Seven-Zero-Seven Helmets?

[Firewa11]

Does anyone have a 7-0-7 helmet today, and if so, what do you think of it? I've had a Scorpion EXO-300, a Shoei RF-1000, and a Shoei X-11. The X-11 is ok, but honestly I bought it when I had a bigger face and even with the XL cheek pads it doesn't quite fit well. And, it's just starting to get worn. But, most importantly the Sena speakers make it too snug and fold my ears over when pulling the helmet on, and then I have to spend the next 10 minutes trying to dig my fingers inside to unfold my ears.

Anyways, I was looking at something like this: http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/Bike ... _59409_199" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My wife has a Vega helmet with the build in flip-down shades, and I like that and am hoping the technology is good and sound (i.e. not gonna break).

What do you guys think of the 7-0-7 helmets? Cost is definitely a factor here, I'm trying to keep a new lid under $200. Oh, and I am not a fan of the Speed & Strength graphics or I'd give them a closer look. I've never had an Icon helmet fit me correctly so they are out too.

[Firewa11]

Oh, and noise isn't too big of a factor for me since I've taken to riding with ear plugs even on short commutes now.

[DarcShadow]

Don't know anything about them, but one thing to take note, it's not Snell approved so you can't ride with it at the track.

[fireblade]

Don't know anything about them, but one thing to take note, it's not Snell approved so you can't ride with it at the track.

Yeah you can, I crashed in one at Eagle Canyon with my 7-0-7 helmet, it held up well.

[Firewa11]

Actually just checked Ridesmart's site, you can run damage-free BSI, DOT, or SNELL, doesn't require SNELL it looks like. I know CMRA requires SNELL and also requires it be no older than 5 years old (and they do check under the liner for the manufacturer date).

So Jared, you liked the 7-0-7?

[fireblade]

yeah it fit well from the start but I didnt get to wear it long either. It didn't breath all well though.

[DarcShadow]

hmmm, bet RS changed their requirements when they started running the cruiser groups.

[DemonDuck]

Check out the Bell vortex they are cheap but great helmets. I have one. Also later you can get a transition shield for it so you don't need the flip down shades. Great ventilation it's not bad for noise and has nice ear pockets. All in all I was impressed.

[fixxervi6]

I've been running a non snell helmet with RS since day one (my SS has the euro equiv of snell)

[DarcShadow]

Snell is world wide, there is no euro equiv. that ECE rating is the euro equiv of the BSI or DOT (better then DOT actually).

[fixxervi6]

Snell is world wide, there is no euro equiv. that ECE rating is the euro equiv of the BSI or DOT (better then DOT actually).

That's what the RS dude told me when he inspected my stuff

[DarcShadow]

He was mistaken. They are two very different testing requirements. A Snell lid may not meet ECE, and probably doesn't meet BSI. However that's not to say one is better then the other, just different testing requirements. Snell, in general, is more of a racing set of safety guidelines where as ECE, BSI, and DOT are more for accidents common riding the street. Personally I'd never trust a DOT only rated lid. If a clam shell can meet DOT requirements that gives me zero confidence in a full face DOT lid. I believe BSI requires full face, and ECE I think does, but allows for those with the flip up front. (could be completely wrong on that last sentence.)

[Rhino]

Snell is world wide, there is no euro equiv. that ECE rating is the euro equiv of the BSI or DOT (better then DOT actually).

That's what the RS dude told me when he inspected my stuff

RS dudes go through extensive training on international safety standards, right?

Personally I'd never trust a DOT only rated lid. If a clam shell can meet DOT requirements that gives me zero confidence in a full face DOT lid. I believe BSI requires full face, and ECE I think does, but allows for those with the flip up front. (could be completely wrong on that last sentence.)

Many DOT-only lids could pass Snell, the manufacturer just doesn't bother to pay for the testing. Especially on budget models--there's no reason to spend the time and money getting Snell certified (manufacturers have to pay to get the testing done) if it won't drive more sales. People buying cheap lids buy on price, period.

That said, there's an argument to be made that DOT-only that really couldn't pass Snell isn't necessarily a bad thing. The double impact test (two impacts against a hemisphere in the exact same spot) is making helmets unnecessarily tough. Nobody hits the same spot twice in a real crash, and making a helmet stand up to that means it potentially transfers too much force to your noggin.

