Sparx Helmets

[nikster]

Anyone have experience with the brand SparX?

I found this helmet at the Kawa dealer recently. Tried it, and it fit perfectly. Then I checked the price - 4,300 baht! Whoa. Really cheap.

I knew nothing about this brand but I need a helmet that fits before Monday and I figured at this price theres not much lost if it turns out to be crap. So far I am pretty impressed. Much more comfortable than my Real, fit, quality, visibility are pretty close to my Arai. But, unlike the Arai, this one doesn't give me a headache. Good for non-round head shapes!

http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/Online+Extras/SparX-Helmets-Top-End-of-the-Low-End/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/469109

The only problem with them is that kawa cm only has 2 left (L in yellow, XL with skulls and stuff) and said the next batch comes middle of the year(?!)...but at this price i think ill just order online if I get another one. Which I will if it works Ok. Saw them as low as $60 on sale, $110 or so msrp.

[BigBikeBKK]

New brand, received decent reviews. Nice ads!

[nikster]

New brand, received decent reviews. Nice ads!

That is one hot chick nice ad indeed

[RED21]

Nice designs....

http://www.sparxhelmets.com/

[RED21]

I think Dirt Shop Thailand sells them, with a huge price mark up of course...

[Travelmate]

I think Dirt Shop Thailand sells them, with a huge price mark up of course...

Are you sure?

Was heavily discounted when a friend bought his recently.

[RED21]

I think Dirt Shop Thailand sells them, with a huge price mark up of course...

Are you sure?

Was heavily discounted when a friend bought his recently.

Well, I was just looking at their online catalog.

On Amazon the average price for an S-07 is around a $100 (price range from as low as $40 to as high as $140) = ฿3065.00

add shipping charges $13.99 + (($2.49/lbs.) x (5lbs.))= $26.44 = ฿810.00

Total Price $126.44 or Roughly ฿3875.00

Same helmet is priced ฿5290 on Dirt Shop Thailand

However, I haven't factored in customs/tax charges if there would be any...:jap:

Of course, you will get to haggle the price down if you buy at the shop...

Edited January 11, 2011 by RED21

[BigBikeBKK]

I think Dirt Shop Thailand sells them, with a huge price mark up of course...

Are you sure?

Was heavily discounted when a friend bought his recently.

Well, I was just looking at their online catalog.

On Amazon the average price for an S-07 is around a $100 (price range from as low as $40 to as high as $140) = ฿3065.00

add shipping charges $13.99 + (($2.49/lbs.) x (5lbs.))= $26.44 = ฿810.00

Total Price $126.44 or Roughly ฿3875.00

Same helmet is priced ฿5290 on Dirt Shop Thailand

However, I haven't factored in customs/tax charges if there would be any...:jap:

Of course, you will get to haggle the price down if you buy at the shop...

Begging your pardon but I think you are underestimating the USPS shipping cost by quite a bit there...

Please visit USPS.com.

A 5 pound "Large Package" (any dimension in excess of 12") sent via USPS Express Mail International will be $56.05

Same package sent via Priority Mail® International will cost you $44.75

And don't forget to add ~30-35% to the declared value plus shipping. You may get lucky and receive the helmet duty free, and you may not- roll of the dice.

Ride On!

Tony

[RED21]

I think Dirt Shop Thailand sells them, with a huge price mark up of course...

Are you sure?

Was heavily discounted when a friend bought his recently.

Well, I was just looking at their online catalog.

On Amazon the average price for an S-07 is around a $100 (price range from as low as $40 to as high as $140) = ฿3065.00

add shipping charges $13.99 + (($2.49/lbs.) x (5lbs.))= $26.44 = ฿810.00

Total Price $126.44 or Roughly ฿3875.00

Same helmet is priced ฿5290 on Dirt Shop Thailand

However, I haven't factored in customs/tax charges if there would be any...:jap:

Of course, you will get to haggle the price down if you buy at the shop...

Begging your pardon but I think you are underestimating the USPS shipping cost by quite a bit there...

Please visit USPS.com.

