If there is one thing bikers understand very well, it is the importance of safety on the road. You see them flying by on the highway with their customized rides and their cool outfits and think those people are living wildlife and are enjoying the thrill of a lifetime. They probably are, but they don’t just go out there without proper protection, because it might just save their lives. If you want to buy a motorbike, you need to get some safety gear as well, and none of those are as important as a helmet. Accidents happen, even to the best of drivers, and if you don’t have one on, you could sustain serious injuries, or worse. So, what should you look for in a helmet?
Safety
It goes without saying that the most important feature to look for in a motorcycle helmet is safety, because yes, different designs provide different levels of safety. The most popular –– and the safest –– type is a full-face helmet, which as the name implies covers your neck and head. Another very important protection feature in this kind of helmet, which plenty of other ones lack, is the fact that it comes with a chin bar, which can protect your chin upon impact –– a lot of the accidents include severe chin impacts that could be very dangerous.
You then have open face helmets, which cover your head but leave your face exposed. They are popular with scooters and tourers and are worn so riders could feel the wind in their faces, which is quite fun actually. The only downside, though, is the fact that your chin and face are not protected, and that can be pretty dangerous. Modular helmets are a mishmash of the previous two as you can open the front part of the helmet by flipping up the chin bar and visor. They are suited for adventure riders in general who rides in an upright position for the most part.
Materials
The design of the helmet won’t mean much in terms of safety if the materials are of poor quality. Accidents tend to happen to motorbike riders, and you are not exactly safe inside a vehicle like with cars. This is why choosing a good quality helmet is essential, as it might just save your life. Fortunately, technology has significantly evolved when it comes to helmet manufacturing, and new materials are constantly being implemented for better results. Right now, a good helmet would have an outer shell that consists of polycarbonate, Kevlar, molded plastics, carbon fiber, or a mishmash of those materials. The inside is lined with expanded polystyrene, which is supposed to absorb shock and displace energy in case you sustain an impact.Size
The helmet’s size is one of the most important angles you need to consider before buying one. You can’t just go and buy one without understanding the fit. You’ll need to measure your head at the widest point, and then start trying relevant sizes on. It’s crucial that you don’t get one that is too tight or too loose. Your cheeks need to be in contact with the helmet when you turn your head sideways, and the pads need to slightly press on your cheeks. One more thing to make sure of, if you can remove the helmet easily while it is strapped on, then this size is too big for you.Weight
Again, to reiterate the importance of getting the right fit, you should also consider the weight of the helmet you’re buying. The weight of the lid needs to be evenly distributed around the head and shoulders, or else it could put a strain on your neck and cause all sorts of problems. You need just the right size and weight that wouldn’t strain your muscles.Compliance
Some states have certain standards that certain motorcyclists should adhere to when buying helmets, and you need to make sure the one you get complies with those regulations. There are testing standards, impact distribution minimum requirements, retention, and a host of other factors that you need to take into consideration. So, before buying a helmet, make sure that you read about law and regulations pertaining to this matter around you, and get one that is in line with them.
Getting the right helmet might just be more important than getting the motorbike itself. You should take your time with it and try out different models, and more importantly, understand what the good materials are and what you should avoid. This will help you get a solid one of excellent quality, which might just save your life on the road one day.