HOW TO DETERMINE THE RIGHT HELMET SIZE

You are buying a motorcycle helmet for the first time or want to change the helmet brand. How to determine which size to target? How do you make sure the helmet you measure in the store is the perfect fit for you in size and shape?

First, you need to determine your helmet size. It is very easy to do this, however, there are a number of caveats 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 at the widest part (if there is no tape measure, attach a string, rope to your head, and then measure the resulting length with a ruler). As a rule, you need to measure the head circumference 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 your head several times to avoid mistakes and find maximum length circles.

2. Now compare this result with the helmet sizes shown in the summary tables below - each helmet size has a specific head circumference in centimeters and / or inches. As different manufacturers produce very different shapes and sizes of hard shells, they may classify their helmet sizes in different ways. Below on this page there are tables of correspondence of the sizes of helmets to the length of the head circumference, depending on the brand of the helmet / manufacturer. If you are firmly convinced that you want to buy a specific brand of helmet, 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 may suit you, the smaller size is preferable. 3.1. Firstly, the safety requirements (and you buy a helmet precisely for your own safety, and not for beauty - or not only for beauty) are that the helmet fits very tightly on your head (but does not cause painful sensations) - otherwise the degree of its protection will be significantly smaller, or during a fall from a motorcycle, the helmet will fall off the head altogether. 3.2. Secondly, now you only determine 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).

Below 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. That's why the best option- take this data as a basis, and your size

helmet for each individual brand to determine the other tables, which are presented on this page below.

Correspondence tables of motorcycle helmets depending on the length of the head circumference

Note: Dimensions differ depending on the brands of motorcycle helmets. Moreover, even the same manufacturer may, from time to time, revise their own dimensions, let alone change the shape of the rigid shell depending on the model.

The size and comfort of the helmet you buy will have a major impact on your motorcycle handling. Also, let's hope you never get into an accident, but if that does happen, the size of the helmet will play a decisive 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 excessive pressure on your head - you should feel comfortable.

When trying on helmets, consider the following:

1. You have determined the theoretical helmet size. In the store, start measuring a helmet of the appropriate size - if the size and shape of the shell from one manufacturer seems too loose, measure the smaller size of the same model, and vice versa. Do not forget: the same dimensions can differ significantly if you measure helmets from different manufacturers - see the tables above. Before putting on the helmet, remove earrings from your ears, remove other jewelry, be careful when trying on if you have piercings 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 feel that the helmet is too small. There is no need to be afraid: the helmet should be worn tight, the helmet will not tear your ears off, 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 the helmet can be assessed only when it is completely put on the head, and not when you stop pulling it down, feeling, for example, that your ears are in the way. :))

2. The helmet should not be overly tight. When the helmet is in your hands, grasp the chin strap with both hands and slide the helmet over your head - you should feel the top of the helmet shell touch the crown of your head. Raise the helmet and lower it down again - you should feel it sinking to the top of your 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. Your crown does not touch the top of your helmet. 2.3. The helmet clings very strongly to the ears - it does not fit on the head normally. 2.4. You feel soreness anywhere. If at least one of these points applies when trying on a helmet, chances are you need to try on a helmet of a larger size and / or a different shape - if we are talking about the same brand. (If you measure a helmet of the same size, but from a different manufacturer, you may find that it will fit perfectly in size 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, grasp the chin protector or the edges on the sides of the helmet with your hand. 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 correct. If you put the 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 pads 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 might be able to pull a buttoned helmet off your head, there are two possible options: 4.1. This helmet is too loose, and during an accident, on impact on the road, it can be ripped off your head - therefore, the helmet will not be able to protect you. 4.2. You have fastened the strap too loose. Check the buckle - if necessary, contact your dealer for help, then repeat the test - again try to pull the helmet off your head in different directions. Such a check is unpleasant and, perhaps, even a little painful, but the force arising when hitting the road will be immeasurably greater, so it is better to know for sure that the helmet will remain on the head.