[DarcShadow]

Yes, but my point on DOT is that those brain bucket things pass DOT. I don't know I'd trust those things riding a bicycle, let alone after hitting a car and bouncing down the road. BSI has a double drop test as well but it's from a lower height. Therefor the shell is not a rigid and in disapates lower energy levels better, ie slower speed crashes.

[Telomere]

Snell is world wide, there is no euro equiv. that ECE rating is the euro equiv of the BSI or DOT (better then DOT actually).

Then why would SS put ECE and DOT on the helmet if ECE is equivalent to or better than DOT?

[Stardog]

Because cops in helmet law states will look at the ECE rating and say "that is not a DOT helmet" and write a bigass retarded ticket. Government wisdom at work.

[Firewa11]

I think one of the tests between DOT and Snell, is DOT can't have greater than 400G impact force transfer, and Snell can't have 300G in impact force transfer. You take even a 300G impact force to the noggin, your brain liquifies anyways so it's not like it really matters!

[Firewa11]

Snell is world wide, there is no euro equiv. that ECE rating is the euro equiv of the BSI or DOT (better then DOT actually).

Then why would SS put ECE and DOT on the helmet if ECE is equivalent to or better than DOT?

Because ECE is not recognized in the US, and DOT is not recognized in Europe. So, they test them and list them both so they can sell in both regions without having to produce different helmets. Snell actually isn't recognized in the US either, only DOT is. It's got to say DOT on the helmet to technically be legal.

That being said, of ALL the times I've ever been stopped while riding, I've never had an officer look at my helmet to see if it was legal. I could have made the helmet out of paper mache and they wouldn't have paid attention.

[Dragonfly]

Snell is world wide, there is no euro equiv. that ECE rating is the euro equiv of the BSI or DOT (better then DOT actually).

Then why would SS put ECE and DOT on the helmet if ECE is equivalent to or better than DOT?

Because ECE is not recognized in the US, and DOT is not recognized in Europe. So, they test them and list them both so they can sell in both regions without having to produce different helmets. Snell actually isn't recognized in the US either, only DOT is. It's got to say DOT on the helmet to technically be legal.

That being said, of ALL the times I've ever been stopped while riding, I've never had an officer look at my helmet to see if it was legal. I could have made the helmet out of paper mache and they wouldn't have paid attention.

I've been stopped by Arlington's finest on more than several occasions, and have had my helmet checked for everything from DOT certification to drugs. Personally I think its just because I "fit the description".....

[DarcShadow]

DOT and ECE are not actually the same either, although typically if it meets ECE it will also meet DOT, but DOT will not always meet ECE. It's possible to meet one and not the other. They are only "equivelent" in the fact that ECE is Europes requirement for being street legal.

[Rhino]

I've been stopped by Arlington's finest on more than several occasions, and have had my helmet checked for everything from DOT certification to drugs. Personally I think its just because I "fit the description".....

One of the many reasons I ride a Versys.

My favorite was getting pulled over in the mini van I used to own, being asked if I was drunk (mid-afternoon on a Sunday), being accused of not wearing my seatbelt, then being let go with absolutely no ticket, warning, whatever. I'm pretty sure I was just driving while brown near the Ballpark in Arlington.

[fixxervi6]

You guys need to step up to a classy suzuki, you won't get pulled over as much

[Dragonfly]

You guys need to step up to a classy suzuki, you won't get pulled over as much

white folk are clueless to racial profiling

[fixxervi6]

You guys need to step up to a classy suzuki, you won't get pulled over as much

white folk are clueless to racial profiling

Oh I got it, you just didn't get it

I love suzuki but lets be real, I've seen more chrome extended swing arms and mohawks on suzuki's than any other bike, suzuki is probably about as far from classy as you can get.

You just need to quit squidding it, cover head to toe!

[DLSGAP]

You guys need to step up to a classy suzuki, you won't get pulled over as much

white folk are clueless to racial profiling

Oh I got it, you just didn't get it

I love suzuki but lets be real, I've seen more chrome extended swing arms and mohawks on suzuki's than any other bike, suzuki is probably about as far from classy as you can get.

You just need to quit squidding it, cover head to toe!

I refuse to own a gsxr simply due the squid association