Editor’s Note: There are some similarities between motorcycle helmets and mountain bike helmets, as you will find out.
By Thomas Lane
Riding a bike is a very thrilling and fun experience for the riders, but we also know the roads can be very dangerous if you don’t have something to protect your head. If you have a larger-than-normal head, however, you would need a larger-sized helmet, which may not be easy to find.
You can find many types of helmets in the market for different uses. Sizes generally start from XS and run up to XXXL, although your options may be limited on either extreme.
Features to Consider
Size
People with huge build obviously have huge head size. In the market, most helmet models include up to size 2XL, which is one size larger than an XL helmet. In general, an XL helmet fits head widths of 24-27 inches (60-68cm). These mentioned sizes are measured manually with a measuring tape. This will help you to get exact helmet shaped in accordance to your head.
Inner Padding
The standard for helmets is to have 2 layers of inner padding, to keep your head as much stable as they can during any shock. The first layer is made using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) that absorbs most of the kinetic energy during a collision. The second layer is for comfort and is made using materials like suede, mesh, and fabric.
Perched Helmets
Some helmets just perch on your head instead of covering whole head leaving the side unprotected. In this case you will require the fitting pads to move it downwards. A thick padding can also be used if the helmet is a little bigger.
Materials
Companies use different materials while making helmets. Materials include fiberglass, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, and composites. All the helmets are approved according to certain quality standards. To choose the helmet in terms of the material, you can check the strength and weight of the helmet and base your decision upon these criteria.
Shield
To protect your face from bugs or dirt, you need to consider this feature for the helmet. To avail of this feature, you have the choice between a full-face or flip-up helmets. The shields on helmets now often come with a tint that provides UV protection and comes in different colors to match your bike’s color.
Chin Strap
These are the straps that help to keep the helmet in one place. Some have buttons, on which you click and the straps get open and going the traditional way they also come in D-string that are much more secure for the people with big heads.
Price
For the price range of $25-$100, you can get some good helmets. But if you like some extra features like specialty shields, then you might have to spend somewhere in the range of $100-$200. For more premium helmets, you can generally find them in the range of $200 and above.
Bluetooth Speakers
Some modern helmets come with built-in Bluetooth speakers that let the rider enjoy their favorite music. Some helmets also have microphones that can convert them into wearable smartphones.
Ventilation
The best ventilated motorcycle helmet is important for the riders who live in hot areas. It helps to keep the heat and humidity outside of the helmet. Some of the best ventilated motorcycle helmets also give you the option to close the vents in case you are driving in cold weather. To get more relevant information and quality products visit retailoria.com.
Further we are classifying some kinds of helmets so you can understand them thoroughly and choose the perfect one for your requirements and needs.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Full-Face Helmets
The best full face motorcycle helmets are great at covering all the areas from head to your neck. You have the option of choosing this helmet based on your preferred designs and colors. As an example, for the people that have sports bikes, they can choose the helmet with a more aerodynamic design that keeps the heads safe during high speeds.
Flip-Up Helmets
The only difference between the best full face motorcycle helmets and this helmet is that the chin bar and shield are separated via a hinge. This feature makes it easy to wear and take off which is good because it gives you time to breathe during a red light. But the disadvantage of such helmets is that your neck and chin are exposed to the pavement, which increases the chances of injury.
Open-Face Helmets
These are the most popular kind among the riders, they cover only one-third of your face and the rest is exposed. If you decide to buy this make sure not to go on highways and do not drive fast, because the chances of injuries are significantly higher than the previous types of helmets.
Half Helmets
These are similar to the ones that rider use for bicycles. Some models may provide coverage to the back of the head and ear but for most of the models, below the forehead, there is no shield protection. They are lightweight and you may need to wear glasses with them to have additional protection.
Dirt Bike Helmets
These are specifically designed for off-road riding. In terms of durability, these helmets are the best and safest. They are good at absorbing tremendous shock and keep the head stable. If you ride the bike a lot in trails, then get this helmet to ensure your safety and protection.
Why Is Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet Important?
Safety
The two-wheeler bike does not provide you the structural support like the car, so wearing a helmet is a matter of life and death. If you think the helmet will hamper the bike ride, think again. It only ensures your safety and minimizes the risk of injuries during any unfortunate event.
Vision
You should consider your motorcycle helmet as a mask you wear against dirt and dust that may compromise vision. In the case of a car, you don’t have to face this issue but during a bike ride, you are exposed to the environment and need this extra tool to overcome the problem.
Medical Expense
Looking at the statistics, you will have more expensive medical bills in the long-run if you do not wear a helmet while riding your bike. Wearing a helmet means you are saving yourself a lot of money rather than spending it as a medical expense.
It Stays Visible
There are many bike helmets in the market today with elegant and vibrant designs that give a sleek look. They are meant to notify other motorists about your presence. This is an important feature when riding in heavy traffic, where there is a danger of bikes being obscured by other motor vehicles.
Maintenance of the Motorcycle Helmets
Just because it looks nice on the outside does not mean you don’t have to take care of it. To maintain your helmets keep the following pointers in mind:
- Wash the inner lining of the helmet whenever you get the chance. All kinds of dirt particles accumulate there which needs to be cleaned using mild soap so the lining does not get damaged.
- Most of the helmets have a shiny coating on them, which you can maintain using a car polish so the helmet looks good as new for several years
- Keep the warm soapy soaked cloth in the interior of the helmet for few minutes, it will get rid of any kind of insects or dirt from it
- Use silicone-based lubricants on the moving parts of the helmet frequently, it will keep the helmet in good condition for a long time
- To resume the flow of air through the helmet use a Q-tip to clean the air vents
Top Brands of Motorcycle Helmets
There are a lot of brands now that make helmets, but some of the top-rated ones are:
- SHOEI: Shoei Rumpus RF-1200 Street Motorcycle Helmet
- HJC: 980-614 IS-MAX II Modular Motorcycle Helmet
- VEGA: Unisex Open Face Helmets
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered some of the main features of motorbike helmets, types of motorcycle helmets and reasons for wearing one. It is important for you to keep your head protected at all times, so that you can continue enjoying safe rides on your bike.
Featured Image: Pixabay / 27707
Author Bio
Thomas Lane is a writer who specializes in DIY hacks and product reviews. He aims to provide guidance to users who find themselves stuck at home.