How To Rate Motorcycle Helmets

That pretty (or handsome) head is worth protecting.

When you visit a motorcycle dealership or a popular biker store, you will find shelf upon shelf of different helmets in a seemingly endless array of colors and styles. While it might seem overwhelming at first, it really isn't that hard to make a choice. There are just three primary ways to rate a motorcycle helmet: by construction and material, by the level of protection that you desire, and by proper fit and comfort. Once you find the ones that fit your criteria, the rest is easy. The dealership or store will always have employees on hand to assist you, of course, but the better informed you are yourself, the easier the choice will be.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape (seamstress cloth type)
• Scarf, etc., that you plan to wear under a helmet
• Eyeglasses (if you require them to operate a motor vehicle)
• Sunglasses or goggles

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of your head, from the center of your forehead, all the way around. The help of a friend is beneficial here. Write down your measurement. This will give you and the store's staff a good idea of what size helmet may fit you.

2. Look at the displayed helmets until you find the ones with the protection level that you desire. Full-face helmets offer the most protection, three-quarter (also called "open-face") helmets are in the middle, while half-helmets offer only the minimum. Choose what you prefer.

3. Look at the back of the desired helmet. There should be a DOT decal present. This means that the helmet meets the U.S. Department of Transportation's standards for materials and impact resistance and is approved by that agency for highway use. On better quality helmets, there may also be a sticker that indicates approval by the Snell Foundation, a private firm that conducts helmet testing. These decals are your assurance that the helmet will protect you properly in a crash.

4. Look at the sizes on the desired helmets and begin trying them on, roughly matching your head measurement to the helmet size. A helmet should fit snugly on your head, without pinching anywhere or feeling too tight. This will take some experimenting on your own, or you may tell a store employee your measurement and let them help you. Be sure to wear any scarves, "dew rags," eyeglasses, sunglasses, or goggles that you will normally wear under your helmet when riding.

5. Buckle the helmet's chin strap and snug it up. Try to push the helmet off your head, to the front and the rear. You may feel your scalp move, but the helmet shouldn't slide on your head. If it does, it's too big and you need to try a smaller size. On the other hand, if you feel as if your head has been clamped in a vise, it's too small. Swap it for a larger size. It's impossible to wear a helmet all day if it gives you a headache. Keep experimenting until you find one that fits you properly.

6. Leave the helmet on and buckled up for a few minutes, while you browse around the store. Wear it for perhaps 15 minutes or so. If you feel comfortable, then it's likely that you've chosen the right one.

Tips & Warnings

• Helmet selection is a time-consuming process. Expect to spend some time in the store and don't be in a hurry. If you are, you may regret it when you're wearing an ill-fitting helmet for eight hours on a long ride.

• Make your final decision based on all the other nuances. Color and special features are secondary to quality construction, protectiveness and proper fit.

• Always buy only a DOT-approved helmet. Avoid the unapproved novelty helmets. In some states, in fact, it is illegal to wear a helmet that is not DOT approved and you can be fined.

• Don't throw your helmet down or drop it on a hard surface. A helmet is designed to provide its impact absorption ONE time. If it is dropped hard enough, it may not be capable of protecting you in an accident. Replace any damaged helmet before riding again.

• Never attempt to repair a damaged helmet (broken chin strap, etc.) yourself. Replace the helmet before you ride.

References

• Motorcycle Safety Foundation: What you should know about motorcycle helmets