One of the most important decisions you have to make as a motorcyclist is your helmet. This is something that should not be taken lightly, because the wrong choice will cost you lots of money and perhaps your life. I am going to cover some basic helmet advice here, but this is aimed at directing your research. There are lots of great article written about helmets, so I will only cover some basics.
There are some basic helmet types you need to be aware of:
1.The Full-Face Helmet offers the most protection, period. While you’re riding, the full-face helmets protects your face and eyes from flying objects and in the event of a crash, your face is saved from the concrete. I’m a big fan of my face, so this is my preference. If you are worried about being protected as much as possible, there is no better option.
2.The Flip-up Helmet is a full-face, but the entire chin bar flips up and the helmet converts into a sort-of a 3/4 helmet. This is a very popular style and also an expensive option. As for safety, while down you get the full-face protection from objects hitting you, but there is still debate about how they do if you dump in. The chin bar does move. What is a known fact is that the full-face helmets still offer the most protection.
3.The 3/4 Helmet offers lots of head protection, but the face is open. Many 3/4 helmets have snaps to attach windscreens or visors, but most leave it up to you to protect your eyes and face.
4.“The Halfie” or Half Helmet only covers the top of your head. This helmet offers no lower head, neck protection or face protection. It’s legal, but so are cigarettes.
5.The Novelty Helmet is a poplar choice with the Harley community. Novelty helmets are simple plastic or fiberglass shells with a liner. They offer almost no protection for the rider and are illegal to use in states that require helmets. They are lightweight and feel like your wearing a hat, but that’s because you’re not wearing a real helmet. Ironically, most police overlook the novelty helmets and they are very common on the road.
There are tons of brands out there, but it really comes down to what you can afford and what fits you best. Quality is important to me, so I tend to lean toward Arai and Shoei helmets. There are some other very high-end brands out there, like Schuberth and Roof, but these are very expensive and usually require special order. I currently use a Shoei RF1000 and I am happy with that. In the past, I have used HJC, Nolan, Bell, AGV and Icon. Again, price and preference is up to you. The only variable that you need to really be concerned about is the helmet standard rating.
Now, there are several types and certifications out there and many of them depend on the country in which you live. In the US, there are two safety certifications you need to be aware of, DOT (Department of Transportation) and Snell (Snell Memorial Foundation) . Both certifications require helmet manufacturers to pass very rigorous tests, but the Snell standards are more stringent than DOT. There is some serious debate about whether the Snell standards are actually better that DOT. For now, the jury is still out on who is winning the debate. I know this is confusing, so I recommend is that you focus on quality and fit first, then determine what certifications come with your choices. Chances are they will be Snell certified.
Fit is so important in your helmet choices. DO NOT BUY HELMETS ON THE INTERNET! You need to try them on in person. Each brand, model and style fits totally different. If you are a large in AGV, you might be a medium in HJC. You have no way of telling until you physically put them on your head. Also, when you try a helmet on, spend some time with it. Don’t just slide it on and off your head. Walk around; flip up the visor, move your head all around. You want to make sure you head fits snugly and that the helmet doesn’t slide off your head easily. You want to make sure your face isn’t smashed against the shield or chin bar. I suggest that you go in for a fitting and have the shop service person help you size you head and recommend helmets based on your size and needs. A helmet purchase should take longer than a pair of shoes; it’s your head after all.
So, full-face, halfie or a novelty. The choice is yours to make, but you need to consider this carefully. Ya...I am biased toward the full-face. It is the safest choice out there. But I admit I have used nearly every type out there (and have them in my garage, too). I love the feeling of riding with the wind in my face, but after several rocks, a bee sting in the eye and a buddy of mine breaking every bone in his face while wearing a halfie, I am going to go with a full-face. I still look cool and I get less tired on the road. Plus I might have a better chance of still looking like myself after an oops. Just stay away from the novelty helmets. They only protect you from tickets (most of the time) and are a complete waste of money. I know your friends wear them, but ride your own ride. Be an individual. Real bikers don’t care about what is popular, right?