How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Padway]Michael Padway

One thing almost all motorcyclists do is buy a helmet. Interestingly, there is very little information available on what specific features to look for in a motorcycle helmet.

Here are six features you should look for to ensure your helmet offer the highest protection and performance:

1) Safety and Impact Protection

The most important feature for any motorcycle helmet is safety and protection from impacts. There are many testing groups that test and certify helmets as being safe. The most widely-known testing groups are "Dot" (Department of Transportation) and "Snell."

DOT: The DOT tests which are preformed by the helmet manufacturers, analyze straight-on impacts, or radial impacts. In reality the most likely type of impact a motorcyclist will have is a slanted impact which occurs during a fall from a motorcycle to the road surface or when hitting the windshield of a car.

SNELL: The Snell tests also test only radial impacts. However their tests are more severe than DOTs. Whether this additional severity adds safety to the helmet is questionable according to many experts. None the less, the Snell Foundation sticker is found on most high-end helmets. smf.org/

SHARP: This slanted impact test, also called oblique impact test, is used in the newer British SHARP Program. This more comprehensive study of helmet performance measures how much impact is absorbed, not just the damage to the helmet. The SHARP program rates helmets on a scale of one to five stars. Interestingly there is little correlation between price and SHARP performance.

2) Hard Outer Shell

Helmet outer shells need to be hard to distribute the force of a impact blow. The harder the shell of your helmet, the better protection it will provide you. Polycarbonate shells are the least expensive and offer the least protection. Fiberglass shells offer good protection, but not the best. The material that offers the hardest shell and best protection is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber helmets are made of tightly interwoven layers of carbon fiber sheets and Kevlar sheets bonded together with high-strength epoxy. This "space age" material is expensive but its ultra strong and super-light weight properties make it the hardest and most protective material. Plus, it looks good.

3) Dual-Density Foam Core

The liner should be dual density foam, because the foam should be a soft as possible, but not so soft it compresses all the way to the liner. If too dense, it won't compress enough. Therefore, the best way to balance the density seems to be different density foams.

4) Chin Protection

Another important feature is that there be protection on the inside of the chin bar. Almost 40% of impacts to the helmet are in the area of the chin bar, so it needs to be padded. Further, this area is opposite the neck, so you don't want unnecessary transmission of force to the neck. Remember, there is no bone connecting the head to the spine, so this is a structural weak spot in the body.

5) Proper Fit

Look for a snug fit with a chin strap that fits tightly enough to keep the helmet from coming off. The helmet can't do its job if it flies off or is too loose to provide impact protection. Of course, the more comfortable the helmet is, the easier it is to wear, and the more attention you can pay to riding. Try to find a helmet that fits the shape of your head. Most motorcyclists should look for a full face helmet that fits well, from a model with a good SHARP rating, preferably a 5 star rating.

6) Colors and Options

Last, choose the color and graphics you like and other options. Other options may include visors, flip-down face shields, air-flow venting, provision for sound equipment, and others. Pick whatever else floats your boat. Personally, I like to have a tinted strip inside the face shield and above my eyes. Otherwise, be sure that you can comfortably fit sunglasses while wearing the helmet.

In summary, most modern day helmets produced by major manufactures perform well. Remember price does not mean safety, so don't assume that by buying the most expensive helmet you have just purchased the safest helmet. The new SHARP test is probably the best source of safety information you can get. Try on a new helmet after you've been out for a ride - make sure the fit is snug but is still comfortable. Have fun on your next ride wearing your new classy helmet.

About Michael Padway

Michael Padway, http://www.michaelpadway.com/ is an experienced motorcycle lawyer specializing in motorcycle accident cases. He has represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims and works to bring his clients the best settlements possible in a timely and efficient manner. Because Michael is a motorcycle rider himself, he understands the ins and the outs of motorcycle accidents and what is needed to win his cases. Injured motorcycle riders can call Michael Padway & Associates, California motorcycle injury accident attorneys at 415-777-1511, or visit MichaelPadway.com.

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