5. If you think you have found a suitable helmet, take your time to buy one.
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 unpleasant sensations, causing overpressure 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. When you put on your helmet, check your visibility. In the horizontal plane, the glass should be located symmetrically relative to the line of the eyes - to the left and to the right, the view should be the same. The top edge of the glass should be just above the eyebrows. Check how much the helmet is limiting 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 shouldn't distort objects when you look through it. See how tightly the glass adheres to the helmet - if you see that there are gaps between the glass and the edges of the helmet, air will flow inside, and with it - additional noise. On some helmets, the clearances are adjustable. See how easy it is to replace the glass - in some models the glass is changed very easily and without the help of any tools, in others you need to use tools to replace the glass.
5.4. If you are still undecided on your choice of color, take a look at your choice. The traditional black color for many motorcyclists will be more difficult to notice on the road, and 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 motorcycle helmet

When buying a helmet, you always have to compromise. 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: used various materials, hard shells are available in various shapes, and 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 assess the protective properties of the helmet in the store - you will have to rely on the seller's honesty and certificates.

You will also not be able to appreciate 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 from which the helmet is made - just choose a helmet that you feel comfortable in, that weighs less. However, if you consider yourself an expert in the field of chemical technologies and materials, you can see what the hard shell and gaskets are made of - this information is indicated in the documents, as well as on the label inside the helmet (the helmet safety certification standard should also be indicated there).

Different manufacturers make rigid casings of various shapes. Different manufacturers change the size 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 / denser pads. If in lineup several different casings are used, such models will be more expensive already because the manufacturer has to certify each casing separately. In addition, the same manufacturer may produce different models with shells of different 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 measure helmets of another brand - it is quite possible that another the model from the same manufacturer will fit perfectly to the shape of your head.

Increasingly, manufacturers are equipping their helmets with removable, washable pads. Increasingly, helmets are also equipped with removable pads - not only will you be able to change pads when they wear off / shrink and you will feel that the helmet is no longer so tight on your head, but also with the help of various pads you can achieve the best degree of comfort. A good salesperson who is interested in you buying a helmet and making you happy with your purchase will allow you to try on a helmet with a variety of padding combinations.

Aerodynamic channels, fins, air intakes 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 standpoint, it is preferable to buy a sleek, streamlined helmet that has no protruding, potentially hazardous parts. J.D. Power has revealed that the three most important aspects when choosing a helmet are style / color,

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

“Motorcyclists' preferences for motorcycle and helmet type change with age and experience,” said Todd Mündorf. "Younger motorcyclists, especially those who ride sportbikes, place more emphasis on helmets that are designed with the latest in mind. 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 appears to be holes are indeed holes - sometimes the "air intake" is made just for beauty, in fact, there is no hole in it, and air will not flow through it. Make sure you can open and close the holes normally - preferably without removing your gloves! Ideally, if the helmet has holes in the front part where air will enter, then there should be a hole in the back - from where the air will come out; with this system, ventilation inside the helmet will be optimal.

Pay attention to the strap itself. How comfortable do you feel when it is buttoned? Are there soft pads inside it? How comfortable is it to use the clasp, will the free end of the strap develop in the wind?

A helmet that is of the highest quality and will fit perfectly on the head will generally be more expensive. Talk to your Motorcyclist friends, find out on various motorcycle forums what people think about this or that brand of helmet.

So, pick a few of your preferred brands (because it may turn out that the only helmet brand you settled on will not fit your head shape), decide how much you are willing to spend on a helmet, what type of helmet you want to buy, what color what additional characteristics this helmet should have (ventilation ducts in the eyebrow area, on the crown, at the back, type of fastener, removable lining, pads, mask-deflector, etc.), determine your theoretical size. In the store you can make more right choice... There is only one compromise that should not be made: if in one store you did not find a helmet 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 will not be able to protect you during an accident, and if it puts a lot of pressure on your head, you will not want to wear it again!

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, the motorcycle helmet provides daily 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, the motorcycle helmet provides daily 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, when buying, choose the right size of the helmet and choose the color based on your own preferences or the color of the motorcycle.

Traditionally, helmets are classified by shell construction, which usually determines the purpose.

Integral helmet, aka Full-Face - the most popular type of helmets at the present time. 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, and in sports competitions on road-ring motorcycle races.

