What makes a quality and safe motorcyle helmet?

What safety featues to consider while buying a helmet: Type

When it comes to motorcycle helmets, you’re probably thinking that the two things you need the most are comfort and protection. Although most helmets give you protection to some degree, a quality helmet requires certain features to make it truly safe. First of all, all helmets are not the same, so never use a bicycle helmet or other helmet in place of a road-safe motorcycle helmet. There are several different types of helmets which have been determined to be safe for the road, and most have advantages and disadvantages. Full face helmets are safe and effective on the open road. These helmets have a transparent facial plate, designed to keep wind and insects away from the face. The problem with these facial plates is that they sometimes fog over, creating dangerous possibilities. Apply a non-fog spray before using this type of helmet. The hybrid helmets are designed to allow the chin part of the helmet to slide upwards. These are safe protection and also convenient for those who wear eyeglasses. An open-face helmet, also known as a three-quarter helmet, is designed to protect the ears and the side of the face. These helmets have no chin protection, making them a little less safe than other designs. The visors are often detachable on the open-face helmet, for more convenience. Half helmets, or shorty helmets are a very simplistic helmet with no side or chin protection, making it a less favorable choice for safety. These helmets should only be used when driving at lesser speeds.

The Shell

The shell is the most important part of the helmet when it comes to safety. Shells that are made of a polycarbonate mixture are lightweight and sturdy, whereas fiberglass helmets offer sturdiness and high impact resistance. Both materials are suitable and safe for the open road and high speeds. The helmet shell should be cast in one piece. Helmets which aren’t are not as safe. If you’re unsure as to whether the helmet is one piece or not, check the package, ask the salesman or go online at a future time to learn more about the most appropriate helmet for your needs. Next to the outer shell, the safety liner is the next most important motorcycle helmet feature. The safety liner is made of EPS, which absorbs the impact energy, without passing the energy on to your head. Some helmets don’t have this safety liner, making them cooler, but not as safe. Make sure the helmet you are considering does have the safety liner. Chin straps are another important safety measure on motorcycle helmets. Several options are available, like the double “D” ring, which is the lightest and most safe, the quick release, which is the most popular and easiest to handle, and the lever system, which is the most prone to damage, leaving you struggling to unfasten it.

Fit and Feel

When trying on motorcycle helmets, start with a good fit and wear it for a few minutes if possible, to see how it feels. If it seems too heavy or too tight, try some other styles. If the helmet has a visor, check to see that it doesn’t scrape against the outer shell when you raise and lower it. If it does, this could cause scratches on the visor and threaten clear vision. The ventilation of the helmet is also important, since poor ventilation systems are the main cause of noisy distractions while riding. The more aero-dynamic the motorcycle helmet, the less noise it allows. Examine the chin strap to make sure that it’s not too long. If it is, the strap can flap in the wind, causing distraction while you’re driving. Be sure and make adjustments to the strap to prevent this, like cutting off the excess strap, or tucking it into the helmet while riding. Inquire about the helmet safety standard, since some cheaper helmets may avoid some of the safety testing standards, making them less appropriate for open road. Choose a motorcycle helmet carefully so that you’ll assure yourself of the most protection possible. To learn more about what helmets are safe and which ones don’t quite measure up, find out about safety standards, go online to read more about appropriate helmets, and ask others who own motorcycles and wear helmets.