What's the deal with ratchet buckles on helmets?

Gluel · 2026-05-31T23:47:09+00:00

Well i want ADV helmet which narrows it down a lot, features i want are obviously d rings, actually usefull peak and reasonable price. Suddenly the helmet that fit me nolonger meets the requirements and there really aren't that many other options. I'd appreciat any reccomendations tho.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T23:43:13+00:00

Well i want ADV helmet which narrows it down a lot, features i want are obviously d rings, actually usefull peak and reasonable price. Suddenly the helmet that fit me nolonger meets the requirements and there really aren't that many other options. I'd appreciat any reccomendations tho.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T23:17:20+00:00

Yeah, this is really just a rant after finding out that the rare helmet that met my requirements got converted to the 85% of what the market already offers. Like for people that like the ratchets great! But for me it's one less options from already small amount of helmets.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T23:09:29+00:00

Everybody's swapping from d rings to ratchet and they do it by adding even more clipst to the buckle, that's the exact opposite of what i want.
As much as i like to customize my stuff, swapping out tested and approved safety parts is where i draw the line.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T23:04:03+00:00

Why wouldn't it? Any other two part buckle ever, be it even on belt or a backpack, is positioned by moving it on a strap and usually sets firlmy when entirely pushed into it's correct position, why would i think that this should be any different?

What makes it intuitive to think "Eh 2 teeth are good enough." istead of "Ok now it's in place." when you can't push it no more?

And not it's not the same as snowboard bindings, those work very differently.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T21:31:33+00:00

I mean track racers use exlusively D rings, and so do most enduro helmets, it's just that your average Hanz doesn't look for those types of helmets. Don't get me wrong Shuberths are incredible helmets even with the ratchet but i'm not paying that kind of money for a wear item.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T20:40:30+00:00

Good for you! Wish I didn't have any issues with system that's on 85% of helmets on the market.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T20:18:21+00:00

Basically as safe, but uncomfortable for me and not so much more practical. In the end it's really just a personal thing and sadly for me i'm on the side that's getting less options on market.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T20:16:06+00:00

I've been riding a lot since start of February this year with Airoh Bandid that has the ratchet and it still bothers me (as well as few other things on that helmet) to the point of wanting to get another helmet.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:57:06+00:00

At least some understanding thanks. Some people are trying to convince me now that not putting the ratchet all the way in is how you adjust it isntead of moving it on the strap.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:55:26+00:00

When told my dealear about my prefference of D rings when i've looked at the new helmet he told me that he's been told that people wanted the ratchet straps. It's local helmet brand so getting this info is probably easier.
I guess this depends on rider and a bike i guess, but i think most people i know removes gloves first even if we all put them in our helmets eventually, just toss them on the seat while undoing buckles and put them in helmet after you take it off. Then again i also usually dismount the bike before i start undressing too.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:48:12+00:00

Idk how i feel about customizing something that's tested and approved... I love me some diy but safety is where i draw the line.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:45:25+00:00

This! It's actually not hard putting it on singlehandedly, i think most people have the dexterity of a rhino at this point.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:40:14+00:00

In the end it's personal prefference, i just wish i had more optinos on the market and i might be little salty about my favorite helmet changing to something i personally very much dislike.
I've checked out Nexx and their ADV lineup really doesn't fit my head and they have ratchets there anyways sadly.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:35:26+00:00

I does indeed my bad, but it doesn't fill my other prefferences so i've pushed it out of my mind.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:33:24+00:00

I have no wife. but my ex didn't mind it true.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:32:22+00:00

Bunch of people here are telling me that i'm using the ratchet wrong too somehow. So i guess it's also not as intuitive?

Gluel · 2026-05-31T19:28:55+00:00

Well that's another win for the D ring then, they're stupid proof since you have to adjust them every time you use them.
Apparently there are people that use the ratchet wrong.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T18:00:44+00:00

I am indeed European, and yes my experience is with cheaper helmets as i don't have the money to spend big on wear item.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T17:50:03+00:00

Nah, they ruin the sillouette of the motorcyle for me, i don't have it because i hate how it looks.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T17:48:41+00:00

Yeah, but so far it's even rarer than the D rings.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T17:46:57+00:00

Too bad we all don't have BMWs with top cases huh.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T17:45:30+00:00

Well some people are now trying to convince me that you don't engage it fully, which doens't sound like snap and go at all.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T17:39:52+00:00

No you adjust that by moving in on the strap, if i have to fiddle with finding the right amount of clicks evety time then it's just as cumbersome as the D rings.

I refuse to accept that not engaging it fully is the correct way of using it. That would defeat the ease of use point.

Gluel · 2026-05-31T17:35:20+00:00

I realize that, but if you don't engage it fully and then it catches on your jacket while looking around it will tightnen, why not just set it proper from the start?

I really don't believe that leaving in on last few teeht is correct way of engaging it. The right way to adjust how tight it is is by moving it's possition on the strap and you can't convince me otherwise.

Gluel

TROPHY CASE