5 Tips for Buying Motorcycle Helmet
5 Tips for Buying Motorcycle Helmet
For new riders, buying the right helmet can be a difficult task. Here are 5 simple tips for finding the perfect lid:
For motorcycle riders, a helmet is the most important piece of safety
gear they own, and in some states, owning and using one is mandatory.But with hundreds of different styles and brands to choose from, how can a new motorcycle rider (or a more experienced one, for that matter) know which lid is right for them? Here are 5 simple tips for finding the perfect Motorcycle helmet:
1. Motorcycle Helmet Types – Full Face or Open?
This is one of the most difficult decisions for new motorcycle riders to make when shopping for a helmet; should they opt for a full-face, or a more open type – like a half or three-quarters (sometimes known as a ‘Jet’) helmet?Sometimes less experienced riders claim that full-face helmets make them feel claustrophobic and restrict their field-of-view, but those are myths – the best way to find out how comfortable a full-face helmet can be is to go try one on at a shop and decide first-hand what works best and feels safest.
2. Motorcycle Helmet Fit - Shape and Size
Proper fit is the single most important part of buying a helmet, yet it is typically the most misunderstood. A helmet that does not fit correctly can be uncomfortable, and may not properly protect a rider in a wreck. There are two main factors that determine how a helmet fits – size and shape, and both are equally important.Size is the easy part. Most manufacturers have sizing charts and measuring instructions on their websites, and a good salesperson at a local shop should be able to measure a rider’s head to determine proper size.
Since sizing designations (small, medium, large, etc.) can sometimes vary between manufacturers, it is best to use measurements rather than assuming that a particular size will always be right. Once the proper size is determined, then helmet shape becomes a consideration.
That’s right, shape. Different helmet manufacturers use different ‘head-forms’, or shapes, to design their helmets. So while a particular model of helmet may fit one rider perfectly, it could be completely uncomfortable for another rider with a slightly different shaped head.
How does a rider find the shape that is best for them? The best way is simply to try on as many different models of helmet as possible. Once the right shape is found, a salesperson should then be able to suggest other helmets that have a similar shape and fit.
Motorcycle helmets should fit snug. Since this type of fit will be unfamiliar and possibly uncomfortable at first for new riders, it is highly recommended to work with a knowledgeable salesperson when choosing a first helmet.
3. Motorcycle Helmet Safety – D.O.T. or Snell Approved?
Wearing a motorcycle helmet is useless unless it can actually offer some level of protection, and fortunately there are several safety standards in place to ensure they serve their appointed purpose.The Department of Transportation (or DOT) certification is the minimum safety requirement for all motorcycle helmets sold in the U.S. There is a similar certification in Europe called the ECE 22.05 standard. While the ECE standard has slightly higher requirements, both ensure that a motorcycle helmet will perform in a way that protects a rider in the event of a wreck.
There are also private certifications that a helmet can be awarded by the Snell Memorial Foundation (or the ACU Gold sticker in Europe). This certification is an addition to the DOT or ECE certification, and requires the helmet to perform up to even more stringent standards.
There is an ongoing debate in the motorcycle community over which standard is best, based on a Motorcyclist Magazine article that suggests the DOT-only standard may be preferable in some ways to SNELL certification. The important part is that, whichever certification is chosen, they were all designed with rider safety in mind.
4. Motorcycle Helmet Cost - How Much to Spend
Especially for new riders, cost plays an important part in what helmet they eventually choose. Prices for motorcycle helmets can vary widely, from $50 closeouts all the way up to race-replica helmets that are upwards of $700.All motorcycle helmets, even inexpensive ones, with a DOT or ECE certification will offer protection to a rider in a wreck, but many times more expensive helmets provide safety and comfort features that go above and beyond the minimum standards.
That is not to say it is necessary to spend $600 or more on a helmet. There are plenty of reasonably-priced models by manufacturers like Arai, Shoei, HJC, Suomy many and others that offer upgraded safety and comfort features without breaking the bank.
A new rider should spend as much as they can reasonably afford on a new helmet, provided, of course, it fits comfortably and correctly.
5. Motorcycle Helmet Styles – Colors and Graphics
This is where things get fun. Once a rider has figured out what models of helmet fit their head best, there is an almost endless variety of colors and styles to choose from. A rider should feel free to pick whatever best suites their personality.Keep in mind, however, that light and bright colors make a rider far more visible to automobile drivers in traffic, and that visibility can offer an extra level of safety.
Shopping for a motorcycle helmet can be a difficult and confusing task, especially for new riders. Keeping these tips in mind can make it easier for a rider to find a helmet that fits their head and their budget, and one that protects them out on the road.
With any purchase of motorcycle safety equipment, it is recommended that a rider consult a knowledgeable salesperson to help find the right product for their needs. Click here
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar