Motorcycle Helmets – Is there such a thing as an approved Helmet?

(b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by a driver or passenger of a motorcycle or motorized bicycle any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by the department.

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Even though using a motorcycle helmet is not an act of choice but an act of law in California, it still leaves options when it comes to buying one. You can get cheap ones, expensive ones, full face helmets, motocross helmets. Let us look at the options you have when selecting the right motorcycle helmet for you.

Do not attempt to save money on your motorcycle helmet. It is the singular most important protective gear for every rider. It obviously protects your head from injury during a collision. Also, do not choose a helmet because of how it appears on you. We are talking safety, not fashion.

Size does matter yet bigger does not necessarily mean better when buying the right helmet. Your helmet should fit snugly yet comfortably. Try on a potential helmet. Tighten the chinstraps. Then, try moving it. If it shifts around beneath your hand, it is not the right size. Try others until you find one that does not move around and fits tight yet comfortably.

Next, check the helmet for two insignias that denote safety. One is a DOT at the back of the helmet and the other is a Snell sticker. These insignias denote that the item is certified and has been safety-tested. The Snell sticker indicates standardized testing; the DOT system is an honor system. Both are recognized by the industry, so look for them.

You have a variety of helmets to choose from: full face helmets, motocross helmets, shorty helmets and open face helmets. Some bikers do not prefer full face helmets although they are the safest, protecting your face in an accident.

An increasing amount of manufacturers are producing anti-scratch and anti-fog visors that are included on the helmet. This is a must. You do not want your vision to be impaired by smog or your visor scratched by dirt. This will impair your vision. Be on the safe side and invest in helmets with these features. Manufacturers are also selling anti-fog sprays and anti-fog film which you can place on your unprotected visor.

Let us not forget the matter of ventilation. You need ventilation from your helmet so you do not drip off sweat. Be aware of a trade off between ventilation and noise levels surrounding you. The more vents, the cooler you will be but the louder your surroundings will be. Aerodynamic helmets will be somewhat quieter and some even have vents that can be open and closed as needed. You can even use earplugs to cut down on noise when you want more open ventilation in your helmet.

Make certain your chinstraps function and fit properly. Check to see that they are adjusted correctly. They can usually be locked to your rear trunk for easy storage of your helmet.   Check out your helmet’s inner lining. If it is a little uncomfortable the first time you wear it, this is normal. However, ideally, it should be comfortable in the beginning.  Explore the following brands: Scorpion, Joe Rocket, AGV, Icon, and Shoei. They provide protection and style in one package.