When deciding to buy a motorcycle helmet, many motorcycle owners contemplate how to choose the best helmet. If the budget is established and the needs are clear, it is likely that you will be able to find the model that you like. But what about the size? A helmet can be considered the best only when it is chosen in the correct size. If the helmet is too tight, the wearer will feel really uncomfortable, but if it is too wide, the protection is not adequate and the noise level increases considerably. A new helmet should be fixed, even loosely, without creating a major discomfort. The market is full of motorcycle helmets that are waiting for their right owners.
People who are buying their second or third motorcycle helmet already know how a helmet should fit properly. If you are buying the helmet for the first time, here are some tips that can help you to find the correct size. The dimensions for motorcycle helmets are: extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L) and extra large (XL). These are determined by measuring the head circumference at the forehead area, right above the eyebrows. For exmaple, size S may correspond to a circumference of 55-56 cm, while XL might be fit for a 61-62 cm. However, this rule is not universally valid.
If the main purpose of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the head in case of an accident, many people overlook a second purpose that is just as important as the first one: to offer maximum comfort. Protection in case of accident is undoubtebly vital, since a good helmet could make the difference between life and death. However, you don`t want to feel uncomfortable during your journeys on two wheels as it will ruin the whole experience.
In order to comply with legal requirements, all motorcycle helmets must be certified by a certain standard according to your location: AS 1698 for Australia, DOT FMVSS 218 for U.S.A., ECE 22.05 for Europe and so on. In case of a proper foundation, the standard will be Snell M 2005. It seems that the European standard ECE is more severe than the U.S.A. standard, while the toughest tests are imposed by Snell. However, a motorcycle helmet that corresponds with the DOT or ECE standards offer sufficient protection in case of serious accidents that might occur in the real world. Many people consider the Snell standard a little bit to rough.Also, there are other criteria that should be taken into account, such as the type of fabric used in the manufacturing process (plastic or fiber), the inner form of the helmet, ventilation, weight, noise and even the color. Many bikers do not realize that, besides the size, the inner form of the helmet is also very important. It is true that great motorcycle helmets are expensive, but if you can afford one, you have to search for quality and the perfect fit. The fabric used inside the helmet should be really pleasant at touch and the interior should act as a comfortable pillow placed between the head and helmet.
