The quick release is a lot easier and if it fits into the safety code there is no problem with it.

 

I prefer double D rings but think that's because it's what I'm used too. Looking at helmets in a bike store recently QR latches seem to be in the majority now, and not just on the lower cost helmets, even on the premium brands.
Asked the the guy in charge of the helmet section what he preferred. Guess what his answer was? "I use what they use for racing - double D rings".

 

A good double D ring is good enough for me and I find quick releases more bulky and annoying on the chin strap. Some quick releases are a pain to adjust which makes that aspect slower than double D rings; and, the speed gained by a quick release isn't enough to make a real difference considering how many times a day the average person puts on and takes off their helmet.

 

I'm looking for a new helmet to replace my old HJC HQ1. But a lot of what I'm looking at have quick release chin straps not double d rings like I'm used to. What's everybodies thought on them, are they just something on cheep helmets, what would you choose?

When I replaced my old Shoei with a new one, the model that fit the best and had the features I wanted (GT-Air2) had a quick-release. I'd always been happy with D-rings, but I must admit I do like the quick release. You adjust it once and then never have to do it again. I could never easily fasten the D-rings with gloves on both hands, but I can easily fasten the QR with gloves on. Some more conservative riders might not trust the QR mechanisms, but I trust Shoei — and it's basically the same mechanism that's been used on seat belts for 50+ years (even by racing drivers).

 

The only problem I had with my Nolan that had a quick release was not being able to use the helmet lock. I ended up buying a T-adapter (which I had to sand down because it was too big). The convenience gained with the quick release was lost when using the helmet lock.

 

Interesting! I watched this little video just yesterday. It was fun and informative. I think I'll stick with the double D buckle for the time being.

 

D-rings for me too. I’ve had Arai helmets for years and can fasten the strap even in gloves, though I do admit that it’s more fiddly than when you take a glove off. I’m sure the quick release ratchet type fasteners are up to the required safety standards but the double D-ring fastener is infinitely adjustable and I can’t help thinking there’s a reason that they are a standard requirement on all MotoGP, WSB and national race series. I was about to post a link to the Fort Nine video about them but VegasGeorge has done so already. It’s worth a watch but ultimately it’s your own choice what to go with.

 

I think it won't be long before we have no choice.

 

Neat video, thanks for posting. It convinced me to keep considering the double-D as the best choice.

The point about it being adjusted to the correct tightness every time you use it is the winning point as far as I'm concerned.

The problem we have is that younger riders will decry it for no other reason than it's what their dad used and so it must be outdated and is therefore bettered by newer designs.

 

Well, the double D buckle does require some thinking, some planning ahead. Those of you who, like myself, ever tried to double D buckle their helmet after putting on their gloves will know what I mean.

 

Years ago as a teen, I was go karting with a quick release helmet. Crashed into a barrier, swung my head and the strap undone itself throwing the helmet off my head.

This is when I decided to buy a helmet with a double d strap. You can’t prepare once something happens, better have proper gear.

 

Two reasons why I prefer double D. One, it's adjusted correctly every time you put it on, two, it's a fiddle to put it on so, conversely, and reassuringly, a fiddle to undo and take off.

The very thing that makes quick release helmet buckles quick release, be it a ratchet, latch, pawl, whatever, mean they can unexpectedly, well, release. Seat belt buckles are reliable because they are substantial enough to be engineered quite robustly, a quick release helmet buckle, being much smaller, not so much.

 

You can stick a finger through the D rings and safely carry your helmet.

Trying on quick release helmets it too EZ to drop the lid grabbing on to the quick release.

 

The micro-adjustment on the ratchet of the quick-release ensures that the adjustment is perfect every time - just like the double-D.

Don't forget that if you are not wearing an airbag device of some sort then you are not being as well protected as possible.