Modular helmet also called flip-up. Structurally similar to the integral helmet, but, unlike it, in addition to the 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 larger than that of the integrals.

Helmet open type sometimes called "helmet ¾" has an open front. In various models, it can be equipped with a visor, a protective visor or not at all. Wide use received from drivers of scooters, choppers and cruisers. Provides an adequate level of protection at moderate speeds, and a high level of convenience in everyday use, thanks to its always open face. Open helmets also include various kinds of motorcycle helmets (called Braincap in the West), which cover only the upper hemisphere of the head, but it should be noted that most of these helmets usually do not have safety certificates and their manufacturers often directly indicate that they are not allowed to be used for their intended purpose.

Motocross helmet It has a developed, prominent front part, has a sun-protection visor and is designed for operation with special crossover motorcycle glasses. As the name implies, the main purpose is motocross and enduro. In addition, cross helmets are popular with supermotard drivers, stunt riders and ATVs. The fact is that the construction of a cross-country helmet provides extremely effective ventilation with intense breathing caused by physical exertion accompanying the indicated areas of motor sports. There are also modifications of motocross helmets aimed at more comfortable "civilian" riding and travel. These include, for example, the Pinlock visor 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. They have a double-glazed visor for protection against fogging. For some models, you can additionally buy visor heated glass. Snowmobile helmets are usually designed as modulars with a fully or partially lifting front part and are equipped with a mask to divert exhaled air to the outside, in order to avoid fogging of the glass from the inside. And for racing on snowmobiles, as a rule, motocross 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 several times? In fact, there are many factors and it cannot be said that some brands, which are called “take money for the brand”. Even the most affordable model from the world's leading motorcycle helmet manufacturer - Shoei XR-1100, comparable in price with the top models of other firms, is made on invariably the highest level, while in entry-level helmets from less famous manufacturers it is possible to find some technological solutions, clearly designed to save money and reduce the cost of the design. It is important to note that the price of a helmet is more indicative of its convenience and comfort, rather than the degree of protection, the requirements for which must be met even by the most inexpensive models. Another opportunity to save a little is to buy a helmet with a monotonous color - white, black, silver or matte colors, which, as a rule, are cheaper than their colorful multi-colored counterparts with a complex pattern.

All other things being equal, the type and quality of the shell and inner upholstery materials used affect the cost of the 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 upholstery is not removable, the visor does not have an anti-fog coating or system Pinlock... In addition, simple cheap visors are more prone to scratching. This means that the practical durability of an inexpensive helmet is inferior to older models, the upholstery of which can be removed and withstand repeated washing, and the visor retains transparency for a longer time. The interior in more expensive models has a more complex relief, thoroughly taking into account the anatomy of the head, and sometimes the possibility of fine adjustment to a specific person, using removable elements of various thicknesses.

The mid-range and high-end models also feature an extensive ventilation system with multiple inlet and outlet ducts for comfort over a wider range of temperatures and speeds. The shape of some helmets during the design process is fine-tuned in a wind tunnel. This solves two objectives - improving streamlining and stability at high speeds and reducing noise levels.

In addition, some models of helmets already have different optional equipment... This includes the aforementioned Pinlock - a special film installed on the inner surface of the visor and forming a sealed protective air gap that prevents the visor from fogging due to the temperature difference outside and inside the helmet. Some helmets have a built-in lifting sun visor. Certain tourist models provide preparation for proprietary audio communication and hands-free systems.

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

As for the sizes. Unfortunately, dimensional grids the vast majority of different brands do not match. Those. If you are currently using a helmet of size M, 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 buy a helmet. Even different models of the same brand on the same head can sit in different ways. In general, the rule is that a properly selected motorcycle helmet should sit tightly enough on the head, but without any painful or uncomfortable sensations. Sometimes it happens that the helmet fits perfectly, but it fits too tightly, which is inconvenient and can lead to premature damage to its upholstery. Therefore, before you go to the motorcycle dealership, it is worthwhile to outline not one, but several models in advance and make the final choice among them.

Arai makes excellent quality 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 which size to target? How do you make sure the helmet you measure in the store is the perfect fit for you in size and shape?