A 5 pound "Large Package" (any dimension in excess of 12") sent via USPS Express Mail International will be $56.05

Same package sent via Priority Mail® International will cost you $44.75

And don't forget to add ~30-35% to the declared value plus shipping. You may get lucky and receive the helmet duty free, and you may not- roll of the dice.

Ride On!

Tony

I was just using Amazon's normal international shipping (17-26 days delivery) rates for Thailand $13.99 per shipping and $2.49/lbs. on automotive items (which the helmets are classified as).

Priority (5 days) shipping and expedited (12-19 days) shipping have more expensive rates. Add $8 dollars surcharge on bulky items and the markup is still big.

Buying it online and shipping it to a relative or a friend who'll be visiting is a very good option.

[nikster]

I am very happy with the SparX

As for the price:

A - I don't think Amazon will ship Helmets to Thailand - correct me if they do, would be cool. But I think they only ship books and CDs internationally.

B - Bought my S-07 (graphics) at Kawasaki Chiang Mai for 4,000 Baht so it looks like Dirt Shop is overpricing them. The sticker price was 4,300, got an instant discount without asking for it.

C - They might be selling out in Thailand with the next delivery middle of the year. Which means they come in one shipment so no way they're paying USPS shipping costs, but they will have to pay 30% import duty + 7% VAT.

So

((100 USD x 1.3) x 1.07) x 30 = 4173 Baht - seems about right!

Mini-review: SparX is a great helmet for an unbelievable price. Admittedly, my standards were pretty low at this point: I needed a helmet that fits, and doesn't give me a headache. But 1000 odd km later the SparX performed perfectly at speed, at night, and in the rain. Fogs a little bit in the rain but no worse than the Arai and the fog clears much quicker, within 1 second. Shape is perfect probably because SparX even admits to stealing it from someone else (Arai, I guess). Very little wind noise. Very comfortable.

There seems to be a lot of attention to detail in this model, so it appears "by riders for riders" isn't just a marketing phrase. These guys know what they're doing.

Edited January 15, 2011 by nikster

[skybluestu]

ridersdiscount.com have a flat rate of $25 for ALL international orders and will declare a lower value so the import duty isn't sky high.

[nikster]

ridersdiscount.com have a flat rate of $25 for ALL international orders and will declare a lower value so the import duty isn't sky high.

Awesome site, thanks for posting that!

My special edition Buck King S-07 is $125 there so the Thai price is definitely totally OK, in fact, it's rather cheap!

http://ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/helmets-full-face/69817.php

Edited January 16, 2011 by nikster

[nikster]

ridersdiscount.com have a flat rate of $25 for ALL international orders and will declare a lower value so the import duty isn't sky high.

Awesome site, thanks for posting that!

My special edition Buck King S-07 is $125 there so the Thai price is definitely totally OK, in fact, it's rather cheap!

http://ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/helmets-full-face/69817.php

@skybluestu: Are you sure these guys are selling to Thailand? Tried to order from them, Thailand doesn't show up in the countries they ship to.

URGENT: Anyone know where I can buy a SparX in Thailand (where they are in stock - Dirtshop is sold out)? Mine just got stolen, urgently need new one

[bobbin]

URGENT: Anyone know where I can buy a SparX in Thailand (where they are in stock - Dirtshop is sold out)? Mine just got stolen, urgently need new one

Kawasaki Big Bike shop in Pattaya has some SparX helmets. I saw them 2-3 days ago.

[skybluestu]

ridersdiscount.com have a flat rate of $25 for ALL international orders and will declare a lower value so the import duty isn't sky high.

Awesome site, thanks for posting that!

My special edition Buck King S-07 is $125 there so the Thai price is definitely totally OK, in fact, it's rather cheap!

http://ridersdiscoun...-face/69817.php

@skybluestu: Are you sure these guys are selling to Thailand? Tried to order from them, Thailand doesn't show up in the countries they ship to.

URGENT: Anyone know where I can buy a SparX in Thailand (where they are in stock - Dirtshop is sold out)? Mine just got stolen, urgently need new one

Yes they do order to Thailand but you have to email them directly with your order and pay via paypal due to problems they have had with orders from Thailand in the past, I'm currently liaising with a guy called John ([email protected]) about an order I'm placing, he's very helpful!

