How to Compare Motorcycle Helmets

Protect your most important asset.

When riding a motorcycle, there is more potential for your body to be injured since there are not any doors to provide shelter. Also more accidents involve motorcycles since they can sometimes be difficult to see on the road, which is why it's important to protect your head. Falling from a motorcycle going 65 miles an hour doesn't give you much of a chance to avoid getting brain damage, especially if you are not wearing a helmet. Helmets vary in quality and design, which is why you should know how to compare motorcycle helmets.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Compare Motorcycle Helmets

1. Verify that the motorcycle helmet is certified by the United State's Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT lab tests helmets to ensure that they meet safety standards.

2. Self-test the helmet to make sure that it will not come off of your head. Place the helmet on your head and secure the chin strap. Then try to lift the helmet off of your head and roll it forward. It might hurt your ears, but you should not be able to pull it off. This self-test enables you to determine if the helmet will stay one when you get on and off the bike.

3. Check the fit of the helmet. Helmets should hug the skin. You don't want it so tight that it's uncomfortable, but you don't want it to slide off. Shake your head back and forth and side to side to make sure that the helmet doesn't jostle. Full face helmets should form closely to your cheeks and sides of your head.

4. Determine which helmet provides you with the best coverage and comfort. Full face shields can protect your eyes from debris, and this style of helmet sometimes has vents to help with circulation of cool air. Prices vary among styles and depend on which features the helmet has, but you might have to pay more for a helmet that feels custom made.

5. Consider the appearance of the helmet. Bright colors and eye-catching designs can prevent you from getting into an accident since cars will notice you more.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the store's return policy, purchase two different helmets that you like and wear them around the house for a long period of time to see which one is more comfortable.

• Proper helmet protection can make the difference in whether or not you survive a motorcycle accident.