So I Just Bought A New Helmet (Review)
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:38 am
It's a $140 helmet some say is more like a $300 helmet that I got for $60. Wish me and my head luck. 
What's the last new (or used
) helmet you bought or received, and how do you like it?
=========================
BIG EDIT FOR REVIEW
As promised this is my review for my new helmet, the SparX S-07 Full Face helmet for street riders. Fashioned in over two dozen graphic choices mine is the discontinued "Torismo" model. Hence the $60 price tag for what I feel is a helmet worth at least three times as much if not more. Regular price on these is $109 to $160 depending on choice of graphics. Is elaborate design graphics worth up to $50 more then a solid color? With a 5 year warranty on the helmet and a conditional full replacement plan if your lid ever skids, I would venture yes as the main point is this: It does seem to be a well made, quality unit. So even at $160 it's a square deal.
This is to be a very basic overview of this helmet, as up to now my only experience has been with inexpensive HAWK brand helmets, HJC, and the ok quality of KBC. KBC also makes SparX, btw. And from all reports they exceed KBC quality, all things being equal.
So this is most likely my impressions of said helmet rather then a review based on my limited experiences with poorly padded, somewhat ill fitting units of lesser quality. I have never owned a $300 helmet, but if this compares favorably as some have said well, I now understand the difference between one of those and a $50 bargain brand. DOT may mean something, sure. But once that is established seems all bets are off otherwise in the area of quality of materials, comfort, weight, aesthetics....and just about everything but what is required by law. I will now post pics with an explanation of things after each
This is how the Helmet came, and what was in the box:
Well, not much to say. The helmet arrived in a box inside a box and that is what was in it along with some packing paper. Fairly unglamorous.
This is a front and top view of the helmet alongside my old KBC unit
f
It is interesting to note the SparX S-07 is said by many to have a smaller shell then most, and it is also said there is no difference between the size of the shell for a Small or XL. They brag on it's sleek design saying it does not give the "fishbowl" effect while worn.
Well while worn maybe not? So imagine my dismay when the XL S-07 would not fit under the seat of my Agility while the KBC pictured, a XXL, fit perfectly! So what gives? I don't know! But I tried every which way and it's a no go.
And to that effect examine the above photos closely. The shell of the "smaller" S0-7 is indeed a good deal bigger then the KBC. It's taller, wider, and deeper in dimension. So how this "sleekly designed" XL helmet can have a larger shell then a regular XXL hekmet is beyond me? But as you can see, it does. And the Underseat Test proves as much.
But, what about the "on head" test. Well, thats when the good stuff starts. I have a longish big head rather then wide. The XL S-07 fits me well. And it is comfortable. But on to that later. If you think your head is a bit wider, this helmet may not be for you. In an XL it is a near perfect if snug fit for me. But if my noggin were wider I would have a problem, most likely. Again, it fits very, very well and is very comfy. But the shape of your head and its dimensions this way or that will make a difference imo. Some have reported no fit issues. But the ones who have say "its too narrow." And it may very well be.
This next part will be about asthetics and general manufacturing quality and materials used. So here is a side and rear view
The pics are not great but this is a nicely finished helmet. I found no flaw in its paint, plastics, or materials. As well as that white stripe wrapped creatively around the helmet what you may not be able to make out is a more subtle graphic scheme which runs along and parallel to. It's a subtle gun metal gray "racing checker" scheme which glitters and shines under light. This wraps around the lower sides and rear of the helmet and runs parallel on top all the way to the front. It's very cool imo. The helmet is extremely lightweight and meets the European standard for safety and materials used and design, as well as being DOT approved.