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

First, you need to determine your helmet size. It is very easy to do this, however, there are a number of caveats 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 at the widest part (if there is no tape measure, attach a string, rope to your head, and then measure the resulting length with a ruler). As a rule, you need to measure the head circumference 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 your head several times to avoid mistakes and find the maximum circumference. In any decent store that employs qualified and competent sellers, you will be determined using the same method 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 this result with the helmet sizes shown in the summary tables below - each helmet size has a specific head circumference in centimeters and / or inches. As different manufacturers produce very different shapes and sizes of hard shells, they may classify their helmet sizes in different ways. Below on this page there are tables of correspondence of the sizes of helmets to the length of the head circumference, depending on the brand of the helmet / manufacturer. If you are firmly convinced that you want to buy a specific brand of helmet, 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 may suit you, the smaller size is preferable. 3.1. Firstly, the safety requirements (and you buy a helmet precisely for your own safety, and not for beauty - or not only for beauty) are that the helmet fits very tightly on your head (but does not cause painful sensations) - otherwise the degree of its protection will be significantly smaller, or during a fall from a motorcycle, the helmet will fall off the head altogether. 3.2. Secondly, now you only determine 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).

Below 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 these data as a basis, and determine your helmet size for each individual brand according to other tables that are presented on this page below.

Correspondence tables of motorcycle helmets depending on the length of the head circumference
Note: Dimensions differ depending on the brands of motorcycle helmets. Moreover, even the same manufacturer may, from time to time, revise their own dimensions, let alone change the shape of the rigid shell depending on the model.

Correspondence tables 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, the brand and the approximate price range, as well as the functional features of the helmet, such as the ventilation system and aerodynamic channels on the shell surface, the glass replacement mechanism, the type of fastener, color and graphics, etc. etc. etc.

The size and comfort of the helmet you buy will have a major impact on your motorcycle handling. Also, let's hope you never get into an accident, but if that does happen, the size of the helmet will play a decisive 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 excessive pressure on your head - you should feel comfortable.

When trying on helmets, consider the following:

1. You have determined the theoretical helmet size. In the store, start measuring a helmet of the appropriate size - if the size and shape of the shell from one manufacturer seems too loose, measure the smaller size of the same model, and vice versa. Do not forget: the same dimensions can differ significantly if you measure helmets from different manufacturers - see the tables above. Before putting on the helmet, remove earrings from your ears, remove other jewelry, be careful when trying on if you have piercings 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 feel that the helmet is too small. There is no need to be afraid: the helmet should be worn tight, the helmet will not tear your ears off, 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 the helmet can be assessed only when it is completely put on the head, and not when you stop pulling it down, feeling, for example, that your ears are in the way. :))

2. The helmet should not be overly tight. When the helmet is in your hands, grasp the chin strap with both hands and slide the helmet over your head - you should feel the top of the helmet shell touch the crown of your head. Raise the helmet and lower it down again - you should feel it sinking to the top of your 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. Your crown does not touch the top of your helmet. 2.3. The helmet clings very strongly to the ears - it does not fit on the head normally. 2.4. You feel soreness anywhere. If at least one of these points applies when trying on a helmet, chances are you need to try on a helmet of a larger size and / or a different shape - if we are talking about the same brand. (If you measure a helmet of the same size, but from a different manufacturer, you may find that it will fit perfectly in size 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, grasp the chin protector or the edges on the sides of the helmet with your hand. 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 correct. If you put the 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 pads 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, on impact on the road, it can be ripped off your head - therefore, the helmet will not be able to protect you. 4.2. You have fastened the strap too loose. Check the buckle - if necessary, contact your dealer for help, then repeat the test - again try to pull the helmet off your head in different directions. Such a check is unpleasant and, perhaps, even a little painful, but the force arising when hitting the road will be immeasurably greater, so it is better to know for sure that the helmet will remain on the head.

