As a cyclist, the helmet is undoubtedly your most important protective equipment. Finding a good helmet that fits properly for both safety and comfort is therefore the best investment you can make for the season’s tours. We’ll guide you for buying a helmet!
Choose the right helmet type
One of the most important things to consider when buying a helmet type is that it should work for you and the way you intend to use your motorcycle, and of course that it is also stylistically correct. If you drive in hot climates or longer trips, you should choose a helmet with good sound insulation and ventilation, while the opportunity to be able to open the helmet and talk may be more important if you often drive with fellow passengers or other riders.
The integral helmet is the most common motorcycle helmet. Because it encloses the entire head, it is the safest option and they are suitable for most types of riding. The openable variant of the integral helmet is extra well adapted for you who want greater freedom and be able to communicate more easily at shorter stops, but is often slightly heavier and more expensive.
The open helmet is used by, among others, custom, retro and scooter drivers for an even freer and airier feeling. It is available both with and without a visor.
The cross helmet is a form of integral helmet where you have compromised with sound insulation and ventilation to keep the weight as low as possible. Another difference is the screen and the extended chin guard, which makes it well adapted for off-road, ATV and snowmobile riding. The cross variant has no visor but is often combined with glasses.
Materials: The most common materials on motorcycle helmet shells are plastic or fiberglass and carbon fiber. The different types differ in both price and durability. Plastic helmets are often a cheaper helmet with slightly poorer safety and durability over time. Because they are more sensitive and age faster, they are best suited for driving vehicles that do not have such a high speed, such as moped riding. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are more expensive, but they are much lighter and have a longer durability and longevity. A light helmet is usually preferable if you are going to drive longer distances and wear the helmet for long periods. They are therefore better suited as motorcycle helmets.
The visor is available to protect the eyes when driving, to improve visibility and to prevent the driver from being dazzled by sunlight. Tinted visors work very well when it comes to improving visibility in bright sunlight, but they have the opposite effect when driving in the dark. Transparent visors work the other way around. As an alternative, many helmets today have a built-in sun visor as a complement to the transparent, which can be easily folded down when needed.
A common accessory is a pin lock. It is a solution that counteracts fog on the visor – something that can occur even on a well-ventilated helmet. Pin-lock is an extra visor that is attached to the inside of the main visor. It creates an air gap between the visor that effectively counteracts fogging. The solution is extra good to have when driving in the rain, in the autumn and in the spring.
The two types of buckles available on the market are the quick buckle and the double D-ring buckle. The former is easier to put on and take off, while a double D-ring is required to be used in contexts where the requirements for safety are higher, such as in racing.
The fit is the most important thing! The fact that your new helmet fits perfectly on your head is a must. An oversized helmet that is loose is a dangerous safety risk in the event of a collision, while an oversized helmet that squeezes on the other hand can cause pain that causes you to lose focus on traffic. . Therefore, make sure that your new helmet fits – but does not fit tight. All heads are different and there are a variety of fits that may differ between manufacturers. Do you feel that a certain brand is squeezing extra in the forehead or over the cheeks? Try another brand that can have fits that fit better on your head.
When you try out a new helmet, it should be so tight that it should not be possible to turn if you grab the chin guard and pull back and forth. Feel free to leave the helmet you are testing on on your head for at least 15 minutes. When you then remove it, there should be no red spots where the helmet has been fitted – then it will feel too tight on a longer journey. However, be aware that the interior material gives way and gets bigger with time the helmet is used, so it squeezes a little at the cheeks when it is new, it is completely normal as long as it does not hurt.
Buying a helmet that fits well in terms of both safety and comfort is crucial. Take the time to try many more different brands and types before you decide. Are you unsure of the fit? Feel free to get help from a knowledgeable dealer who can give you good tips and advice about your purchase.
Check marking one
Make sure that buying a helmet that has the correct marking for the country in which it is to be used. For Sweden and Europe, the helmet must be ECE-approved, while driving in the USA requires that it is DOT-approved. If you buy a helmet abroad, it is therefore extra important to be careful with the label. Checkout some latest models here: https://theridersmarket.com/best-hd-bluetooth-motorcycle-helmet-cameras/