[Richard-BKK]

Is the Sparx S-07 helmet even DOT approved? According to my information they not....

FMVSS 218 Motorcycle Helmets Compliance Testing

Complete test report can be found here Sparx S-07 DOT Complaint Testing

[skybluestu]

Is the Sparx S-07 helmet even DOT approved? According to my information they not....

FMVSS 218 Motorcycle Helmets Compliance Testing

Complete test report can be found here Sparx S-07 DOT Complaint Testing

The reason it failed was ' missing a DOT required label that warns against using chemicals that may compromise the integrity of any helmet. It was a labeling oversight, not a production or performance issue.' http://www.allaboutbikes.com/products/helmets/2384-sparx-s-07-in-depth-helmet-review

I almost bought the Sparx S-07 as the reviews have been great but went for the GMAX GM68 Max, another reasonably priced helmet with great reviews and some of the best air-flow of all helmets which is what swayed my decision for riding here in Thailand. It also has LED lights in the back.

[CMX]

Yes, and the report was issued back in 2008. Sparx S-07 now being sold in the U.S. claiming OK's by both DOT and ECE.

Edited January 29, 2011 by CMX

[nikster]

Is the Sparx S-07 helmet even DOT approved? According to my information they not....

FMVSS 218 Motorcycle Helmets Compliance Testing

Complete test report can be found here Sparx S-07 DOT Complaint Testing

The reason it failed was ' missing a DOT required label that warns against using chemicals that may compromise the integrity of any helmet. It was a labeling oversight, not a production or performance issue.' http://www.allaboutbikes.com/products/helmets/2384-sparx-s-07-in-depth-helmet-review

I almost bought the Sparx S-07 as the reviews have been great but went for the GMAX GM68 Max, another reasonably priced helmet with great reviews and some of the best air-flow of all helmets which is what swayed my decision for riding here in Thailand. It also has LED lights in the back.

Interesting on the GMAX - is it loud as some reviews claim?

SparX is DOT approved, would be hard to sell 'em in the USA otherwise, no?

I frankly like my SparX better than my Arai, even if the Arai did fit...

Pros:

- Shape works to reduce wind noise - it's not dead quiet by any means but seems to be quieter than any other helmets I've tried.

- Airflow is great - can't really be turned off though, but then you don't usually want to

- Eyelids and chin vent easy to operate with gloves on

- Visor has one very hard lock position before closing - closes with a snap. So for one, you know your visor is closed. And you can ride with the visor open 5mm for more air flow, good for low speeds and in town

- Good visibility

- Shields cost $18 (vs $60 at Arai)

- You can buy 4 or 5 of them for the price of an Arai.

Cons compared to the Arai Profile:

- Arai has better head movement, looking back over the shoulder - you don't really feel like you're wearing a helmet at all with the Arai

- Arai has slightly better visibility (perfect, really)

Edited January 29, 2011 by nikster

[Richard-BKK]

Yes, the Sparx S-07 test report is from 2008, still if they are currently DOT approved there should be a record of it.

[nikster]

Yes, the Sparx S-07 test report is from 2008, still if they are currently DOT approved there should be a record of it.

Happy hunting for that. I am happy to take their word for it

[skybluestu]

Is the Sparx S-07 helmet even DOT approved? According to my information they not....

FMVSS 218 Motorcycle Helmets Compliance Testing

Complete test report can be found here Sparx S-07 DOT Complaint Testing

The reason it failed was ' missing a DOT required label that warns against using chemicals that may compromise the integrity of any helmet. It was a labeling oversight, not a production or performance issue.' http://www.allaboutb...h-helmet-review

I almost bought the Sparx S-07 as the reviews have been great but went for the GMAX GM68 Max, another reasonably priced helmet with great reviews and some of the best air-flow of all helmets which is what swayed my decision for riding here in Thailand. It also has LED lights in the back.