5. If you think you have found a suitable helmet, take your time to buy one.
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 unpleasant sensations, putting excessive pressure on some part of your head. Think about how you will feel when you ride in this helmet for an hour or two.
5.2. When you put on your helmet, check your visibility. In the horizontal plane, the glass should be located symmetrically relative to the line of the eyes - to the left and to the right, the view should be the same. The top edge of the glass should be just above the eyebrows. Check how much the helmet is limiting 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 shouldn't have any scratches, it shouldn't distort objects when you look through it. See how tightly the glass adheres to the helmet - if you see that there are gaps between the glass and the edges of the helmet, air will flow inside, and with it - additional noise. On some helmets, the clearances are adjustable. See how easy it is to replace the glass - in some models the glass is changed very easily and without the help of any tools, in others you need to use tools to replace the glass.
5.4. If you are still undecided on your choice of color, take a look at your choice. The traditional black color for many motorcyclists will be more difficult to notice on the road, and a bright colored helmet will make you stand out on the road. For a helmet with complex graphics, you will have to pay more. It should be borne in mind that airbrushing, made in artisanal conditions, can violate the protective properties of the helmet, changing the ability of the shell to distribute the 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 this helmet by riding your motorcycle in it. Leave money as a pledge. Alternatively, find out how long (if possible) the helmet can be returned. When testing on the move, you will learn a lot of valuable information about the new helmet: how well 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 ventilation works; whether the glass of the helmet fogs up, etc. etc. If you are not buying your first helmet, you will be able to compare the new helmet with your previous experience.

Catalog order

If you ordered a helmet from a catalog, inspect it carefully. There should be no cracks or damage on the helmet, the glass should be perfectly transparent (if it is not tinted, but the tint should not distort objects), without scratches. Check the operation of the clasp, the mechanism of fastening the visor (glass), the operation of the ventilation control, the overall quality. If you are not satisfied with something, immediately return the helmet to the dealer. Measure the helmet - do the same as described above. Do not leave yourself a helmet if it is too loose or, conversely, small; return it back.

If everything suits you, put on a helmet and sit in the saddle of 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 is absolutely no reason 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 negotiate the return conditions 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 ordering rules - the catalog must indicate the return period, as well as the reasons why you can return the helmet.

Dimension tables are presented on this page above.

Compromises when choosing a motorcycle helmet

When buying a helmet, you always have to compromise. 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 various shapes, and 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 assess the protective properties of the helmet in the store - you will have to rely on the seller's honesty and certificates.

You will also not be able to appreciate 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 from which the helmet is made - just choose a helmet that you feel comfortable in, that weighs less. However, if you consider yourself an expert in the field of chemical technologies and materials, you can see what the hard shell and gaskets are made of - this information is indicated in the documents, as well as on the label inside the helmet (the helmet safety certification standard should also be indicated there).

Different manufacturers make rigid casings of various shapes. Different manufacturers change the size 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 / denser pads. If several different casings are used in a lineup, such models will be more expensive simply because the manufacturer has to certify each casing separately. In addition, the same manufacturer may produce different models with shells of different 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 measure helmets of another brand - it is quite possible that another the model from the same manufacturer will fit perfectly to the shape of your head.

Increasingly, manufacturers are equipping their helmets with removable, washable pads. Increasingly, helmets are also equipped with removable pads - not only will you be able to change pads when they wear off / shrink and you will feel that the helmet is no longer so tight on your head, but also with the help of various pads you can achieve the best degree of comfort. A good salesperson who is interested in you buying a helmet and making you happy with your purchase will allow you to try on a helmet with a variety of padding combinations.

Aerodynamic channels, fins, air intakes 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 standpoint, it is preferable to buy a sleek, streamlined helmet that has no protruding, potentially hazardous parts. J.D. Power has identified that the three most important aspects when choosing a helmet are style / color, comfort / convenience, and price. Two-thirds of helmet buyers cite style / color, comfort / convenience in the top three factors influencing the purchase of a helmet. At the same time, almost half of buyers put the cost of a helmet in one of the first places. The study also found that as the age of customers increases, the importance of the style or color of the helmet decreases, but the importance of comfort and convenience increases.

“Motorcyclists' preferences for motorcycle and helmet type change with age and experience,” said Todd Mündorf. "Younger riders, especially those who ride sportbikes, are placing greater emphasis on helmets that are tailored to the latest trends in color and graphics."