So far as function it has "passive" vents up top which work well. I was riding in 80 degree heat today and I never felt hot or stuffy in the helmet. Likewise I rode in the cold last night, took a deep breatch, fogged up the face sheild, and it defogged in an instant thanks to the adjustable chin vent which directs air upward onto the sheild and the adjustable sheild vents in each corner of the face sheild which allow good amounts of air through. That was very nice given every other helmet I have ever worn needed a defroster or dehumidifier at any given time, blinding me to the road ahead. But the S-07 does a GREAT job of circulating air around it's innards, and that is very welcome for comfort and visbilty. Even in the warm weather I felt no need to lift the sheild at any time while on the move to let air into the helmet. It was already there
Let's look inside the helmet with a stock pro pic (pic not working)
As you may be able to tell this is generously padded helmet. Everywhere it comes into contact with your head feels plush and well done. The cheek areas are particularly nicely padded, and the materials used do not irritate or bother the skin or feel cheap. Adding to all this comfort while riding is the S-07's very lightweight. In fact it is said to be one of the lightest helmets on the market at any price point, with only a few much higher priced being lighter. And wearing it on a 50 mile commute last night I have no doubt about that. Compared to the other helmets I have worn I can almost forget this one is on my head. Does it sound weird to say it's lightweight makes turning and cornering feel more balanced? Reduce rider fatigue? Well, it does! As many of you already know. Combined with the good fit and excellent comfort and ventilation I must say this will most likely be a helmet I look forward to wearing like no other I have expreienced yet. It feels more like a big hat then a helmet.
Noise is low imo, however the ear area of the inner helmet is thoughtfully designed and leaves plenty of room for your ears, earbuds, earplugs, or otherwise. It's just another nicely thought out detail of this helmet that I am sure I will come to appreciate. Usually with snug fitting helmets keeping my plugs or buds in was a challenge. But with the S-07 it's as if they have their on little pockets to sit in. That is nice for me.
So thats it, really. Construction is good, materials good, comfort high, features nicely done. The S-07 has made believers out of former Shoei, Arai, Nolan, and Scorpian customers, and if this helmet comes close to them in all but price I can see why. At a starting price of $109 for the basic, solid color helmet but with all the same features I can't imagine a better $100 helmet out there. And indeed some have said not even a better $200 or $300 helmet. Is it true? You would know better then I. All I know is everything I read and researched about this helmet seems to be true. No hype, all good.
And since that is the case I will leave with with links to the Sparx website, a Video review showing the padding being ripped out, and a Amazon link to bargains if interested.
Ride safe, and keep the lid on the head!
SparX website
http://www.sparxhelmets.com/
Video Review
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Euxhy4tO4XI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Deals: SparX on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... ords=sparx
LARGE 3/4 with graphics $70
http://www.extremesupply.com/product/Mo ... DRFTR.html
Medium 3/4 $55. Two reviews included
http://www.bikebandit.com/sparx-fc-07-o ... met#tabtop
5 year warranty, full replacement if in a verified accident with police report.
What's the last new (or used
) helmet you bought or received, and how do you like it? =========================
BIG EDIT FOR REVIEW
As promised this is my review for my new helmet, the SparX S-07 Full Face helmet for street riders. Fashioned in over two dozen graphic choices mine is the discontinued "Torismo" model. Hence the $60 price tag for what I feel is a helmet worth at least three times as much if not more. Regular price on these is $109 to $160 depending on choice of graphics. Is elaborate design graphics worth up to $50 more then a solid color? With a 5 year warranty on the helmet and a conditional full replacement plan if your lid ever skids, I would venture yes as the main point is this: It does seem to be a well made, quality unit. So even at $160 it's a square deal.
This is to be a very basic overview of this helmet, as up to now my only experience has been with inexpensive HAWK brand helmets, HJC, and the ok quality of KBC. KBC also makes SparX, btw. And from all reports they exceed KBC quality, all things being equal.
So this is most likely my impressions of said helmet rather then a review based on my limited experiences with poorly padded, somewhat ill fitting units of lesser quality. I have never owned a $300 helmet, but if this compares favorably as some have said well, I now understand the difference between one of those and a $50 bargain brand. DOT may mean something, sure. But once that is established seems all bets are off otherwise in the area of quality of materials, comfort, weight, aesthetics....and just about everything but what is required by law. I will now post pics with an explanation of things after each
This is how the Helmet came, and what was in the box:
Well, not much to say. The helmet arrived in a box inside a box and that is what was in it along with some packing paper. Fairly unglamorous.
This is a front and top view of the helmet alongside my old KBC unit
f
It is interesting to note the SparX S-07 is said by many to have a smaller shell then most, and it is also said there is no difference between the size of the shell for a Small or XL. They brag on it's sleek design saying it does not give the "fishbowl" effect while worn.
Well while worn maybe not? So imagine my dismay when the XL S-07 would not fit under the seat of my Agility while the KBC pictured, a XXL, fit perfectly! So what gives? I don't know! But I tried every which way and it's a no go.
