What Things should I take into consideration when getting a motorcycle helmet?

Question

I want a full closed helmet, but I want to know what I should consider when purchasing this as far as price, comfort saftey ratings.

Answer 1

don't wear a cheap helmet go to arai.com
these helmets are shape fit there are different shaped heads so they are the only one to wear buy the brightest loudest colored one you can every bit helps on the road
I wear a Orange Nakano replica
I have worn the 100 dollar agv, Bieffe,nolan,bell and they all suck the arai vents so much better and the fit is great no more hot spots

Answer 2

If a helmet is DOT & SNELL approved, then it meats safety requirements. SNELL is an optional choice for the mfgs to meet. People like to think having a SNELL sticker means that a helmet is safer, but in reality it's more of a gimmick than anything. Helmets, by law, must have at least DOT certification.

The only helmets that have really come into question are the full faced flip-up style helmets. Some accidents and tests have shown that there is a higher risk of injury to the eye socket area because of the hinge mechanism. Basically there is more chance of failure in the helmet at that joint than a standard full face helmet. That isn't to say those helmets are junk. In the event you take a spill and take a lump to the head in the spot there's a higher risk of injury.

Now, higher prices do not equal "safer" helmets. It's easy to spend $500 on a new lid. Most of the pricing for the higher end helments (Shoei, Arai, etc) goes into the graphics, venting systems, removable liners and so forth. The may also me much quieter compared to other helmets. Think of it like buying a car. You can get the base model cheaper, but if you want power windows, air conditioning, etc, you're going to pay more money.

The most important factor in buying a helmet is fit. Honestly what you should do is go to a local dealer and try a bunch on and see what fits best. You may feel like a dork, but don't put it on for 30 seconds and say this is the one. Wear one for at least a few minutes while looking at other ones. It may feel fine at first, but after awhile you'll begin to notice if there are any pressure points from the padding. Forehead area is normally the worst spots. That'll give you one hell of a migrane 20 minutes into a ride. A helmet should be snug, but not so snug that you get those pressure points. If the helmet has a lot of play in it when the strap is tight, meaning it pivots easily around your head, then it's too big.

Even helmets from the same mfg can be different. I have a HJC that fits me great. Went in looking for a new lid the other week and tried on the same size, but different type lid from HJC and I could barely squeeze my head into it. Arai and Shoei are at the top of the list. Arai offers a larger variety of shell shapes to fit different head sizes. Of course that technology comes with a hefty price tag.

The rule of thumb is to replace helmets every 3-5 years. This is because the EPS liner and polycarbonate shell naturally deteriorate over time. Add in road filth and sweat and it speeds up the process. Another rule is that a fall even from mirror height is enough to render the helmet ruined. Again, it's simply a safety issue. While the helmet may appear fine, internally there could be damage. In the event of a spill that area of the helmet may be compromised and collapse under impact (instead of flexing like it's designed to). As odd as it sounds, the interior lining is what matters most, not the outer. You can buy a full kevlar/carbon fiber hybrid, but it's not really much safer than a regular polycarbonate shell. The shell is designed to flex to deaden the impact and to keep pointy things out. The EPS liner is what cusions your noggin in an impact.

Sorry for being so long winded....

Answer 3

From most of the other answers, I can't add much. fit and comfort are the two main factors on any approved DOT helmet. One thing to consider, is the "new" type of full face helmet. On most full face helmets, only the eye protection lifts up, which leaves the mouth and chin covered. It's pretty difficult to smoke, or put something in your mouth with the helmet on. The newer helmets, when open look more like a 3/4 helmet, with the entire front being able to be lifted away from the face, while still wearing a helmet. You'd be surprised how much cooler it is, when your stuck in traffic, or standing still waiting for the others to catch up.

Answer 4

Everyone seems to be "on the same page." Here are the considerations:
1) DOT and/or Snell rating. DOT is minimum, Snell may or may not be a gimmick. At any rate, get a helmet with at least DOT (which you must in the US, anyhow)
2) fitment/comfort - try it on. IF there weird pressure points, they won't go away, like a new pair of shoes. Your helmet should fit well and snug when you first put it on.
3) good vision, with visor open or closed
4) good ventilation - keep you cool in the hot weather
5) good visor - keeps crud out of your eyes and face. I would recommend a clear visor, and wear sunglasses during day-time, then take them off for early morning, evening and night riding.
6) get a full-face. 1/2 and 3/4 can be popular in warmer climates, but they just are not as safe. Period. I was recently in an accident, and were it not for my full-face, I would be either dead, or at the very, very least, having major reconstructive surgery of my lower face/jaw.

Answer 5

At least a DOT rating. Find the one that appeals to you the most. Check comfort, vision(peripheral especially) ease of movement with a leather jacket on, options (air vents, no air vents, extra padding, flip up front, flip up shield, chin strap) Go to all the shops and try as many different brands as you can find and find one that you like best. HJC, Bell, Arai, Shoei. I heard Kawasaki has a good one. Go to the website FZR 1000 Rider posted. It's lengthy and a little confusing but they mention the Kawasaki helmet too.

Answer 6

Obviously safety ratings should trump everything else - stick with the bigger names like Shoei or HJC.

I've got a Fulmer helmet that I've been pretty happy with - it was a bit cheaper, but is very comfortable. It is a fully closed (definitely a good idea), but the entire front can flip up.

Expect to pay around $150-$200 for a decent one - past that you are mostly just paying for brand name or for 'cool' graphics or styling.

Answer 7

All helmets are pretty equal provided they meet the DOT standards. Probably the most important cosideration is fit. Most of them have removable pads you can use to customize the fit. Make sure you get one that has side and top vents as they can get warm in the summer.

Answer 8

most important is safety. make sure the helmet is DOT or SNELL approved (or both). that means they have been tested to help prevent major damage to your head.

then would come comfort / fit. it needs to be snug but not binding against your cheeks or the back of your neck or your forehead.

depending on your location will depend on whether you want it vented or not. if you are in a colder climate, you may want non vented to hold in heat, and likewise, if you are in a hotter location, venting will help keep your head cool...

but DOT and/or SNELL are a must!!!

Answer 9

Try on different DOT and SNELL aproved bright colored helment. You will be able to tell what's comforable. Low cost is important but if all it takes is 400-600 dollars to save you from a major head or neck injury it's money well spent.

Answer 10

1. COMFORT. Not being distracted makes you safer.

2. Peripheral vision. They all cut this down. Some more than others.

3. Inexpensive replacement of face shield. They get scratched & hazy, and if they're pricey, don't get changed often enough. (See & Avoid).