Interesting on the GMAX - is it loud as some reviews claim?

SparX is DOT approved, would be hard to sell 'em in the USA otherwise, no?

I frankly like my SparX better than my Arai, even if the Arai did fit...

Pros:

- Shape works to reduce wind noise - it's not dead quiet by any means but seems to be quieter than any other helmets I've tried.

- Airflow is great - can't really be turned off though, but then you don't usually want to

- Eyelids and chin vent easy to operate with gloves on

- Visor has one very hard lock position before closing - closes with a snap. So for one, you know your visor is closed. And you can ride with the visor open 5mm for more air flow, good for low speeds and in town

- Good visibility

- Shields cost $18 (vs $60 at Arai)

- You can buy 4 or 5 of them for the price of an Arai.

Cons compared to the Arai Profile:

- Arai has better head movement, looking back over the shoulder - you don't really feel like you're wearing a helmet at all with the Arai

- Arai has slightly better visibility (perfect, really)

None of the reviews I've read of the Gmax mention it being loud, most say it's actually quieter than they expected even with the numerous large vents. More info here http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/19199/PRODUCT-REVIEW/GM68-MAX-Helmet.aspx and here http://www.webbikewo...met/gmax/gm68s/ where it received a glowing report and was their 'Helmet of the year' for 2007. I'll let you know what I think in a couple of weeks when I get it.

Edited January 29, 2011 by skybluestu

[ttakata]

A few years back I had to replace my old Shoei helmet.

So rather than buy one replacement, I bought both the Gmax and the Sparx helmets as they were about the same price ($120 US each) and both were still less than one Shoei.

They were both comfortable but quality is a little lower as the price justifies.

The upper plastic noseguards were crap so I tossed them.

I also found the lower chin wind blockers were inadequate and let a lot of turbulence in.

I found both helmets louder than my Shoei, but it was bearable.

I now have the top line carbon HJC helmet and it is not so great too, it feels short as it doesn't come down and protect my chin as much as other helmets.

I'm on my 5th full face helmet now and find them all lacking in some sort or another.

Having damaged 2 helmets, I'm not going to spend big money on a disposable.

As long as they fit well and have a proper safety approval, I'm all about the cheaper brands.

I recommend both the Sparx and Gmax if you like the fit of Shoei helmets.

[ignis]

Cannot find any post about helmets only ?

In the days when I owned and rode motorbike there was no laws, and so have never bought or worn a helmet in my life [37 yrs ago]..

Looking yesterday in a helmet shop + only in a small shop in Bang Bua Thong, was amazed at how many different ones and prices..

Anyone advise please, will only be getting a 125 Fi scooter + only ride around the local Villages... Re looking on websites had thought the norm would be about 4,000 baht, but yesterday the 'Index' helmet looked good and only 700 baht + plain white so could spray to match the bike.

Most people around here never wear helmets, but want one as can never tell going around a corner out in the sticks, where there will be a check point for motorbikes, seen it so often + yesterday driving to Bang Yai via the back roads at least 30 bikes pulled over.

[bobbin]

Cannot find any post about helmets only ?

In the days when I owned and rode motorbike there was no laws, and so have never bought or worn a helmet in my life [37 yrs ago]..

Looking yesterday in a helmet shop + only in a small shop in Bang Bua Thong, was amazed at how many different ones and prices..

Anyone advise please, will only be getting a 125 Fi scooter + only ride around the local Villages... Re looking on websites had thought the norm would be about 4,000 baht, but yesterday the 'Index' helmet looked good and only 700 baht + plain white so could spray to match the bike.

Most people around here never wear helmets, but want one as can never tell going around a corner out in the sticks, where there will be a check point for motorbikes, seen it so often + yesterday driving to Bang Yai via the back roads at least 30 bikes pulled over.

Be careful about modifying (painting included) a helmet. Some chemicals affect the strength of the helmet.

White is your best bet for comfort in this climate anyway. Avoid a black helmet like the plague!

[thaicbr]

For the cheaper helmets i would look at 'REAL' helmets they are nicely made relatively cheap (open face 1,200b) and are the only cheaper thai made helmet to pass DOT testing.

