Arai makes excellent quality motorcycle helmets. The main disadvantage is the high price. For example, this Arai Quantum-II model costs $508.95.

30.03.2005
You are buying a motorcycle helmet for the first time or want to change the helmet brand. How to determine what size to focus on? How do you make sure the helmet you try on in the store is the perfect size and shape for you?

This is the second article on the choice of a motorcycle helmet. The introductory part can be read at the link:.

First, you need to determine your helmet size. It is very simple to do this, however, there are a number of reservations and exceptions that you need to know - we recommend that you read the article to the end.

To determine your helmet size, do the following:

1. Using a tailor's tape measure or a soft tape measure, measure the circumference of your head in the widest part (if there is no centimeter, attach a braid, rope to your head, and then measure the resulting length with a ruler). As a general rule, head circumference should be measured at a distance of 1.5-2.5 centimeters above the eyebrows, slightly above the ears and at the point on the back of the head that gives you the greatest circumference (see pictures). Measure the head several times to avoid mistakes and find the maximum circumference. In any decent store where qualified and competent sellers work, you will be determined by the same method the right size. But there is no guarantee that the seller will be attentive and polite. In addition, you need to clearly know your size if you order a helmet from a catalog.

2. Now compare your result with the helmet sizes shown in the summary tables below - each helmet size corresponds to a certain head circumference in centimeters and / or inches. Since different manufacturers produce hard shells in completely different shapes and sizes, they may classify the sizes of their helmets differently. Below on this page are tables of helmet sizes corresponding to head circumference, depending on the helmet brand / manufacturer. If you are sure that you want to buy a helmet of a particular brand, for example, Arai or Shoei, see the corresponding table (or read the recommendations on the manufacturer's website).

3. If you see that two sizes of helmets can fit you, it is preferable to go for the smaller size. 3.1. Firstly, the safety requirements (and you buy a helmet just for your own safety, and not for beauty - or not just for beauty) are that the helmet sits very tightly on your head (but does not cause pain) - otherwise the degree of protection will be significantly less, or during a fall from a motorcycle, the helmet will fall off the head altogether. 3.2. Secondly, now you determine only the theoretical size, and in the store you can choose the most suitable size(unless you order a helmet from a catalog; more on that below).

The following are two tables with helmet sizes; you will see that the data in them is slightly different - this is due to the fact that different manufacturers classify the sizes of their models differently. So best option- take this data as a basis, and determine your helmet size for each individual brand according to other tables, which are presented on this page below.

Tables of correspondence of the sizes of motorcycle helmets depending on the length of the head circumference
Note: Sizes vary by brand of motorcycle helmet. Moreover, even the same manufacturer may, from time to time, revise their own dimensions, not to mention changing the shape of the hard shell depending on the model.

Tables of correspondence of the sizes of motorcycle helmets depending on the brand
(helmet size, circumference in inches and centimeters)

Now that you know your approximate size, you can go to the store. We assume that you have already decided on the type of helmet, brand and approximate price range, as well as the functional features of the helmet, such as the ventilation system and aerodynamic channels on the surface of the shell, the glass replacement mechanism, the type of fastener, color and graphics, etc. d. etc.

The size and comfort of the helmet you buy has a major impact on how you ride your motorcycle. Also, let's hope you never get into an accident, but if you do, the size of your helmet will play a major role in protecting your head.

Never ride a motorcycle if you think the helmet does not fit. The helmet should fit snugly on your head, but should not put too much pressure on your head - you should feel comfortable.

When trying on helmets, keep the following in mind:

1. You have determined the theoretical size of the helmet. In the store, start by trying on the helmet of the appropriate size - if the size and shape of the shell of one manufacturer seems too loose, try on the smaller size of the same model, and vice versa. Don't forget: the same dimensions can differ significantly if you measure helmets from different manufacturers - see the tables above. Before putting on a helmet, remove earrings from your ears, remove other jewelry, be careful when trying on if you have a piercing on your face. People who buy a helmet for the first time are usually afraid to put the helmet on their head if they feel resistance and it seems to them that the helmet is too small. There is no need to be afraid: the helmet should be worn tight, the helmet will not tear off your ears, and if you can put it on your head, you can always take it off. As a rule, due to the shape of the hard shell and pads, the comfort of a helmet can only be assessed when it is completely put on the head, and not when you stop pulling it down, feeling, for example, that "ears are in the way." :))

2. The helmet should not be overly tight. When the helmet is in your hands, grab the chin strap with both hands and put the helmet on your head - you should feel how top part the shell of the helmet touches the crown of the head. Raise the helmet and lower it down again - you should feel that it is lowering to the top of the head, touching it. Pay attention to the following points. 2.1. You immediately feel that the helmet is too tight / tight on your head, you experience discomfort and even pain. 2.2. The top of your head is not touching the top of the helmet. 2.3. The helmet clings to the ears very strongly - it does not fit on the head normally. 2.4. You feel pain anywhere. If at least one of these points applies during the fitting of a helmet, most likely you need to try on a helmet bigger size and/or other form - if we are talking about the same brand. (If you try on a helmet of the same size but from a different manufacturer, it may be the perfect fit and/or shape.)