The vent system will be very helpful in hot weather. But it is important to check a number of points. Most importantly, make sure that what appears to be holes are indeed holes - sometimes the "air intake" is made just for beauty, in fact, there is no hole in it, and air will not flow through it. Make sure you can open and close the holes normally - preferably without removing your gloves! Ideally, if the helmet has holes in the front part where air will enter, then there should be a hole in the back - from where the air will come out; with this system, ventilation inside the helmet will be optimal.

Pay attention to the strap itself. How comfortable do you feel when it is buttoned? Are there soft pads inside it? How comfortable is it to use the clasp, will the free end of the strap develop in the wind?

A helmet that is of the highest quality and will fit perfectly on the head will generally be more expensive. Talk to your friends, find out what they think about a particular brand of helmet. ... However, at least two problems can be noted: Arai helmets are expensive; the shape of this brand's helmet may not match the shape of your head.

So, pick a few of your preferred brands (because it may turn out that the only helmet brand you settled on will not fit your head shape), decide how much you are willing to spend on a helmet, what type of helmet you want to buy, what color what additional characteristics this helmet should have (ventilation ducts in the eyebrow area, on the crown, at the back, type of fastener, removable lining, pads, mask-deflector, etc.), determine your theoretical size. In the store, you can make a better choice. There is only one compromise that should not be made: if in one store you did not find a helmet 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 will not be able to protect you during an accident, and if it puts a lot of pressure on your head, you will not want to wear it again!

If you are buying a helmet with an open face, check with the retailer which goggles are suitable for that helmet model (and which are currently on sale!).

Some models of helmets are already sold in special bags. The bag slightly increases the cost of the helmet, but is very useful accessory for the helmet. If the bag is not included with the helmet, consider purchasing one (it will be more expensive if you buy the helmet and bag separately). The bag will protect your helmet - so that the helmet can protect you in the event of an accident, it also needs to be protected from accidental shocks, falls, exposure to harmful chemical / environmental factors (ultraviolet radiation, gasoline vapors, 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.

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1. The type of your future helmet.

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

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

• Enduro - in most cases a helmet for motocross is perfect, but for fans of "mixed style" riding on rough terrain and on the road - it is worth considering fullfaces such as "motard" or "enduro / tourism".

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

• High speed driving on the roads or in the city (for example, on a sportbike) - in this case it is worth considering a "modular" helmet with a folding "visor" that combines the visor and the "jaw" of the helmet. This option will be a more comfortable solution than the sport-oriented Integral.

• Slow driving on the roads or in the city (for example, on a chopper, cruiser or scooter) - you can consider a half-open helmet, without a "jaw", with or without a visor. For example, in this case helmets like "walnut" or "helmet" are perfect.

2. After choosing the type of helmet, you need to determine the appropriate size.

Detailed instruction presented on our website... And in short, you need to measure the circumference 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 motorcycle helmet size. The helmet should fit as tightly as possible, but at the same time should not squeeze the head, therefore, if the choice is between two sizes, it is better to take a smaller helmet.

Is the size determined? Fine! It's time to decide on your requirements for the parameters of the helmet and, perhaps, this item requires the most attention, because assortment of motorcycle helmets different types and the specs are overwhelming. 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. An amateur solution or a model for professionals?

This is a relevant question 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 driving skills and driving style. If you are a beginner in motorsport and are "taking your first steps" in this field - for you optimal choice there will be budget models of motorcycle helmets. These helmets will provide you necessary protection and a sufficient level of comfort for a confident start to a sports career. If you are a professional athlete or an experienced hobbyist, 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 trails, jumps or high-speed tracks, providing you with reliable protection and high comfort.

- A similar rule is true for road or urban driving, but in this case, the choice of a helmet is more dependent on your "average" speed on the road and riding style. Do you prefer a neat and unhurried ride? Then you can consider budget models of road helmets, even a half-open type. If, on the contrary, you are a lover high speeds and aggressive driving style - do not skimp on your own safety, excellent option for you will be the choice of the most protected helmet, such as integral and modular.

4. Would you like a helmet with or without a visor?

5. Composite body materials or carbon?