Choosing the Right Helmet - Revision history

Bokonon: /* Standards */

2010-08-02T09:34:27Z

Standards

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:34, 2 August 2010
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	An important thing to keep in mind regarding certification of helmets is that both DOT and Snell tests are minimum standards. Any helmet which passes either test is guaranteed to be at least as protective as the standard, but some helmets can surpass the standards by quite a bit. For this reason, it is not accurate to say that "any Snell approved helmet will protect as well as any other Snell certified helmet." Unfortunately, verifiable proof of surpassing the standards is hard to come by, so buying a helmet must rely to some extent on reputation and anecdotal evidence.		An important thing to keep in mind regarding certification of helmets is that both DOT and Snell tests are minimum standards. Any helmet which passes either test is guaranteed to be at least as protective as the standard, but some helmets can surpass the standards by quite a bit. For this reason, it is not accurate to say that "any Snell approved helmet will protect as well as any other Snell certified helmet." Unfortunately, verifiable proof of surpassing the standards is hard to come by, so buying a helmet must rely to some extent on reputation and anecdotal evidence.

	My personal belief is that wearing a DOT- and Snell-approved helmet is more likely to protect your head in a crash. I would not personally consider buying a full-face helmet that didn't have a Snell ~~2000~~ sticker.		My personal belief is that wearing a DOT and Snell-approved helmet is more likely to protect your head in a crash. I would not personally consider buying a full-face helmet that didn't have a Snell sticker.

	==Types of Helmets==		==Types of Helmets==

Bokonon: /* Standards */

2010-08-02T09:32:43Z

Standards

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:32, 2 August 2010
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	There are three current standards for motorcycle helmets in the US. The most basic standard is the DOT (Department of Transportation) test. Any helmet sold for on-road use in the US is required to pass the DOT test. It is not especially rigorous.		There are three current standards for motorcycle helmets in the US. The most basic standard is the DOT (Department of Transportation) test. Any helmet sold for on-road use in the US is required to pass the DOT test. It is not especially rigorous.

	A more comprehensive (and some argue lesser) test is the [http://www.smf.org/ Snell ~~2000~~ certification]. I don't personally understand the arguments against the Snell test, but a few minutes with Google will uncover them, and you can make your own choice. Most folks tend to agree that a Snell certified helmet is safer than one which is not Snell certified.		A more comprehensive (and some argue lesser) test is the [http://www.smf.org/ Snell 2010 certification]. I don't personally understand the arguments against the Snell test, but a few minutes with Google will uncover them, and you can make your own choice. Most folks tend to agree that a Snell certified helmet is safer than one which is not Snell certified.

	Snell doesn't test flip-face helmets, so you can't buy a Snell certified flip-up helmet. Don't let this necessarily stop you.		Snell doesn't test flip-face helmets, so you can't buy a Snell certified flip-up helmet. Don't let this necessarily stop you.
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	An important thing to keep in mind regarding certification of helmets is that both DOT and Snell tests are minimum standards. Any helmet which passes either test is guaranteed to be at least as protective as the standard, but some helmets can surpass the standards by quite a bit. For this reason, it is not accurate to say that "any Snell approved helmet will protect as well as any other Snell certified helmet." Unfortunately, verifiable proof of surpassing the standards is hard to come by, so buying a helmet must rely to some extent on reputation and anecdotal evidence.		An important thing to keep in mind regarding certification of helmets is that both DOT and Snell tests are minimum standards. Any helmet which passes either test is guaranteed to be at least as protective as the standard, but some helmets can surpass the standards by quite a bit. For this reason, it is not accurate to say that "any Snell approved helmet will protect as well as any other Snell certified helmet." Unfortunately, verifiable proof of surpassing the standards is hard to come by, so buying a helmet must rely to some extent on reputation and anecdotal evidence.

	My personal belief is that wearing a DOT- and Snell-approved helmet is more likely to protect your head in a crash. I would not personally consider buying a full-face helmet that didn't have a Snell 2000 sticker.		My personal belief is that wearing a DOT- and Snell-approved helmet is more likely to protect your head in a crash. I would not personally consider buying a full-face helmet that didn't have a Snell 2000 sticker.

	==Types of Helmets==		==Types of Helmets==

BrianM: /* Recommendation Summary */

2010-05-01T19:14:39Z

Recommendation Summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:14, 1 May 2010
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	This is the part where I really flex my opinions, so feel free to skip it if you don't care.		This is the part where I really flex my opinions, so feel free to skip it if you don't care.

	I feel that new riders should be buying solid white, flourescent or yellow, Snell approved, full-face helmets. I don't have a strong brand preference, and I think that any of the major brands (HJC, Shoei, Arai, Suomy, ~~AGC~~, etc.) make fine helmets.		I feel that new riders should be buying solid white, flourescent or yellow, Snell approved, full-face helmets. I don't have a strong brand preference, and I think that any of the major brands (HJC, Shoei, Arai, Suomy, AGV, etc.) make fine helmets.

