How to choose the right motorcycle helmet
Whether you're a passionate or novice motorcyclist, you’ll have to choose the motorcycle helmet that best suits your needs. Don't worry, in this article, ADM Sport will guide you through the steps to follow to choose the ideal motorcycle helmet.
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is one of the most critical decisions any motorcyclist must make. Not only is a motorcycle helmet a mandatory safety item for all riders, but it also plays a crucial role in comfort based on your riding style.
The market offers a wide variety of motorcycle helmets, each with different features and designs to meet everyone's needs. However, this can make the decision-making process challenging, especially for beginners. In this article, we will guide you to ensure that your future helmet meets your expectations in terms of comfort and safety.
The types of motorcycle helmets
There are several types of motorcycle helmets, each with their own features, advantages, and disadvantages. The most commonly used helmets are as follows :
Full face helmets
This is the most common type of helmet, offering full coverage for the face and chin to ensure maximum safety. Its comfort makes it ideal for long journeys.
Additionally, it provides protection against wind, cold, and reduces external noise. However, its insulation may lead to discomfort in hot weather. It's wise to choose a well-ventilated model to improve airflow.
- Full head and face protection
- Better noise reduction
- Protection against cold, wind, and insects
- Aerodynamic
- Suitable for track, city, road, and highway use/Long and short rides and high speed
- Often heavier than an open-face helmet.
- Warmer
Modular helmets
This helmet blends the advantages of full-face and open-face helmets seamlessly. Its chin bar can be lifted, offering the choice of wearing it open or closed, ensuring full protection like a full-face helmet when required.
Versatile enough for both urban and highway rides, it's a favorite among bikers covering long distances. However, its mechanism can contribute to its weight.
- Complete face protection (when closed)
- Suitable for city, road, and highway use/Long and short rides and high speed
- Aerodynamic (when closed)
- Dual use, Open or Closed.
- Easy to put on
- Often higher weight than a full face
- Less effective noise isolation than a full face
- Bulkier
Open helmets
Open-face helmets are perfect for summer rides or urban commuting, suitable for lower speeds.
Lighter and better ventilated than full-face helmets, they provide a wide field of vision and the feeling of the wind on your face. Ideal for scooters or motorcycles with a large windshield, their compactness allows for easy storage in your motorcycle luggage or scooter trunks.
However, they offer less protection in case of frontal impact, as they do not cover the face or chin. Reserved for urban use in warm weather, these helmets offer optimal airflow but reduced protection in accidents.
- Protects the skull
- Easy to put on
- Lightweight
- Better field of vision
- Does not protect the front of the face.
- Provides less protection from rain and cold.
- Offers little protection from debris and insects
- If no Visor, wearing glasses is mandatory above 50 km/h
Dualsport helmets
Tailored for long-haul explorers, the adventure dual-use helmet is an essential companion for both on-road and off-road adventures.
Engineered with a visor and ventilation optimized for diverse landscapes, it ensures unparalleled comfort in any environment.
Its hybrid design delivers superior protection off-road while maintaining high performance on asphalt, catering to the needs of versatile and adventurous motorcyclists.
- Ventilated
- Dual use (Road and Trail)
- Panoramic visor
- Can be worn in most cases with MX goggles
- Peak less effective in 'road' mode (removable on most models)
- Louder than a full-face helmet
Dirtbike helmets
The motocross helmet is specifically designed for off-road activities such as motocross, enduro, and cross-country riding.
It provides complete head protection against falls, while its elongated and contoured visor ensures enhanced defense against flying debris like rocks and mud. Its lightweight and highly ventilated design meet the physical demands of motocross and enduro riders.
Adding motocross goggles is essential for optimal facial protection.
- Provides full head protection
- Offers very good ventilation
- Open field of vision
- Designed for sports use, motocross,supercross, enduro or cross country
- The use of motocross goggles is strongly recommended
- Poor wind resistance, which can be dangerous at high speeds
How to choose the size of your motorcycle helmet
The size of the helmet is essential for your comfort and safety. A helmet that is too tight can cause pain and headaches, while a helmet that is too large can come off in case of an impact. Here's how to measure the size of your helmet:
- Take a soft measuring tape and measure the circumference of your head just above the eyebrows and ears.
- Note this measurement and compare it to the size chart of the helmet manufacturer you have chosen.
- If your measurement falls between two sizes, opt for the smaller size. (We invite you to come to our store to try on helmets with the help of our experts, especially if it's your first purchase.)
Factors to consider when choosing your motorcycle helmet
Comfort
Comfort is essential when choosing a motorcycle helmet. An uncomfortable helmet can lead to pains and headaches, negatively impacting your riding experience.
Ensure there is no excessive pressure on your head. The only part that should be snug are the cheeks. Opt for a comfortable helmet that is easy to wear, lightweight, and properly sized for you.
The materials
The materials used in manufacturing a motorcycle helmet are crucial factors to consider. There are several different materials available on the market, such as:
- Polycarbonate
- Fiberglass
- Carbon
- Kevlar
- Composite
Each of these materials offers different advantages in terms of strength, weight, and flexibility.
Ventilation system
Ventilation is a crucial factor to consider, especially when riding in hot weather. Motorcycle helmets should offer effective air circulation to prevent excessive sweating and fogging inside the helmet.
Retention system
The closure system is also important, as it should be easy to use and offer maximum safety.
Motorcycle helmets are equipped with different closure systems, such as magnetic fasteners, double D buckles, and micrometric closures.
Visibility
Visibility is essential for your safety on the road. It is important to sit in a riding position when choosing a helmet.
Choose a helmet that offers good visibility and allows you to see the road clearly in front of you.
Certification
Certification is another important factor to consider when choosing a motorcycle helmet.
Certified helmets meet strict safety standards and are tested to ensure maximum protection in the event of an impact. To ride on the road, your helmet must comply with one of these safety standards.
- DOT FMVSS 218
- Snell certification must always be accompanied by DOT
- ECE 2205 or ECE 2206
- FIM
In conclusion
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is essential for ensuring your safety whether you're cruising on the open road or exploring off-road trails.
By taking the outlined criteria into consideration, you can select a helmet that perfectly suits your needs.
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to find the ideal motorcycle helmet that prioritizes your riding style, safety, and comfort.
Remember, your motorcycle helmet is a vital component of your riding gear and deserves careful selection.
In addition, as a safety measure, we strongly advise you to purchase a new helmet and change it after an impact or approximately every 5 years, since the internal protection will be affected.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights to help you choose the perfect motorcycle helmet.
Feel free to browse our website for our extensive range of helmets or, even better, visit our store to consult with our experts.
And always remember, while riding a motorcycle is undeniably thrilling, safety should never be overlooked!