Helmets are by far the most important piece of safety equipment you’ll need if you ride a motorcycle, and in many states it is actually compulsory to wear one while you’re “cruising the highway”. It might be tempting to let the wind blow through your hair but it’s actually illegal as well as downright dangerous. So what are the main things to look out for when buying a motorcycle helmet? Let’s face it, it can be a pretty daunting task for the new biker buying his first helmet, but it can also be a pretty difficult decision for a seasoned biker who just needs (or fancies) a replacement.

How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

Let’s take a look at the six major decisions you’ll have to make, and what should influence your final choice.

1. Open Face or Full Face – this is the first decision you’ll have to make, and in all fairness, probably the most difficult. Both types have their upsides and their downsides.  An open face helmet is generally cooler as it allows more air to flow around your face, but a full face helmet offers lots more protection if you are involved in a crash.  Some new motorcycle riders claim that they feel claustrophobic in a full face helmet, and that their vision is restricted although this is generally a myth. The bottom line is it’s all down to personal preference, so if you’re not sure just try on both types and see which feels the most comfortable.
2. Size and Shape – this is the most important thing to take into consideration, and possibly the most misunderstood. A helmet which does not fit properly might not only be uncomfortable, it may also be unsafe and not provide adequate protection in case of accidents. You need to measure around your head (just above the ears) to get an idea of your head size, although most motorcycle helmets are classed as small, medium, large etc. Different manufactures might have different sizes too, so a large in one brand might only be a medium in another.  Heads don’t only come in different sizes, they also come in different shapes. Each motorcycle helmet will be designed to suit a “head form” so if you find one that was designed around a form which is the same shape as your head, then you’re in business.
3. Fitting – a well fitting helmet should touch your head all over, without pushing down unnecessarily on any pressure points. When the strap is securely fastened (you should be able to get a couple of fingers between the strap and your jaw) you need to see whether the helmet will move without your head! On a full face helmet, when you move it from side to side your cheeks should go with it, if they don’t move then the helmet is too big. Similarly, it should not move when you try to tilt it backwards or forwards either. If you find a helmet which you think fits just right, keep it on for a few minutes to make sure that it is really comfortable, after all, you might end up wearing it for long periods of time.
4. Safety – you need to be sure that your chosen motorcycle helmet can offer you the correct level of protection, just in case you need it. There are several different safety standards in place to offer you peace of mind. The DOT certification (Department of Transportation) is the minimum safety standard requirement for all motorcycle helmets which are sold in the United States.  More stringent standards are set by the Snell Memorial Foundation. There are opinions on both sides as to which accreditation is the best, but just remember that they were all designed with one thing in mind – safety.
5. Cost – this can be a key factor when choosing your motorcycle helmet, how much to spend, especially for younger riders. The main thing is that you buy a motorcycle helmet with a safety sticker (see above) as they are all proved to provide adequate protection.  The bottom line is to spend as much as you can reasonably afford (you only get one head after all) and that correct fitting is much more important than the price.
6. Colors and Graphics – this is the fun part really. You’ve decided on the style, you’ve found one that fits and is within your budget, next you can decide on the graphics and colors. You will often find that there are many different designs in the same range. Just think about this, bright colors make you more visible to other road users and can help to keep you safer, so if you fancy something really bright and zany – just go for it!

Read how to find the cheapest cost for a helmet.