Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions we get here in our store. There's one thing you learn real fast in this business. If you have a question, or problem with a helmet, you're not alone. Regardless of how silly you might think the question is, you're still not alone. We hope the information below might help answer a few of your questions.

Shipping

What are the hidden shipping costs? Other retailers are charging over $12.00??

Well, we absorb the cost on orders over $100. There are no hidden costs.

What if I want to "overnight" the helmet? Do you offer this option?

Sure, but there is an additional charge. Most of the time it's about $35.00, but can be more if you want to use a service other than FedEx.  We can also use the Express service offered by the United States Postal Service, and this typically is around $40.00. If you want Overnight Shipping, please contact our staff so we can discuss your options and find the service best for you.

How is the helmet boxed?

We ship all of our helmets in a secondary box to ensure it arrives safely.

If I order a helmet on Friday, when will it ship?

If we have your helmet in stock, and you order the helmet during business hours, the helmet will ship that day. If it's ordered at night, then it will be either shipped Monday (in-stock), or ordered and shipped in the middle of the week.

How long does it take for my helmet to arrive at your store once I order it?

We have several distributors for each helmet make, so it depends. Our primary distributors normally have the helmet to our store within 3 days or less.  We inspect and re-package your helmet and ship it off to you the same day.

Are the helmets new?

Because of our fair pricing, we get asked this question a lot. The answer is, of course, YES. We get our helmets from the exact same distributor that your local dealer gets theirs.

What if I pay the extra $40.00 for overnight, but then it doesn't show up the next day??

FedEx is normally very good at getting packages where they need to be, however, they are a company run by humans and no one is perfect. If it does show up late, we make a claim and you get your money back.

USPS Overnight isn't always overnight... If you live in a small town, it might take two days. 90% of the time however, they do guarantee next day by 3PM. If the Post Office guarantees your helmet there by 3PM, and it is delivered later than that, you get a complete shipping refund. If it is a rural location, then it's 2-Day at the same price...

Can I have the helmet left at my front door?

Where the package is left is entirely up to the FedEx driver. If you live out in the middle of nowhere, then the odds are great that they will leave the box.  Keep in mind, there will be times when the driver does not feel it's safe to leave your package.  There are criminals out there that do nothing but follow the FedEx trucks and take packages.  If the driver doesn't have a good place to tuck it out of sight, you may have to coordinate with your neighbors to have the package dropped at their door.

I live in Canada, but want the helmet shipped to a US address and then pick it up. Can you do this?

You bet, and it works out great in regard to taxes. However, we handle this a little different than normal orders. As we all know, credit card theft/fraud is a huge problem, and because of this we try to ship to the billing address on the credit card. As you see, this is not possible in this case. Because of this, we ask that you send us a cashiers check for the total amount. This way everyone is protected.

What if my helmet is stolen off my porch because it was delivered when I wasn't home?

We will make the appropriate calls and verify that the package was delivered. If it's found that someone did steal it off your porch, then you will need to call the police and file a report.

Fit

The sizing chart says I'm a large, but is this accurate?

Sizing charts are just a guideline. Everyone has a different shaped head, so depending on that shape, your helmet size may change. Of course we lecture to first try on a helmet before buying, if possible.

I fit great in a medium 3/4 helmet, is a full face medium helmet going to fit the same?

No, 3/4 helmets are going to fit very different from a full face helmet. Many people find that a 3/4 helmet will fit a little larger than a full face, and sometimes find it necessary to bump down one size. This isn't always true however, and there are those that fit fine in one size, no matter what type of helmet they wear. Using myself as an example, I wear size large most of the time unless it's a 3/4. For whatever reason a medium fits best.

Todd, I have a brand new touring bike with a great stereo. If I wear a 3/4 helmet will I be able to hear the stereo?

Yes, you probably won't even notice a difference. I've noticed that the radio is only slightly muffled, but this is made up by the lowered road noise.

I like the way the Shoei fits my head, but the chin bar seems very close to my chin. When I stick it out it touches. Is this to close?

On many helmets this issue comes up. It's caused by two things, shell shape and head shape. Normally its not an issue when it comes to safety. If you have 1/2 inch or more you're fine. Your chin should not touch if you're talking normally or yawning. If it is, then switch to a oval shaped helmet.

I noticed that the replacements pads for some helmets are not all the same. Why is this?

Most helmet companies vary the helmet size by placing thicker/thinner pads inside the helmet, and keeping the shell size the same. For instance; the Shoei Z-II shell is the same between the S/M and the L/XL. This of course makes manufacturing the helmets economical. Keep this in mind. If you are between sizes, often you can buy the smaller helmet, then by changing the pads (if removable) make it into a larger size if needed. This is the main advantage of buying a helmet with removable liners. You can get a custom fit.

I have a huge head, and even a XXXL won't fit. What are my options?

Very few. I know of no one who makes custom helmets at a reasonable price. AFX makes a XXXXL full face helmet, and this might be an option. Give us a call and we can figure it out.

How long does it take for a helmet to "break-in".

