How to choose a motorcycle helmet

Well, what do you ride? How fast do you cruise? How fat is your head? What are you comfortable in, Shorty, Open Face or Full Face? These are just a few of the questions you'll need the answers to before you start to whittle down the choices. But till then, read on for a few of the basic differences.

Helmet Style

Style wise, a full-face helmet will provide the most protection including coverage for the jaw and chin. An Open-Face helmet will provide good solid protection for the head, temples and back of head but the jaw line and chin remain open. For some, the Open-Face helmet is more comfortable and less claustrophobic that the full face. Some Open-Face helmet styles are available with face shields for eye-protection as well.

Then there is the Shorty. The Shorty is no doubt the most comfortable and the lightest but at the same time provides less protection. Shorty’s are the favorite choice of the cruiser crowd. Short trips around town or mid-range jaunts through your local counties scenic routes.

Safety Rating

There are two basic safety ratings available (more actually, but we are focusing on those most often used in the US).

DOT FMVSS 218

The Department Of Transportation provides the DOT218 specification. You should make sure that this rating is the very minimum standard you accept to put on your head. This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for helmets designed for use by motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users. Adherence to this standard is made by declaration from the manufacturer.

Snell Certification

Exclusively the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF) performs this certification. SMF is a group of scientists, physicians, racing colleagues and friends teamed together in a dedicated effort to promote research, education, testing and development of standards geared to improve the effectiveness of automotive racing helmets. Through their work, the Snell Memorial Foundation was established in 1957. The Foundation has a board of Directors that oversee the Foundation's operations. The board is comprised of Medical Doctors and Ph. Ded research scientists and engineers, all of which have distinguished themselves in the areas of safety and/or head injury. You may read the Snell standards at www.smf.org/stds.html.

Motorcycle Helmet Fit and Comfort

This is sometimes a problem for people. When trying on a helmet for comfort don’t get frustrated, remember motorcycle helmets are designed to fit a range of head sizes and helmet sizing is based on a circle. Well, unfortunately not everyone’s head is round. So, if a particular manufactures helmets don’t fit you right. Try another. A proper fitting helmet will fit snugly but should not leave marks on the forehead. Liners should fit well against the cheek but not push up into the eyes.

Motorcycle Helmet Shell Material

Nowadays there are basically two types of helmet shells. Fiberglass or fiberglass composite (usually Kevlar) and ABS injection molded plastic. The Fiberglass/Composites tend to be lighter in weight than the ABS shells. But remember that if they both have the same safety rating the one is probably as safe as the other. Fiberglass/Composite shells might have a higher shine to them as they are typically coated with an automotive grade clear coating and will polish up rather nicely.

Motorcycle Helmet Venting

Good venting is must, especially in the warms climates. Look for a dual venting system if possible in the Half Helmet/Open Face helmets. A more comprehensive venting system is usually available in the higher end Full-Face helmets. These will usually include integrated exhaust ports for a stronger airflow.

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