23 replies to this topic

[jonespower]

The seat belt one touch release is a far superior way of getting a helmet off a possible c-spine injured casualty. I know this coz i've had to remove both types following spills and this is the main reason for the seat belt type being the most widely available on modern helmets. Faffing about undoing d-rings causes unwanted lateral movement and therefore has the potential to worsen what could be entirely treatable injuries.

[dapleb]

I have both types, prefer the seatbelt type cos its more convenient. Movin to 'keep it on the black stuff'.

[Studley Ramrod]

I've got both fittings on my helmets. The D ring is really annoying if I'm doing short trips to the shops etc as it takes longer to get the lid on and off than it does to do the shopping ! Even longer if you twist the strap ! ooooh !

Seat belt type is better all round for me ! And you can clip it back together and carry your lid with the strap...doubles up for a shopping basket !!

[sidestand]

I got talking to the blokes on the Sharp stand at last years Bike show - and they reckoned the seatbelt type fasteners are going to be phased out soon on safety grounds.
They told me the D ring fasteners are much more secure.

[JollyGiant]

I've had both over the years and I have found that the most comfy was the seat belt buckle. BUT the safest is the D-ring because with the seat belt is that you adjust it to fit when you get the lids and rarely re-adjust it!!

So there fore the safest is the D-ring because you adjust it to fit every time you put it on

If I have a big crash (Lets not talk it up ) I'd rather the cut the strap over trying to undo either

I have lost comfy boots and leathers through being cut off but at least I can now walk because I smashed my Tib/ Fib and ankle and heel but my boot kept in all in until the Dr's in hozzy cut my boot and blood flowed freely

[Landy]

I mostly cut helmet straps when removing then in emergency situations so from that point of view it makes no difference. (PHTLS qualified paramedic with 18 years on the road)
Personal preference is for clip type fastenings.

[andyj]

OK, so to the opponents of the D-ring....

It's the only fastener which gets tightened correctly every single time you put it on. The seatbelts tend to get left alone once 'adjusted' for the user and sadly seem to loosen over time - which can be missed by the user for some considerable time. Ask me how insecure I felt when I discovered I could pass all 4 fingers of my gloved hand under the strap on the first (seatbelt-fastened) helmet I ever owned a few months after adjusting it for a snug fit.

As the last thing I want in an off is my helmet moving around - especially if I'm hoping it's absorbing energy from around my skull rather than picking up kinetic energy to pass into it - I'd (now) buy a D-ring every time.

In the case of a spill, I'd expect a professional to be prepared to cut the strap the same way they happily cut your clothing, so the 'easier to undo' claim means little to me - the better fitted helmet could have helped reduce the 'treatable injuries' in the first place.


Edit: I was typing this before Jolly Giant's and Landy's posts.

Edited by andyj, 28 February 2009 - 10:38 pm.

[Studley Ramrod]

Hmmm.........I still prefer the seat belt type for shopping with

Seriously, I will hold my hand up and admit that I wasn't aware of the potential effects of the seat belt type. I do adjust mine regular depending on what I wear around my neck/chin. But when you factor in the human element, (forgetfullness) the d type will always be a safer option.

The problem is a lot to do with wanting a particular helmet and not having an option in the type of fastening used. If you want a Caberg Justissimo you get a seat belt fastener fitted. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[ChrisG]

I prefer double D's too, they stop the pillion headbutting you under braking

[duibhce Kaelann]

BUT the safest is the D-ring because with the seat belt is that you adjust it to fit when you get the lids and rarely re-adjust it!!

So there fore the safest is the D-ring because you adjust it to fit every time you put it on

It's the only fastener which gets tightened correctly every single time you put it on. The seatbelts tend to get left alone once 'adjusted' for the user and sadly seem to loosen over time - which can be missed by the user for some considerable time.

I wouldn' t trust on that too much. It still requires the wearer to properly fasten it.
On trackdays we occasionally check the helmets of trainees just before they leave the pitlane. (Virtually) All of them wear D-ring fasteners. with about a quarter of them it is still possible to get at least 2 fingers under the strap and pull it over their chin.
I agree that a D-ring fastener gives you a higher probability of a properly tightened strap, but it is far from a given.

[jonespower]

I think preference is split on this. I don't carry scissors or knives on me and would'nt want any sharps near my throat after a spill and for me ease of undoing is a big thing. no gloves needin tae come off every time coz that's nippy. like peelin a grape in boxing gloves.

[Landy]

You do not need to worry about sharp stuff all professionals will carry medical shears which will easily cut helmet straps or leathers with no risk to your skin. Non professionals should not be removing helmets.

Like these

[Nog]

Yes and no. the Justissimo GT (that's the new shape one) has a hybrid seatbelt type fastener, but you pass the tab into it, which has a serrated ratchet, (like a ski boot) so you tighten to a specific tightness each time you wear it (like you would a DD) and release the same as a seat belt

My Nolan helmet has this type too. Much better than the standard seatbelt type - as you say, you just click the ratchet system until the tightness is there.
Feels pretty solid too.

[GIBBO]

I've both types, D ring on a Shoei and seat belt on the Ariho. D Ring more secure, more 'padding' under the strap on the Airoh.

Have any of you seen this
http://www.bellracin...octor_eject.pdf

[Landy]

They have been around for some time. There is another make which is designed to be inserted into a after an accident. I have tried one and was not impressed, you can not beat a couple of well trained experienced professionals. Its not that hard when you know how.

[OldGreyWizard]

I've had both types of fastener on my lids, I'll go for the DD everytime.
It may take a second longer to put on, much longer for a novice, but it is much more secure and more comfortable.
A cars seat belt self adjust every time it is put on, a selt belt type helmet fastener doesn't.
I wore HJC lids for a while, they went from DD to the sealt belt type and then back to DD after the ACU were considering banning them from the race track.

[MattG]

I mostly cut helmet straps when removing then in emergency situations so from that point of view it makes no difference. (PHTLS qualified paramedic with 18 years on the road)
Personal preference is for clip type fastenings.

I cut them as well - speed is of the essence in these situations! (UK Ambulance Technician)

[fung]

Double D's for me.
I had a Lazer composite alloy some years back . . . liked the lid but didn't like the buckle, it dug in and was clunky to use.
Shoei TZX now is the daily with double D's and a little tag on the underneath one which helps to undo it.
cheers
fung