#motorcyclehelmetguide – American Iron Magazine

Buying and owning a motorcycle usually means you will be shelling out money for a motorcycle helmet. Owning a street bike means owning a helmet even if only for the occasional ride through states that require their use. Helmets are built to protect users from head impact injuries no matter which type of motorcycle activities you enjoy.

Here are some great ideas to help you buy the right helmet for your noggin’…

A good helmet is going to set you back some. How much it sets you back depends on the quality of helmet you want to buy. A good quality helmet or better will set you back $200 or more, but it is an investment into your safety.

Motorcycles offer riders an amazing sense of freedom combined with the rush of being more exposed than those in cages when they’re on the road. The potential for serious or even life-threatening injuries is higher than it is for other drivers when involved in accidents. I would recommend you buy one before throwing your leg over to ride.

Paying attention to everything around you, and obeying traffic laws will make an accident less likely to happen, but of course, nothing you do will fully eliminate the possibilities of an accident. They can be minimized if planned beforehand which involves wearing protective gear for each ride, especially the helmet. But, what should you look for when buying a motorcycle helmet?

Which Motorsport Will You Be Using Helmet For?

The biggest deciding factor is which motorsport you plan to participate in. Do you have a racing motorcycle and plan to take it to the track? Or is it a scooter you will use to commute? perhaps a street bike for going on long cruises? Helmets come in a huge assortment; you need to find one that will give the right protection and it ha0lo’s to be comfortable.

What Is Your Budget Like?

Here is where you want to invest in the best you can afford. Your head is one of the most vital parts of your body so you want to protect it the best you can. Helmets can get pricey but the more expensive helmets are going to provide a greater level of protection, in general. Don’t cheap out on your protection. Get the best bang for your price point to get the best you can afford.

The Construction of Your Helmet Is Important?

Motorcycle helmets are chiefly constructed from one of three different materials: Poly-Carbonate, Fiberglass Composite, and Carbon Fiber. Each material will and does handle collision impacts differently because of its chemical composition.

Carbon fiber – Offers the best protection and the helmet prices reflect the better protective material used; it is the most expensive helmet construction choice. Carbon Fiber absorbs energy and redistributes it throughout the helmet which helps to protect you in an accident. Carbon fiber is much more effective than other materials because it is constructed bonding carbon atom filaments and a resin matrix designed to hold the fibers in place to maintain the same alignment when they absorb impacts to ensure fiber protection maintaining the helmet’s shape. Fiberglass and Kevlar are both layered on the outside of the helmets providing greater flexibility and greater shock absorption. More about Carbon Fiber helmets.

Fiberglass composite –A composite makeup that weaves thin strands of glass embedded in a resin matrix. The design enables a strong lightweight, durable material ideal to protect your head. It is much more effective than Poly-carbonate. The design allows cracking on impact dispersing most energy which reduces risk from more serious injuries. More about Fiberglass Composite helmets here.

Poly-carbonate – Poly-carbonate is the most economical helmet construction composite mix. Poly-Carbonate is constructed to flex with an impact to absorb the impact force to protect your head to absorb the impact energy in an accident. Poly-carbonate is not the best option. Helmets made of Poly-Carbonate provide decent protection at a low price. More about Poly Carbonate helmets here.

What the helmet is made of influences a number of factors including weight, comfort and safety rating. Polycarbonate, Fiberglass composite and Carbon Fiber compose most helmets with a layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.

Helmet Weight

Helmets typically range in weight 3 to 4 pounds. As far as weight is concerned; you want a helmet that has the weight evenly distributed around your head and shoulders. An uneven center of gravity can make your helmet feel heavier than it is and causes strain on your neck muscles. Modular helmets are on the heavy side of helmets due to the installed features. Integrated sunshades, communication devices built-in are just a few to list.

Helmet Technology

Today’s helmets offer numerous technological advances. Features like integrated sunshade, wind reduction measures and communication provisions all serve to enhance the riding experience.

Additional Safety Features

A Helmet That Fits. The fit of your helmet is important more so than the fit of your clothes. A great day on your ride will sour fast with an ill-fitting helmet. You need a helmet that fits your head properly for both comfort and safety.

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The US Government’s Statistics by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) have found that wearing helmets while riding motorcycles decreased deaths by 37%; furthermore, the studies proved riders not wearing certified helmets are 3 times more likely to develop life-threatening bodily damage.

These statistics show the self-preservation act of wearing a helmet is second to none when it comes to the safety gear that all motorcyclists need when operating their bikes. It is this same set of numbers many states in the Union have helmet laws regarding operating motorcycles.

Helmets should be certified by the US Department of Transport (DOT) as it mandates that all helmets sold in the country be DOT-Certified to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Off-road motorcyclists may purchase and wear DOT-certified helmets as they have a higher safety rating.

The performance standards are the guidance moto helmet manufacturers follow to protect users from more serious head injuries. The Federal Department of Transportation conducts testing annually to keep helmets rider friendly.

Different states have motorcycle helmet laws in place but they uphold the FMVSS safety standards. Wearing a non-conforming helmet is illegal to use. Keeping the number of helmets not up to par less available to the public.

Motorcycle Helmets Meeting The Set Federal Safety Standard

The statistics gathered by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies find wearing helmets while riding motorcycles decreased deaths by 37% and furthermore, the studies proved riders not wearing certified helmets are 3 times more likely to develop serious including life threatening kinds of damage serious.

These statistics show the simple act of that wearing a helmet is second to none when it comes to safety gear all motorcyclists need when operating their bikes. It is this same set of numbers many states in the Union have helmet laws regarding operating motorcycles.

The US Department of Transportation has mandated all helmets need to be DOT Certified to be legal. These helmets are known to have higher safety ratings and offer better protection than those that aren’t even in the dirt bike arena. These standards are in place for the safety of the rider by in an effort of the United States Department of Transportation. The DOT makes it mandatory for all motorcycle helmets sold in the country to be in line with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

Ok, enough of that necessary bullshit. Start deciding which helmet style you want to wear.