	You should only consider a flip-face helmet if you feel you have legitimate need of the feature. I wear glasses at all times, and have never had a problem with a full-face helmet. If you do decide to get a flip-face helmet, examine the latching mechanism carefully. If it looks or feels weak or cheezy to you, forget it. Schuberth and Nolan flip-face helmets have come highly recommended to me, but they'll never be as strong and safe as a fixed full-face helmet.		You should only consider a flip-face helmet if you feel you have legitimate need of the feature. I wear glasses at all times, and have never had a problem with a full-face helmet. If you do decide to get a flip-face helmet, examine the latching mechanism carefully. If it looks or feels weak or cheezy to you, forget it. Schuberth and Nolan flip-face helmets have come highly recommended to me, but they'll never be as strong and safe as a fixed full-face helmet.

Bokonon at 07:26, 25 October 2009

2009-10-25T07:26:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:26, 25 October 2009
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	[[Category:Protective Gear]]		[[Category:Protective Gear]]

	__TOC__		__TOC__

Bokonon at 07:25, 25 October 2009

2009-10-25T07:25:24Z

Show changes

Bokonon: /* Helmet Fit */

2009-04-26T07:40:30Z

Helmet Fit

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:40, 26 April 2009
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	The first thing is that the helmet should be tight, but not binding. There should be no "hot spots" or pressure areas that feel much tighter than anywhere else. Different brands and models have different shapes, so try on a number of different helmets before you decide you've found "the one."		The first thing is that the helmet should be tight, but not binding. There should be no "hot spots" or pressure areas that feel much tighter than anywhere else. Different brands and models have different shapes, so try on a number of different helmets before you decide you've found "the one."

			Once you've found a helmet that feels like it's touching your head almost everywhere, you need to select the right size. This is done by finding a helmet that's not loose at all on your head (ie, if you move the helmet, you should also feel it moving your skin a bit), but which is also not tight. You shouldn't feel hard pressure on your head anywhere; it should all be gentle, firm pressure. It's normal to have a bit more pressure on your cheeks than everywhere else.

	A properly fitting helmet should be tight enough that if you push it back and forth on your head (like shaking your head "no"), it can't really move, and what movement it does have pulls your forehead and cheek skin with the helmet.		A properly fitting helmet should be tight enough that if you push it back and forth on your head (like shaking your head "no"), it can't really move, and what movement it does have pulls your forehead and cheek skin with the helmet.
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	If you have a choice between a helmet that fits a little bit too tight and one that fits a bit loose, choose the tight one. The helmet will break in over the course of a few weeks' riding, and will loosen up a bit.		If you have a choice between a helmet that fits a little bit too tight and one that fits a bit loose, choose the tight one. The helmet will break in over the course of a few weeks' riding, and will loosen up a bit.

	~~When~~ you've found a helmet ~~that you think fits~~, put it on and ~~wear~~ it ~~around the store~~ for at least 10 minutes. ~~This will allow~~ any ~~hot spots to fully~~ develop, ~~so you can be aware of them~~. ~~If the store will let~~ you ~~and~~ it ~~won~~'t ~~distract you from riding, take a short test ride with the helmet~~ on. ~~Any deficiencies in~~ fit ~~will be immediately apparent~~.		Once you've found the right shape and size of helmet, put it on and leave it on for at least 10 minutes, preferrably 15-20. In that time, you shouldn't feel any hotspots develop, or get a headache, or anything. When you take it off, you shouldn't feel any weird patches or see any red spots on your forehead. You're going to be wearing this thing for possibly hours at a time, so you really want it to fit right.

	~~Some~~ helmet models ~~(particularly in higher-end helmets)~~ include provision to replace cheek or forehead pads with similar or different sized pads. This allows a more-customized fit, and allows you to replace the pads if they become smelly or compress too much. A good shop will have different-sized pads in stock, and sizing at purchase shouldn't cost anything. Replacement pads, or buying different-sized pads after you've worn the helmet for a while aren't terribly expensive, compared to the initial cost of the helmet.		Most helmet models include provision to replace cheek or forehead pads with similar or different sized pads. This allows a more-customized fit, and allows you to replace the pads if they become smelly or compress too much. A good shop will have different-sized pads in stock, and sizing at purchase shouldn't cost anything. Replacement pads, or buying different-sized pads after you've worn the helmet for a while aren't terribly expensive, compared to the initial cost of the helmet.

	Finally, this is a matter of personal conscience, but if you can afford to buy the helmet from the store where you did the fitting, please do so. Yes, helmets are cheaper online and by mail order, but your local shop just spent an hour or two helping you out. If you honestly can't afford it, buy the right helmet however you have to. This is not one of those situations where saving $20 is that important, if it keeps the local shop around. Without them, you might be exchanging helmets (or uselessly buying them and not being able to return them) for months with an online store.		Finally, this is a matter of personal conscience, but if you can afford to buy the helmet from the store where you did the fitting, please do so. Yes, helmets are cheaper online and by mail order, but your local shop just spent an hour or two helping you out. If you honestly can't afford it, buy the right helmet however you have to. This is not one of those situations where saving $20 is that important, if it keeps the local shop around. Without them, you might be exchanging helmets (or uselessly buying them and not being able to return them) for months with an online store.

