How to choose a motorcycle helmet? Overview of the best manufacturers

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Today's traffic includes poor track quality and low driving culture, which makes motorists think about their safety.

Why do you need a helmet

Recent accident rates involving motorcycles or mopeds are growing exponentially. However, these modes of transport are becoming increasingly popular among young people and motorists who want to avoid long traffic jams.

Choosing a motorcycle to move around the city, you get freedom of movement and extreme, associated with increased danger. Therefore, you should take care of protection and purchase a motorcycle helmet.

Since it is the most reliable way to protect against various head injuries, its choice should be taken seriously. To choose the right motorcycle helmet, let's first consider its design.

How motorcycle helmets work

They are made according to the same principle and consist of:

• visor - a special glass that prevents various objects and insects from getting into the eyes;
• inner layer - disperses energy that is not absorbed by the shell, and extinguishes it;
• shells -outer shell that protects the head from injury;
• pads and strap - designed to fix the helmet.

The outer shell, or, as the people call it, the shell, can be of two types:

• molded - injection molded from plastics such as polyethylene and polyamides;
• glued - consisting of fiberglass, polymer or carbon fibers.

Motorcycle helmet, made of glued fiberglass, has high strength and reliability. But at the same time, this is one of the most expensive types, since layers of high-strength fabric are often glued by hand. As a rule, such helmets are several times heavier than cast ones.

The simple production technology of such protection makes it relatively cheap. It is lighter and more compact, but not durable.

The outer side of the helmet is covered with special paints and varnish to protect the material from destruction.

The inside of a motorcycle helmet is covered with polystyrene. It is he who helps to soften the blow in the fall. It should be noted that after this, the inner shell is deformed and does not return to its original state. With each impact, the protective properties are reduced, so it is recommended to change the helmet after this, even if there are no visible cracks.

So that wearing the protection does not cause discomfort, and the ventilation functions well, the inside of the helmet is sheathed with a special lining. It is made from soft hypoallergenic material. If necessary, it can be unfastened and cleaned.

Viewsmotorcycle helmets

Today there is a wide variety of protective equipment for motorcycles and scooters. Choosing the right model is not difficult. The most common types are:

1. Integral helmet. It is able to provide the rider with maximum protection, has high aerodynamic properties. The disadvantage of this model is the lack of ventilation in hot weather.
2. Open. This type of motorcycle helmet covers only half of the head, thus providing minimal protection at high speeds. A small plus of this model is that you can eat, drink and talk in it.
3. Cross is more suitable for hauls. Its design resembles an integral helmet. It has an elongated lower part, which guarantees high safety and ventilation. And also it is equipped with a visor, which perfectly protects from dirt and the sun. However, there is no visor, so the helmet is sold with special goggles.
4. Modular helmet. The main feature of this model is its front part, which can be folded back. This makes the helmet practical as you don't have to take it off at stops to smoke or drink.

Choose size

The sizes of motorcycle helmets are usually universal for all types. Therefore, to choose the right one, you should measure the circumference of your head. To do this, you need to place a centimeter just above the eyebrows. To measure the circumference as accurately as possible, it is better to perform the procedure several times.

Arriving at the store andHaving chosen a suitable model, be sure to try it on by fastening all the fasteners. The helmet should fit snugly on the head, but not press or dangle. After all the fasteners are fixed, turn your head sharply, first in one direction, then in the other. If there is slip, then replace it with a smaller model. If you take it off freely or the back of the head does not come into contact with the helmet, then this also indicates a large size.

To finally make sure of your choice, be in the helmet for at least 5 minutes, evaluate all the wearing comfort and viewing angles.

Overview of manufacturers

Based on the reviews collected, it's safe to say that the best motorcycle helmets are produced by companies such as:

• AGV is an Italian manufacturer whose products combine high quality and reasonable prices.
• Arai is a Japanese company that needs no introduction. The helmets of this manufacturer are used by the most famous motorcycle racing pilots.
• Nolan is an Italian company that produces both expensive and budget helmets under its own brand.
• Shoei is a Japanese company that has been manufacturing such protection since 1959. A large number of fans speaks of the high quality of these products.

Motorcycle helmet price

When choosing any product, price plays an important role. And this defense is no exception. To buy a quality motorcycle helmet, the price forit should be at least $170. For this money, you will be offered a model made of expensive materials, with a two-layer visor and good ventilation. A more budget option can be purchased for $50-130. Custom-made helmets will cost a motorcyclist about $350-400. This amount includes design. But premium racing helmets cost at least $500.