A helmet is essential to riding a motorcycle. Not only is it integral to your safety, but it’s also the law virtually everywhere. As such, you’ll need a good one if you expect to go anywhere on your brand new bike. But what’s the best kind of helmet you can get? That answer can be a bit complicated, so let’s discuss how to find the right motorcycle helmet for you and see what we can come up with.
The Right Fit
Fit is one of the most important factors in staying safe. Like Goldilocks, you don’t want a helmet that’s too big or too small; you need something just right for your head. The key is to find a helmet that fits snugly around you without pressing uncomfortably in places that also aren’t rattling around whenever you move. It should also feel comfortable when sitting on your head, not like you’re being pushed forward or back because the center of gravity is off. It also shouldn’t be a strain to get on or off.
Meets Safety Requirements
There are various safety requirements that motorcycle helmets must meet in order to be safe to use. These are numerous and cover everything from helmet weight to construction to design to how far things are allowed to protrude from the helmet (2/10ths of an inch, by the way). Reviewing some of these guidelines can help you be more knowledgeable when you buy and give you an idea about what companies to buy from, as those that can’t say they meet or exceed standards aren’t a good option.
Materials Used in Construction
What a helmet is made of is potentially more important than anything else. The three most common materials for helmet exteriors are polycarbonate, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Both polycarbonate and fiberglass are somewhat flexible, though fiberglass will crush upon impact, making it more efficient at distributing energy. On the other hand, carbon fiber is the most sturdy and lightest material. Almost all helmets have an inner layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam regardless of the exterior.
Advancement in Safety Technology
Technology is always progressing even in the realm of helmets. As a result, riding a motorcycle is safer than ever. From polarized visors to an electronic HUD, the modern motorcycle helmet is barely divorced from some science fiction technology. Some of the newest helmets have a 180-degree rearview camera that allows the rider to see approaching and passing vehicles on a faceplate display. Others have an emergency cheek pad release to make it easier for EMTs to remove your helmet after a crash. That’s just the beginning, as there are tons of different extras a motorcycle might have depending on who is making it that makes riding easier and safer.
Picking the right motorcycle helmet can be a tricky situation if you don’t know what to look for. Consider these four factors for finding the helmet that’s perfect for you so you can best avoid injury while you’re out riding your motorcycle.
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