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CHOOSING A HELMET

While colour design and price may be a part of your decision on which helmet to buy, protection comes first. A full-coverage helmet gives most protection since it covers more of the face. A movable faceshield protects your eyes and is easily operated with one hand. Professional and seasoned riders tend to prefer full-face helmets for the added proection and comfort.

A three-quarter, open face helmet is a choice of some riders. it is constructed with the same basic components, bu doesn't offer face and chin protection of full-face helmets. Snap-on faceshields provide eye protection, but won't withstand the impact of a crash. At the very least you should wear a pair of goggles that can withstand impacts. Ordinary glasses or sun-glasses are not sufficient eye protection for a motorcyclist; they may shatter, move or fly off. 

GETTING THE RIGHT FIT

A helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a but too tight until its in place correctly. It should sit squarely on your head, not tilted back like a hat. The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing uncomfortably.

There should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads.

With the helmet still on and the straps securely fastened, move it from side to side and up and down. It it fits right, your skin should move as the helmet is moved. You should feel as if a slight, even pressure is being exerted all over your head by the helmet. 

A helmet will loosen up slightly as the comfort liner compresses through use. So a new one should be as tight as you can comfortably wear.

With the chin strap securely fastened and your head straight, the helmet shouldn't roll forward off your head. If you can pull it off, the helmet is too big.

A helmet that is too large will move around and up and down on your head. This could be hazardous if the helmet were to move and block your vision. Plus it can be very annoying to wear because it's noisy and lets in wind. And, in the event of an accident, it is likely to come off.

After removing the helmet, note any soreness or red spots on your forehead. Pressure points can be uncomfortable and can cause a headache after a long ride, so be sure the helmet doesn't cause any. If it does, choose the next larger size or tey a different brand of helmet. Human heads are not all the same shape; niether are helmets.

A helmet is an important investment, no matter what its price.
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