Helmets don't "break-in". Over time they will conform to your head shape, but today the foam is very resistant to break down. Your helmet should fit great right out of the box. If you have a pressure point, try another size or model. Your helmet should feel great from the start.

How snug, is too snug?

It depends. Riders who often visit the local track and ride fast, will want a very snug helmet. At 100+ MPH, if a racers helmet moves, it could be very dangerous. The normal rider often opts for a less snug fit. Every helmet will fit a little different. A large in one model might fit a little snugger than a large in another model.

I always tell my customers in the store that there is a fine line between snug and uncomfortable. If you try the helmet on, and you have no pressure points, then stick with that size. I preach it a lot, but helmets which offer a removable liner are easier to fit. If the model you have your eye on doesn't have a removable liner, then be careful when you order.

Safety

Are all helmets safe?

If a helmet is DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE 22-05, BSI 6658, or SNELL approved, it's a safe helmet. Which standard is better?? If you check around online, you will find this debate waging. The fact is, if a helmet meets any of these standards, it's a safe helmet.

My helmet rolled off my seat and hit the ground. Do I need a new one??

It depends. If the shell isn't cracked, or soft in the impact area, then you're probably OK. What saves you in a accident is the Styrofoam layer inside the helmet. This is why when you do have an incident while wearing a helmet, you should ALWAYS replace it. Your head will compress this Styrofoam layer, and lessen the effectiveness of the helmet. This holds true even if you think the impact was light. You never know how compressed the Styrofoam is, so never chance it.

I've seen some helmets which come with a seat belt type latch. Are these any good?

It depends. There are some latches which are huge, and could cause injury in an accident. The Echo lock is one of the best we've found, and this can be found in our site. Very light and small.

Why aren't the flip up helmets Snell approved?

Plain and simple, they don't meet the standard... The swivel used to lift the front interferes with the test, and may cause the helmet fail. However, it has been found that they afford more protect than the classic 3/4 and 1/2 helmet in a face-plant accident.

Can I buy one size helmet and have all my passengers use it?

Yes, if they all wear the size you buy. Don't think that if they are only using it every now and then, that the helmet can be loose or to tight. It better fit or they could be hurt in an accident.

Returns

If I get the item and it doesn't fit, what do I do??

Send us an email (credit,department@helmetharbor.com) or give us a call at (480) 635-1009 and let us know what happened, and that you want a return. We will issue you a RMA number to put on the outside of the box. Without this RMA number, it will not be accepted, and shipped back to you. There is a $25.00 fee for all cancellations and returns, and you are responsible to the fee's associated with returning the item/s to our store. We suggest you insure the product..

When I had the helmet, I took off the protective covering on the shield. I'm I going to get charged extra?

Yes, this covering is not something we can replace and sell as new. You will be charged for the cost of the shield. To try on the helmet you don't need to remove this covering.

What if I ruined the helmet box when I opened it?

Again, you will be charged for the box if you return the helmet. Everything must be returned as it was sent to you.

What if I change my mind and call to cancel? Will I still be charged the fee?

Yes, if the helmet was ordered from our distributors it can not be canceled. If we haven't ordered the helmet, then of course there will not be a charge.

I'm returning a popular helmet, so why charge me the fee? You won't have any problem selling it to someone else.

You're right, there are models and sizes that sell very well, but this is not always the case. Often helmets are returned in odd sizes or colors. To be fair, we apply this policy to every return.

I took a ride with my jacket and found after the ride that I didn't like it. Can it be returned?

No, if you have removed the manufacturer tags, and went for a ride, the jacket is used. There's no way for us to sell it as new, so it belongs to you. There is no need to go for a ride to see if a jacket, or any other piece of clothing fits. If you need to see how the jacket fits while riding, just sit on the bike in the garage. Again, all merchandise needs to be returned in new condition. All tags need to be still on the jacket. Don't remove anything when you try it on.

How long do I have to return an item?

You have 10 days from the time your order was shipped. This will give you a week to make your decision and call for a RMA number. If you try to call after this date, we can not accept the return.

Why 10 days?

The Distributors also put dates upon us to meet. If we go over this time, we are no longer allowed to make a return. We have several examples in our store, which could not be returned because we missed this date.

Leather verses Textile Apparel

OK, which is better?

Not an easy question to answer because they work so differently.

Leather of course breathes. This allows the manufacturer to use a thicker leather, increasing abrasion resistance. However, leather for the most part isn't water repellant. You can treat it with saddle soap, or other products, but the bottom line is that it doesn't work as well when the weather gets damp. Leather will also become softer over time, and after a few months, will become very comfortable.

Textile jackets have many advantages. The first is protection. Cordura, which is the most common material used, has a higher abrasion resistance than leather by weight. This means it can be made thicker, but yet stay light. The fibers can also be treated with water repellant chemicals, keeping you dry. Cordura is often less expensive to manufacture, making them more affordable.

Again, which is better? I like Textile jackets because I find them to be more flexible to wear. They keep you dry in the wet, warm in the winter, and will last many years without a hic-up. Textile jackets can also be found with Gore-Tex liners, adding to the water protection. If you're looking for a all-around jacket, a textile jacket is my recommendation.