Purchasing a Motorcycle Helmet
When looking to purchase a new motorcycle helmet, there is a lot more to think about than what cool colors and designs are available—the helmet needs to fit properly and be made of material that satisfies your safety needs. It’s important to remember that not all helmets are made the same—some helmets are safer than others.
There are a ton of helmet makers out there, so you will have to sort through some information. Online research is a good place to start, also you can ask a local dealer or an experienced rider for their input.
One extremely important safety factor that often gets overlooked when shopping for a helmet is the visibility of the helmet. You need to make sure that the helmet doesn’t impair your peripheral vision. A motorcyclist needs to be able to scan constantly, and you don’t want any blind spots caused by your helmet. Quick reaction time is vital to avoiding accidents, and a helmet that limits visibility is an open invitation for trouble.
Another factor is the performance of the helmet—is it made of sturdy enough material to protect you in an accident?
When searching for a helmet, you should consider a brighter color, which can be seen easier by other drivers, even at night. Car and truck drivers sometimes have difficulty in seeing bike riders, and a brightly colored helmet can make the rider’s presence stand out.
The shape of the helmet must also be considered. You need to ensure that your head fits comfortably into the helmet—don’t make any concessions on this point just because of the looks of a helmet. People’s heads are shaped differently, so be certain you get a comfortable fit. If you are struggling to find a good-fitting helmet, sometimes it helps to also obtain a liner. Helmet liners are made for comfort, but can also help a helmet fit better. You need to try them on with the helmets to ensure that you get a proper fit.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with buying a helmet online, it’s imperative that you actually try helmets on before buying. You want to be sure that it fits properly. Perhaps you have found a website with great deals on motorcycle helmets—rather than simply firing off an order, visit a local dealer, and try on the helmets that you like, so you know exactly what size and type of helmet fits best. Probably the biggest problem with buying helmets is that buyers frequently put factors like appearances or availability ahead of the fit and safety of the helmet, which could lead to some serious results. As with almost everything in life—safety first!