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A motorcycle helmet is an essential part of the safety gear you should get if you plan to ride a bike on public roads. Although there may be opinions that say that a helmet can’t protect your head against brain damage, experts state that if an accident occurs with consequences as harmful as such, the chances of surviving the crash are minimal, too. In the meantime, a helmet can indeed, protect you, but you must pay attention to a few aspects.
Why should a motorcycle helmet be lightweight?
There used to be a common misconception that motorcycle helmets had to be made of heavy, reliable materials so that they could protect your head in the case of a crash. However, that would put severe troubles to the wearer, as the helmet can end up weighing a lot and becoming uncomfortable for the rider.
The quest for finding the right materials to ensure the user’s safety never ends for manufacturers, and today, many excellent models provide you with the needed protection without weighing a lot. The material of choice is polycarbonate for the outer shell, as it is lightweight, yet durable and strong at the same time.
If you intend to run a comparison between different models, check to see if they come in your head size. Also, the shape of your head counts and you might glean from other people’s reviews important information on this issue. A helmet that fits well is a much better choice than one that is difficult to wear.
The importance of the foam lining
To ensure superior comfort for the rider, manufacturers now use foam to create the lining that goes on the inside of the helmet. The foam used should be of high quality. For people who have allergies, the hypoallergenic foam should be the preferred choice.
These are signs of a good quality helmet. It is also essential to see if the lining can be removed and washed, preferably in a washing machine, so that you can keep it clean for a long time.
Is a D-ring strap truly necessary?
If you care to hear about another debate that seems to concern motorcycle riders, that would be about whether a D-ring strap is better than a buckle type or not. Again, experts will tell you that a D-ring strap is the safer choice of the two.
In the case of a crash, you want your head to remain protected and your helmet to continue to serve its purpose. However, if the helmet comes with a buckle, the chances are that the helmet might come undone, leaving you unprotected. A D-ring strap, on the other hand, has close to zero chances to release the helmet from your head in the case of an impact.
Check all the certifications
Although the reputable manufacturers care about having their models certified, you should always check, for your peace of mind. DOT and ECE certifications stand for the standards necessary for road safety in the US, and EU, respectively, and they should accompany the helmet you intend to purchase.
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This content is sponsored by Tudor Constantin.
Photo: Shutterstock