What Are The Safest Motorcycle Helmets?

Motorcycle helmets are an essential piece of safety gear for all riders. They not only protect the rider’s head from injuries but also enhance their overall riding experience. With advancements in technology, motorcycle helmets have evolved over the years to become safer and more comfortable.

But with so many options available in the market, how do you determine which helmet is the safest? In this article, we will discuss what are the safest motorcycle helmets, the key features that make a motorcycle helmet safe and how to choose the right one for you.

What Are The Safest Motorcycle Helmets?

There are various types of motorcycle helmets available in the market, each with its own safety features. Let’s dive into what are the safest motorcycle helmets. Here are some key features to look for when choosing the safest motorcycle helmets:

Outer Shell Material

One of the first things to consider is the material used in making the outer shell of the helmet. The shell should be strong enough to withstand impact and protect your head. Most helmets use polycarbonate, fiberglass composite, or carbon fiber for their outer shell, with carbon fiber being the strongest and most expensive.

Impact Absorbing Liner

The impact-absorbing liner is the layer beneath the outer shell that plays a crucial role in protecting your head from injuries. Materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam are standard in most helmets as they are highly effective in absorbing impact energy.

Comfort and Fit

A helmet that doesn’t fit right or is uncomfortable can be just as dangerous as not wearing one at all. Make sure to try on the helmet before purchasing and ensure that it fits snugly without causing any pressure points. A properly fitted helmet should also have cheek pads, which help keep the helmet in place during an impact.

Full-Face Coverage

While open-face and half helmets may be more comfortable, they don’t provide the same level of protection as full-face helmets. Full-face helmets cover your entire head, including your chin and face, providing maximum protection in case of a crash.

Retention System

As mentioned earlier, retention systems are essential for keeping the helmet in place during an impact. Look for helmets with a double D-ring or quick-release buckle system to ensure that your helmet stays on securely.

With these key features in mind, you can now make a more informed decision when choosing the safest motorcycle helmet for yourself. Remember to always prioritize safety over style and never compromise on the quality of your helmet.

Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards

Before diving into the details of what makes a motorcycle helmet safe, it is important to understand the various safety standards that helmets are tested against. Here are a few of the major ones:

DOT Standard

The DOT (Department of Transportation) standard is mandatory in most states in the US. According to this standard, the helmet must meet specific requirements for impact protection, penetration, retention, and vision. Hence, the DOT-rated helmets are tested for their ability to absorb energy from the impact while protecting your head’s most sensitive areas. DOT helmets should also have a retention system to help keep the helmet in place in case of a crash and not to impede vision.

ECE Standard

ECE 22.05 is a European standard that is widely accepted by riders worldwide. The ECE standard takes helmet safety a notch higher than the DOT standard. Helmets with the ECE standard undergo rigorous testing to prove their ability to withstand multiple impacts, including a high-velocity impact test. They also have stricter requirements for visibility angles than the DOT standard. Helmets with ECE certification usually carry a label on the back.

Snell Standards

The Snell Memorial Foundation is an independent agency that tests helmets beyond DOT and ECE standards. Helmets with Snell certification undergo more rigorous tests, including chin bar, face shield, and shell penetration tests. The helmets tested for Snell certification may be more expensive than the DOT or ECE certified ones, but it’s an excellent option for riders seeking maximum protection on the road.

SHARP Rating

Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) is a UK government’s initiative to make it easier for riders to select the best helmet with sufficient head protection. SHARP rating uses five-star ratings to classify helmets based on extensive testing using similar rigorous testing methods to the Snell certification. SHARP ratings are visible in online and in-store purchase outlets and give riders the option to choose the best helmet based on the rating.

Difference and Importance of Standards

The importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet cannot be overstated. However, it’s crucial to choose the right helmet that meets safety standards beyond the legal requirement. The standards mentioned above beyond legal requirements are designed to provide additional protection, and helmets with these standards can mean more head protection in case of an accident. It is vital to look for helmets that not only meet the minimum legal requirements but also exceeds the standards regarding safety and protection.

Understanding the various motorcycle helmet safety standards can help you make an informed decision when choosing a motorcycle helmet.

Which Is The Safest Type Of Motorcycle Helmet?

Now that we have discussed what are the safest motorcycle helmets, let’s take a look at the different types of motorcycle helmets and their pros and cons in terms of safety.

Full-Face Helmets:

Full-face helmets are considered the safest type of motorcycle helmets as they provide complete coverage of the head, chin, and face. This helmet design is excellent in protecting the rider’s face and keeping the wind out of their eyes. Modern helmets come with advanced features such as ventilation, anti-fog technology, and aerodynamic designs. Full-face helmets offer uncompromised protection, especially for high-speed riding and racing.

