How to - Choose a Motorcycle Helmet

Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is essential for both comfort and safety. A good helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident. Here's a guide from Helmet City to help you choose the right helmet, covering both fit and safety standards.

The first priority in selecting a helmet is ensuring that it meets recognized safety standards. Look for helmets that are certified by one or more of the following:

• DOT (Department of Transportation, USA): DOT-certified helmets meet the minimum safety standards in the U.S., providing protection against head injuries.
• ECE (Economic Commission for Europe): The ECE standard is recognized in over 50 countries and has more rigorous testing than DOT.  The latest version is ECE 22.06.
• Snell: This independent testing standard (often higher than DOT and ECE) is recognized for its thorough testing procedures.

Choosing a helmet with any of these certifications guarantees that it has passed strict impact and penetration tests.

For more infomation on safety standards read our advice blog: ECE 22.06 - What you need to know!

Different types of helmets offer varying levels of protection and are suitable for different riding styles:

• Full-Face Helmet: Offers the highest level of protection, covering the entire head and face. It's ideal for high-speed riding, touring, and sport riding.
• Modular (Flip-Up) Helmet: Similar to full-face helmets, but the chin bar can be flipped up. This helmet is versatile but slightly less safe than a full-face helmet due to its hinged design.
• Open-Face (3/4) Helmet: Covers the sides and top of the head but leaves the face exposed. It provides less protection than full-face helmets but is often more comfortable for low-speed riding.
• Adventure: also known as a dual-sport helmet, blends the features of both full-face and off-road helmets, offering a versatile solution for riders who switch between on-road and off-road conditions.
• Motocross: a highly specialized piece of protective head gear designed for off-road and dirt bike riding. Built for extreme durability and performance, it features a lightweight yet tough outer shell, an extended peak and often removable interior pads for washing.  

A properly fitting helmet is just as important as safety certification. A helmet that’s too loose may come off in an accident, while one that’s too tight can cause discomfort and fatigue. Follow these steps to measure for a good fit:

Measure Your Head: Use a soft tape measure to measure the circumference of your head about an inch above your eyebrows and around the widest part of the back of your head. This will give you an accurate size for helmet shopping.

Check Sizing Charts: Every manufacturer may have slightly different sizing, so always check the specific helmet brand’s size chart.

Try It On: These are the things you should look out for.

• Snug Fit: The helmet should fit snugly but not uncomfortably tight. It should not move around when you shake your head.
• Cheek Pads: The pads should press firmly against your cheeks without causing pain. If they feel too tight, they may break in over time.  Thicker/thinner cheek pads may be available depending on the brand.
• Pressure Points: Wear the helmet for a few minutes to check for any uncomfortable pressure points on your forehead, back of the head, or around the ears.
• Strap and Retention: Fasten the chin strap snugly. You should only be able to fit about two fingers between your chin and the strap. The helmet should not roll off your head when pulled upwards from the back.    

Test for Proper Fit: With the helmet on and the strap fastened, shake your head side-to-side and up and down. The helmet should not shift excessively, and your vision should remain clear.

Some additional features that might be important for your helmet choice include:

• Ventilation: Ensure there are sufficient vents for airflow, especially if you ride in hot conditions.
• Weight: A lighter helmet can reduce fatigue on longer rides
• Visor: Clear, scratch-resistant visors are best for visibility. Some helmets also offer drop-down sun visors or anti-fogging features.  Many visors now come with the Pinlock anti-fog insert, one of the best methods of keeping a visor fog free. Click here for the Pinlock Advice Page.
• Removable Liners: These can be washed to keep your helmet fresh.

Helmets should be replaced every 5-7 years, or sooner if involved in an accident or if dropped from a significant height. Even if a helmet looks fine externally, with use its protective materials can degrade over time, reducing its ability to protect you.  If a helmet is used daily for commuting, it is likely to need replacing sooner due to increased wear and tear.