3. The helmet should not be too loose. Once you've found a helmet that fits snugly on your head and you feel comfortable, you need to make sure it's not too loose. To test this, fasten the chin strap tightly, place your hand on the chin guard or on the sides of the helmet. Try to move the helmet from side to side and up and down. If the helmet moves freely enough, it is too big. If you feel that the helmet is pulling on the skin, then the size is right. If you put a helmet on your head without any resistance at all, it will definitely be too loose. Do not forget that a helmet, like shoes, like gloves, wears out over time; the gaskets will tighten, and the helmet will fit and sit more freely on the head.

4. Correct size. The last check is very important, but unpleasant. The helmet strap must be fastened. Grasp the back edge of the helmet with your hands and pull it up and forward, trying to pull it off your head towards your chest. Then try to pull the helmet off your head, but in the other direction - back. If you feel that with a little more effort you could pull a buttoned helmet off your head, there are two things to consider. possible options: 4.1. This helmet is too loose, and during an accident, when hitting the road, it can be torn off your head - therefore, the helmet will not be able to protect you. 4.2. You have fastened the strap too loosely. Check the clasp - if necessary, ask the seller for help, then repeat the test - again try to pull the helmet off the head in different directions. Such a check is unpleasant and maybe even a little painful, but the force generated when hitting the road will be disproportionately greater, so it is better to know for sure that the helmet will remain on the head.

5. If you think you've found the right helmet, don't rush to buy it.
5.1. First, do not remove the helmet from your head for about 10 minutes. Over time, your feeling of comfort may change - for example, you will feel that the helmet begins to cause more and more discomfort putting excessive pressure on some part of the head. Think about how you will feel when you ride in this helmet for an hour or two.
5.2. Once you've put on your helmet, check your vision. In the horizontal plane, the glass should be located symmetrically relative to the line of the eyes - the view to the left and right should be the same. The top edge of the glass should be just above the eyebrows. Check how much the helmet limits peripheral vision. Look at any object and move your head up and down and from side to side - do you clearly see the object on which you are concentrating, does the glass create any interference, blur, "waves" when you turn your head ?
5.3. Examine the glass carefully. Of course, it should not have any scratches on it, it should not distort objects when you look through it. Look how tightly the glass is on the helmet - if you see that there are gaps between the glass and the edges of the helmet, air will enter and with it additional noise. Some helmets have adjustable clearances. See how easy it is to change the glass - some models change the glass very simply and without the help of any tools, others require the use of tools to replace the glass.
5.4. If you haven't decided on a color yet, see what you have to choose from. The traditional black color for many motorcyclists will be harder to notice on the road, a bright colored helmet will make you stand out on the road. For a helmet with complex graphics, you will have to pay more. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that airbrushing performed in artisanal conditions can violate the protective properties of the helmet, changing the ability of the shell to distribute impact energy (this effect can be neglected; the properties of the helmet will deteriorate slightly, and the price comes to the fore).
5.5. Ask the seller if you can test drive this helmet on your motorcycle. Leave money as a deposit. Alternatively, find out how long you can (if possible) return the helmet. When testing in motion, you will learn a lot of valuable information about the new helmet: how well do you feel in the helmet for a long time; what level of noise is generated inside the helmet; what is the real view of the road; how well the ventilation works; whether the helmet glass fogs up, etc. etc. If you are buying more than your first helmet, you will be able to compare your new helmet with your previous experience.

Order by catalog

If you ordered a helmet from a catalog, inspect it carefully. The helmet should not have any cracks or damage, the glass should be perfectly transparent (if it is not tinted, but the tinting should not distort objects), without scratches. Check the operation of the clasp, the mechanism for attaching the visor (glass), the operation of the ventilation adjustment, the general quality. If something does not suit you, immediately return the helmet to the seller. Try on the helmet - do the same as described above. Do not leave yourself a helmet if it is too loose or, conversely, small; bring it back.

