This article begins with the shape of helmets and the materials they’re made of, and tells you how to pick the right one.
When you’re riding a motorcycle, the head is the most vulnerable and easily gets fatal injuries. The death rate without wearing a helmet is way higher than other factors. So, choosing the right helmet is super important. It not only protects your head from crashes and jolts but also saves your life at crucial moments.
Choosing the right helmet is very important for new motorcycle lovers. It’s not only about your safety but also affects your riding experience and how you look as a whole. When choosing a helmet, be sure to pay attention to its safety, comfort, and how well it goes with the motorcycle.
At the same time, I think a helmet shows your personality. It’s not just a protective gear but also a part of your riding style. So, when choosing a helmet, it’s worth spending some time and energy to find the one that really suits you.
In the end, I hope every new motorcycle lover can find their perfect helmet and enjoy a safe, comfortable and personalized riding trip!
1. Classification and Characteristics of Helmets:
Motorcycle helmets are mainly divided into three types: full-face helmets, half helmets, and three-quarter helmets. When choosing, we should weigh based on riding needs and safety.
• Full-face helmets:
Full-face helmets offer the most comprehensive protection, covering the entire head and chin, and have the highest safety level. They’re suitable for high-speed riding and long trips, and can effectively reduce wind noise and keep you warm. However, the field of vision of full-face helmets is relatively limited, they’re heavy, and might feel hot in hot weather.
• Three-quarter helmets:
These helmets cover three-quarters of the head, leaving the chin exposed. They offer good vision and breathability and are suitable for city riding and short trips. But the protection for the chin is relatively weak, and extra safety protection needs to be paid attention to.
• Half helmets:
Half helmets are the lightest type, mainly protecting the top of the head.
They’re very suitable for riding in hot summer but have relatively poor
protection performance and aren’t suitable for high-speed or long-distance rides.
The material of the helmet directly affects its safety and comfort.
Here are several common helmet body materials:
• Carbon fiber:
Carbon fiber helmets are lightweight and strong, and are the first
choice for professional riders. But the price is relatively high.
• Fiberglass:
Fiberglass helmets are between carbon fiber and plastic in terms of strength and weight,
and have a relatively high cost performance.
• Plastic (such as ABS):
Plastic helmets are affordable but relatively heavy and have low strength. They’re suitable for beginners or riders with a limited budget.
There are many types of helmets, each with its unique design and function. Here are some common ones:
- Full coverage helmets provide comprehensive protection and are suitable for long-distance rides and high-speed driving.
- 3/4 helmets are more flexible and suitable for urban commuting and short trips.
- Retro half helmets focus more on fashion and personality and are suitable for matching retro-style motorcycles.
- Flip-up helmets combine the protection of full-face helmets and the flexibility of half helmets.
- Rally helmets and off-road helmets are specially designed for rally races and off-road riding respectively. Understanding the characteristics of various helmets helps you better choose the style that suits you.
| Security sorting | Helmet-shaped | material |
| low | Half helmet | plastics |
| Medium | Three-quarter helmet | FRP |
| high | Full helmet | Carbon fiber |
When choosing a helmet, safety is the most important consideration. Generally speaking, full-face helmets have the strongest protection, followed by flip-up helmets, then three-quarter helmets and half helmets. But no matter which style you choose, make sure it meets relevant safety standards, such as DOT, ECE or SNELL certifications. These standards ensure that the helmet meets certain safety requirements in terms of materials, structure and performance.
- Snell Certified Helmets
- SHARP 5-Star Rated Helmets
- ECE 22.05/6 Compliant Helmets
2. Standards and Skills for Choosing Helmets
When choosing a helmet, in addition to considering safety, also pay attention to the fit of the size and the head shape. The right size can effectively exert the role of the helmet and reduce injuries; and the right head shape can ensure the comfort of wearing and avoid making your head uncomfortable.
To find the helmet that suits you, you can first determine your head shape (flat oval, medium oval, long oval), and then measure the circumference of your head with a soft ruler (from the hairline at the forehead to the highest point at the back of your head).
When trying on a helmet, you can wear a headband to avoid affecting returns and exchanges, and try it on for about 15 minutes to see if it fits. If you feel squeezed on your forehead and above the temples, then this helmet may not be suitable for you.
3. Matching of Helmets and Motorcycles
In addition to safety and comfort, the look of the helmet can’t be ignored. A helmet that matches the style of your motorcycle can greatly enhance your overall image. So, when choosing a helmet, it’s worth considering the style of your motorcycle and your personal preferences. Whether it’s retro, sporty or futuristic style, there are corresponding helmet styles to match.
