How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet: 6 Tips for Making the Right Decision

Every motorcyclist knows the value of a good helmet. And while some folks may argue that riding without a helmet is illegal, we’re here to tell you why you should always wear one. Motorcycle accidents are common—in fact, they’re the second-most common type of accident for vehicles on the road—which means there are plenty of great reasons to buy a new helmet every time you upgrade your ride. Here are six tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next lid.

Know What You’re Looking For
The first step to choosing the right helmet is determining what you’re looking for in a helmet. There are plenty of different types of motorcycle helmets available, so it’s important to know what you want. Some of the most important things to consider when choosing a new helmet include the size, shape, and weight of the helmet, as well as the materials used in its construction. When it comes to size, some helmets may not be compatible with your head. Make sure to go with the size that fits your head best and feels snug while still allowing you to breathe and see clearly. You may also want to try the helmet on in-store to ensure you have an accurate idea of how it fits. Another important thing to keep in mind is the level of protection your new helmet offers. While the DOT and Snell standards are a good place to start, you may want to do some research to see if there is a specific level of protection you’d like in your new helmet.

Before You Buy, Make Sure the Helmet Is Certified
A helmet is meant to protect your head, so it’s important that you choose a helmet that is certified to meet certain standards. In the United States, the only standards that matter when it comes to motorbike helmets are the DOT and Snell standards. Both of these certifications are voluntary and designed to ensure that manufacturers are using high-quality materials and construction techniques in their helmets. The Snell Foundation recommends that all helmets meeting their standard meet the performance requirements set out in their publication, Snell’s New Rules for Street-Legal Motorcycle Helmets. And while these rules are not law, they are the most important safety standards when it comes to choosing a helmet, as they cover a wide variety of factors, like impact resistance, comfort, fit, and more. These standards are important, since they help ensure that any helmet you buy will protect you in the event of a crash. When you choose a helmet that is certified to meet the DOT or Snell standards, you are ensuring that the helmet meets certain performance specifications, like impact resistance and comfort.

Check the E-Coating and Other Specifications
When you’re ready to go shopping, it’s important to shop around for the best price on your new helmet. But before you drop any cash on a new ride, make sure you’re checking the specifications of the helmet you’re considering. The most important thing to look at when choosing a new helmet is the level of protection it provides. A good way to determine this is by checking the level of E-coatings a helmet has. An E-coat is a chemical treatment that is added to a helmet’s shell to greatly increase the helmet’s resistance to impact. The higher the E-coating levels, the more protection a helmet will offer. Other specifications you may want to look at include the weight of the helmet, the size of the ventilation holes, and how the helmet fits. When it comes to weight, you may want to consider a more lightweight helmet if you’re planning on touring for long periods of time. And if you’re wearing a full-face helmet, you may want to try a half-face helmet instead.

Ask for Reviews From Riders Like You
A good helmet is one that is also comfortable to wear. And while you may want to trust the word of the salesperson who sold you the new helmet, don’t forget to ask for reviews about how the helmet feels and whether it provides adequate protection. This is important, since most helmets are not made to feel 100% comfortable right out of the box. If you’re able to try the helmet on in-store as well as in-person reviews, this can help you determine if the helmet is actually a good fit on your head. So when you’re ready to make your purchase, make sure to ask the salesperson if they have any in-store reviews on the new helmet you’ve chosen.

Don’t Just Focus on Price Tag: Match the Brand to Your Needs
It may seem like the most important part of choosing a new helmet is just making sure you get the most expensive model you can find. While this is important, it’s also important to make sure that the helmet you choose is also the one that fits your needs. The first thing you may want to do is consider the level of protection you need in your new helmet. This will help you decide whether you want a full-face or open-face helmet. Next, think about what you’d like to get out of your new helmet. This will help you decide whether you want a lightweight or heavy-duty helmet.

Take a Look Inside and Outside of the Helmet
Once you have a helmet in your hands and have it on your head, take a moment to examine it. This will help you determine whether or not it feels comfortable to wear, fits correctly, and provides adequate protection. You may also want to bend over, stick your head between your knees, and move around a little bit to see if you can feel any pressure on the back of your head, or if the helmet shifts around too much or is too heavy or lacking in ventilation. If so, consider trying a different model. It’s also a good idea to examine the inside of the helmet as well.

Bottom Line
There are plenty of reasons to ride a motorcycle, and one of the most important is choosing the right helmet. While the Snell and DOT certifications are a good place to start, you may want to do some research to see if there is a specific level of protection you’d like in your new helmet. With these tips in mind, you can ensure that you’re not only riding safely, but also riding safely with a great-feeling and well-protected helmet.

The MOST essential thing you need is some cool official OCC Gear from https://orangecountychoppers.com/collections/all