	====Recommendation Summary====		====Recommendation Summary====

Bokonon: /* Choosing a Helmet */

2009-04-21T13:20:42Z

Choosing a Helmet

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 21 April 2009
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	Far more important than choosing a particular brand, is choosing a helmet that has the features you want and fits you well.		Far more important than choosing a particular brand, is choosing a helmet that has the features you want and fits you well.

	I also recommend searching the Net for individual helmet reviews, but ~~three~~ good sites that have collected reviews are:		I also recommend searching the Net for individual helmet reviews, but some good sites that have collected reviews are:

	*[http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm WebBikeWorld]		*[http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/Products.htm WebBikeWorld]
	*[http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/ motorcyclegearreview.com]
	*[http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/accessory_gear_review_finder/ motorcyclecruiser.com]		*[http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/accessory_gear_review_finder/ motorcyclecruiser.com]

	You should never buy a used helmet, period. Helmets are perishable, and one that's 2 years old offers measurably less protection than a new one. The materials that make up the helmet degrade over time, and particularly with use. If you're going to spend money on a helmet, it should be for a brand new one, as fresh from the manufacturer as possible. Yes, this also means you should plan on buying a new helmet every 3-4 years.		You should never buy a used helmet, period. Helmets are perishable, and one that's 2 years old offers measurably less protection than a new one. The materials that make up the helmet degrade over time, and particularly with use. If you're going to spend money on a helmet, it should be for a brand new one, as fresh from the manufacturer as possible. Yes, this also means you should plan on buying a new helmet every 3-4 years.

	====Helmet Fit====		====Helmet Fit====

Bokonon: /* Crash Protection Offered */

2009-01-15T22:54:27Z

Crash Protection Offered

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:54, 15 January 2009
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	My personal "favorite" pro-full-face helmet anecdote describes a situation in which the motorcyclist was involved in a collision, and "woke up" to see the pavement speeding past, an inch and a half from his eyes, helmet bobbling along the ground. He was sliding on his chest, and unable to lift his head. Had he been wearing a 3/4 or half helmet and survived, he wouldn't have had a face any more. Protection from that situation alone was enough to convince me that I would never wear anything that didn't offer full-face protection.		My personal "favorite" pro-full-face helmet anecdote describes a situation in which the motorcyclist was involved in a collision, and "woke up" to see the pavement speeding past, an inch and a half from his eyes, helmet bobbling along the ground. He was sliding on his chest, and unable to lift his head. Had he been wearing a 3/4 or half helmet and survived, he wouldn't have had a face any more. Protection from that situation alone was enough to convince me that I would never wear anything that didn't offer full-face protection.

	~~Notice the chin bar on this helmet; that design is ''not'' part of the graphics.~~ Still think a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet is a good idea?		Still think a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet is a good idea?

	[[image:DSCN2887-4.JPG\|150px]]		[[image:DSCN2887-4.JPG\|150px]]
			[[Image:Crash044.jpg\|150px]]

	====Non-Crash Benefits Offered====		====Non-Crash Benefits Offered====

Bokonon: /* Crash Protection Offered */

2009-01-15T22:51:19Z

Crash Protection Offered

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 15 January 2009
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	Notice the chin bar on this helmet; that design is ''not'' part of the graphics. Still think a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet is a good idea?		Notice the chin bar on this helmet; that design is ''not'' part of the graphics. Still think a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet is a good idea?

	[[image:DSCN2887-2.JPG\|150px]]		[[image:DSCN2887-4.JPG\|150px]]

	====Non-Crash Benefits Offered====		====Non-Crash Benefits Offered====

Bokonon: /* Crash Protection Offered */

2008-12-29T12:17:40Z

Crash Protection Offered

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:17, 29 December 2008
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	My personal "favorite" pro-full-face helmet anecdote describes a situation in which the motorcyclist was involved in a collision, and "woke up" to see the pavement speeding past, an inch and a half from his eyes, helmet bobbling along the ground. He was sliding on his chest, and unable to lift his head. Had he been wearing a 3/4 or half helmet and survived, he wouldn't have had a face any more. Protection from that situation alone was enough to convince me that I would never wear anything that didn't offer full-face protection.		My personal "favorite" pro-full-face helmet anecdote describes a situation in which the motorcyclist was involved in a collision, and "woke up" to see the pavement speeding past, an inch and a half from his eyes, helmet bobbling along the ground. He was sliding on his chest, and unable to lift his head. Had he been wearing a 3/4 or half helmet and survived, he wouldn't have had a face any more. Protection from that situation alone was enough to convince me that I would never wear anything that didn't offer full-face protection.

	Notice the chin bar on this helmet; that design is not part of the graphics. Still think a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet is a good idea?		Notice the chin bar on this helmet; that design is ''not'' part of the graphics. Still think a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet is a good idea?

	[[image:DSCN2887.JPG\|150px]]		[[image:DSCN2887-2.JPG\|150px]]

	====Non-Crash Benefits Offered====		====Non-Crash Benefits Offered====