Smart/Straight Advise - Helmet Wisdom 101

I promise, SHORT and SWEET...

NEW RIDERS - A Suggestion

• YOU DON'T BUY SAFETY..!  Regardless of what the pundits out there lecture, if the helmet you're buying is DOT, it's safe.  SNELL - Optional.  ECE 22.05 (European) - Yummy..!
• DOT is NOT a bad standard..!  Some say that the lack of a chin-bar strike during testing process is a HIT (no pun intended).  I disagree.  EVERY flip-up, open-face, and half helmet are DOT only.  Does this mean everyone of these models is unsafe?  Here, I'll answer that for you, NOPE..!
• BUY FEATURES..!  Need venting, make sure it vents...  Weight an issue, buy something light.  Strange head-shape?  Buy the correct shape...  Yes, getting one, or more, might add to the cost, but it's well worth it.
• DON'T spend more that $200.00 on your first helmet.  You may end up loving it, but odds are, you'll find fault.  "Damn, I wished this thing vented better..!"  Experience makes for a FACT based wish list, and your next helmet will be closer to perfect.  Spend more, THEN.

INTERMEDIATE RIDERS - A Suggestion

• Shop FEATURES.  You know what, so don't SETTLE..!
• Release the kung fu grip on your wallet, and be open to spending more.  If you ride 7 days a week, buy the correct tool for the job..!  If it's between two helmets within your budget, and the more expensive helmet fits the bill better, put on your big boy pants, and buy the more expensive helmet.
• Think LONG TERM.  The helmet you're about to buy should last you MANY years.  If you spend a bit more, and the helmet has the ideal features, you won't be talking to me for a while.
• You've reach the SPOILED zone.  Stepping up in helmets is easier than stepping back.

ADVANCED RIDERS - A Suggestion

• FEATURES, and more FEATURES.  Because you know exactly what you need, you can often bounce around a bit between manufactures with confidence.  Switching to a dual-sport helmet from a full-face...  Doable.  Bouncing to a open-face from a full, EASY.
• Don't allow yourself to get "Brand Lockup".  If you're in an Arai, don't assume all other helmets won't compare.  Even Arai updates their models, which means the helmet will be different.
• Experience won't condition you to wear JUNK.  You typically WON'T become more accepting of the lesser brands.  The opposite is true.  Unlike the new and intermediate riders, small imperfections in performance scream out in only seconds.  Your SPOILED..!  Accept it, and buy "experience appropriate..."

Whether your a beginner or experienced, one things holds true.  If you're in a helmet that isn't as PERFECT as possible, it'll take away from the ride.  There IS a helmet out there for EVERYONE.!  You just need to talk with someone who understands this...

WARNING - Non-Motorcycle Related - Too Damn FAT!

CLICK ON THIS LAST - WeightWars

If you're skinny, bounce away now.  Nothing of what I'm about to say has ANYTHING to do with your current condition.  Were you FAT at some point, and lost weight?  Great for you, and so have I.  The problem is, I'm right back to where I started, FAT..!

First, I'm going to use the "words" I feel fit best.  If you're FAT, don't expect me to use terms like weight challenged, big boned, overweight, or even chunky...  I look FAT, I feel FAT, and my waistline tells me I'm FAT.  Are there other terms I'm not going to mention throughout this Blog?  Yep, but I'm done rattling on about this stupid subject, so it's time to go to the second point.

In regard to lifestyle, I'm going to use the word LAZY.  Yes, I have a day full of "stuff", but the fact is I CHOOSE to NOT make time for exercise.  I'm LAZY.

Diet.  I eat everything that sounds good, AND I eat too much.  I eat GARAGE.  Do I eat vegtables, meats, whole grain bread, and diet pop?  Yep, but I also eat massive amounts of stuff that would kill a lab rat.  Me @ the restaurant, "Yes, could you bring me a salad, but I need EXTRA Ranch dressing on the side."  Extra, Extra, EXTRA..!

I've decided to set a goal to loose 50lbs in 60 days.  I can hear it now, "Oh Todd, that's not healthy..!  You need to change your lifestyle, not just make a few crazy changes..!  You're just going to end up right back here.  You need a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix."  Well, to HELL with that.  I need results.  Drastic results and I know how to get them.

