A helmet is the best safety equipment you can use while riding a motorcycle. Although it can’t prevent accidents, it will keep you safe and prevent major injuries. A decent full face helmet can improve riding since it reduces wind noise, road debris, bugs, and other objects from blaring in your ears and blasting in your face. Additionally, it protects you from the elements and lessens rider fatigue.
Your helmet is the most crucial component of your motorcycle gear, so choosing the right one is paramount. With numerous products and brands available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This post aims to provide comprehensive knowledge to help you select the ideal motorcycle helmet, whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to upgrade your gear or a beginner. Additionally, consider exploring other essential motorcycle gear for complete protection and comfort.
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Size
Position a fabric tape measure over your eyebrows, then wrap it around your head to acquire the right-sized helmet. It is crucial to note that helmet models vary, and the same size in one model may not suit you in another. Therefore, you should try on your motorcycle helmets before presuming that your size is universal. A decent helmet will fit snugly without being too slack or too tight.
It’s an excellent fit if it remains in position and moves with your skin as you move your head. On the other hand, if the helmet is so easy to put on and lacks resistance from the padding, it may not fit snugly enough and can be excessively noisy.
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Safety
Helmets have different safety ratings based on where you are in the world. There are, however, three globally recognized safety ratings. The first is the DOT rating, which indicates that it has met U.S. Department of Transportation safety criteria. The second most prevalent classification is ECE, which is much more stringent and exposes the helmets to a battery of testing to ensure optimum user safety.
Finally, the Snell rating is generally employed in racing and can be found in higher-end helmets. When selecting your first helmet, it is advised that you choose one that is at least ECE accredited to provide you with peace of mind and physical protection. The safety rating of a helmet is usually placed on the back of the helmet.
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Comfort
Take your time trying on several helmets and visiting various stores. When you locate a helmet you love, wear it for at least 15 minutes to determine if any areas of the helmet are causing unneeded pressure. The pressure should be uniformly distributed throughout the helmet and not painful around the forehead or ears. Also, remember that the cushioning will conform to your skull over time. Inquire whether you may try on the helmet or what the return policy is in the event using it on the road turns out to be a considerably different fitting than in the shop.
Finally, you may test it out on a short ride to hear how loud the wind and engine are and discover any vision problems. It is advised that there should also be a minimum of 105 degrees of visibility on each side. If you’re shopping for motorcycle helmets, keep the factors mentioned above in mind. By doing so, you’ll find a helmet that keeps you alive, gives you enough comfort, and enhances your appearance while riding your motorcycle.