How to choose a motorcycle helmet

Riding a motorbike is a sport where you experience adventure, a sense of adrenaline and a view of the surrounding environment. However, to enjoy this fun to the full and with a sense of security, you need to remember safety. That is why you should pay attention to the careful selection of the right helmet. In this article, you will learn about the key factors and parameters to consider when choosing a helmet.

Helmet type

When thinking about how to choose a motorcycle helmet, the first question that comes to mind is what type of helmet you should actually choose. The helmet should match the type of motorcycle you have and the environment you ride in. In other words, the choice of helmet will be different for a road bike and different perhaps for motocross racing.

A full-face helmet is suitable for road, touring and sport motorcycles, providing complete head and face protection when riding and is ideal for long distance and high speed road riding. Sometimes also referred to as an integral helmet or full face helmet.

An open-faced helmet is often preferred when riding in the city, on cruisers and scooters, as it provides better ventilation, a feeling of freedom and comfort. It is particularly suitable for riding in mild conditions when full face protection is not needed.

The modular helmet, which can also be found under the name flip-up helmet, is suitable for hiking and long rides where comfort and protection need to be combined. It allows for easier communication and drinking without having to remove the entire helmet.

The off-road helmet is designed specifically for off-road, motocross and trail riding, with a distinctive visor it provides effective protection from the sun and mud, its construction is lightweight and has larger air vents for effective cooling.

The Enduro helmet is designed for a combination of off-road and on-road riding. It usually has a smaller visor than a motocross helmet and less pronounced vents

Helmet size

The right size motorcycle helmet is essential to protect your head when riding any type of motorcycle and off-road. A looser helmet may seem more comfortable, but it could slip off your head while riding and won't provide the effective protection you can rely on from a properly fitting helmet in the event of an accident. So be careful when choosing a helmet size and don't underestimate the measurements.

To determine the correct helmet size, measure your head circumference. Use a tailor's tape measure or measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head approximately 2.5 cm above your eyebrows, gripping the tape so that it runs just above your ears. Make a note of the measurement, you will need it to compare with the size chart.

Helmet brands and models usually have their own motorcycle helmet sizing chart to help you determine the correct size. So when you measure your head circumference, don't rely on other brands and models of helmets to fit you in the same size. Check the size chart every time.

How a motorcycle helmet should fit

Once you have determined the correct helmet size from the chart, try it on. The helmet should fit comfortably but really snugly on your head. Properly, you should feel that it's stable and doesn't slip on your head, but at the same time you have enough room to wear it comfortably without it being too loose.

When testing the helmet, try head movements such as turning and tilting to see if the helmet stays stable and doesn't slip when you are working. Also pay attention to whether the helmet restricts your movement. A properly fitting helmet size should be able to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. In addition to choosing the right helmet, be sure to choose durable body protectors, motorcycle goggles and other equipment

Motorcycle helmet material

There is quite a wide choice of materials for motorcycle helmets. The price and weight of the helmet depend on them. Commonly used materials include fibreglass, composite materials such as carbon and aramid fibres, polycarbonate, EPS, but also leather and fabric. It is important to choose helmets that are made of quality materials suitable for the specific type of riding and conditions in which they will be used.

Fiberglass is most commonly used in full-body helmets for road, touring and sport motorcycles. Fiberglass helmets are lightweight and strong, making them the ideal combination for high speed riding on the road. They are also suitable for enduro, especially if higher impacts or crash risk are anticipated.

Polycarbonate is often used for open and modular helmets. Features of such helmets include a good combination of strength, lightness and affordability. Their durability is slightly lower than, for example, that of helmets made of composite materials and therefore they are particularly suitable for urban riding, scooters and recreational riders. In general, helmets made of polycarbonate are a cheaper option. However, their disadvantage is their higher weight compared to helmets made of composite materials. Polycarbonate helmets are also a good idea to replace after a few years of use, as the material can become brittle over time due to UV rays. Helmets of dark colours are particularly susceptible to the risk of gradual embrittlement of the material.

Carbon and aramid materials are usually used in sports and racing helmets, which require maximum strength and lightness. They are suitable for motocross riding and racing where durability and impact protection are important. Helmets made from composite materials such as carbon or aramid fibres, unlike helmets made from polycarbonate, do not suffer and warp due to UV rays.

EPS (expanded polystyrene) is used for the inner padding of all types of helmets, its main function is to absorb impact energy and protect the rider's head from injury in potential collisions.

Leather and fabrics are usually used for the padding and inner lining of helmets to provide both comfort and aesthetic appeal to the rider. These materials are usually used in full helmets

Safety standards

Safety is the most important factor when choosing a motorcycle helmet. The helmet must be homologated, which means it has been tested and approved. Never buy and use a helmet that is not homologated. A helmet that does not meet current safety standards can be life-threatening.

Motorcycle helmets in Europe must be manufactured and certified in accordance with the safety standards set by the European Union. The main safety standard for motorcycle helmets in Europe is ECE 22.06 (Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 22, version 06). You will usually find an indication of compliance with the standard on the strap of the helmet or on its inner padding.

ECE 22.06 is the latest revision of the safety standard for motorcycle helmets, which specifies minimum requirements for construction, materials, impact resistance, field of vision, fastening systems and other factors that contribute to riding safety. Helmets must therefore be certified and marked ECE 22.06 in order to be sold and used in European Union countries. Helmets that meet this standard must pass rigorous crash tests and other checks to ensure their ability to provide protection for the rider's head in crashes and accidents.

In addition to ECE 22.06, other safety standards for motorcycle helmets are recognised in Europe, such as those set by the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) for racing helmets. However, ECE 22.06 is the most common and widely used standard. With a European ECE certificate, you can ride your motorcycle in America, where it is equivalent to our SNELL standards. The latter is considered the most stringent homologation in the world. So if you get a helmet with SNELL certification, it will also meet ECE certification.

Helmet design, style and colour

Above we have covered the most important parameters and features that a proper motorcycle helmet should meet. So, if you have in mind meeting safety standards, the importance of the right helmet size, the choice of materials and the appropriate type of helmet with respect to the type of bike and riding style, then you can boldly dive into the choice of design and colour. With this choice, you can now let your imagination run wild. It's up to you whether you want to go for a classic black, monochrome helmet to match your bike or go for an extra colourful style. After all, a motorcycle helmet in a garish colour or with other bold colours can also have a safety advantage, as you'll simply be unmissable on the road or track. If you don't want to attract attention, feel free to reach for a design that makes you feel good. You can also match your helmet with other motorcycle clothing

Conclusion

As mentioned above, the most important factor when choosing a motorcycle helmet is safety first and foremost and also comfort. Don't underestimate the established safety standards or the right choice of helmet size and material to give you the protection and comfort you need during your rides, whether you ride your motorcycle to work, are an avid racer who braves every track and off-road terrain, or a traveler who enjoys riding with a view of the scenery.