There are myriad choices when considering a motorcycle helmet purchase. Choosing among style, brand, price, color, and fit can be overwhelming for someone who has never worn a helmet before. What to look for in a helmet is often a topic of great debate and indecision. In this article, I will go over some of the basics of choosing a motorcycle helmet.
Properly fitting a helmet
A helmet should fit snugly without binding or causing discomfort. While wearing, you should be able to place your hands on the helmet and move it around without having it shift or slide on the head, meaning your head should move with the helmet without having it shift position. Different head shapes may require different brands to be comfortable, so try several brands if you aren't getting a comfortable fit. It's always best if possible to wear the helmet for around half an hour before purchasing to be sure it will be comfortable in the long term. Before buying online, it's best to check a local shop for fit and comfort. Heck, they might even have a great deal that you would have otherwise missed.
Choosing a brand and price
Helmets range in price from around $50 to several hundred. Personal preference will come into play when choosing a price range. Some of the more expensive models may have better air flow, be lighter, or have a fancy graphic that blends well with the rider's motorcycle paint. Base model helmets, as long as they are DOT or Snell approved, will provide virtually as much protection as the more expensive models.
Helmet styles
There are four basic styles of helmets.
1) Half shell helmets cover the top of the head. While they do not provide protection for the jaw and face, they provide the most total airflow in hot weather. Glasses or goggles are required to wear with these.
2) Open face or 3/4 helmets are the classic style that covers the ears and back of the neck, leaving the face open. Some have attachable face shields.
3) Full-face helmets come with a chin guard and usually have a face shield. These provide the best overall protection. Most models have ventilation slots that can be opened and closed as needed for different weather conditions.
4) Modular helmets are similar to the full-face models, except the chin guard can be lifted up for ease of putting on and taking off the helmet. These are popular with folks that wear glasses.
Color and visibility
Studies have shown that a white helmet is more visible to drivers than a black model. I'd imagine that a fluorescent green, orange or yellow would work as well. It would be a great idea to use reflective material on the back of the helmet if the rider plans a lot of riding at night.
Motorcycle stories
What type of helmet did you choose and why?
Properly fitting a helmet
A helmet should fit snugly without binding or causing discomfort. While wearing, you should be able to place your hands on the helmet and move it around without having it shift or slide on the head, meaning your head should move with the helmet without having it shift position. Different head shapes may require different brands to be comfortable, so try several brands if you aren't getting a comfortable fit. It's always best if possible to wear the helmet for around half an hour before purchasing to be sure it will be comfortable in the long term. Before buying online, it's best to check a local shop for fit and comfort. Heck, they might even have a great deal that you would have otherwise missed.
Choosing a brand and price
Helmets range in price from around $50 to several hundred. Personal preference will come into play when choosing a price range. Some of the more expensive models may have better air flow, be lighter, or have a fancy graphic that blends well with the rider's motorcycle paint. Base model helmets, as long as they are DOT or Snell approved, will provide virtually as much protection as the more expensive models.
Helmet styles
There are four basic styles of helmets.
1) Half shell helmets cover the top of the head. While they do not provide protection for the jaw and face, they provide the most total airflow in hot weather. Glasses or goggles are required to wear with these.
2) Open face or 3/4 helmets are the classic style that covers the ears and back of the neck, leaving the face open. Some have attachable face shields.
3) Full-face helmets come with a chin guard and usually have a face shield. These provide the best overall protection. Most models have ventilation slots that can be opened and closed as needed for different weather conditions.
4) Modular helmets are similar to the full-face models, except the chin guard can be lifted up for ease of putting on and taking off the helmet. These are popular with folks that wear glasses.
Color and visibility
Studies have shown that a white helmet is more visible to drivers than a black model. I'd imagine that a fluorescent green, orange or yellow would work as well. It would be a great idea to use reflective material on the back of the helmet if the rider plans a lot of riding at night.
Motorcycle stories
What type of helmet did you choose and why?
I was speaking about once the choice was narrowed down just before the rider was ready to purchase.
