Motorcycle helmets should be the most important part of your riding gear. Recent studies show that more than sixty per cent of motorcycle deaths have been caused because the riders were not wearing helmets or wearing helmets that did not provide enough safety. For these reasons all states have laws regarding helmets. So it is always advisable to put in quality time and money in buying a good helmet. But sometimes you can be forced to restrict your budget. You can still buy a good safe helmet if you spend some time researching. Don't go for a helmet just because it looks right or the dealer says it is the right one for you. Here are some tips for buying good cheap motorcycle helmets.
The helmet should at least meet DOT specifications. Studies suggest that helmets meeting DOT standards are safe even when they are cheap. It is even better if they are Snell certified. The helmet that you buy should be able to offer the least resistance to wind. In this way wind noise is reduced and the rider is able to hear the sound of other vehicles more clearly. Your helmet should be full faced with a proper chin guard. Blows to the face can be fatal and it is never enough to just cover the head. Moreover a full face helmet helps to guard your face from insects and dust particles flying off the road especially from vehicles in front.
A good helmet should be able to distribute the force of an impact over a larger area as the force is reduced with an increase in the area it acts upon. The inside of a good helmet should be lined with polystyrene which crunches when there is an impact letting the head travel a bit before bringing it to rest gently rather than letting it crash against the outer wall.
Your helmet must fit you comfortably. It must not be too tight. Neither must it be too loose letting it fly off during a crash.
You can keep your concern for designs, colors, and stickers to a minimum and at the end of the list of priorities in order to save on spending but never the other way round. Make sure all the safety requirements are there. It is not advisable to go for used helmets as there may be damage inside the foam or polystyrene that are impossible to discern and as a result your head will always be unprotected in spite of wearing the helmet. Rather scout the budget sections of stores or take advantage of sales promotions and campaigns. Manufacturers often give out helmets at discounts to attract buyers to their products as helmets are such important aspects of safety. You can also try buying directly from the manufacturers instead of from a retailer.
Never ever buy any helmet that compromises on safety however good it may look or its ad campaign is. Even if a dealer is suggesting you a helmet claiming it to be safe check the helmet yourself using the tips above. And always wear helmets even if you are going for a short trip.
William has been writing articles for a couple of months. His latest interest is in IT and modern technology. Come visit his latest website over at Full Face Helmets and Discount Motorcycle Helmets for information on the ultimate motorcycle safety accessory.
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