One quick story (oh no, right):  In 2003 I created a motorcycle race team, and put myself on it.  I was about the same weight as I am now, 250lbs.  Owning a motorcycle helmet empire (lol) I figured I could simply get by on natural talent, and superior intellect (lol).  I got beat bad, and because I was so FAT, I barley finished.  The next season I started training.  I went on a low carb diet, hit the gym everyday, and was down to 195 in only a couple of months.  While I wasn't finishing first, I was always in the top 5.

Because I did what I did, I have this to look back on.  I also know I can get there again.

Bottom line, it worked for me.

I'm not going to dive into why everyone reading this relates, or laughs (or both).  Honestly, I could careless.  No one knows what motivates me better, than me.  I do well with over the top goals, extensive time restraints, and huge crowds of people telling me I'm an idiot.  These are motivators.  I wasn't blessed with a body that burns 5000 calories a day sitting at my desk.

So, I loose the 50lbs, in the 60 days, then what?  Well, I take a moment and reflect, eat something I haven't in 60 days, and figure out the next step.  My focus?  To make a different decision as the last 15 times...lol.

Now, Weight Loss Wars...  I know NOTHING other than what I've read on their website.  You sign up for free, you create a GROUP, and you battle each other by loosing weight.  You can track everyones progress, and even set a PRIZE amount for the person who looses the most weight.  ME LIKEY THAT.

Looking through the site, it appears that to start a WAR, it costs $10 a person.  If that sounds like something you can handle EMAIL me and I'll set one up.  I was thinking about offering up a $100 Store Credit to the person who looses the highest percentage of body FAT.  Confused?  It's the same system they use on The Biggest Looser TV show.  Your weight - pounds lost = percentage of weight lost.

Let me KNOW ASAP.  If I set this up let EVERYONE know, and have them join.  Maybe together we can start off the 2013 riding season a few pounds lighter.

#1 Overlooked fitting step.

While I've been fitting motorcycle helmets @ The Helmet Harbor, LLC for almost 14 years, it still amazes me how many riders have "bowling ball" round heads, but are running around town in a "submarine" oval helmet.

After a few questions, it's apparent that they were sold the wrong bill of goods.  Swamp land in Florida...  You get the idea; they were given the wrong advise.  Some customers are so convinced, they start to argue their case.  Not smart; they loose that battle every time...

Now, you would think that something like shape would be easy.  We all know what round is, so anything other than that would be oval, right?  Well, there is some truth to this way of thinking.  Round can't be oval, and vice-verse a.  However, for some reason many of us don't start at truly round, it's somewhere closer to oval.

When I ask, "is your head basketball round?" I get a funny look, followed by "of course not.."  Slowly, it starts to make sense.  Round is round, even when talking human heads.

A quick rant on shape, and how what Country you live in can matter.  Europeans (on average) have ROUNDER heads than we do here in the USA.  If a company is a European brand, odds are they have a different perspective of what shape fits best.  Companies focusing on the USA are typically longer oval, because we're their primary market.

Match up the shape of your helmet, with those that buy your stuff...

The simple truth is, if your head is basketball round, you'll NEVER find a helmet to match your shape, but we can get close.  The same goes for super long oval shapes.  In these cases it's not about perfection.  My goal as a helmet sales guy is to get you into something that matches your shape the closest  and doesn't interfere with the FUN of riding a motorcycle.

I would say only 10% of those that walk into my store fall into this category.  Everyone else (the other 90%) should walk out with a helmet that's spot on.

Many factors can screw this up, to include wallet thickness.  If the only helmet that fits is an Arai RX-Q, but you have a Scorpion EXO-500 budget, perfection is rare.  In this case I'm shooting for 90% of perfect.  Which is 100% better than what most people get in a typical Dealership.

So, if you're on the hunt for a new helmet, DON'T focus on just size.  Pay attention to the shape.  Do you get ANY pressure on your forehead?  Does it feel like you're wearing a vice grip?  Against popular belief, you don't need to wear a helmet for an hour to figure out if it fits.  Most know in the first 5 second if they're tuned into the SHAPE.

What NOT to DO.

1. Move up a size to make a helmet "work".
2. Ignore fit issues, thinking they will go away after "Break-In"

What TO DO.

1. Try on the helmet WITHOUT the cheek pads installed.
2. Go right off the sizing chart.  If it doesn't feel right, it's the wrong shape.
3. Walk out of a store thinking the fit will improve.  A bad fitting helmet, only becomes "less" uncomfortable.
4. Take the salesman's "word" for anything.  Do your own research.

