All you need to know about Motorcycle Helmets

Construction Materials

Here are the four main motorcycle helmet construction materials, from the best budget-friendly to the highest grade. What mainly separates the materials is weight and how they will behave under impact.

Polycarbonate/Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic polymer is hardwearing and easy to mold making it easy to manufacture. This material is not as strong as carbon/fiberglass so you need more of it to protect against abrasion – meaning a heavier helmet. However, polymer can absorb impacts better at lower speeds.

Composite

Composite helmets are made by combining two or more materials with individually different properties. This is used by manufacturers to create proprietary blends which provide both weight saving and excellent impact resistance.

Fiberglass

Epoxy bonding and interwoven fibers result in remarkable impact and abrasion resistance. Fiberglass is more flexible in its impact absorption and lighter than Polycarbonate.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber helmets are tough and lightweight, providing advanced levels of protection and reducing rider fatigue. It is also the best performing material in high-speed impacts. This high-end material and complex manufacturing process do reflect the price.

Safety Standard

When choosing the best motorcycle helmet for you, make sure it ticks the testing standard boxes compatible with your location. While the different testing bodies all include an impact test, the specific procedures and actual testing protocols are unique. In short - if your helmet carries one of the below stickers, it means that it is an actual motorcycle helmet made to protect your head in a crash situation.

ECE

The most up-to-date and widely used safety certification. Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), is recognized by over 50 countries including the USA and Canada. The manufacturer must send a batch of 50 production versions of the helmet for independent testing, before it is allowed to even hit the market. The testing is done in a third-party lab with representatives from both the manufacturer and the ECE. In 2020, the standard was upgraded to ECE 22.06. This upgrade includes visor and official accessory testing. All existing helmets with ECE 22.05 stickers will remain legal, but as of January 2024 all newly produced helmets will need to be ECE 22.06 certified.

DOT

All on-road helmets sold in the USA must bear a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker to be legal. While the testing procedure itself is thorough, the testing is not conducted by the issuing body but rather by the manufacturers or independent contractors.

Snell

The Snell Memorial Foundation is an American independent non-profit organization whose testing standards are significantly higher than DOT requirements. SNELL Certification is not compulsory, and the testing protocols are mainly aimed towards racing helmets. This means that the helmets are held to a higher standard required at the racetrack, but it also means that many street helmets will not be tested. Your helmet may have one, two or even three of the above certifications. Something to keep in mind is that fit is essential for the helmet to do its job as intended. A poorly fitting helmet will be severely compromised in its ability to manage impact energy.

Added Protection Systems

Safety is on the top of every motorcycle manufacturer's priority list. As a result, there are many helmet features now available to help bring up your safety A-game.

Rotational Protection Systems

Helmet manufacturers are working together with tech companies towards improving motorcycle helmet safety features. MIPS, 6D and Leatt are good examples of companies within this area who are committed to develop solutions that significantly reduces sudden-rotational-energy transfer. This to lessen instances of concussion and brain injury.

Emergency Quick Release Cheek Pad

It's possible to remove Emergency QR cheek pads with one tab without affecting the position of the head, which is vital in the case of an accident.

Pinlock Visor

This thin transparent visor attaches to the inside of the helmet's visor. This layer of trapped air acts as insulation against the outside temperature to prevent fogging.

Removable Liner

A comfort liner that is removable for washing is a great option for hot and humid climates. You can also remove the liner for washing.

Ride Enhancing Features

Keeping up with motorcycle helmet technological advancements can be the difference between a good ride and a great one!

Quick Release Visor

This mechanism allows for replacing the helmet's main visor without the need for special tools.

Vent System

Full face, flip front and adventure helmets all have some form of venting system. If you ride in a hot climate, look for helmets that feature additional front and exhaust vents.

Breath Guard

Silicone or neoprene coverings are built into the helmet to cover the nose and mouth to help prevent visor fogging and keep the nose warm in the winter.

Chin Curtain

A chin curtain, designed for full face helmets specifically, extends below the front third of the helmet to prevent updrafts.

Goggle Strap Retainer

A short strap and stud fixed to the back of an open-face helmet. The retainer fastens over the strap of the motorcycle goggles to stop them from flying off the helmet.

Snaps

A snap is a fastener placed across the forehead and sides of an open-face helmet. It allows the rider to attach either a peak or visor to the helmet.