If everything suits you, put on a helmet and sit on your motorcycle to test the model in a real situation: it is better to order a helmet when you can ride a motorcycle, and not when the roads are covered with snow and ice. Perhaps the price of a helmet may rise slightly during the season (for one reason or another, Russian sellers do this, although there are absolutely no reasons for this: by and large, the cost of materials, production, delivery, etc. does not change from time to time years), but you can immediately check the helmet in operation, immediately identify possible defects and, if necessary, return it back. (Note: In some stores, when buying a helmet in winter, you can agree on a return policy at the very beginning of the season.)

Usually a helmet ordered from a catalog can be returned within 10-30 days. Before ordering, carefully read the rules of the order - the return period must be indicated in the catalog, as well as the reasons why you can return the helmet.

Tables with sizes are presented on this page above.

Compromises when choosing a helmet

There are always compromises to be made when buying a helmet. It is better to psychologically prepare for this compromise in advance and determine for yourself which helmet you need to buy.

Each manufacturer makes helmets in its own way: they are used various materials, hard shells are produced in various shapes, the safety of helmets is certified by various standards. We have already said that THEORETICALLY any helmet that goes on sale meets the minimum and sufficient safety requirements. You will not be able to evaluate the protective properties of a helmet in a store - you will have to rely on the honesty of the seller and certificates.

You will also not be able to assess the composition of the material from which the hard shell of the helmet is made. Don't pay too much attention to the high-tech materials a helmet is made from - just choose a helmet that feels comfortable and weighs less. However, if you consider yourself an expert in the field of chemical technologies and materials, you can look at what the hard shell and gaskets are made of - this information is indicated in the documents, as well as on a label inside the helmet (the helmet safety certification standard should also be indicated there).

Different manufacturers make hard shells in various shapes. Different manufacturers change the sizes of their helmets in different ways: someone produces several different sizes of hard shells, someone makes one shell, changing the size of the helmet due to thicker/dense pads. If in model range several different shells are used, such models will be more expensive just because the manufacturer has to certify each shell separately. In addition, the same manufacturer may produce various models with shells of various shapes, so if the shape of a helmet of one model does not suit you, this does not mean at all that you should cross out this brand and try on helmets of another brand - it is quite possible that another model from the same manufacturer will fit perfectly to the shape of your head.

Increasingly, manufacturers are equipping their helmets with removable, washable liners. Increasingly, helmets come with removable pads - not only will you be able to change the pads when they are worn/compressed and you will feel that the helmet is not so tight on your head, but also with the help of various pads you can achieve the best degree of comfort. A good seller who is interested in you buying a helmet and you are happy with your purchase will let you try on the helmet with different padding combinations.

Aerodynamic channels, fins, air intake protrusions look cool, but all protruding parts can cling to the road during a fall and have a serious traumatic effect on the spine. From a safety point of view, it is preferable to buy a sleek, streamlined helmet that has no protruding, potentially dangerous parts. Research by J.D. Power found that the three most important aspects when choosing a helmet are style/colour, comfort/fitness and price. Two-thirds of helmet buyers cite style/color and comfort/convenience as the top three factors influencing helmet purchases. At the same time, almost half of the buyers put the cost of a helmet in one of the first places. The study also found that with increasing age of buyers, the importance of the style or color of the helmet decreases, but the importance of comfort and convenience increases.

"Motorcyclists' preferences regarding the type of motorcycle and helmet change with age and experience," said Todd Mündorff. "Younger motorcyclists, especially sportbike riders, greater value attached to helmets that are made with the latest fashion trends in colors and graphics.

System ventilation holes will be very useful in hot weather. But it is important to check a number of points. Most importantly, make sure that what appear to be holes are really holes - sometimes an "air intake" is just for show, there is actually no hole in it, and air will not flow through it. Make sure you can open and close openings normally - preferably without taking off your gloves! Ideally, if the helmet has holes in the front where air will enter, then there should be a hole in the back - where the air will come out; with such a system, the ventilation inside the helmet will be optimal.

Pay attention to the strap itself. How comfortable do you feel when it's buttoned up? Does it have soft pads inside? How convenient is it to use the clasp, will the free end of the strap not develop in the wind?

A helmet that is made to the highest standard, which will fit perfectly on the head, will usually be more expensive. Talk to your friends, find out what they think about this or that brand of helmet. . True, at least two problems can be noted: Arai helmets are expensive; the shape of this brand of helmet may not fit the shape of your head.

So, pick a few brands of your choice (because the only brand of helmet you decide on won't fit your head shape), decide how much you're willing to spend on a helmet, what type of helmet you want to buy, what color , what additional features should this helmet have (ventilation channels in the eyebrow area, on the crown, on the back, fastener type, removable lining, pads, deflector mask, etc.), determine your theoretical size. In the shop you can do more right choice. There is only one compromise that should not be made: if you can't find a helmet in one store that you feel comfortable in and that fits you perfectly in size and shape, go to another store! If the helmet is too loose, it won't protect you in a crash, and if it's too tight on your head, you won't want to wear it again!