The answer is YES..!  Oh, that's the answer to "can helmets be purchased online?"  If you're talking to someone who understands the fitting process, you can buy a helmet with 100% confidence.  However, if you're talking to someone who doesn't have a clue, expect bad results.  There's a SHAPE out there for EVERYONE.  You just need to know where to buy...

You have NO idea how in the DARK you are...

I've been selling helmets for longer than I've done most things in my life, minus my second marriage...lol. If my helmet career was walking around Arizona, it would be starting High School soon.

 

You would think with all my experience I would feel a "tiny bit of LOVE" from those I deal with on a everyday basis.  Most I do, but then there are the OUTSIDERS...lol.

 

Here's how the cookie crumbles...  They (Manufacturers & Distributors) sell me stuff, and in return I sell it, and pay them. If I sell A LOT, they make more money.

 This Capitalism stuff isn't all that tough to figure out.

 

Now to the deep down secret, that even took me 12+ years to figure out.

Most (not all) of the Manufactures look down on retailers who actually offer up an opinion to their customers. 99.9% of the Distributors (the guys I buy stuff from) absolutely HATE IT.

I need to define “opinion” because I'm well aware there are retailers out there that might have a VERY different take. A bit of, “Hey, speak for yourself! I do give my opinion in my reviews (video/written).” For this reason, I'll be clear.

As an example; If you're doing a video on a helmet, and while you're tinkering with it, the vent cover breaks. After looking closer, you determine all the vents appear to be flimsy. This helmet is from a Nationally known company.

Do you?

1. Show how the helmet functions without pointing out the defective vent covers?
2. Mention the covers, but sandwich the observation between two more upbeat comments about the product?
3. Simply don't mention the covers, and focus on “how” the vents apparently work?
4. Look into the camera, and shoot straight?

Most (not all) will do some variation of A – C. Ask yourself this simple question, and it's been asked to me; how many helmets would you sell if you pointed out every flaw?

I'd say a TON, but most Dealers, and many Manufactures would answer "Fewer" and be PISSED OFF if you mentioned it. It has been plainly expressed to me that my purpose is to SELL.  They could careless if I tap danced on my roof top to get it done, just don't mention a flaw.  To them, everything is perfect, up until someone mentions the design flaw...  At that point, it's the person who mentioned its fault, not the product.

Do you see where I'm going with this?  It's all about what ISN'T said...

Again, I know from personal experience...lol.

The motorcycle industry doesn't exist in a different dimension where flaws don't exist. I have yet to find a PERFECT product. Have you? And if this holds true, and you don't hear a single mention of these flaws in a video/written review, how great is the review?

Simply, THEY'RE LYING TO YOU. Either by omission, or by lack of product knowledge. Either way, the product overview is WORTHLESS. Having someone belting out bullet points on a product can be informative. However, if there's no mention that the vent covers are cheap, who cares where the vents are placed, or how they open and close?

So, why this subject? Simple, since 2006 (the birth of YouTube) I've watched as the motorcycle industry has adapted. Up to that time I had mainly focused on written reviews on my website. Yes, I started doing video in 2002, but because of the MANY issues at the time (LONG download times, and slow connections), I wasn't able to post many. YouTube changed all that, and now you have companies like RevZilla and STG belting out videos on everything down to socks and casual belts...lol. By the way, this is all fine.   

 

My disappointment is in the content.

One glance and it's apparent that most online companies have decided to stick to bullet points, and have CHOSEN to runaway from having opinions in their product videos. It's easy to rationalize this plan of attack by simply stating, “What I have an issue with in a product, might not be an issue with the customer watching.  Everyone should keep their opinions to themselves.”

I DISAGREE...!

Who has a better understanding about a product than the person who has actually touched it. Better yet, used it? How can someone pick up a product, play with it, use it, and not have an opinion? Especially if that person has seen the DIRECT competition?

I can pick up two identical spoons out of my utensil drawer and pick my favorite...lol.

 

Put two products in front of you, that do the same things, and you can pick a WINNER.  It might not be by much, but most of us could pick one, or the other.  So can these guys...

Let me ask you the following question, and PLEASE shoot me an email, or go back and post a comment on TheHelmet Harbor Facebook page and let me know where you stand.

