how to eval a helmet.

[mbetcher]

Actually, Mr. Mully, some of us have worn relatively inexpensive helmets for extended tours and our experience contradicts your view. My current Scorpion EXO400 was just a little over $200, but in my opinion is more comfortable in every way than the series of Shoei helmets I have owned over the years, ending with my most recent RF-900. Price has nothing to do with it -- it's all dependent on the shape of your melon, and to some extent whether you have fat cheeks or not (face cheeks, of course). Sadly, my wife has an Arai head, and I curse the day she tried one on at a cycle store. As for weight, I really can't see what difference a couple of ounces can make if the rider is sitting upright. In the extreme crotch rocket posture looking up, yes, but not on a KLR. Of all the body parts that hurt during a ride to Alaska my neck was not one of them. And noise -- well, I wear earplugs all the time so that's not really an issue and I have no idea which helmet is quieter. -- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Zachariah Mully wrote: I think you meant:

> "Just what does one look to achieve by wearing a more expensive helmet?" > > Trying wearing one for a week for 10 hours a day and you'll find out. > Comfort, noise, and weight are all major factors. That, and regardless > of how hard I've tried, I've never found a single cheap ( that is anywhere close to being as comfortable as my Art Friedman Orange > Shoei RF800. > > Plus, parts are far easier to find for Shoei/Arai/HJC. > > Z >