ALT-1 Buyers Guide to Motorcycle Helmets
The most important point to consider when buying a helmet is how well it fits. The helmet must fit snugly, because the padding will loosen with wear, so it is important that it is quite tight when first worn.
The types of helmets available are full face, open face, flip-up and half helmet. Motocross helmets are full face helmets, which have been redesigned to allow the wearing of goggles, instead of having a flip-up visor. Flip-up helmets are designed with a chin bar to give protection, like a full face helmet, but when not riding it is possible to lift up the front of the helmet. This means that the wearer can eat or talk to other people without removing the helmet. Half helmets are not always legal, due to their lack of protection, so it is best to check with local laws.
It is necessary to replace a helmet that has been dropped, due to the possible weakening of the protective capability. It is also recommended by manufacturers to replace any helmet that is over three years old. That is why it is not recommended to buy a second-hand helmet, as there could be internal damage to the structure of the helmet, which would result in a weak spot.
The price paid for a helmet is largely down to personal choice. The cheapest helmets are made from polycarbonate plastic, with more expensive helmets made from fibre-glass. Some of the most expensive helmets are due to the customised designs of motorcycle racer's helmets. It is also personal choice whether to wear a full face or open face helmet. Obviously, a full face helmet will provide greater protection due to the chin bar protecting the wearer's jaw.
Fibre-glass helmets are better than polycarbonate plastic, as they can be painted or have decals attached to them. Painting or attaching decals to a thermoplastic helmet will cause deterioration to the shell. A lot of helmets now have removable inner linings, so that they can be washed, which is an obvious advantage in keeping the inside of the helmet fresh.
Some helmets are now fitted with a seat-belt style fastening for the chin strap, as opposed to threading the strap through D-rings. This makes the strap more secure and is easier to release, particularly in the event of an accident. Nowadays, some helmets are fitted with blue-tooth devices to allow the rider to communicate with others while riding.
There are helmets that are fitted with an extra sun-screen, either to the outside of the clear visor, or, like the Caberg range, internally. These visors can be flipped up or down depending upon weather conditions. For helmets that do not have sun-screens fitted, there are usually tinted visors available, which can replace the clear visor for use in bright sunlight. It is always advisable to replace the tinted visor with the clear one as night falls, or weather conditions deteriorate. In some countries this is mandatory.
In conclusion, helmet choice is a personal issue, but whatever type of helmet is chosen ensure that it fits securely to protect your head in case of an accident.
