Beginner's Guide: Buying Your First Motorcycle Helmet
If you're new to motorcycle riding, you might be wondering what type of helmet is best for you. In this beginner's guide, we'll go over the different types of motorcycle helmets and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Determine Your Budget
When it comes to buying your first motorcycle helmet, determining your budget is the first step. While cheap helmets might be tempting and seem like a logical choice, it is important to consider all factors. A cheap helmet may not provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. Although it might initially seem like a good idea for those with a tight budget, quality should be considered before anything else.
Instead of opting for cheap motorcycle helmets, research and find a reliable helmet that fits comfortably within your budget. This way, it won't cost you extra if you find yourself needing to replace or upgrade after experiencing some wear and tear on the cheap model. Remember: safety should always come before cost when choosing any type of protective equipment!
Types Of Motorcycle Helmets
Choosing the right type of helmet for your ride is essential for both your safety and comfort. With four types available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, you have plenty of options to find something that fits your specific motorcycle needs.
Dual Sport & Motocross Helmets
Full-Face, but often have an elongated chin protection and a sun visor, or peak. Dual sport helmets often have a removable protective screen, while motocross helmets have no shield at all. The open-face, half, and motocross helmets all require either goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.
Full Face & Modular Helmets
These styles cover your entire head and chin, and typically have a plastic visor to protect your eyes as well. These helmets are the safest model since they protect the entire head. Modular helmets are designed to have the front open up for easy access and communication.
Open-Face Helmets
Open-Face or three-quarter helmets are like half helmets, but protection goes down along the side of your face as well. These helmets protect the side, top, and back of your head and also connect by a strap.
Half Helmets
Half helmets have a shell shape, which only covers the top of your head and uses a strap to connect around your chin and neck. While this helmet is the least safe of any type, it still could protect your head in an accident.
Find The Right Fit
When it comes to buying your first motorcycle helmet, getting the proper fit is key. You'll want a comfortable, snug fit that doesn't leave you feeling too restricted or with pressure points on your head. Too tight of a fit can be painful after long hours of wear, but if it's too loose, it won't provide the necessary protection in case of impact.
To ensure you get the right size and a comfortable fit, measure around the circumference of your head with a tape measure, starting at one temple and wrapping completely around your head. The resulting number is the size you should look for when shopping for helmets to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Safety Check
Too Big
The helmet is too high. There is too much space above the rider's eyebrows.
Too Small
The helmet is too low. There is no space above the rider's eyebrows.
Right Fit
The forehead should be slightly visible with about 2cm of space showing.
Safety Certifications
When selecting your first motorcycle helmet, an important factor to consider is safety. The DOT motorcycle helmet standard is the most widely considered in the United States, and is required for road use in many states. However, for more premium protection, seek out helmets that are Snell or ECE certified.
For added protection from rotational forces upon impact, many higher-end helmets are now also certified with MIPS. With a knowledge of these safety certifications and some purposeful research, you can make sure your first motorcycle helmet is keeping you as safe as possible while out riding on two wheels.
DOT Motorcycle Helmets
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a US federal agency that is responsible for vehicle safety. The DOT has established minimum safety standards for motorcycle helmets that must be met in order for the helmet to be sold in the United States. In order to ensure that a helmet meets these standards, the DOT conducts regular testing and certification.
ECE
The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) is a UN body that is responsible for vehicle safety. The ECE has established minimum safety standards for motorcycle helmets that must be met in order for the helmet to be sold in Europe. In order to ensure that a helmet meets these standards, the ECE conducts regular testing and certification.
SNELL
Snell is a private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving helmet safety. Snell has established its own set of safety standards for motorcycle helmets that are stricter than those of the DOT and ECE. In order to ensure that a helmet meets these standards, Snell conducts regular testing and certification.
Determine Your Head Shape
Long Oval
Head shape is longer from forehead to back of skull vs ear to ear.
Intermediate Oval
The most common head shape. The front to back measurement is slightly longer than ear to ear.
Round Oval
Both front to back and ear to ear measurements are nearly the same.
Check For Ventilation
Ventilation is an important consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet, as it ensures comfort by providing air flow within the helmet itself. Always check to see if there is enough ventilation for both air intake and outtake. Make sure there is a vent on the top, sides, and back of your new helmet.
Additionally, some helmets may come with vents that can be opened or closed depending on the weather conditions. These vents offer additional flexibility in controlling temperature and moisture levels inside the helmet.
No matter what type of ventilation features your new motorcycle helmet has, it's important to make sure they're present and functioning properly to ensure not just comfort but also safety while driving.
Consider The Weight
When you're shopping around for your first motorcycle helmet, one important factor to consider is the weight of the helmet. A heavier helmet will provide a higher level of protection, but if it's too heavy, it may result in additional strain on your neck and shoulders, resulting in discomfort when you ride.
Getting a feel for different helmets beforehand at stores or online can help you determine which ones are best for you and your riding needs. Find the balance between having a helmet that offers adequate protection without sacrificing comfort.
Personalize It
One great way to make sure your motorcycle helmet stands out from the rest is to personalize it. Personalizing your helmet can be as easy as putting on a face shield in your favorite color, adding some custom decals or graphics, painting it with a unique design, or even getting a custom face mask craftfully designed for you.
While face shields mainly help keep bugs and other debris from flying into your face while you're out on the road, they are also perfect for expressing yourself and giving your helmet a personalized touch.
Check Reviews
Check ChapMoto's reviews so you can make sure that the motorcycle helmet you are about to buy will keep your head safe no matter where the road takes you. ChapMoto.com's reviewers take both on-road and off-road conditions into account when reviewing helmets and rate them based on features, quality, performance, and fitment so you can find the best helmet for your ride style.
Your motorcycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety gear you'll buy. When choosing a motorcycle helmet, it's important to keep in mind factors such as budget, safety certifications, fit, ventilation, weight, and personalization. Expert reviewers can help you sort through the vast sea of options to find the perfect helmet for both your head and your wallet.