If you're buying an open-face helmet, ask the salesperson which goggles fit that helmet model (and which ones are available now!).

Some models of helmets are sold already in special bags. The bag adds a bit to the cost of the helmet, but is a very useful helmet accessory. If a bag is not included with the helmet, consider purchasing one (buying the helmet and bag separately will be more expensive). The bag will allow you to protect your helmet - in order for the helmet to protect you in the event of an accident, it also needs to be protected from accidental bumps, falls, exposure to harmful chemical / environmental factors (ultraviolet, gasoline fumes, solvents), etc.

And try not to buy a used helmet, no matter how attractive the price may seem. Any helmet is designed for only one accident, after which it must be replaced.

Full or partial copying, reprinting, reproduction of any materials of the site site in any form is prohibited without obtaining written permission in each specific case.

A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of equipment for a motorcyclist. In addition to direct protection of the head from various head and neck injuries, concussion in the event of an accident, a helmet provides everyday and every minute protection from headwinds, cold, bad weather and all sorts of troubles found in the air - from dust to insects and birds.

A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of equipment for a motorcyclist. In addition to direct protection of the head from various head and neck injuries, concussion in the event of an accident, a motorcycle helmet provides everyday and every minute protection from headwinds, cold, bad weather and all sorts of troubles found in the air - from dust to insects and birds.

Before, you need to decide which type of helmet is suitable for your tasks, which manufacturer to give preference to, and already directly when buying, choose the right helmet size and choose colors based on your own preferences or the color of the motorcycle.

Traditionally, motorcycle helmets are classified according to the design of the shell, which, as a rule, determines the purpose.

Integral helmet, aka Full-Face - the most popular type of helmets at present. Provides the highest level of protection and has the best aerodynamic properties. It is used both for everyday driving in the city and outside the city, as well as in sports competitions in highway-ring motorcycle racing.

Modular helmet, also called flip-up (Flip-up). It is structurally similar to an integral helmet, but, unlike it, in addition to a rising visor, it has a fully reclining front part, which allows you not to remove it entirely if you need to talk or drink some water during short stops - for example, at a gas station, etc. For this reason, it is very popular with motorcycle travelers. The level of protection is comparable to the integral. The weight of the modular helmet, due to the complicated design, is somewhat greater than that of the integrals.

open helmet, sometimes called the "helmet ¾", has an open front. In various models, it can be equipped with a visor, a protective visor, or not have any at all. Widespread among drivers of scooters, choppers and cruisers. Provides a sufficient level of protection at moderate speeds, and a high level of comfort in everyday use, thanks to the permanently open face. Open-type helmets also include various kinds of motorcycle helmets (called Braincap in the West), covering only the upper hemisphere of the head, however, it should be noted that most of these helmets usually do not have safety certificates and their manufacturers often directly indicate the inadmissibility of their use for its intended purpose.

Cross motorcycle helmet It features a developed prominent front part, has a sun and dirt visor and is designed for operation with special motocross goggles. As the name implies, the main purpose is motocross and enduro. In addition, cross-country helmets are popular with supermotard drivers, stun riders and quad riders. The fact is that the design of the motocross helmet provides extremely effective ventilation during intense breathing caused by the physical exertion that accompanies these areas of motorsport. There are also modifications of cross-country helmets, focused on a more comfortable “civilian” ride and travel. These include, for example, having a visor with Pinlock and high-quality comfortable interior trim.

Snowmobile helmets At first glance, they look like ordinary motorcycle helmets, but they have a number of fundamental differences. To prevent fogging, they have a double-glazed visor. For some models, you can additionally buy visor with glass heating. Snowmobile helmets are usually designed as modulars with a full or partial front part and are equipped with a mask to vent exhaled air to the outside, to prevent fogging of the glass from the inside. And for snowmobile racing, as a rule, cross-country motorcycle helmets are used, complete with special snowmobile goggles.

The most common question for beginners is why, outwardly, seemingly similar motorcycle helmets sometimes differ in price by several times? There are actually many factors and it cannot be said that some brands, as they say, "take money for the brand." Even the most affordable model from the world's leading manufacturer of motorcycle helmets - Shoei XR-1100, comparable in price to the top models of other companies, is manufactured at the consistently highest level, while in the entry-level helmets of less famous manufacturers it is possible to find some technological solutions that are clearly designed to save and reduce the cost of construction. It is important to note that the price of a helmet indicates its convenience and comfort rather than the degree of protection, the requirements for which are mandatory even for the most inexpensive models. Another way to save some money is to buy a helmet with a monotone coloring - white, black, silver or matte colors, which are usually cheaper than their colorful multi-colored counterparts with complex patterns.

