A motorcycle helmet review : factors to consider in making the right choice

You first need to decide on the style of your helmet : open-face or full-face. From a safety standpoint the choice should be easy : the full-face helmet provides much better protection in an impact, primarily for the jaw and chin. Also, you have to decide if you want a shield on your full-face helmet. Again, this is a protection issue and if your standards are high the shield will be a go !

Next, in your motorcycle helmet review, you have to look at safety standard requirements. The helmet should comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (DOT) (FMVSS) 218. If you have set the bar higher than average for this safety requirement you should require that the helmet meets the Snell M rating, established by the Snell Foundation, a world leader in helmet safety standards.

The third point in our motorcycle helmet review, is to look at fit and comfort. Here we have several issues that go hand in hand and one cannot be compromised for another. Your helmet must have proper snugness, it must not be able to twist or lift with the wind. The liner should be pressing gently but firmly against your cheeks and forehead. However, the helmet should not leave a red mark on your forehead. If you have proper snugness but improper forehead fit you can shave off a little bit of the styrofoam areas causing the red marks. Then, your ears should be free from contact. Again, if this is a problem cut away part of the styrofoam around the ear wells. Do not, for any reason, tolerate the contact of your ears with the helmet ... unless you are immune against pain !! One last comment : the helmet padding will compress over time, so if you feel slightly too tight this may not be a problem.

Fourth, in our motorcycle helmet review, let's look at the construction types. Helmets are made of fiberglass or kevlar. The latter is much stronger and lighter resulting in better comfort and reduced risk of injuries in an accident. However it is approximately $250 USD more expensive than the traditional fiberglass helmet. A usefull tip : you should consider using a washable skull cap with the helmet as it will provide added fire protection and will eliminate the need to clean the inner lining of the helmet by absorbing perspiration.