How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

Choosing a motorcycle helmet can be a very difficult task. With hundreds of different combinations of different sizes, shapes, and colours, it's tough to know where to start, especially for beginners. The bottom line is that the helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle equipment, therefore it should not be skimped on. Helmet prices typically range from $100.00 to $2000.00 depending on material and quality. A decent helmet can be bought for around $300-$400.

The most important factor in choosing a helmet is material. The main materials that helmets are made from are poly-carbonate (plastic), kevlar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber; poly-carbonate being the low end and carbon fiber being the high end. My suggestion would be to stay away from plastic helmets. They have a tendency to deflect (bounce) on impact rather than absorb it. This leads to more head and neck trauma. The other helmet materials are able to self-destruct on impact absorbing the shock much like a car bumper does in an accident. Fiberglass, or a fiberglass hybrid, would be my choice because of it's ability to absorb impact, it's light weight and it's lower price point.

The biggest mistake a beginner makes when choosing a helmet is buying one that's too big. A helmet will invariably break in which usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how much you use it. When a helmet is broken in, the cheek pads compress making the helmet looser. Because of this, when sizing a helmet it must fit very tight on the cheeks. A good rule of thumb is if you can't chew gum without your cheeks getting in the way, it's a good fit. You're helmet should make you look like a chipmunk.

Every helmet has a different shape. Some helmets fit round heads better, while others fit oblong heads better. The best way to find the right helmet for you is to try all the different models on. What you want to avoid is any pressure points around the top of your head. A good fitting helmet provides even pressure all around the upper portion of your head and is very tight-fitting at the jaw.

Another important factor in choosing a helmet is aero-dynamics. This will cut down on wind noise and wind resistance. Shoei makes some of the best helmets for aero-dynamics. Their helmets undergo extensive wind tunnel testing resulting in one of the quietest helmets on the market. You also want to pay attention to how the visor is mounted on the helmet, as a helmet with side pods will generally be somewhat louder than one without.

If you plan on going to the track you will have to buy a helmet with a current track rating eg. Snell 2005 or ECE 22-05. For a helmet to achieve a track rating, it must undergo extensive tests simulating a live crash. These track ratings are updated every five years and the rating is then valid for 6 years. For example, you will be able to wear a Snell 2005 helmet on the track until 2011. A track rating is not required for street use but it never hurts to buy a helmet that has been proven safe. Sometimes, especially around the years that the ratings are being updated, you can find exceptional deals on a helmet with an outdated or soon-to-be outdated Snell or ECE rating. As long as you are only planning on regular street riding, there is no reason not to take up these offers.

Finally, the last choice to be made is the colour. There are many different designs to choose from. This is largely a matter of personal preference, though some people choose brighter colours for visibility. Also, some people believe that darker colours absorb more heat which could make a difference while doing city riding. Suomy makes some very different helmet designs and Arai and Shoei are close behind them. Many brands are also beginning to cater more to female riders, coming out with 'girly' designs and colours.

It can be overwhelming when you first walk into a bike shop so it's important to do your research before going to buy. Read reviews from other consumers and try to think about what features are most important to you. For instance, do you tend to have a 'hot' head and often fog up helmets? In this case good ventilation is a must, while others who don't have this problem may not need such a well-ventilated helmet. Are you planning on riding with earplugs? Then maybe you would be OK with a less quiet helmet. Find out what visors are available for the helmet and how pricey they are and make sure you are OK with this. Some companies are coming out with new technology such as photocell visors and integrated tinted lenses- is this something you would want? Look at all the different designs so that you don't end up wishing you had chosen a different one after your purchase. Finally, be sure before you buy. A good bike shop will have a 'No Returns' policy on helmets as it is sometimes hard to see whether a helmet has been damaged while outside of the confines of the shop.