Ceteris paribus, the type and quality of the materials used for the shell and interior upholstery affect the cost of a helmet. The weight of the helmet directly depends on them - and the lower the weight, the lower the load on the neck muscles, i.e. a lightweight helmet is more comfortable on long trips. In entry-level models, as a rule, the inner lining is non-removable, the visor does not have an anti-fog coating or system pinlock. Also, simple cheap visors are more prone to scratches. This means that the practical durability of an inexpensive helmet is inferior to older models, the upholstery of which can be removed and withstands repeated washing, and the visor retains transparency for a longer time. The interior in more expensive models has a more complex relief, which thoroughly takes into account the anatomy of the head, and sometimes the possibility of fine adjustment for a particular person, using removable elements different thickness.

Mid- and high-end models also feature an extensive ventilation system with multiple inlets and outlets to provide comfort over a wider range of temperatures and speeds. The shape of some helmets in the design process is fine-tuned in a wind tunnel. This solves two problems - improving the streamlining and stability at high speeds and reducing the noise level.

In addition, some models of helmets already have various additional equipment in the basic configuration. This includes the aforementioned Pinlock - a special film that is installed on the inner surface of the visor and forms a sealed protective air layer that prevents fogging of the visor due to the temperature difference outside and inside the helmet. Some helmets have a built-in pop-up sun visor. In some tourist models, preparation for proprietary audio communication and hands-free systems is provided.

Manufacturers such as Shoei, Schuberth, Laser, IXS, in addition to the helmets themselves, they produce wide range of replacement and spare visors. Both standard transparent and tinted in various smoky and mirror shades, with or without pinlock. It is important to bear in mind that tinted visors, which greatly facilitate daytime driving, especially against the sun, are practically unsuitable for normal operation at night. Therefore, if you have a trip at night, then you need to either install a transparent visor in advance or limit yourself to one that has only a part of the surface tinted along the upper edge.

As for the sizes. Unfortunately, the dimensional grids of the vast majority of different brands do not match. Those. if you are currently using a size M helmet, then when switching to another manufacturer, there is a high probability that you may need S or L. Without a “live” fitting, without looking, you should not purchase a helmet. Even different models one brand on the same head can sit differently. In the general case, the rule is this - a properly selected motorcycle helmet should sit tight enough on the head, but without any painful or uncomfortable sensations. Sometimes it happens that the helmet fits perfectly, but it is worn too tight, which is uncomfortable and can lead to premature damage to its upholstery. Therefore, before you go to a motorcycle dealership, you should plan in advance for yourself not one, but several models and make the final choice among them.

The color of the construction helmet matters. It would seem, what difference does it make what color a construction helmet is?

Posted 10/10/2010

It would seem, what difference does it make what color a construction helmet is? Whichever color you like best, wear it. However, this is not entirely true, and almost every color of this tool personal protection has a certain meaning.

Not everyone knows that construction helmets should be different colors, depending on the status of its carrier (owner). In accordance with GOST 12.4.087-84, their cases are produced in different colors, including:

1. White- for the management of organizations and enterprises, heads of sections and workshops, public inspectors for labor protection, employees of the safety service;

2. Red– for foremen, foremen, engineers, technical workers, chief mechanics and chief power engineers;

3. Yellow and orange– for workers and junior service personnel;

4. Brown- miners;

5. Blue– mine rescuers

Along with this, it is often customary to place an emblem or other sign on a protective helmet that speaks of the industry or professional affiliation of the employee.

With such a peculiar coding of outsiders and high-ranking bosses, who often do not always know where it is safe to walk and where it is not possible, one can quickly notice and warn against accidents and head injuries. At the same time, a slight difference in the color of the construction helmet of the immediate supervisor allows him to be found faster if necessary, even from a very high height.

Also, in addition to white, yellow, orange and red construction helmets, blue, green and others are common. Below is a gallery of pictures of construction helmets in various colors.

HOW TO DEFINE THE RIGHT HELMET SIZE

You are buying a motorcycle helmet for the first time or want to change the helmet brand. How to determine what size to focus on? How do you make sure the helmet you try on in the store is the perfect size and shape for you?

First, you need to determine your helmet size. It is very simple to do this, however, there are a number of reservations and exceptions that you need to know - we recommend that you read the article to the end.

