How to choose a motorcycle helmet that's safe and comfortable

Words by David Martin | Photos courtesy of Motoworld Trading Inc.

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most freeing experiences. However, it is not without its risks as accidents can always happen while on the road. One of the main things that can protect you when this takes place is wearing a good helmet. With modern designs, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for safety, as there are options out there that provide you with both.

TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

There are many different types of motorcycle helmets, from those that offer full head and face coverage to helmets that don’t cover your face at all. If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, a motorcycle accident attorney will be better able to protect your rights if you were wearing a helmet at the time. But which type of helmet is the one you prefer?

MODULAR OR FLIP-UP HELMET

The main characteristic of this type of helmet is that both the visor and chin bar can be lifted, making it a perfect mix of a full-face helmet and a ¾ helmet. If you are getting a more advanced design, you will have a double visor, which helps you with solar light coming into your eyes.

HALF HELMET

If you like to feel the air on your face then half helmets might be your best choice. They don’t have a visor at all, offering you full contact with the outside world. They cover the very top of your head and go right down to your eyebrows. You should consider getting safety glasses to avoid being harmed by any possible debris from the road.

FULL FACE HELMET

This is the best option when it comes to full protection. Thanks to their chin bar, you will be protected from this type of impact. In addition, full helmets provide partial coverage for the neck, which is a very vulnerable area when there is an accident. Among full helmets, you have options with higher or lower coverage, which adapt to the type of activity you will be performing. Tech improvements have been added to some of the higher-end full helmets. Now, you can have Bluetooth speakers, something that is possible thanks to the additional space in this model.

OFF-ROAD HELMET

This type of helmet is designed to be as light yet as solid as possible as it is intended for those riding on dirt roads and irregular paths. They are more commonly used in races and riding sports and they are designed to allow for a wider visual range as well as better ventilation than other models.

DUAL-SPORT HELMET

These helmets are another in-between, in this case between off-road helmets and full-face helmets. They offer fuller coverage while still prioritizing a wide visual range as these are also used in riding sports.

DETERMINE YOUR HEAD SIZE AND SHAPE

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is the one that has established the safety standards applicable to motorcycle helmets.

Among the standards, it is required that all helmets have chin straps with solid rivets. In addition, helmets should have a thick liner made of polystyrene foam, which should be at least one inch thick. While there isn’t an established minimum weight, compliant helmets tend to weigh around three pounds. Lastly, any outer add ons to a helmet should have a height of less than twotenths of an inch according to these safety standards.

WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR MOTORCYCLE HELMETS?

The shell of a motorcycle helmet is the one that gets the initial impact. The best helmets are made of fiberglass, which can be mixed with Kevlar for a truly durable and safe item. In addition, carbon and plastic can be used, but Kevlar is one of the best options out there.

David Martin is a marketing executive and paralegal assistant at motorcyclelawyerla.com. Special thanks to Motoworld Trading Inc. for providing the images used. Visit their website at www.motoworld.com.ph