A helmet is the survival of head protection!
Choosing a motorcycle helmet requires courage to search the correct headgear for your ride.
Wearing a helmet not only shows your striking design but also helps to protect your head in the event of a crash.
A motorcycle helmet is the most protective headgear in head survival as safety precautions must take seriously at all costs. To know the right headgear, there is a guide on how to choose a motorcycle helmet.
Choosing a helmet of your choice depends on your head size and the type of rider you are.
In this guide on how to choose a motorcycle helmet, there are definite factors to consider when looking for the right headwear.
What Should I look for When Buying a Motorcycle Helmet?
To know how to choose a motorcycle helmet, there are certain guides to consider before selecting the right helmet for your ride. The buying factors mention below:
1) Legal Safety Standards
In helmet manufacturers, three main safety standards are DOT, ECE and Snell. These three standards contribute to a safe and approved headgear. When planning to choose a helmet, do make sure you keep an eye on any of these three safety stamps.
A safety standard stamp states at the back of the helmet and the inside as well. Not only you look at the legal stamp but you should also check the manufacturer’s label. This mentions the warranty, manufacture’s name, model, size, year of manufacture and materials. When finding the ideal headwear, keep an eye on the legal safety stamp.
2) Head Size
The head size and shape play an important role, as the helmets job is to protect your head and displace energy in the event of an impact. If you are unsure about your head size, take a measuring tape and measure the inch above your eyebrows down to the back of your head. You will get the correct head size.
The head shape also comes into play as different helmets accommodate to a certain head shape. To know your head shape is to flatten your hair and take the photo above your head. Three head shapes are round, intermediate and long oval. To know how to choose a motorcycle helmet is to consider your head shape.
If you do not have a measuring tape, just take a string, wrap it around your head, and mark the point on the string. Then align the string with the measuring tape with the point marked. This will give you the right head size. When considering the head size, be careful with the brand you follow as different headgear brands have their own head size chart.
3) Types of Helmets
In headgears, there are six types of helmets. They are full face, open face, half face, off-road, dual sport and modular. Each type of headwear represents similar features with various differences. Choosing the right motorcycle influences the rider you are. For instance, if you are a speedy racer, you go for an off-road helmet.
If you want to look for the safest helmet, you go for a full face. For less restriction for the face and chin, you can go for either a half face or a three quarter headgear. Each helmet type represents its pros and cons, which you must consider before choosing the suitable helmet type.
4) Exterior Shell
When it comes to how to choose a motorcycle helmet, do look at the construction design. The exterior shell is the outer part of the helmet where the colour or a striking graphic display. This part of the helmet is important for head protection in the event of an impact. A good exterior will contribute to a safe headwear. When considering the exterior, do check the construction the helmet has to offer. This helps to protect from colour fading and scratches.
5) Inner Liner
The inner liner is the foam part underneath the exterior shell. This feature allows you to displace the energy in the middle of the impact. Inner liners are made of a thick foam that rests your head while wearing.
Do make sure you check the thickness of the inner liner as it helps to rest against your head. If you have purchased a helmet that has a thin liner, it would not do any good to protect your head from accidents. To know how to choose a motorcycle helmet, do check the foam the helmet has to offer.
6) Padding
You want your head to be as comfortable as possible without feeling too loose or tight. The padding is the cushion part of the helmet below the inner liner. This helps to maximize fit and comfort. The padding displaces the energy as well before it reaches to your head after the crash. For health and hygiene, helmets come in removable and washable padding. When you choose a helmet, do consider the padding.
7) Weight
The weight plays a vital role as it helps to reduce fatigue during long rides. If you ride on longer routes, you need a headgear that does not put the burden on your neck and head. This would cause headaches and dizziness. To care for your neck and shoulders, you must choose a lightweight headgear that resists fatigue.
8) Retention System
The retention system refers to as chinstrap. The chinstrap helps to secure the helmet in place. Different helmets have their retention system to secure the helmet in place. Having a retention system is very important in head protection and road safety.
When you choose a suitable headwear, do make sure the chinstrap should fit no more than two fingers inserted. Do make sure you try to see if the straps secure around your chin. To choose a helmet is to consider the retention system.
