The first motorcycle helmet - what will be the right one?
Content
What is the most important parameter to consider when choosing a motorcycle helmet? For some, this is the price, others are interested in design, and still others are interested in the method of attachment. Experienced motorcyclists know that the choice of helmet depends on the type of motorcycle and how it is used. Appearance and price go by the wayside. Or at least they should.
Motorcycle helmets - what are they?
There are several types of motorcycle helmets on the market that you can buy. These include models:
- integral;
- off-road;
- open;
- modular.
Within certain groups, separate categories can also be distinguished depending on the material to be manufactured. These materials:
- ABS - thermoplastic;
- technopolymer;
- polycarbonate;
- kevlar;
- fiberglass.
Motorcycle helmets - characteristics of individual types
It is worth characterizing the types we have listed. It will be easier for you to choose the right model for yourself.
Whole helmets, right?
Full face helmets are very popular among motorcyclists. Why? This motorcycle helmet is suitable for sport bikes, naked bikes, scooters and touring bikes.. It is also extremely safe due to its uniform design. One-piece helmets can be touring (with a sun visor) or sporting without a sun visor. Touring integral helmets are profiled for riding in an upright position, while the design of sports motorcycle helmets allows the rider to freely lean on a two-wheeled vehicle.
How are off-road helmets made?
Off-road structures are devoid of a visor and are equipped with a front jaw. Riders ride cross country at moderate speeds so their design allows for maximum airflow. The off-road helmet is specific and mostly only suitable for off-road riding. Such protective structures are usually very light and have excellent ventilation. However, they require points.
What are open helmets?
These are jawless accessories. The only protection for the driver's face is the windshield or tilt reflector. However, not all types are available. Open face motorcycle helmets are especially suitable for those who travel around the city. You can opt for an open helmet if you ride scooters, cruisers or classics and don't go too fast.
The Art of Compromise i.e. Modular Helmets
Modular helmets are a combination of open and one-piece designs. The jaw placed in them can be adjusted and changed in height or completely removed. Thanks to this, you can adapt the helmet to your riding style and motorcycle. Of course, helmets of this type must comply with the safety standards that apply to the open and integral type. However, with the purchase of such a helmet, problems usually do not arise.
Women's motorcycle helmet - which types are suitable?
A women's motorcycle helmet, like the motorcycle itself, also differs little from the men's type. Of course, the main differences are in design and size. This way you can find out if the product is for men or women. One-piece helmets are most often chosen by the fair sex because they are lightweight, provide good sound insulation and ventilation. At the same time, they also protect the entire face and are usually provided with a sun visor. They are universal and designed for various types of motorcycles.
What else is a motorcycle for a woman?
Another natural suggestion for women is an open helmet. It is extremely stylish and mostly suitable for city scooter rides, which are often chosen by women. On request, such a women's motorcycle helmet can be equipped with a windscreen or a reflector. However, this is not the norm and each rider can decide if she wants to use these facilities.
Motorcycle helmet and its material
It should be clearly recognized that not every rider is able to spend a lot of money on a top class helmet. However, motorcycle helmets don't have to be the most expensive to perform their function. To understand this, look at the characteristics of the materials from which they are made.
ABS is a thermoplastic, i.e. plastic helmets
Such helmets are light and cheap, but, unfortunately, the least safe. For their production, thermoplastic resins or other plastics are used. They are remarkably soft. A motorcycle helmet of this type is unlikely to suit professionals or people who like to ride fast.. However, this is not to say that all ABS helmets are weak - you will also find strong and durable designs, which you can tell by the quality of the material used and the price.
Technopolymer - a stronger version of plastic
Technopolymer is a combination of thermoplastic and fiberglass. This combination makes the helmet much more durable than plastic. It provides more strength and is more rigid.
Polycarbonate helmets
Polycarbonate is perhaps the most popular material for motorcycle helmets. It is not the most expensive to manufacture and at the same time impact resistant and lightweight. That is why motorcyclists choose helmets made of polycarbonate. Although polycarbonate is relatively cheap, the price of the helmet is higher than the ABS version. Therefore, it is difficult to expect a higher quality product at a lower or similar price than thermoplastic.
Carbon Kevlar Helmets
The lightness of carbon fiber is especially appreciated by motorcycle helmet designers. However, this material is also characterized by significant brittleness. To eliminate it, it is combined with Kevlar. The result is a helmet of exceptional strength. The level of safety is similar to polycarbonate products, but carbon-Kevlar products are definitely lighter.
Fiberglass
The absolute leader among motorcycle helmets. Fiberglass is a material characterized by maximum impact resistance, lightness and high price. The latter is a consequence of the quality of the product itself, as well as the costs associated with the processing of the material. The price of a fiberglass motorcycle helmet varies depending on how many layers of material the manufacturer used.
Which motorcycle helmet is right for you?
You already know about shells and types of helmet material. Time for some other important parameters. This includes, among other things:
- viewfinder;
- EPS (polystyrene);
- upholstery.
What is the best helmet visor?
This is an element that should protect your face while driving, so it must be stable in case of an accident. The cheapest one can do you more damage than the fall itself, especially if it breaks. Also make sure that the visor does not fog up when you put it on your head and that it tilts easily. It must also be scratch resistant.
Proper motorcycle helmet and EPS
Otherwise, Styrofoam is polystyrene that absorbs impact energy. Your safety in case of a fall depends on its density and quality. Choose only a motorcycle helmet that has a well-defined EPS rating. Without it, you are buying a pig in a poke.
Motorcycle helmet and padding
What is the most important thing in a balaclava? For some, it will be an antibacterial coating, someone focuses on a pleasant touch, and many will appreciate the possibility of removing it. In fact, each of these functions is important. Padding affects ride comfort, so it should be made from a soft material and washable.
How to choose a motorcycle helmet for yourself?
There is nothing indicative here - the helmet just needs to be tried on. Of course, you can blind buy a product that has not been measured before. But what happens next is up to you. A motorcycle helmet should compress the cheeks, but should not press on the temples. Otherwise, it may turn out that the instance you have chosen is simply too loose and will not do its job.
How to measure helmet size?
However, if you choose to buy online, you can't go wrong. Take a tape measure and measure the circumference of your head about 2 cm above the eyebrows and just above the ears. Record the resulting value in the manufacturer's size chart.
Remember that a motorcycle helmet can save your health and even life.. Therefore, do not look only at its appearance or the lowest possible price. Remember the ECE certificate. If the helmet doesn't have one, just give it a wide seat. A helmet for a speeder or any other type of demanding machine should ensure your safety and, above all, be guided by this before buying.
