Of all the personal protective equipment you will purchase to make your riding experience safer, perhaps the most important is the helmet. Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned rider, the multitude of motorcycle helmet choices, various types of helmets, and price variances can be daunting. Assuming you have decided to purchase a helmet, whether it is required in your state or not, you’ll likely want the most value (protection) for your money. First, you will need to determine what type of helmet fits your needs. First I’ll discuss the DOT and Snell standards, then review the types of helmets available, and finally provide some general tips to help you determine what best suits your needs.
DOT and Snell Standards
If you buy a motorcycle helmet that is DOT or Snell approved, you will be in compliance with the law, and you will have the assurance that the helmet will offer some measure of protection if necessary. In the unfortunate situation that your head meets the ground in a motorcycle accident, you will be glad you had that extra protection. DOT helmets have the US Department of Transportation assurance that the helmet will absorb a significant amount of impact, prevent most penetration, and have a fastening system that will withstand significant force. The DOT tests helmets and posts the results on their website with a pass or fail grade. If the helmet does not meet the standard, the manufacturer can not place the DOT sticker on it.
Motorcycle Helmets meeting Snell Approved Standards provide the highest level of protection available. Snell Standards significantly surpass those set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, education, testing and development of helmet safety standards. Since its founding in 1957, Snell has been a leader in helmet safety in the United States and around the world. They initially produced the standards for motorcycle racers and have moved on to also providing standards for bicycling, kayaking, and other sports. Their comprehensive testing and validation of results is unsurpassed in the industry. A Snell certified helmet may cost you more, from about $200-$1,000 for top of the line models, but it will also offer the most protection.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets available:
Full Face – a full face helmet will provide the most protection. It wraps around your head and protects your face, chin and jaw, while an acrylic visor covers your area of vision. Full face helmets are vented and secured with a chin strap. Only full face helmets can carry the Snell Certification.
Open Face – are similar to a full face helmet, but does not cover the face fully. The face is left open, with the shell covering the brow line to the base of the neck. Many open face helmets also include a face shield, or a face shield can be purchased separately.
Modular – a modular helmet has the option of converting to from a full face to an open face helmet.
Half – some half face helmets are DOT and Snell approved, but only for head impact. They will not protect your face and chin. They only cover the top half of the head down to the ears.
General Tips for Buying a Motorcycle Helmet
Size is extremely important when purchasing a helmet. A proper fit will ensure the most protection. Try on several types of helmets before you purchase one. The helmet should fit comfortably and should be snug. A helmet that is too big will not correctly absorb an impact, and a helmet that is too tight will be uncomfortable. The helmet should be straight on your head and is meant to be worn low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
The chin strap is another important feature. Make sure that the strap fits snugly and comfortably. The helmet should not shift on your head. There are two types of straps, a quick release or the usual thread type. Personal preference is the key here; both are functional.
The certification is important. Look for the DOT or Snell certification sticker on the helmet. The Snell Standards are the most stringent in the world, and provide the most protection available.
Price – let price be your last consideration. If you buy a cheap helmet, you are taking a big risk every time you ride. Never buy a used helmet – always purchase a new one. This is the one piece of equipment that may prevent serious injury to your head save your life in an accident.
Once you’ve selected a helmet, remember that it must be worn correctly every time you ride. A helmet should be replaced immediately if dropped or damaged, and at least every three to five years based on wear and tear. In a crash, the impact pad is permanently crushed, and the helmet’s usefulness is in question. It may look like it only has a scratch, but the impact absorption has likely been compromised in the area of the helmet that hit the ground. In any case, the helmet should not ever be used again, and should be replaced immediately.
In conclusion, the helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you will purchase. Review the types of helmets and general safety tips above to help you in your quest for a well fitting, useful helmet.