Difference in helmet costs
11-03-09, 08:34 PM
#1
Who farted?
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Difference in helmet costs
I've been looking for a new lid (non-full face) and am wondering if anyone knows why there seems to be a large variation in regards to the cost of say, BMX/Dirt jump style lids vs. XC looking lids (Dirt jump style lids seem to be about US$20 cheaper). Any reason for this? Seem like they're made similarly with similar materials.
11-03-09, 09:01 PM
#2
Still kicking.
Retension mechanism and it costs more to make the molds for the xc type lids.
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11-04-09, 11:58 AM
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Enough to justify 20 bucks difference per unit? Man...
11-04-09, 12:52 PM
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There really is no good reason for the price difference. The skate-style lid is usually ABS plastic (like the DVW system in your house) with a rebounding foam liner. Much like a child’s bicycle helmet, its design is very basic, has been around forever and has few bells and whistles and does its job well.
With the bike helmets, you have a thin plastic outer shell (for looks and some drop- and abrasion-resistance) with a crushable styrofoam liner (like your basic cheap ice chest). BUT . . . what you are paying for mostly is: 1) air - - in the form of vent holes (the more holes, the more cost); 2) styling - - they had to pay a staff of industrial designers to make them look cooler than the other brands; and 3) marketing, to convince you that that molded chunk of ice chest is scientifically designed and wind-tunnel-tested and worth $20-$100 more than a basic lid.
Although I must concede Dan’s point. More sophisticated retention systems and probably better fit account for some of that price difference too.
With the bike helmets, you have a thin plastic outer shell (for looks and some drop- and abrasion-resistance) with a crushable styrofoam liner (like your basic cheap ice chest). BUT . . . what you are paying for mostly is: 1) air - - in the form of vent holes (the more holes, the more cost); 2) styling - - they had to pay a staff of industrial designers to make them look cooler than the other brands; and 3) marketing, to convince you that that molded chunk of ice chest is scientifically designed and wind-tunnel-tested and worth $20-$100 more than a basic lid.
Although I must concede Dan’s point. More sophisticated retention systems and probably better fit account for some of that price difference too.
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Last edited by dminor; 11-04-09 at 03:34 PM.
11-04-09, 01:49 PM
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It bears (re)mentioning that there are different types of "skate style" lids - some are bike certified, others are not.
11-04-09, 02:29 PM
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Why even wear a helmet? They just break when you hit the ground.
11-04-09, 03:23 PM
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11-04-09, 03:51 PM
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There are some here who would definitely benefit if their heads had a 'crash replacement policy' 
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11-05-09, 07:53 AM
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11-05-09, 01:03 PM
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I can't remember which side of the fence junkyard is on, but either way, I guess I fell for that hook line and sinker :shame:
11-05-09, 03:06 PM
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I'm on neither side. I am the fence.
11-05-09, 03:37 PM
#13
one less horse
