best helmet...

[Pierre - Team PMR]

Its time for me to get a new helmet....any suggestions from some of you guys that have taken some hits to the noggin?

[cornercamping]

Arai Corsair

[dave_anderson]

It depends on the shape of your noggin. Arai fits the best
for me, but you schould try on several top shelf helmets to find the one that fits you.

[cardzilla]

Arai Corsair, or an old RX-7... either way, Arai is best in my opinion.  I've also owned Shoei helmets in the past, and the coconut protection was as good, just not as good as arai in the fit/comfort department.

[Eric Kelcher]

I have had Arai and Shoei and really like the Shoei best. The Arai has some great features and vents but the view is not as good(the eyebrow vents are in my line of sight) as the Shoei for my tuck, head shape, bike, etc so it blocks some view which I hate. Be sure to try helemt on and get on bike in tucked position.

[NightHeat]

 :o Go with an OGK, You will love it.  Lighter then Corsair but just as strong

[Super Dave]

I've raced in AGV, Bieffe, Bell, Arai, and Suomy over the years.  

Shoei's don't fit my head right, and even within a line, like Arai, Bieffe, and Suomy, certain helmets have certain shapes.

Most Arai's fit me very well.  The Suomy Spec1R is great for me.

Now....

DOT and SNELL standards were developed to give helmets some kind of rating system.

The BSI standard is an actual motorcycle helmet standard, where the previously mentioned standards were developed for car racing.  Yeah, they have been revised over the years, but the BSI standard has some things that make it unique.

First, BSI has an impact test to test for how the helmet works on those multiple glancing bounces that we have when we're pounding the tarmac.  

Additionally, to pass the BSI standard, helmets from each lot must be tested.  If one doesn't pass, the batch is scrapped.  SNELL and DOT...if you pass, all your lots pass.

Just like anything, this isn't with controversy.  Arai refuses to do BSI.  Not that they wouldn't meet the standard, but it's just not what they want to do.

I think the reality is that just about any helmet out there with a reasonable price tag is gonna save your head.  Fittment has to be a really big issue.  If it won't stay on your head, it's not going to do it's job.  Better helmets have better shield systems and have better distribution.  

Have fun!

[KBOlsen]

See what fits your head best.

Then:  SUOMY.

[brian213]

I really like the Shark RSR.  It's very light and works extremely well.  My last crash got both sides of the helmet (lots of damage).  I didn't even have a headache.  The viewport also incredible compared to my Shoeis.

Plus, the Sharks look really cool and all the World guys are wearing them.  :D

-Brian

[spyderchick]

Get one of those cool hankies. I hear the Harley guys like 'em just fine. :o ;D

What Dave said. Look at the ratings and find what fits your head. A helmet must fit SNUG. Talk to people who have worn some of the brands/models you're considering, some are noisier than others. Some chin straps hit in a slightly different place. Comfort and fit are key.

[diesel748]

Soumy Spec 1R
Love it!!!!!!!

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Suomy!
 You wanted advice from crash test dummies?  I'm your guy.  I've killed a dozen helmets over the years.  Haven't been knocked out once since my switch to Suomy, and that would include my worst-ever crash, a 70 mph face plant into asphalt after the bike endo'ed over thr front.
That Suomy helmets have saved my life a few times is beyond question.  I won't wear anything else.