Do you want to buy a motorcycle helmet and don’t know where to start? Are all helmets the same? Can I use the same helmet for all types of terrain? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! In the world of motorcycles, there are an infinite number of tools that can help you be the best biker in your city. It is normal to have a lot of doubts when you are a beginner or you simply want to feel that you are the fastest, ensuring your safety, of course.
Hitting the motorcycle helmet is essential when you’re on the road, of course because safety comes first. Generally, you do not know very well where to start since it may seem that all helmets are the same, however, there are characteristics that make a big difference when choosing a motorcycle helmet.
In addition, in the case of bikers, the use of a helmet is one of the few fundamental elements that you must have, therefore, you must be extremely careful and use the best helmet that suits you. The helmet you use must be new , not second-hand, since it endangers your safety, therefore, in this guide, we are going to teach you how to choose the best motorcycle helmet based on its factors and varieties.
Index of contents
How to choose the helmet size correctly
You may not be clear about what type of biker you are, but that happens to many of us. Not all of us use our vehicle for everything, but all bikers have a common denominator, and that is that we are passionate about the road. However, you must take into account a series of factors when buying a motorcycle helmet such as: the size of your head , how to measure it or how to know if you have chosen the correct size .
- Helmet size: There are a wide variety of sizes, all of them start from XS to XXL . The helmets are covered by an outer shell and an inner shell, that is, that foam that you will find inside. It can and usually does happen to use one outer shell size and have five different helmet sizes . There is no strict rule.
- Measure your head: Yes, surprising as it sounds, you should measure your head with a tailor’s tape. eye! As horizontal as possible. Once you have the result, you just have to consult the size guide to see which product is closest to your physiognomy.
- Check that it is your size: This step, despite the fact that some people think it is easy to know, takes into account many more factors. For example, if your helmet moves back and forth and vice versa, it’s a bad sign. If you “dance” when you move it from one side to another. Or thirdly, if your thumb fits on your temple you should choose a size less , and when you are in the opposite, for example, a lot of pressure on the forehead, you probably need a size more.
Most common types of helmets on the market
Within the motorcycle market, you will find a wide variety of helmets. Within the world of the helmet, we can differentiate three different ranges : low range, medium range and high range. This classification is made up according to the material, manufacture or brand. Therefore, you can find three different branches that make up the different types of helmets. Café-Racer motorcycle helmets are characterized by being integral, NZI motorcycle helmets are found in both integral and flip-up. While Shiro motorcycle helmets are more jet oriented.
#1 Full face motorcycle helmet
It is the typical one that comes to mind when you are thinking of a motorcycle helmet. This type of helmet fully covers the head and face. Normally, they are within sports driving, and they are the best manufactured on the market as well as being the safest. Although they are also for tourist use if we are going to maintain speeds above 80km/h . They are the best soundproof and offer you aerodynamic protection . Among the best full face helmets we find:
- Café Racer Integral Helmets
- Shoei Neotec 2
- AGV-K1
- LS2 Valiant
- Scorpion Exo-1400 Air Carbon
#2 Modular or flip-up motorcycle helmet
It is the most versatile of all . It looks a lot like a full-face motorcycle helmet, however, it has a different effect, and that is the ability to have a top opening, leaving it open to the air. Not all the modulars are approved, however, they offer great comforts when running errands. Another interesting fact is that it is a great help when it comes to first aid, as well as being a reference when we make urban trips . Among the best folding castos we find:
- NZI Modular Helmet FIBER Combi DUO Matt Black/Matt White
- Moto F19 Matt Black Sport Urban
- Leopard Leo-838 Flip Ecer 22.5
- Scotland Model Force 02
- BHE 50128
#3 Off-road motorcycle helmet
This type of helmet is aimed at those who love adrenaline , who leave their mark through extreme sports such as motocross or enduro. They have their own specifications to guarantee safety for the driver, such as a visor in addition to providing protection from the sun and offering lightness . A tip that can come in handy in the case of being a motorist of this type, is that you wear protective glasses since they do not have them. Among the best Off-Roads helmets we find:
- Fox V3
- Airoh Aviator 2.3 AMS 2
- Hebo Legend Carbon
- Alpinestars Supertech S-M10
- X-Lite 502 Ultra Cabron
#4 Trail motorcycle helmet
We make another call to those brave who like to live on the edge. A trail motorcycle helmet is a hybrid between the integral and the off-road , allowing use on or off the road. It is the perfect adventure companion, since these features range from a greater layer of compound to the front screen ( usually removable ). It has a wide field of vision and you can use it in any weather condition . Among the best we find:
- Acerbis Reactive Graffix
- AGV AX9
- Airoh Commander
- Arai Tour X4
- Bell MX Adventure
#5 Jet motorcycle helmet
The jet motorcycle helmet has a more urban vision . If you are a more cosmopolitan person and you like the city, this helmet leaves the chin and face exposed . They are light and fresh , making them an ideal choice in hot weather, and avoiding that feeling of suffocation. Among other advantages, its economy stands out and in case of active security, they are the most recommended.
- SH235 Shiro Fiber
- Shark-Drak Jet Helmet
- KENROD Open Jet Helmet
- Scotland D/Jet
- Torx Jet Wyatt Glitter
Tips for buying a suitable motorcycle helmet
You have to keep in mind that the choice of motorcycle helmet has nothing to do with reference to the time of year. The main thing is to make sure that it has a variety of characteristics and needs that are adapted to the circuits that you are going to make and how you are going to use it . We are going to see some of the keys when choosing the helmet once you know the different types:
#1 Know the type of motorcycle you have
It is not the same to have a scooter than a Kawasaki Ninja. This is the first clue to know what type of helmet you need since you are putting our protection at stake , not aesthetics. For example, if you are a person who likes to go around the city on your scooter, field vision and lightness will prevail, right? Therefore, keep in mind which circuits you will do.
#2 Know the use you are going to give the helmet
As commented throughout the article, the use of a helmet is one of the most important things since, in the life of a motorcyclist, it is essential. Our advice is that you have safety and quality to the same extent. The worst thing that can happen is that you take a second-hand helmet or one in poor condition. You must be consistent with your choice.
#3 Observe what material it is made of
It may shock us a bit, if we are not involved in this urban universe. Our advice is that you always inform yourself and ask the necessary questions, since the materials to manufacture these helmets tend to abound. Normally, the simplest ones are made of polycarbonate or thermoplastic resin . However, we also find other notable ones such as: thermoplastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber.
#4 That it has passed the appropriate security tests
This type of test will mark whether your helmet can withstand the greatest blows and circumstances. You can find all this on the brand’s website. However, there is an important engine and it is the Sharp studio . In addition to being highly recognized, he has tried all the helmets on the market and gives them a grade.
#5 Make it an approved motorcycle helmet
Sounds like a driving theory test question, right? The approval of the helmet is also important. Reject any helmet that does not have a European homologation no matter how good it looks.
Conclusion: Spend time choosing a good motorcycle helmet
In summary, buying a helmet is very important since it will give you the security you need, adapting to your needs and the circuit you are willing to travel. Not all helmets are the same, therefore, you must take into account several requirements before buying it, meeting quality and price at the same time.
The key is to use a new helmet and that it is not second-hand, to guarantee that you do not suffer any accident on the road and to keep the safety tests up to date, which can be offered to us in the store or from other means. Don’t follow your own rules and enjoy the road your way through responsible driving.
What did you think of this guide on motorcycle helmets? Did you know that you had to follow these steps until you bought it? Do you already know all the alternatives? Do you have any experience to tell? Then we ask you to leave your comment and we will be happy to answer you .
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