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Keep these 4 tips in mind when shopping for a new motorcycle helmet

Arm yourself with the proper knowledge before investing in your first motorcycle helmet

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Oct 23, 2023
Keep these 4 tips in mind when shopping for a new motorcycle helmet

It can be difficult to decide which helmet is right for you and your riding style, especially if you're very pro-safety on a motorcycle, as all riders should be. One must arm themselves with the information and abilities to be safe on or off the roads because the fact of the matter is simply that motorcycling can be quite risky.

It goes without saying that the most important piece of safety gear that you should always have with you is a motorbike helmet. Head injuries can be extremely dangerous—sometimes even life-threatening—and can lead to lifelong complications. This is why it’s extremely important to get the right helmet, as even some helmets that appear to be functional may end up failing on you when you least expect it.

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Make sure the helmet has a safety rating

LS2 Rapid Full-Face Helmet

Safety is, as they say, the most crucial factor when it comes to motorcycle riding. That said, depending on where in the world you are, different helmets have different safety ratings. There are three internationally recognized safety ratings, though. The first is the DOT rating, which denotes that it has met U.S. safety requirements of the Department of Transportation. The second most popular rating is ECE, which is far more stringent and puts the helmets through a series of tests to make sure they offer the user the maximum level of safety. The Snell rating, which is also seen in more expensive helmets, is primarily employed in racing applications.

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Perfect fit and comfort are essential for a safe helmet

HJC C70 Full-Face Helmet

When purchasing a helmet for the first time, the temptation to go with the cheapest and nicest-looking option could be strong. Before pulling the trigger, it's crucial to take your time and become accustomed to a helmet. Typically, certain helmets are designed for varying head shapes. The three different head shapes that helmets typically accommodate are round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. This will determine whether or not a particular style of helmet will be comfortable for you based on the shape of your head's crown. Researching a particular helmet by reading and watching reviews is also beneficial. Luckily, here on MotoDeal.com.ph, we have a lot of reviews on the latest and greatest motorcycle helmets available in the market. 

Get the right helmet for the type of riding you intend to do

HJC RPHA1 Helmet

In addition to comfort and safety, it's critical to think about the features the helmet offers the wearer. To begin with, we advise purchasing a helmet with sufficient ventilation. A poorly vented helmet can make riding in Metro Manila traffic feel at times like a slow roast and put you at risk for heat stroke. An ideal helmet would typically contain vents on the chin, crown, and a heat extractor at the back of the helmet.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the different types of helmets on offer. If you’re riding a dual-sport, it’s best to opt for a ventilated dual-sport helmet with a removable peak. Meanwhile, sportbike riders will be best protected by full-face helmets. Touring riders can also opt for a modular lid, offering the best of both worlds of a full-face and open-face helmet. 

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A protective helmet need not be expensive

HJC CS-15 Helmet

Naturally, you want a helmet that checks all the safety and comfort boxes when choosing your first one. We do not, however, advise purchasing a P40,000 Shoei as your first lid. Naturally, just as your first motorcycle is likely to be dropped, so will your first helmet. Having said that, it is best to spend P7,000 or less for a mid-range helmet from a reliable brand. Contrary to popular assumption, pricey helmets aren't always the safest ones. Naturally, as you pay more, you receive more deluxe amenities and comfort. Some of our recommendations would include the LS2 Rapid, Bell Qualifier, or HJC CS-15. 

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