/ Featured Article
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
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.
Make sure the helmet has a safety rating
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.
Perfect fit and comfort are essential for a safe 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
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.
A protective helmet need not be expensive
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.
Related Articles
-
Your guide to the most popular types of motorcycle gloves / Featured Article
There are a variety of different types of riding gloves suited for all sorts of applications. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types out there.
-
Here are some telltale signs that a motorcycle has been in an accident / Featured Article
Be on the lookout for these telltale signs that a motorcycle has been in an accident, especially if you are looking to buy one second hand.
-
Here are a few up and coming innovative motorcycle tech features / Featured Article
The motorcycle world is full of new and innovative technology. Here are a few tech features we can expect to see more of in the near future.
-
What should you do if your motorcycle’s tire blows out while on a ride / Featured Article
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in the event of a tire blowout while you’re out riding your motorcycle.
-
Motorcycle 101: what exactly does “cc” in a motorcycle mean? / Featured Article
Beginner riders often ask us what the term “cc” refers to in the world of motorcycles. Read on to learn more about this vital and ubiquitous term.
Latest Features
-
Your guide to the most popular types of motorcycle gloves / Featured Article
There are a variety of different types of riding gloves suited for all sorts of applications. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types out there.
-
Here are some telltale signs that a motorcycle has been in an accident / Featured Article
Be on the lookout for these telltale signs that a motorcycle has been in an accident, especially if you are looking to buy one second hand.
-
5 telltale signs that your brake fluid needs replacement / Featured Article
Husqvarna has debuted its 2024 model range in the global market, consisting of updates to the TE and FE enduro models.