolMax® Interior
Large eye-port combined with maximum range visor design for maximum visibility

X3:
ACM" (Advanced Composite Material) Shell Shell constructed using advanced fiberglass & Spectra® composite weave (probably stronger and lighter)
I-beam chin-bar design (looks stronger here)
Three shell sizes for a more comfortable fit (You'll want to make sure you get the right one for your head)
Flow-Through "ACS" Advanced Channeling Ventilation System
Easily removable liner and cheek pads for cleaning or custom fitting
AquaTrans ® interior material quickly wicks moisture away from the skin
Open Cell technology foam allows for increased internal air circulation
Padded chin strap design
Adjustable 3-screw "ram-air" visor with machined aluminum side and plastic center screws
Integrated visor fins to reduce high-speed lift
Integrated non-slip goggle strap holders on each side of the eye port (If you look closely at the pictures, you can see this one).

 

[Chickie]

I would check out the 9 series from Oneal the new helmet is nice! Also look into ONE industries.

 

[76GMC1500]

I think the X1, X2, and X3 corresponds to the generation of the helmet. I ride an AC-X1 and it is a nice helmet, is very comfortable, and I feel very safe riding with it. I'm sure the X2 is an improvement and the X3 is an improvement on that. I'm so happy with my X1 that I would not hesitate to buy an X2 if the price was right even though it might not be as good as the X3.

 

[RM_guy]

If you like HJC then take a look at the THOR helmets too. They are all made by HJC

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Well, I did a little shopping on Friday. Tried on a One Industries Kombat. Nice helmet, fit well, cool paint job, but it felt a little on the cheap side overall. Nice helmet, but when compared to the HJC AC series it just didn't feel as good. I tried on an AC-X2 and it felt nice. Similar to my old HJC helmet, but better. I called my buddy who runs a dealership at home today and he said he can give me the AC-X3 for the same price as a One Kombat, so I'm going to go with the HJC AC-X3. Next question is what colour to get. I ride a yellow bike (GasGas EC200), but I'll be switching to a red bike (GasGas EC250) within a year. My riding gear is kind of a mix match at the moment (red/black pants, black jersey, red chest protector, yellow/black goggles). Right now I'm leaning to white as it's cheaper, should keep my head cooler and won't show scratches as easy. Otherwise I'm thinking either the MC-5 or MC-5F. Any opinions on colour?

Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[MXobssesed4]

Well, I did a little shopping on Friday. Tried on a One Industries Kombat. Nice helmet, fit well, cool paint job, but it felt a little on the cheap side overall. Nice helmet, but when compared to the HJC AC series it just didn't feel as good. I tried on an AC-X2 and it felt nice. Similar to my old HJC helmet, but better. I called my buddy who runs a dealership at home today and he said he can give me the AC-X3 for the same price as a One Kombat, so I'm going to go with the HJC AC-X3. Next question is what colour to get. I ride a yellow bike (GasGas EC200), but I'll be switching to a red bike (GasGas EC250) within a year. My riding gear is kind of a mix match at the moment (red/black pants, black jersey, red chest protector, yellow/black goggles). Right now I'm leaning to white as it's cheaper, should keep my head cooler and won't show scratches as easy. Otherwise I'm thinking either the MC-5 or MC-5F. Any opinions on colour?

Thanks again for all the advice.

I got the Kombat Monster Helmet and I love it.

 

[BadMotoWeazal]

I just bought a new helmet. It's a Shoei V-Moto. Helmet House is a distributor for Shoei & my dealer told me they had a selection of the V-Moto on clearance. Regular price is $400.00 plus. I got mine for 249.00 plus tax. I thought is was a good deal for an top quality helmet. I've also had good luck with HJC & Thor, as long as the helmet has a removable, coolmax liner & is a good fit with a SNELL rating I'm all for it.

 

[Psygn0sis]

Well for the poor college students or if you're just poor...

http://cgi.****.com/****motors/ws/*...RK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=170076480509&rd=1,1

just put e b a y where you see *'s

He has a lot...
I just recived this one.. I must say that I like it !

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Well, I ended up getting the HJC AC-X3 helmet. My buddy who owns a Honda dealership gave me a great deal ($250 CDN) and I couldn't be happier. The helmet fits great, is lighter than my old CL-X4 and looks awesome. I'm just going to be sad when it gets its first scratch.

 

[76GMC1500]

The finish on the HJC helmets is pretty durable. I've whacked my head on all sorts of branches up to 1 inch in diameter at speeds up to 20mph and don't have any bad scratches yet. I've also dragged my head on the ground a few times with no major scratches.