To determine your helmet size, do the following:

1. Using a tailor's tape measure or a soft tape measure, measure the circumference of your head in the widest part (if there is no centimeter, attach a braid, rope to your head, and then measure the resulting length with a ruler). As a general rule, head circumference should be measured at a distance of 1.5-2.5 centimeters above the eyebrows, slightly above the ears and at the point on the back of the head that gives you the greatest circumference (see pictures). Measure the head several times to avoid mistakes and find the maximum circumference.

2. Now compare your result with the helmet sizes shown in the summary tables below - each helmet size corresponds to a certain head circumference in centimeters and / or inches. Since different manufacturers produce hard shells in completely different shapes and sizes, they may classify the sizes of their helmets differently. Below on this page are tables of helmet sizes corresponding to head circumference, depending on the helmet brand / manufacturer. If you are sure that you want to buy a helmet of a particular brand, for example, Arai or Shoei, see the corresponding table (or read the recommendations on the manufacturer's website).

3. If you see that two sizes of helmets can fit you, it is preferable to go for the smaller size. 3.1. Firstly, the safety requirements (and you buy a helmet just for your own safety, and not for beauty - or not just for beauty) are that the helmet sits very tightly on your head (but does not cause pain) - otherwise the degree of protection will be significantly less, or during a fall from a motorcycle, the helmet will fall off the head altogether. 3.2. Secondly, now you determine only the theoretical size, and in the store you can choose the most suitable size (unless you order a helmet from the catalog; more on that below).

The following are two tables with helmet sizes; you will see that the data in them is slightly different - this is due to the fact that different manufacturers classify the sizes of their models differently. Therefore, the best option is to take this data as a basis, and your size

helmet for each individual brand is determined by other tables, which are presented on this page below.

Tables of correspondence of the sizes of motorcycle helmets depending on the length of the head circumference

Note: Sizes vary by brand of motorcycle helmet. Moreover, even the same manufacturer may, from time to time, revise their own dimensions, not to mention changing the shape of the hard shell depending on the model.

The size and comfort of the helmet you buy has a major impact on how you ride your motorcycle. Also, let's hope you never get into an accident, but if you do, the size of your helmet will play a major role in protecting your head.

Never ride a motorcycle if you think the helmet does not fit. The helmet should fit snugly on your head, but should not put too much pressure on your head - you should feel comfortable.

When trying on helmets, keep the following in mind:

1. You have determined the theoretical size of the helmet. In the store, start by trying on the helmet of the appropriate size - if the size and shape of the shell of one manufacturer seems too loose, try on the smaller size of the same model, and vice versa. Don't forget: the same dimensions can differ significantly if you measure helmets from different manufacturers - see the tables above. Before putting on a helmet, remove earrings from your ears, remove other jewelry, be careful when trying on if you have a piercing on your face. People who buy a helmet for the first time are usually afraid to pull the helmet over their head if they feel resistance and it seems to them that the helmet is too small. There is no need to be afraid: the helmet should be worn tight, the helmet will not tear off your ears, and if you can put it on your head, you can always take it off. As a rule, due to the shape of the hard shell and pads, the comfort of a helmet can only be assessed when it is completely put on the head, and not when you stop pulling it down, feeling, for example, that "ears are in the way." :))

2. The helmet should not be overly tight. When the helmet is in your hands, grab the chin strap with both hands and put the helmet on your head - you should feel how the top of the helmet shell touches the top of your head. Raise the helmet and lower it down again - you should feel that it is lowering to the top of the head, touching it. Pay attention to the following points. 2.1. You immediately feel that the helmet is too tight / tight on your head, you experience discomfort and even pain. 2.2. The top of your head is not touching the top of the helmet. 2.3. The helmet clings to the ears very strongly - it does not fit on the head normally. 2.4. You feel pain anywhere. If any of these points apply when trying on a helmet, you most likely need to try on a larger helmet and/or a different shape - as long as it's the same brand. (If you try on a helmet of the same size but from a different manufacturer, it may be the perfect fit and/or shape.)

3. The helmet should not be too loose. Once you've found a helmet that fits snugly on your head and you feel comfortable, you need to make sure it's not too loose. To test this, fasten the chin strap tightly, place your hand on the chin guard or on the sides of the helmet. Try to move the helmet from side to side and up and down. If the helmet moves freely enough, it is too big. If you feel that the helmet is pulling on the skin, then the size is right. If you put a helmet on your head without any resistance at all, it will definitely be too loose. Do not forget that a helmet, like shoes, like gloves, wears out over time; the gaskets will tighten, and the helmet will fit and sit more freely on the head.

