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Trials Helmets

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:16 pm
by vfrpete
#-o Just getting back into trials after a long break [ 30 years it sure has changed ] and would like some advice. Is it worth paying the extra for a trials helmet or is a normal openface helmet just as good.

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:55 pm
by Autostream
From what I have seen, you do not need to pay more for a Trials helmet, they start from about $150.

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:21 pm
by David Lahey
Basic open face helmets are fine for trials as long as they have AS1698. People use trials helmets because they are usually lighter, cause less hearing impairment and are much better ventilated.
Note that most specialist trials helmets are not road legal in Australia so if you need it for the road it is an easy decision.

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:33 pm
by The Hell Team
David
If you check the MOMS you will find helmets for competition use (all disciplines) do not have to have an AS compliance if they have one of the other accepted International standards. Most trials helmets sold in Australia have Euro compliance. These standards are actually more stringent than comparable Australian standards. (the crash tests are done at a higher speed, and with a heavier projectile).
I have attached the relevant page from the MOMS below.
Trials helmets are lighter than regular open face therefore being less fatiguing, as well as putter lighter loads on the neck and head in the event of a fall. The Airoh CH3 and Rock weigh less than 1000 grams in the smaller sizes.
Trials helmets usually have far better ventilation than normal open face helmets. Cool head - think straight - less fatigue.
Good quality trials helmets have removable liners and cheek pads that make it possible to wash the liner when they get "stinky" (and they will)!
Good quality trials helmets are cut higher at the back of the helmet making it easier to look up without the the helmet pushing against your neck. Also safer if the head / helmet is hit from the front.
Good quality trials helmets also have adjustable visors, and comfortable and quick release buckles, not cumbersome "D" ring fasteners.

Basically the old adage prevails:
"what is your head worth?"
Helmet-codes.jpg

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:10 pm
by David Lahey
Paul what you have said about trials helmets is 100% correct and I wouldn't use anything else for trials riding. They are one of the best value performance aids for trials riding in our climate.

My comment was about using a trials helmet while riding on the road. I said it because a knew of a few people who bought trials helmets thinking it was legal to use them when riding on the road. Sorry if it came out sounding a bit weird.

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:37 pm
by The Hell Team
Agree with you there Dave, but anyone who uses an Open Face on the road has got to have a screw loose anyway - ......"what's your face worth?" may be a better way to put it.
Coming off a trials bike at walking pace is one thing, but chins and bitumen at 60kph seriously don't mix. I unfortunately have seen it a few times and I would strongly recommend to anyone ONLY USE A FULL FACE HELMET on the road.

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 11:52 am
by vfrpete
Yep agree totally have to be a dill to wear openface helmets on the road, so what i'm reading is that trials helmets are a lot cooler,can hear better, better vision and lighter, how much lighter are they?
Thanks for your input

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:50 pm
by The Hell Team
Pete
I by no means have a full list of all the manufacturers weights, but i can give you a ball park:
Airoh shells are Carbon composite and weight about the +/- 1000 gram mark (shell size dependant)
NZI and Hebo also make Carbon lids, but I cannot quote the weights.
Hebo, Shiro, Nau and V-Can all come in around the 1100 - 1350 gram range. They are Thermo plastic shells.
There is also Trials specific helmets made by XCiting, Zeus and a few more manufacturers so the choice is pretty broad.
The fit varies significantly between brands, what works really well on one guys melon, may be torture on the next bloke. Try them on if possible, or make sure you buy from someone who is willing to exchange until you get the correct fit.

Re: Trials Helmets

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 3:31 pm
by motocentral
Yep agree totally have to be a dill to wear openface helmets on the road, so what i'm reading is that trials helmets are a lot cooler,can hear better, better vision and lighter, how much lighter are they?


We sell the TopFun Composite Trials helmet from Spain as worn by the current Aussie Champ & it weighs in at 950 grams. Prior to this Colin wore the Zeus trials helmet which weighs 1080 grams. Topfun retails at $330 versus $149 for the Zeus & both have the M.A. approved euro tags mentioned above. Best bet is to try one or 2 on before buying as there is nothing worse than an ill fitting helmet. We have a retail outlet in Canberra & carry 5-6 different brands of road & offroad helmts because of the large variations in fitment sizes. A medium in 1 brand can easily be 1-2 sizes out in another.
www.trialzone.com.au