A motorbike rider’s essential gear for their motorbike is definitely a well suited helmet. It has become an easy process to find a helmet but with that ease comes a great diversity of helmets that can be chosen! They come in different shapes and sizes, with special features as well as great as being connected to your smartphone (surprise!). Back then, you wouldn’t find motorcycle helmets everywhere but you wouldn’t have that extreme diversity of choices that we now have.
Your final choice comes down to what your priority is when riding your motorcycle, how serious you are in motorcycle riding and what your wanted added features may be. Always remember that you need to find your perfect helmet that caters your need in specific and fits your budget too!
Here are a few questions you need to consider before buying a helmet.
What Type of Helmet Best Complements Your Ride?
Some people get irritated from the Full Face type of helmet, which basically covers your whole head, back and front except the eye port. What’s unique about this type is that it comes with a chin bar, which covers your chin area from any danger. Another type has that chin bar adjustable, those are the Modular Helmets. They basically turn a full face helmet into an open face helmet. However they’re less safer than the full face helmet. Then there’s another type without these adjustable chin bars, which are the Half Helmets. These are only a good idea for casual riders because they aren’t a safe option.
Similar to half helmets, Open Face Helmets cover just the back of your head until your forehead. These are popular in cruise-riding and scooters. For off-road racers, they usually go for Off-Road Helmets. These helmets are designed to minimize weight and maximize ventilation. Finally, the last type is the Dual-Sports Helmet, this one comes between the off-road and the full face helmet. They offer more warmth and soundproofing like the full face but also has an eye port like the full face.
What type you get doesn’t only depend on your personal thoughts on them. It also depends on the weather you’ll usually be riding in, and the level of safety you’d prefer to get.
How Much Should My Budget Be?
Helmet prices vary big time! They can reach to over $900 and start from just under $100. You can spend a fortune just for protecting your head. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Helmets are very important and a lot of people skip that step when buying a motorcycle. However there are some features that don’t cater your ‘safety needs’ and just cater extras that aren’t really needed. So you can get yourself a high quality helmet without spending pushing your budget too far. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing your budget. First thing is knowing how much you’ll be using it. Are you investing into a long term helmet or is it just for casual use? This depends on how long you’ll be riding your motorcycle. Make sure to keep in mind that if you’re not as experienced in motorcycle riding; you won’t need to invest too much in a helmet. You can find top notch quality of motorcycle helmets with reasonable prices, and you won’t have to sell one of your kidneys to get that it!
How Important are Technological Features to You?
Helmets actually come with a bluetooth feature now! Nowadays built-in technology is integrated in helmets to create an easier experience for the riders. Here are some updated features some helmets now have:
- Built-in GPS
- Walkie-talkie communication
- Music streaming from your phone
- 360 degrees of visibility
- LED safety lights
- Ventilation systems
These features are definitely not a necessity, but they’re extremely useful; each in its own way. Many of these features would be extremely useful for those who are used to going on long rides, so make sure they’ll be useful to you and not just an added feature that will go to waste.
If You Got a Head, You Need a Helmet!
Protecting your head is a serious business, don’t underestimate its importance but also don’t spend too much on additions that might not suit you. Study your needs and your external environment as well. Make sure you answer these 3 main questions when purchasing your next helmet.
What you need to take care of the most is ensuring the 3 main key areas when purchasing a helmet; vision, safety and weight. You need to be able to see as well as you can without the helmet, you need to be as safe as you can and finally, you need to have a helmet that’s not heavy on your head. With all these crossed, you’re good to go!