1. Is it refreshing to watch (read) a review/overview that points out the products features, AND the found shortcomings?
2. Would a balanced approach, pointing out the good (and bad) stop you from buying?
3. How many of you would find this refreshing? Refreshing enough to tell others?
4. Are opinions unneeded? Facts are fine.

Yes, I've actually been banished by Manufactures and Distributors BECAUSE I don't always have pleasant things to say in my videos...  I make them uncomfortable.  The loose cannon.  They never know what I'm going to say...  Isn't that awful...lol.

They have EVERY right to do what they do, and I guess I could change.  That's not doing to happen...

 

This is the important part, Manufacturers and Distributors are actively suppressing Dealers (not just me) from expressing their opinions to their customers.  THAT'S YOU.

1. Is this right?
2. And if not, would it stop you from purchasing that product?
3. If not stop you from purchasing, would it at least be a HUGE Red Flag?
4. Would you tell others, and allow them to make a decision?
5. Are "Bullet Points" OK with you?

Honestly, I'm selling EXACTLY what I want to sell.  However, I sit in the "Dealer" chair. Your "Customer" chair has MANY more options. It's VERY true that customers vote with their dollars. Customers dictate/control the market.  In a nut shell, it PISSES me off when Manufactures, Distributors, and many Retailers forget who they work for...

A quiet voice can have this effect.

Seriously... When Does STUPID Start?

Everyone has the right to make choices for themselves.  I consider myself a Conservative.  A Constitutionalist.

If that offends you, oh well.  I won't be apologizing.

I'm not perfect, but I would like to think that I have a good grasp on commonsense.  99% of the time I bite my tongue when I see something that sets off my "Warning STUPID CLOSE" alarm.  Today was no different, up until this CHALLENGE rider cut me off in traffic.  I would have simply bit down harder, if it wasn't for the "show" he put on through my front windshield.  Weaving in and out of traffic.  Stopping short, splitting traffic...  ENOUGH..!

No Helmet?  

If you think it's "safer" to ride without a helmet (any DOT helmet), you're an idiot.  Have most of us road without a helmet, @ some point?  Yes.  We're human, so moments of stupidity are sewn into our genes.  The difference is, MOST of the time we understand what we're doing is dangerous.  We supplement our lack of good judgement with over cautious riding behavior.  This rider was apparently numb in this area of the brain...

No Jacket? 

Here's a question for you.  If you fall off your bike going 25mph, are you going to tumble?  Are your arms going to impact the road?  How about your back?  Chest?  Shoulders?  Elbows?  For those of you that think the above "helmet section" was stupid, the answer is YES, to all of the above.  Every one of these body parts are going to hit the concrete.  Without protection you will...

1. Grind the skin off your elbows
2. Imbed gravel to your shoulders
3. Damage your back

Scroll back up and take another look at the picture of this guy, and tell me I'm wrong?  Oh, for those that think 25MPH is to slow to cause injury.  You know what, you might be right...  To prove me wrong, bounce up into your buddies pick up truck, and jump out @ 25mph.  Shoot me an email with your conclusions...

For those that still think the "Helmet Section" doesn't make sense, I WAS JOKING ABOUT JUMPING OUT OF THE TRUCK...

No Pants?

I CHOOSE to wear actual riding pants 95% of the time.  Today there are a wide range of styles.  I prefer the pants that look like jeans.  Again, look at this rider above and ask yourself if his legs will look the same after a 50 foot slide...

No Boots?

Just the thought of my ankle, caught under a sliding bike, going 40mph, makes me sick to my stomach.  Reach down and touch your ankle.  Does it appear to you that there's a ton of FLESH between your ankle bones and the rough, hard concrete...  Once again, for those that disagree with the "Helmet Section" above, the answer is NO.  Just thin skin.

Why is it that many riders simply can't understand that if they crash on their motorcycle, the deck is stacked against them?  Even with protective gear.  Take the protective gear away, and your life will NEVER be the same, even if you survive.

I'm sorry, but if you think you're bullet proof, you're not.  If you think you'll never go down, you're fooling yourself.  They're called "accidents" not "on purposes".  It doesn't need to be the most expensive gear on the market.  Something is better than nothing.

There's just not enough room on the road for guys like this.  Period.

Noisy Helmet? I can help...

