Motorcycle Buyers: Caveat Emptor
Some riders are denying the fact that motorcycle apparel is
important to every ride. This is especially true to helmets.
Many riders are against the idea of wearing it. However, a lot
of riders are on the other stand and I am one of them. I tried
riding without my helmet on twice. At first, it made me feel
uncomfortable. On my second time to do it, the bike in front of
me collided with another. To stop from bumping on it, I forcibly
stepped on the brakes thus, my body moved forward and my head
hit the handlebar. It resulted to a cut coupled with a
debilitating pain. Good thing I was not as injured as the ones
in front of me! From then on, I never drive without a helmet.
As we can observe, there are different types, designs and colors
of helmets. Some can provides more brain protection, some less.
Before a helmet is sold to the public, it must first meet the
helmet standards. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Snell
Memorial Foundation (SNELL) are the two primary testing
standards in the United States. They test the helmet's
retention, impact reduction, shell penetration and peripheral
vision. Nonetheless, they differ in testing procedures and
limits.
Even if helmets have already passed the standards of both the
federal DOT and the private SNELL, their level of protection
still varies. Impact points must be given enough attention and
must be well-distributed. The rule of thumb is - the more the
coverage, the more protection it gives.
Between practicality, rigidity, weight, energy absorption, and
cost, what must be prioritized? If there is a helmet that gives
all of these benefit, grab it! Rarely though we find helmets
like that. However, if this kind of helmet is hard to find, grab
something that is close to these qualities however, prioritize
protection over anything else.
An ideal helmet is one which spreads impact loads without
deforming it too much. Further, it must be strong yet light.
Fiberglass for everyone's information is a superb shell
material. It is lightweight, reasonably stiff and does the
'delaminating' stroke during impact. In addition, it must be
comfortable, water-resistant, low cost and has a snug fit and
lower noise level.
When you purchase your helmet, be sure that it is of
high-quality and provides excellent protection. The price only
comes next.
Bear in mind that helmets should be replaced every two years or
after a grave accident.