Pros:

• Provides complete protection for the head, chin, and face
• Offers excellent wind and noise reduction
• Aerodynamic design improves stability at high speeds
• Advanced features such as ventilation and anti-fog technology

Cons:

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable for some riders
• Limited vision due to full-face coverage
• May cause claustrophobic feelings for some riders
• More expensive than other helmet types

Full-Face Modular Helmets:

Full-face modular helmets feature a flip-up design that allows the front part of the helmet to be lifted. This type of helmet also provides full coverage to the rider’s head, chin, and face and is an excellent choice for those who need to take their helmet off frequently. Modular helmets are suitable for touring and adventure riders who need to communicate with others frequently.

Pros:

• Offers full coverage and protection for the rider’s head, chin, and face.
• Provides the convenience of being able to lift the front part of the helmet without having to take it off completely.
• Ideal for touring and adventure riders who need to communicate with others frequently.
• Can accommodate Bluetooth communication systems for hands-free calling or music streaming.

Cons:

• Generally heavier than other helmet types due to the added flip-up mechanism.
• May not provide as much protection as a full-face or off-road helmet due to the hinge design.
• Can be more expensive compared to other helmet types.

Open-Face or Half Helmets:

Open-face or half helmets offer the least coverage and are considered the most unsafe type of motorcycle helmet. These helmets do not protect the chin or the lower part of the face and are not recommended for high-speed rides. However, they are excellent for short-distance commuting and for riders who want more ventilation while riding.

Pros:

• Lightweight  and comfortable
• Provides good ventilation
• Allows for a better view of the road

Cons:

• Offers minimal protection to the face and chin
• Not suitable for high-speed rides or long-distance riding
• Does not protect against cold weather or rain

Modular Helmets:

Modular helmets are essentially full-face helmets that have a modular design, allowing the chin bar to be lifted. These helmets are suitable for touring or commuting riders who need protection but also the convenience of an open-face helmet. Modular helmets are not recommended for high-speed or racing applications.

Pros:

• Offers both full-face and open-face helmet options
• Convenient for communication and eating/drinking while riding
• Good ventilation
• Easy to put on or take off

Cons:

• Heavier than full-face helmets due to the added hinge mechanism
• May not provide the same level of protection as a true full-face helmet
• Can be less aerodynamic, causing more wind noise and drag at high speeds
• More expensive than traditional full-face helmets

Dual-Sport Helmets:

Dual-sport helmets are a hybrid between off-road and full-face helmets. They are designed for adventure riders who need protection both on and off-road. These helmets offer full-face protection and have an aerodynamic design that can handle high speeds. Dual-sport helmets also have a sun visor that can be flipped up and down for added convenience.

Pros:

• Dual-sport helmets offer the best of both worlds, providing full-face protection and off-road capabilities.
• They have a versatile design that can accommodate both on and off-road riding styles.
• The sun visor offers added protection from the sun’s glare, making them ideal for long rides in varying lighting conditions.

Cons:

• Due to their hybrid design, dual-sport helmets may not provide the same level of protection as dedicated full-face or off-road helmets.
• The sun visor can sometimes be distracting and limit visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
• Dual-sport helmets tend to be heavier than other types of helmets due to their added features.

Snell-Certified Helmets:

The Snell Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that sets safety standards for helmets in the United States. Snell-certified helmets go through various tests and evaluations to ensure their safety and effectiveness. While Snell certifications are not mandatory, they do indicate that the helmet meets or exceeds safety standards.

Pros:

• The Snell certification process is rigorous and results in a high level of safety for the wearer.
• Snell-certified helmets are often used by professional racers and motorcycle riders, giving them added credibility.

Cons:

• Some argue that Snell’s standards are too strict, resulting in heavier helmets that may not be as comfortable to wear.
• Helmets with Snell certifications tend to be more expensive.
• There is some debate over whether Snell certifications are necessary for everyday riders, as they may not encounter the same extreme conditions as professional racers.

The safest type of motorcycle helmet is a full-face helmet. However, each type of helmet offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. When choosing a helmet, it is important to consider your riding style, comfort level, and budget.

Conclusion:

Unsurprisingly, motorcycle helmets are an essential piece of gear for any rider. They protect the head, a vital part of our body, from potential injuries and save lives in case of accidents.

So, what are the safest motorcycle helmets? It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Full-face helmets are generally considered the safest, but other types of helmets offer their own unique features that may be more suitable for certain riders.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a helmet that fits properly and provides adequate protection for your riding style. Remember to always wear a helmet when riding, as it can make all the difference in case of an accident. Safe riding!