If there's one thing I can count on, is that I'm going to get calls from customers about wind noise inside their helmet.  Models like the Arai Corsair-V, RX-Q and the Signet-Q have a bad rap for being loud.  I myself lecture that ANY high flow helmet is going to be noisy.  If you invite that much air inside a helmet, expect a little wind noise.

Several factors come into play when I hear customers having issues with noisy helmets.

1. First, SIZE.  If your helmet is to big, it'll be noisy.  The seal around your ears will not be snug, and sound sneaks in.
2. Age.  If you've had your helmet for a while, through general use, the foam will flatten, making the helmet noisier.  Again, the seal isn't snug enough to keep the ear isolated.
3. The VISOR.  When a helmet is being built, the visor is attached in a "neutral" position.  It may not be sealing against the gasket.

If you have a helmet with a removable liner, you might be able to fix #1 and #2.  Replace it.  #3 will take a bit of experimenting to get it just right.  For this reason, Ill be focusing on this one point.

Remove the visor from the helmet, loosen the screws holding the baseplate to the helmet, and move them slightly to the rear.  Tighten the screws.  The key here is to move them, "slightly" to the rear.  Since you'll be doing the same procedure to the both sides, it doesn't take much to make a HUGE impact.  You'll be walking a fine line between being able to close the visor, and not enough pressure.

Take your TIME.  Nothing about this process is fast.  You will make it worse, before it gets better.  Once you have it perfect, you'll know.  You should "hear" a noticeable improvement.

Firstgear apparel... OK, why these guys..?

Wait for it...  OK, here it is right up front!  I picked Firstgear because, I BELIEVE in the Company.

Honestly, buying gear would be much easier if I didn't have a history with EVERY apparel company on the market.  I could close my eye's, press my finger against the monitor, and let chance dictate my purchase.  When you have 1000's of products to choose from, and no one being honest about what's good, or bad, you're leaving it to chance.

I don't don't have the luxury.  I've sold just about everything, and have dumped companies on a regular basis.  Oh, and it's not always about the apparel.  No product is perfect.  Often I've kick products to the curb simply because the Company "behind" the product sucked.  A customer had an issue, and the "company" could careless.  The sale was complete; their only goal.  I end up disappointed, the customer is disappointed, and the manufacturer is booted to the curb in seconds.

I learned a LONG time ago (and I've been doing this for over a decade) that if the company behind the product drops the ball once, you don't automatically give them a second chance.  9 out of 10 times, it'll happen again.

So again, why Firstgear?

"Todd, why not Olympia, Joe Rocket, Aerostitch, Tourmaster, Roadgear, S&S, Klim...?"  The list goes on and on.  Simple, while many of these companies may make great products, I'm looking for the COMPLETE package.

• WELL MADE
• PRICE RIGHT
• LONG SERVICE LIFE
• INNOVATION
• OUTSTANDING WARRANTY
• COMPANY SUPPORT
• BROAD PRODUCT LINE
• A HUGE BASE OF HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Most companies fail, or fall short in one or more of the above categories.  Firstgear is the ONLY company that has NEVER failed me, or my customers.

Have there been issues?  Firstgear doesn't live in a alternate universe.  Of course, but I have never been disappointed in how they resolved these issues.  Each time I was impressed, and they've exceeded my expectations.

I also use their products.  I use a Kathmandu jacket for the winter, and a Mesh-Tex jacket in the summer.  I wouldn't be caught out in the cold without my heat jacket, gloves and socks.  I'm not spoiled, I've just figured out that EVERY ride is more fun when I'm comfortable...

Let me give an example of the INNOVATION I mentioned earlier.  The Kilimanjaro and Kathmandu jackets both come with a armor called d30.  I'm not going to explain WHY this stuff is amazing, since this video is worth 10,000 words.

"Google" Firstgear.  Read the customer reviews.  As you weed through the hundreds of positive comments, remember that only 1 in every 50 HAPPY customers take the time to leave a review.  1 in 5 UNHAPPY customers make sure too...

Soon Firstgear will be hitting the market with a rain proof heated liner, vented mesh boots, and several updated jackets.  If you're in the market for a new ANYTHING apparel, you owe it to yourself to look HARD @ Firstgear.  You'll be glad you did.http://www.helmetharbor.com/firstgear-kathmandu-jacket/http://www.helmetharbor.com/firstgear-kathmandu-jacket/http://www.helmetharbor.com/apparel/