4. Correct size. The last check is very important, but unpleasant. The helmet strap must be fastened. Grasp the back edge of the helmet with your hands and pull it up and forward, trying to pull it off your head towards your chest. Then try to pull the helmet off your head, but in the other direction - back. If you feel that with a little more effort you could pull the buttoned helmet off your head, there are two options to consider: 4.1. This helmet is too loose, and during an accident, when hitting the road, it can be torn off your head - therefore, the helmet will not be able to protect you. 4.2. You have fastened the strap too loosely. Check the clasp - if necessary, ask the seller for help, then repeat the test - again try to pull the helmet off the head in different directions. Such a check is unpleasant and maybe even a little painful, but the force generated when hitting the road will be disproportionately greater, so it is better to know for sure that the helmet will remain on the head.

5. If you think you've found the right helmet, don't rush to buy it.
5.1. Firstly, keep the helmet on for about 10 minutes. Over time, your feeling of comfort may change - for example, you will feel that the helmet begins to cause more and more discomfort, putting excessive pressure on some part of the head. Think about how you will feel when you ride in this helmet for an hour or two.
5.2. Once you've put on your helmet, check your vision. In the horizontal plane, the glass should be located symmetrically relative to the line of the eyes - the view to the left and right should be the same. The top edge of the glass should be just above the eyebrows. Check how much the helmet limits peripheral vision. Look at any object and move your head up and down and from side to side - do you clearly see the object on which you are concentrating, does the glass create any interference, blur, "waves" when you turn your head ?
5.3. Examine the glass carefully. It should not distort objects when you look through it. Look how tightly the glass is on the helmet - if you see that there are gaps between the glass and the edges of the helmet, air will enter and with it additional noise. Some helmets have adjustable clearances. See how easy it is to change the glass - some models change the glass very simply and without the help of any tools, others require the use of tools to replace the glass.
5.4. If you haven't decided on a color yet, see what you have to choose from. The traditional black color for many motorcyclists will be harder to notice on the road, a bright colored helmet will make you stand out on the road. For a helmet with complex graphics, you will have to pay more.

Compromises when choosing a helmet

There are always compromises to be made when buying a helmet. It is better to psychologically prepare for this compromise in advance and determine for yourself which helmet you need to buy.

Each manufacturer makes helmets differently: different materials are used, hard shells are produced in different shapes, helmet safety is certified by different standards. We have already said that THEORETICALLY any helmet that goes on sale meets the minimum and sufficient safety requirements. You will not be able to evaluate the protective properties of a helmet in a store - you will have to rely on the honesty of the seller and certificates.

You will also not be able to assess the composition of the material from which the hard shell of the helmet is made. Don't pay too much attention to the high-tech materials a helmet is made from - just choose a helmet that feels comfortable and weighs less. However, if you consider yourself an expert in the field of chemical technologies and materials, you can look at what the hard shell and gaskets are made of - this information is indicated in the documents, as well as on a label inside the helmet (the helmet safety certification standard should also be indicated there).

Different manufacturers make hard shells in various shapes. Different manufacturers change the sizes of their helmets in different ways: someone produces several different sizes of hard shells, someone makes one shell, changing the size of the helmet due to thicker/dense pads. If several different shells are used in the model range, such models will be more expensive simply because the manufacturer has to certify each shell separately. In addition, the same manufacturer may produce different models with different shell shapes, so if the shape of a helmet of one model does not suit you, this does not mean at all that you should cross out this brand and try on helmets of another brand - it is quite possible that another a model from the same manufacturer will fit perfectly to the shape of your head.

Increasingly, manufacturers are equipping their helmets with removable, washable liners. Increasingly, helmets come with removable pads - not only will you be able to change the pads when they are worn/compressed and you will feel that the helmet is not so tight on your head, but also with the help of various pads you can achieve the best degree of comfort. A good seller who is interested in you buying a helmet and you are happy with your purchase will let you try on the helmet with different padding combinations.

Aerodynamic channels, fins, air intake protrusions look cool, but all protruding parts can cling to the road during a fall and have a serious traumatic effect on the spine. From a safety point of view, it is preferable to buy a sleek, streamlined helmet that has no protruding, potentially dangerous parts. Research by J.D. Power found that the three most important things to consider when choosing a helmet are style/colour,

comfort/convenience and price. Two-thirds of helmet buyers cite style/color and comfort/convenience as the top three factors influencing helmet purchases. At the same time, almost half of the buyers put the cost of a helmet in one of the first places. The study also found that with increasing age of buyers, the importance of the style or color of the helmet decreases, but the importance of comfort and convenience increases.

