Comments on: How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet

on 8/15/2008 The padding inside a helmet will compress 10%-15% over time, so a new helmet should fit snug. With the helmet on, hold it stationary and try to move your head left and right. The helmet may be too big if you can insert your fingers between your face and padding, during this manuver.

on 7/28/2008 Try on the helmet for a few minutes, if you can. After 5-10 minutes, peel the helmet off and look at your forehead- okay, look in a mirror at your forehead. If there's a red mark across there within a few minutes, chances are you'll have a headache within 30 minutes of wear. Try a different size or brand- not all helmets are shaped the same.

on 4/17/2007 Helmets are one size fits all. My head is right between a medium and a large. Some medium helmets fit me and some large fit me. Different manufacturers and different helmet models have different levels of padding and shape, so try on a couple of different helmets until you find one that fits right.

on 11/22/2005 Motorcyclist magazine has run a test of the certification standards themselves. The results, described in Dexter Ford's June 2005 article "Motorcycle Helmet Performance: Blowing the Lid Off" show that DOT only approved helmets (non Snell approved) provide as good, if not better protection than Snell approved helmets in the overwhelming majority of real world accidents. The short of it is that Snell standards, being more rigorous, actually force designers to create helmets that protect against unrealistically intense crashes at the expense of their products energy abortion potential lower speed crashes that represent over 90% of real world accidents. Find this article online or at your local library before purchasing a Snell approved helmet.

on 11/22/2005 Select the helmet of your choice (open face, full face, or half helmet). However, remember this old saying: "$10.00 helmet, $10.00 head." What's yours worth?

on 11/22/2005 Never, ever, ever buy a used helmet.

on 11/22/2005 Sit on your bike (or the one you are buying) with the helmet on. If it's a sportbike, crouch down over the tank and cock your head back to look through the windshield to make sure it is comfortable.

Also, a proper fitting helmet feels just slightly too tight at first. The padding will push in slightly and be more comfortable after a couple of rides.

on 11/22/2005 You've got a full face...Buy a helmet that protects it all. Full face helmets may be a bit warmer in the hot months, but one crash, large rock, big juicy bug, or ride down a dusty road will prove how valuable a full face helmet is, regardless of how big your windshield is.

on 11/22/2005 This is often overlooked, but if you wear glasses, make sure they fit comfortably while the helmet is on.

on 11/22/2005 While test fitting a new helmet, shake your head vigorously. If the helmet lags behind your head motion, it doesn't fit properly.

on 11/22/2005 Wear the helmet for 30-45 minutes before buying, it will reveal any hidden discomfort spots. Most stores will allow this.