Helmet Hints & Tips: Difference between revisions
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====Helmet Fit==== | ====Helmet Fit==== | ||
The best helmet for you is the one that fits you best. A good helmet should be snug but comfortable. This is one item which you may not want to buy online. It is recommended that you go to your local shop and try some on. When you find one that you like, wear it around the store for as long as you can. Make sure it doesn't push painfully anywhere on your head, or that there aren't any pressure points. Also, do the following tests: After you tighten the strap, pull on the helmet from side-to-side. Does it go easily down in the direction of your shoulders? Too big. Next, grab underneath the chin and pull it back and forth. Can you pull it up past your nose or eyes, or, worse yet, to your forehead? Time to try a different model or a smaller size. | The best helmet for you is the one that fits you best. A good helmet should be snug but comfortable. This is one item which you may not want to buy online. It is recommended that you go to your local shop and try some on. When you find one that you like, wear it around the store for as long as you can. Make sure it doesn't push painfully anywhere on your head, or that there aren't any pressure points. Also, do the following tests: After you tighten the strap, pull on the helmet from side-to-side. Does it go easily down in the direction of your shoulders? Too big. Next, grab underneath the chin and pull it back and forth. Can you pull it up past your nose or eyes, or, worse yet, to your forehead? Time to try a different model or a smaller size. There is a good demonstration of these tests at the [http://www.scorpionusa.com/support/fitment.html Scorpion helmet size] page. | ||
Only buy a helmet that you know you'll wear all the time. If it isn't comfortable, and you aren't wearing it, it won't protect you. | Only buy a helmet that you know you'll wear all the time. If it isn't comfortable, and you aren't wearing it, it won't protect you. | ||
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Don't forget to try on helmets that might be much larger or smaller than what you think you wear. In reality, they could fit the same because there are no standard helmet sizes. Everybody makes up their own size standards, and they don't even stick to their own rules. There is sometimes a good bit of difference between different models of the same brand. You have to just keep trying on different makes and models. | Don't forget to try on helmets that might be much larger or smaller than what you think you wear. In reality, they could fit the same because there are no standard helmet sizes. Everybody makes up their own size standards, and they don't even stick to their own rules. There is sometimes a good bit of difference between different models of the same brand. You have to just keep trying on different makes and models. | ||
Helmet fit video from [http://superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/091016arai.htm Jay Leno's garage]. | |||
====Helmet Funk==== | ====Helmet Funk==== | ||
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For funk prevention, Dan Borgeson (link below) suggests putting wadded-up newspaper inside the helmet when it's sitting on the shelf between rides. (And no, the online NY Times won't work.) | For funk prevention, Dan Borgeson (link below) suggests putting wadded-up newspaper inside the helmet when it's sitting on the shelf between rides. (And no, the online NY Times won't work.) | ||
For helmet cleaning and care instructions, go to | For helmet cleaning and care instructions, go to HJC [http://www.hjchelmets.com/helmet_care.htm Helmet Care] or the Scorpion [http://www.scorpionusa.com/support/product-care.html Product Care] site. | ||
====A word about the shield==== | ====A word about the shield==== | ||
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====How do I keep rain from building up on my visor?==== | ====How do I keep rain from building up on my visor?==== | ||
There are several popular methods: | If you're riding at a decent rate of speed, turning your head to the side will help clear the rain off your shield. This method doesn't always work at low speeds, or in conditions where road grime is present (which is most of the time). This is why we recommend the [http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16506&cat=444&page=1 VeeWipe Squeegee] from Aerostich. This is a wiper blade that attaches to one of the fingers of your glove. It includes three sizes and will fit on most gloves. | ||
There are several other popular methods: | |||
*You can buy a [http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2011168/c-10111/Nty-1/p-2011168/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10111/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=wiper Big Bike Finger] from JC Whitney, or [http://www.instructables.com/id/wiper-glove/ modify a glove] to fit a wiper blade. | |||
*Rain-X makes a special formula for use on plastic. Reportedly, Rain-X standard glass formula is not good for plastic. | *Rain-X makes a special formula for use on plastic. Reportedly, Rain-X standard glass formula is not good for plastic. | ||
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*You can use Nu Finish (car wax like stuff) or Lemon Pledge. You have to reapply Pledge more often, but it gives your riding environment a nice, clean smell, especially handy in cow country. They both do the same thing - keep water vapor from collecting, and allow water to bead up and roll off more quickly. When you go faster than 50mph, and then turn your head sideways, all the water goes shooting off the side of the visor in a fraction of a second. | *You can use Nu Finish (car wax like stuff) or Lemon Pledge. You have to reapply Pledge more often, but it gives your riding environment a nice, clean smell, especially handy in cow country. They both do the same thing - keep water vapor from collecting, and allow water to bead up and roll off more quickly. When you go faster than 50mph, and then turn your head sideways, all the water goes shooting off the side of the visor in a fraction of a second. | ||
*Use Novus plexiglass polish on your windscreen and face shields. It beads up pretty nicely | *Use Novus plexiglass polish on your windscreen and face shields. It beads up pretty nicely. A turn of the head this way and that and the water rolls right off. | ||
====How much will a helmet cost?==== | ====How much will a helmet cost?==== | ||