"Motorcyclists' preferences regarding the type of motorcycle and helmet change with age and experience," said Todd Mündorff. "Younger motorcyclists, especially those who ride sportbikes, are placing more value on helmets that feature the latest trends in colors and graphics."

The vent system will be very useful in hot weather. But it is important to check a number of points. Most importantly, make sure that what appear to be holes are really holes - sometimes an "air intake" is just for show, there is actually no hole in it, and air will not flow through it. Make sure you can open and close openings normally - preferably without taking off your gloves! Ideally, if the helmet has holes in the front where air will enter, then there should be a hole in the back - where the air will come out; with such a system, the ventilation inside the helmet will be optimal.

Pay attention to the strap itself. How comfortable do you feel when it's buttoned up? Does it have soft pads inside? How convenient is it to use the clasp, will the free end of the strap not develop in the wind?

A helmet that is made to the highest standard, which will fit perfectly on the head, will usually be more expensive. Talk to your fellow riders, find out on various motorcycle forums what people think about this or that brand of helmet.

So, pick a few brands of your choice (because the only brand of helmet you decide on won't fit your head shape), decide how much you're willing to spend on a helmet, what type of helmet you want to buy, what color , what additional features should this helmet have (ventilation channels in the eyebrow area, on the crown, on the back, fastener type, removable lining, pads, deflector mask, etc.), determine your theoretical size. In the store you will be able to make a better choice. There is only one compromise that should not be made: if you can't find a helmet in one store that you feel comfortable in and that fits you perfectly in size and shape, go to another store! If the helmet is too loose, it won't protect you in a crash, and if it's too tight on your head, you won't want to wear it again!

1. The type of your future helmet.

The type of helmet depends on your riding style or the chosen discipline of motorsport. A brief correspondence between helmet types is as follows:

• Motocross - a classic full-face (a helmet that completely covers the head and face) for cross-country with a long "jaw" and a visor, without a visor, the lightest and most durable helmet that reliably protects the rider's head.

• enduro – in most cases, a motocross helmet will be fine, but for those who like “mixed style” riding on rough terrain and on roads, it is worth considering full-face motard or enduro / touring.

• Supermoto, circuit racing or stunt - the classic full-face type "integral" will be an unambiguous choice.

• speed driving on the roads or in the city (for example, on a sportbike) - in this case, it is worth considering a helmet of the "modular" type with a folding "visor", which combines the visor and the "jaw" of the helmet. This option will be a more comfortable solution than the "integral" focused on sports operation.

• slow ride on the roads or in the city (for example, on a chopper, cruiser or scooter) - you can consider a semi-open type helmet, without a “jaw”, both with and without a visor. For example, in this case, helmets such as "walnut" or "helmet" are perfect.

2. After choosing the type of helmet, it is necessary to determine the appropriate size.

Detailed instruction presented on our website. And in short, you will need to measure the girth of the head with a centimeter, which is taken 2-3 cm above the line of the eyebrows and ears. After that, we find the resulting circumference in the size table and look at the corresponding helmet size. The helmet should fit as tightly as possible without squeezing the head, so if the choice is between two sizes, it is better to choose a smaller helmet.

Size determined? Fine! It's time to decide on your requirements for helmet parameters and, perhaps, this item requires the most attention, because range of motorcycle helmets various kinds and specifications - just huge. In addition, the final cost of a particular model will depend on such parameters as materials, weight, degree of protection, additional functionality, even design and color.

3. Amateur solution or model for professionals?

This is a topical issue for many, in general, the choice should be guided by the following rules:

– If you are into extreme motorsport, regardless of discipline, be it cross, enduro, freestyle, supermoto or stunt, the choice of model will depend on your current control skills and riding style. If you are new to motorsport and are “taking your first steps” in this field, budget models of motorcycle helmets will be the best choice for you. These helmets will provide you with the protection you need and the level of comfort you need to start your sporting career with confidence. If you are a professional athlete or an experienced amateur, you should consider more expensive models with increased protection, low weight, improved ergonomics, etc. These models of motorcycle helmets will give you confidence in own forces and opportunities when passing difficult tracks, jumps or high-speed tracks, providing you with reliable protection and high comfort.

– A similar rule is true for road or city driving, but in this case the choice of helmet depends more on your “average” road speed and riding style. Do you prefer a neat and leisurely ride? Then you can consider budget models of road helmets, even semi-open type. If, on the contrary, you are a fan of high speeds and an aggressive driving style, you should not save on your own safety, choosing the most protected helmet, such as integral and modular, is an excellent option for you.

4. Should I take a helmet with or without a visor?

5. Composite body materials or carbon fiber?