Quote:
Originally Posted by David.Hicks
Sure is ... there's no way that people who have worn Arai for years and have shelled-out up to £500+ because they want to have (and want to be seen to have) the 'best' are going to pay much attention to a scientific test that challenges their values and beliefs.
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David, taking this in the spirit it's meant (tongue in cheek):
Proper equipment tests that challenge the manufacturers can only improve standards and safety for all brands.
That said, peoples' purchasing decisions are unique - look at those people who buy those retro Triumphs! The fact is, they are happy with their decisions and I'm guessing don't give a monkeys about other peoples judgement.
My problem, and I'm presuming other people feel the same, is that while I'd love to spend less money on a helmet, I may not feel as safe in a cheaper helment, or as comfortable - the fit issue. When you're sliding down the road on your head, you don't get the opportunity to go home and put a better helmet on if this one is falling to bits. You may not get to go home at all.
My reason for buying an Arai in the first place was recommendation from biker babe - my introduction to biking. I took her advice to try Shoei or Arai and found that I didn't fit Shoei, but Arai was fine. The decision was mostly made in ignorance of the merits of other brands, but once I'd been down the road in one, the decision stuck and I'll continue to buy Arai until it's proved that they're positively dangerous. (But still, a 200mph off...).
And the price issue - FFS, we ride Ducatis!! The 1098R is a £25K bike that's racing against £10K blades and gixxers and yet the factory tells us it STILL needs a 200cc capacity differential to be competitive. Tell me seriously that anyone with Ohlins or radial brakes on their road bikes NEED them more than they want them.