Edited February 1, 2011 by thaicbr

[Gary A]

I have been shopping for a new helmet for several weeks. I made it a point to only look in shops that would allow me to try the helmets on. I purposely didn't look at prices before I tried them on. My head must not be typical because I couldn't find any that felt right. I finally ended up in a small shop in Pattaya that had a REAL "OZZIE" model on display. I tried it on and as was normal, it was tight front to back and loose on the sides. The shop owner told me that custom padding could be added. I wanted to take the helmet home that day so I kept trying other brands. Finally I found one that felt perfect. It is an open face model with a short built in sun visor and a full face clear visor. It is also vented very well. The shop owner then told me that I wouldn't be happy with the REAL "OZZIE" anyways because it was too hot to use in Thailand. No way could I ever get used to a full face helmet even though I do realize they are the safest.

Keep in mind that I now ride a Nouvo Elegance scooter rather than a motorcycle and rarely ride on highways. On our small local roads, I seldom get above 60 KPH due to cattle, buffaloes, dogs, chickens, tak taks and kids.

The helmet has excellent ventilation, fits perfectly and at 60 KPH is amazingly free of wind noise. The brand? A Space Crown Phoenix-D. The cost was 1,000 baht. It is no doubt near as safe as the 20,000 baht helmets but a helmet that is comfortable to wear is much better than occasionally wearing one that doesn't fit properly. I always buy white helmets.

I was actually wanting an Arai model that was well vented but found that brand fit me the worst. I wore Arthur Fulmer and Bell open face helmets in the US. They fit me well but were hot to wear even in cool weather.

Edited February 1, 2011 by Gary A

[RED21]

For the cheaper helmets i would look at 'REAL' helmets they are nicely made relatively cheap (open face 1,200b) and are the only cheaper thai made helmet to pass DOT testing.

I bought myself a plain white Real G-Force last month no DOT certification,instead it was ECE 22.05 certified.

[nikster]

I was actually wanting an Arai model that was well vented but found that brand fit me the worst. I wore Arthur Fulmer and Bell open face helmets in the US. They fit me well but were hot to wear even in cool weather.

As I found out in a rather expensive experiment, Arai makes different helmet shapes for different countries - that is their asian helmets are different from what they sell in Europe/USA, even when it's the exact same model and size. Their asian helmets are all made for round head shapes. In the US they have everything- round, round oval, and oval. Anyway no asian Arai fits me.

For scooter use I totally agree, any helmet is better than no helmet even the cheapest crappiest Index... I only do full face as I have this image of chin hitting asphalt in my mind whenever I see a non-full face one...

Got a new SparX, luckily the Kawa dealer in CM still has some left, beauty too...

[skybluestu]

Is the Sparx S-07 helmet even DOT approved? According to my information they not....

FMVSS 218 Motorcycle Helmets Compliance Testing

Complete test report can be found here Sparx S-07 DOT Complaint Testing

The reason it failed was ' missing a DOT required label that warns against using chemicals that may compromise the integrity of any helmet. It was a labeling oversight, not a production or performance issue.' http://www.allaboutb...h-helmet-review

I almost bought the Sparx S-07 as the reviews have been great but went for the GMAX GM68 Max, another reasonably priced helmet with great reviews and some of the best air-flow of all helmets which is what swayed my decision for riding here in Thailand. It also has LED lights in the back.

My Gmax GM68S Max Helmet arrived last week from ridersdiscount with NO customs duty required, will definitely buy from them agin. Fits and looks great and loads of vents, the most airflow in any helmet according to one review I read which is ideal for over here. I tried it out yesterday when I picked up my new CBR250 and, altough it was around 35c, my head stayed nice and cool with no sweat. I only got up to around 125kph and there was some wind noise but not too much. It came with a clear and tinted visor so I used the tinted one with no sunglasses but I just read that most visors don't have UV protection so, as well as possible sunburn, there can also be some eye damage if sunglasses aren't worn. What do other folk do when riding here in Thailand, clear visor with sunglasses or tinted?