9) Terrain You Ride
The terrain you ride affects the type of helmet you are looking for. A great headgear influences the type of rider you are. For instance, if you ride on a racing track, you need to look for a dirt bike helmet. If you ride in the city and on the streets, you go for a full face or modular helmet. If you ride for an adventurous activity, you go for a dual sport helmet. When choosing the style of helmet, consider the terrain you ride.
10) Visors
Visors help to protect your eyes from entering various residues. This feature is common in full face and modular helmets, other helmet types require buying eye protection separately. Some helmets have different types of visors to wear according to the environment. In headgear manufacturers, visors are easy to replace without acquiring tools. To know how to choose a motorcycle helmet is to consider the visors required for your ride.
11) Ventilation
This feature is common in full face and modular helmets, this helps to keep your head cool and comfortable in the heat. Ventilation helps to prevent suffocation. If you want a sufficient airflow, consider the ventilation the helmet has to offer.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet?
You have the idea of the helmet type you are looking for. However, there are two main things to look for when choosing the ideal headgear for your ride. The two things are:
- Head shape
- Head size
Wearing the correct helmet size is very crucial in protecting your head from road accidents. To know your head shape and size, follow these simple instructions below:
1) Choose a Helmet Type
As you know, there are six types of helmets which each represents its pros and cons. Before you choose a helmet, the type of headgear must influence the rider you are. Your chosen helmet must feel comfortable and benefit to your head protection.
2) Determine Your Head Shape and Size
Your head shape and size is very important, as the helmet’s job is to protect your head from brain injuries. To determine your head shape, there are three head shapes. The shapes are round, intermediate oval and long oval. Once you have found your head shape, you need to know your head size. You can do this by using a measuring tape and measure the inch above your eyebrows down to the back of your head.
If you do not have a measuring tape, just take a string, wrap it around your head, and mark the point of your head size. Then line the string with the measuring tape with the point marked. You will get your correct head size
Note: Do make sure that different helmet brands have their head size chart. Be careful with the brand you are following.
3) Try the Helmet Onto Your Head
After you have found your head shape and size. Try as many helmets as you can of different brands until you have found the right helmet size. Once you have found, try the helmet on and check to see if there are any signs of pain and discomfort in any parts of your head. The helmet should fit snugly onto your head. If you feel pain at the sides of the head, the headwear is not round enough. If you experience pain above the forehead, the helmet is not oval enough.
When strapping around your chin, the strap should fit no more than two fingers. If the helmet has cheek pads, the pads should also fit snugly onto your cheeks without feeling too tight. The cheek pads should move rather than the helmet itself. If this is the case, the helmet size is wrong. When it comes to fitting, the helmet should feel comfortable without feeling any pressure points. There should be no space in any parts of your head.
4) Wear the Helmet on for About Half an Hour
Once your helmet snugly fits and you feel comfortable, keep wearing the helmet on for about half an hour. This helps to get your head used to the new helmet. If you have noticed red marks on your forehead, your helmet size is wrong. A little bit of tightness is okay but if you feel discomfort, measure your head size again.
Do not embark onto the motorcycle just because you have found the right helmet size. If you do, you will suffer headaches and dizziness. This half hour process should spent off the bike.
For more information about helmet fitting, click on this video.
What is the Best Colour for a Motorcycle Helmet?
Helmets are available in various graphics and different colours. The colour of the helmet should not compromise with head protection. There is no ‘best’ colour as you can choose any colour you want. As long as you want to be visible on the road. If you ride at night, go for either a medium shade or a lighter colour.
How do I Know What Head Shape my Motorcycle Helmet is?
To know how to choose a motorcycle helmet, it is essential to know your head shape. Figuring out your head shape is a tough process as different internals of the headgear fits for a definite head shape. People are born with different head shapes.
- To determine your head shape is to flatten your hair as flat as possible. This can obscure your head shape.
- Ask a trusted friend to take the photo from the above. Then look at the picture, if the head is like a circle, then it is round. If the head is like an oval, it is intermediate oval.
- If the head shape is between the oval and round, the common head shape is intermediate oval. Never guess your head shape!
Wrap up
Here are the informative guides on how to choose a motorcycle helmet. These instructions will help you to search for a suitable headgear. A protective helmet will save your lives from head injuries and road accidents. If you want to choose the safest helmet, follow the guides above and you will find your ideal helmet!
So follow these guides on how to choose a motorcycle helmet and enjoy the ride!
