To pick the right lid for your head makes you feel overwhelmed if you don’t know how to buy the right helmet. Your safety gear will save your life and reduce the risks of injuries, all depending on its fitment and construction. A good helmet provides comfort and helps to alleviate fatigue.
Before buying the helmet for your riding gear make sure to know all the factors that should consider and the procedure to choose the helmet. Market offers you different types of helmets for different designs, prices, deals, colors, shapes of heads, and kinds of rides. After conducting in-depth research and carrying interviews with manufacturers, cruisers, and experts our team has extracted the most productive information of your interest.
How to buy a motorcycle helmet
It is not a challenging task to choose the most protective shield. but you just need to pay attention and to know what type you really need. According to CNBC, 60% of the riders need a buying guide before buying a motorcycle helmet.
Whether you are a professional rider or seasoned rider looking to upgrade the old one or if you’re just a beginner you can check out another blog about the best motorcycle helmets for beginners – our Buying Guide is designed to cover all points that you were searching for. In this guide we will cover the following:
There are some points you should consider while buying a helmet.
- Helmet shell material
What makes a helmet the most protective shield for your head is its outer shell. The shell of the helmet varies on the basis of its material, quality, and compactness. Materials helmets can be sculptured with materials like Polycarbonate, Fiberglass composite and Carbon Fiber compose with a layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.
- Polycarbonate – flexes as it absorbs energy (less expensive material)
- Fiberglass composite – flexes, crushes, and splits as it absorbs energy (more expensive)
- Carbon fiber – distributes energy upon impact (most expensive and lightest)
- EPS – foam material densely compressed into a shock-absorbing inner shell
These materials play a role in absorbing and compress the exterior pressures during an unwanted situation. And make you a survivor.
1. Know the different Helmet type:
Before making a decision you should know about the different styles of helmet and chin strap attached with all. There are five basic types of the helmet that are commonly available in the market.
2. Open face helmet
It does not cover your front part of the head means chin and face with no face shield. It is the least protective helmet. There are two shapes available in the market; it could be a “half” helmet, which just covers the top of your skull, or a “three-quarter” helmet, which covers everything except the rider’s face.it doesn’t protect your face from hot air, sunlight, or bugs. Sunglasses are recommended. This type of helmet is commonly worn by riders on cruisers, retros, and classics.
3. Full face helmet
It is the most protective type of helmet. the rider’s face can be completely enclosed in the helmet. It covers most of the part of the head. A face shield covers the eyes and nose that is a barrier against external impacts like dirt and bugs. But it is least ventilated and less comfortable. It is common in most of the communities of the country.
4. Modular helmet
Modular type is popular due to its modularity. Fortunately, It is an innovative design that covers the specialties of two different types. It looks like a full-face helmet but with Only one swing it changes its shape and converts itself into an open face helmet.
Situations can be different so you can use both functions interchangeably. Touring and commuter riders use it frequently.you must have a look at our other article the best motorcycle helmets for touring. So can get more about touring helmets
5. ADV helmet
For riding in the dirt it is a perfect choice. The adventure helmet covers both disciplines if you like the transition from the street to the trail in a single ride.
The manufacturers mimic a dirt helmet with a peak (like the bill on a cap over the eyes). ADV helmets are used commonly between dual-sport and ADV riders. Goggles are preferable.
6. Dirt helmet
A dirt helmet is designed for off-road riding, Dirt helmets feature plenty of airflow, plus a large peak to keep roost out of the rider’s eyes. Goggles are highly preferred.
7. Check safety standards
While you are buying a helmet from a trusted retailer or an authentic website you have to check the spot of DOT (department of transportation) stick at the right-back of the helmet whether it is there or not.
It makes you sure that your helmet is approved by the government and the helmet exceeds or meets its safety standards. It is important because it satisfies that your helmet is comfortable and fit.
8. Comfort and fit
The helmet is fit and comfortable it all depends on its size and shape. It is correct to say that the helmet size should be the same as your head size. And fitment determines how much safety your helmet can provide. In fact, a DOT safety rating is only valid that assures your comfort and fit.
If the helmet doesn’t fit well against your head there’s too much of a gap between the helmet and your head, you’re going to get smacked by your own safety gear.to reduce injuries from rotational forces its fitment should be accurate
On the other hand, if the helmet is too tight because there’s too little or no gap, that will lower its ventilation rate and the helmet will simply be uncomfortable. It’ll become itchy, annoying, or painful or you’ll just stop using it. A good fit prevents both problems and allows the helmet to do its job.
9. Weigh the helmet
Don’t worry! You don’t have to weigh it typically.you just have to wear it for a while and check that it makes you feel heavier or strain your neck or not. Helmets usually range in weight from 1400 to 1800 grams. The key to weight is a properly fitting helmet so the weight is distributed evenly around your head and shoulders.
It is not a necessary thing that you have to pay big bucks to get perfect protection and fit. You need to follow some steps while going to buy. If you can shake your head, use a measuring tape to determine the head size, and if your friend can lend a hand, then definitely you can do this!
To accomplish the target of picking a helmet follow the simple steps that are given below so let’s start…
10. Pick your favorite helmet type/style
Hopefully, you got familiar with the five broad types of helmets that are discussed above now you can choose your favorite type and sounds good to you or that type which can suit your style and kind of ride. Choose your favorite one and let’s go on the further step.
11. Determine your head shape and measure head size
The next step is very crucial and important because it all decides your comfort and a good fit. You have to figure out your head shape and determine the right size according to your head size.
People generally fall into these three categories of shapes: long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. Now it is your turn to check yours, ask a friend to take a photo of your head from above. By seeing the picture you can decide what is your type.
And now it’s time to determine your head size, it’s not hard to figure it out. make your head straight to the right angles. And ask your friend to measure your head circumference with a measuring tape.
The tape should run above your eyebrows and around the back of your head, including the widest part. A piece of string will do within no time.
12. Try the selected one
All important tasks are fulfilled now your helmet style, your head measurements and profile are all set. Now you can choose the right one easily. time to order!
When your helmet comes at your doorstep, put it on, The focus should be on fitment with the helmet in place. helmet comes in, put it on, slightly grab the straps, and spread them apart to slip the helmet over your head. Adjust your face and ears according to the helmet.
13. Check the fitment of the helmet
At the start it may hurt you slightly from the sides because it is the first try; gradually it will mold itself according to your head but even after another try you still feel severe discomfort means you should try another one.
If you ordered an unwearable helmet after following the steps above, consider rechecking your size and shape assessments.
If You feel that your helmet is down to earth, you feel the cushions against your cheeks
while wearing it. Then means your helmet is the right helmet for you. Now grab the chin straps around your neck.
14. Keep Wearing the helmet for about half an hour
Tightness is not the matter because it will vanish after a second or third ride. But if you feel that you should put off the helmet then the helmet is not for you, try another one.
Discomfort is most common in two places: directly at the forehead, or just above the temples. Keep wearing the helmet for half an hour, sit on the sofa, take a breath, and watch your favorite TV show.
15. Still, enjoying the fit? Grab it!
Now after half an hour you still feel right, fit, and comfortable then definitely it’s yours. After some days it may give a better fit than before.
Wrap up!
In your hectic routine, it is impossible to make an hour for doing research about the best motorcycle helmets or to grab the best results for how to buy a motorcycle helmet so we make it easy for you and conclude the thoughtful information after deep research and interviews with professionals about what you are searching for.
If you don’t have any knowledge about the factors you should consider while buying and the crucial steps to choose the right helmet then you can’t enjoy the complete benefits of your favorite safety gear.
Stay safe with your new helmet, Happy riding!
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