And to that effect examine the above photos closely. The shell of the "smaller" S0-7 is indeed a good deal bigger then the KBC. It's taller, wider, and deeper in dimension. So how this "sleekly designed" XL helmet can have a larger shell then a regular XXL hekmet is beyond me? But as you can see, it does. And the Underseat Test proves as much.
But, what about the "on head" test. Well, thats when the good stuff starts. I have a longish big head rather then wide. The XL S-07 fits me well. And it is comfortable. But on to that later. If you think your head is a bit wider, this helmet may not be for you. In an XL it is a near perfect if snug fit for me. But if my noggin were wider I would have a problem, most likely. Again, it fits very, very well and is very comfy. But the shape of your head and its dimensions this way or that will make a difference imo. Some have reported no fit issues. But the ones who have say "its too narrow." And it may very well be.
This next part will be about asthetics and general manufacturing quality and materials used. So here is a side and rear view
The pics are not great but this is a nicely finished helmet. I found no flaw in its paint, plastics, or materials. As well as that white stripe wrapped creatively around the helmet what you may not be able to make out is a more subtle graphic scheme which runs along and parallel to. It's a subtle gun metal gray "racing checker" scheme which glitters and shines under light. This wraps around the lower sides and rear of the helmet and runs parallel on top all the way to the front. It's very cool imo. The helmet is extremely lightweight and meets the European standard for safety and materials used and design, as well as being DOT approved.
So far as function it has "passive" vents up top which work well. I was riding in 80 degree heat today and I never felt hot or stuffy in the helmet. Likewise I rode in the cold last night, took a deep breatch, fogged up the face sheild, and it defogged in an instant thanks to the adjustable chin vent which directs air upward onto the sheild and the adjustable sheild vents in each corner of the face sheild which allow good amounts of air through. That was very nice given every other helmet I have ever worn needed a defroster or dehumidifier at any given time, blinding me to the road ahead. But the S-07 does a GREAT job of circulating air around it's innards, and that is very welcome for comfort and visbilty. Even in the warm weather I felt no need to lift the sheild at any time while on the move to let air into the helmet. It was already there
Let's look inside the helmet with a stock pro pic (pic not working)
As you may be able to tell this is generously padded helmet. Everywhere it comes into contact with your head feels plush and well done. The cheek areas are particularly nicely padded, and the materials used do not irritate or bother the skin or feel cheap. Adding to all this comfort while riding is the S-07's very lightweight. In fact it is said to be one of the lightest helmets on the market at any price point, with only a few much higher priced being lighter. And wearing it on a 50 mile commute last night I have no doubt about that. Compared to the other helmets I have worn I can almost forget this one is on my head. Does it sound weird to say it's lightweight makes turning and cornering feel more balanced? Reduce rider fatigue? Well, it does! As many of you already know. Combined with the good fit and excellent comfort and ventilation I must say this will most likely be a helmet I look forward to wearing like no other I have expreienced yet. It feels more like a big hat then a helmet.
Noise is low imo, however the ear area of the inner helmet is thoughtfully designed and leaves plenty of room for your ears, earbuds, earplugs, or otherwise. It's just another nicely thought out detail of this helmet that I am sure I will come to appreciate. Usually with snug fitting helmets keeping my plugs or buds in was a challenge. But with the S-07 it's as if they have their on little pockets to sit in. That is nice for me.
So thats it, really. Construction is good, materials good, comfort high, features nicely done. The S-07 has made believers out of former Shoei, Arai, Nolan, and Scorpian customers, and if this helmet comes close to them in all but price I can see why. At a starting price of $109 for the basic, solid color helmet but with all the same features I can't imagine a better $100 helmet out there. And indeed some have said not even a better $200 or $300 helmet. Is it true? You would know better then I. All I know is everything I read and researched about this helmet seems to be true. No hype, all good.
And since that is the case I will leave with with links to the Sparx website, a Video review showing the padding being ripped out, and a Amazon link to bargains if interested.
Ride safe, and keep the lid on the head!
SparX website
http://www.sparxhelmets.com/
Video Review
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Euxhy4tO4XI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Deals: SparX on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... ords=sparx
LARGE 3/4 with graphics $70
http://www.extremesupply.com/product/Mo ... DRFTR.html
Medium 3/4 $55. Two reviews included
http://www.bikebandit.com/sparx-fc-07-o ... met#tabtop
5 year warranty, full replacement if in a verified accident with police report.
