Riding motorcycles can be extremely fun. Many riders find it freeing, adventurous, and an experience like no other. That being said, riding motorcycles can be dangerous as riders are more likely to get in an accident on the road than car drivers. Giving up this fun and liberating hobby may seem almost impossible for many motorcycle enthusiasts. However, you don’t really need to give it up if you can ensure your safety.
The best way a rider can be safe on the road is by wearing a motorcycle helmet. This gear will protect your eyes, teeth, face, brain, chin, and most importantly your life, in the case of a crash. Before you buy a helmet, you should first know how to choose the right one to keep you safe, so read on to learn more.
Choose the right style for you
When it comes to helmet styles, motorcyclists will find that they have different options to choose from which can be overwhelming for some. The key here is choosing a style that fits your needs. The one that provides the most safety is the full-face helmet since it doesn’t only protect your face and head but your chin as well. However, out of all the other options, it is the least ventilated. There are also the half helmets but they aren’t as safe as the full-face ones since they protect your head and face but not your chin. That being said, they provide more ventilation.
You also have an open-face type which will protect your ears and the side of your face compared to the half helmets. They also offer the most ventilation and are the least expensive but they won’t protect your chin or your face. You will also find the modular style which looks a lot like the full-face type. They are well known among motorcyclists since they find them suitable among all the styles. Although convenience is required, they still aren’t as safe as full-face helmets.
The size
After you decide on the right style for you, figure out your size next. With motorcycle helmets, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Make sure that it is the right size for your head and that it feels comfortable. The last thing you want is to buy a helmet then leave it at home because it doesn’t fit you well. As a matter of fact, not wearing a helmet can be a problem. This is because many states impose strict motorcycle helmet laws and consider it a misdemeanour that requires a fine.
Since you are required to wear a helmet by law, comfort and fitness are important to ensure you don’t take it off while riding. Choosing the right size is easy, all you need to do is get a measuring tape and measure your head’s circumference. Afterward, check a size chart on any helmet manufacturer’s website to determine your size. You should also consider your head’s shape; if it is round oval, intermediate oval, or long oval.
Try it on
As we have mentioned, size and comfort are important when choosing a new helmet. The best way to determine that is by trying it on. First, your helmet isn’t a hat so it shouldn’t slide sideways or onto your head, it should fit your head perfectly. If it slides, this means that it is too big. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, try another one until you find the right gear for you. You will know if it is the right size when you are able to feel the cushions on your cheeks.
Avoid second hand helmets
Everyone wants to save money but you shouldn’t jeopardise your safety by buying a used or an old helmet. The problem is, you will not be able to tell if it is damaged or not since in most cases, it is impossible to determine with the naked eyes. This is why it is recommended that you replace your helmet immediately if you ever drop it. Additionally, old helmets may not offer the same protection as new ones do because technology plays a huge part in making helmets safer.
With so many helmets on the market to choose from, it may be hard for some motorcyclists to narrow down their options. However, the one thing that you should focus on is safety. Your face, eyes, head, teeth, nose, and chin should all be protected. Motorbike accidents are more common than you think, and if you aren’t fully protected, the consequences can be severe. Additionally, you should make sure that the headgear you choose fits right and is comfortable so you won’t take it off since it is against the law to ride without one.
Featured image: Razvan Mirel/Unsplash
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