Forget what you see in the movies. Wearing a helmet isn't only the law, it could also save your life. Here are some tips how to choose the right kind of motorcycle helmet to wear:
Make sure it passed quality control.
The DOT has a set of standards for motorcycle helmets. When buying one, look for the DOT logo on the helmet, usually at the back. The helmet should also have a label that includes the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture, size, model and materials.
Go for a helmet in the mid-price range.
Don’t scrimp or spend too much on a motorcycle helmet. A no-frills, reasonably priced helmet with good quality materials will offer enough protection to keep your head safe.
Protection for the whole head.
Choose helmets that are full-faced. These offer a lot of protection for head-on collisions. Open-faced helmets do give some level of protection, but in case of a collision, your cheeks, chin and neck won't stand much of a chance.
Cover your face.
Choose a helmet with a face shield, which is usually made of hard, clear, shatter-proof plastic. This will protect your face from dust, wind, debris and rain. Some shields have tints to give you some protection against glare and some have high resolution for sharper vision. Some models are even equipped with anti-mist devices to reduce fogging or condensation.
If you’re planning to use your helmet in very cold conditions, you might want to choose one with a breath box. Located in front of the helmet, it covers your nose and draws your breath away from your shield so it won't fog.
Look for an inner lining.
Helmets should have a firm inner liner that's at least an inch thick to protect your head and be worn comfortably. Before buying one, wear it for at least 10 minutes or so to get a good feel. Safety may be your first concern but comfort is a close second. In fact, comfort determines whether your helmet is safe or not.
Make sure it fits.
Never buy a helmet without trying it on first. It should fit your head comfortably – not too loose or too tight. If you tried to move it back and forth over your head, it should offer some resistance and the cheekpads but it shouldn't press on your face too much. Too much pressure will cause headaches later.
Be sure you have enough visuals.
The upper lining should just be above your eyebrows and your eyes must be centered. Avoid helmets that limit your peripheral vision in a big way. A good figure to watch would be about 200 degrees or more.
Make sure it passed quality control.
The DOT has a set of standards for motorcycle helmets. When buying one, look for the DOT logo on the helmet, usually at the back. The helmet should also have a label that includes the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture, size, model and materials.
Go for a helmet in the mid-price range.
Don’t scrimp or spend too much on a motorcycle helmet. A no-frills, reasonably priced helmet with good quality materials will offer enough protection to keep your head safe.
Protection for the whole head.
Choose helmets that are full-faced. These offer a lot of protection for head-on collisions. Open-faced helmets do give some level of protection, but in case of a collision, your cheeks, chin and neck won't stand much of a chance.
Cover your face.
Choose a helmet with a face shield, which is usually made of hard, clear, shatter-proof plastic. This will protect your face from dust, wind, debris and rain. Some shields have tints to give you some protection against glare and some have high resolution for sharper vision. Some models are even equipped with anti-mist devices to reduce fogging or condensation.
If you’re planning to use your helmet in very cold conditions, you might want to choose one with a breath box. Located in front of the helmet, it covers your nose and draws your breath away from your shield so it won't fog.
Look for an inner lining.
Helmets should have a firm inner liner that's at least an inch thick to protect your head and be worn comfortably. Before buying one, wear it for at least 10 minutes or so to get a good feel. Safety may be your first concern but comfort is a close second. In fact, comfort determines whether your helmet is safe or not.
Make sure it fits.
Never buy a helmet without trying it on first. It should fit your head comfortably – not too loose or too tight. If you tried to move it back and forth over your head, it should offer some resistance and the cheekpads but it shouldn't press on your face too much. Too much pressure will cause headaches later.
Be sure you have enough visuals.
The upper lining should just be above your eyebrows and your eyes must be centered. Avoid helmets that limit your peripheral vision in a big way. A good figure to watch would be about 200 degrees or more.
