Choosing the Right Helmet
Perhaps every rider has been entangled in a situation when he
shelled out big bucks for a quality helmet just to replace his
old stinker of motorcycle apparel. So the question now is how
you qualify quality? It needs a kin eye and feel to make the
right choice. A rider must also know his personal needs as a
rider. Let us tackle it one by one...
Mis-fitted helmet is obviously risky because of its safety, and
other annoying problems. To mention a few they are discomfort,
obstructed vision, goggles rammed down, increased susceptibility
to fogging, impeded nasal breathing, and at most can even
precipitate a crash.
Buying without first trying it on is pretty risky because you
have know clear idea whether it will fit you well. According to
statistics, majority of helmets are mis-sized. Sixty percent of
which is too big for the riders. Sizes vary depending on the
helmet brands. Another thing is that, even if you happen to fit
the lid, liners might eventually break-in or settle. Thus, fit
may change dramatically.
Nowadays, there are wide varieties of helmets that come with
removable liner parts. With regards to off-road helmets there
are also removable liner systems. Using different liners within
like shells makes helmet sizes. Therefore, different sizes can
share same shells with varying thickness liners yet yield the
'perfect fit'.
Arai, for one, is offering helmet models with removable liners
in different sizes aiming for customization. Its shells are
comprised of three removable parts - the ear cups, top pad and
side pads. By interchanging these parts, a rider can achieve his
goal for a right fit.
With regards to Bell, Moto 6 has two basic shell sizes. Removing
and interchanging inner liners can result to other sizes.
Shoei, on the other hand, has four different shell sizes. Same
with Moto 6, it offers one-piece removable liner. Nevertheless,
it offers separate ear/cheek pads. Shoei's liners can only be
interchanged with common shells.
The rest of the manufacturers and helmet lines also offer the
same fitting schemes. The best advise I can give you is to
personally buy your helmet and fit it. That way you are sure
with your choice.. Remember that you are going to use it in your
every ride so choose it meticulously.