What you wear on your head matters… a lot. So, to get a fuller grasp of what we should be buying for our noggin, we threw a few technical questions at an expert from Airoh Helmets…
Why are there so many types of helmet materials and which is the safest one?
Originally, helmets were made of composite fibres, like fibreglass. Over the years the use of plastic materials was introduced, such as ABS and Polycarbonate. The main reason for this was to contain production costs and aid production volume and consistency. So, nowadays, different materials are used to meet and support all the various needs of the market. Obviously, because of the homogolation standards applied to the industry, all helmets on the market have to reach a certain criteria to be fit for sale, so a thermoplastic helmets could be considered as safe as one made from composite fibres. Of course, some helmets will exceed the minimal standards set, so this is worth remembering.
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Why do helmets vary so much in cost and is it best to always buy the most expensive?
The cost of a helmet varies and depends on many aspects like quality, type of components used and accessories included. Considering all helmets are made to meet the same base levels of safety, its means that price isn’t necessarily synonymous with safety. It’s more a reflection of the expensive raw materials used in the construction and prodcution of a helmet. The higher the spec, the more expensive a helmet is likely to be.
What’s the safest type of chinstrap?
There are typically two types of chinstrap; click-together and Double-D. Both of them are safe, of course, and if adjusted in the correct way, they offer the same safety grade. However, the Double-D type is the preferred one in racing use. Sometimes someone will choose one or the other because of their preferences, just like choosing lace up shoes or Velcro.
Are flip-front helmets less safe?
No, they’re not, because all helmets are tested and homologated to the same standards. The latest generation of flip-up helmet has the double homologation P and J: that means the helmet exceed the homologation standards as full face and jet (P stands for protective/full face; J stands for jet). The tests placed on all helmets are very particular, so as long as the helmet you’re looking at meets the homogolation standards, you can trust in it fully.
What safety standards should I look for on a helmet?
Obviously, a helmet that meets the safety standards in force in the country of use, such as the ECE 22.05 standard for European countries, the DOT and Snell standards for the United States, NBR for Brazil, JIS For Japan. Each of these standards have very sophisticated and tough testing systems in place. Don’t buy a helmet that’s missing these regulated standards, else you’ll be putting yourself at risk.
Where’s the best place to buy a helmet?
Any specialised helmet shop is the best place to go to buy a helmet. Of course, people can buy absolutely anything on-line, including helmets, but it’s always best to try a helmet on in a shop where a trained specialist is present to advise on whether the helmet fits you properly or not. It’s amazing how many people wear helmets that don’t fit them.
Is it worth paying more for a helmet with a removable liner?
It all comes down to how much you use your helmet and how much you value hygiene. If you’re doing a lot of trackdays or motocross, meaning you’ll possibly sweat a lot, I certainly would opt for a helmet with removable liners. People should look to keep their helmets in top condition. Afterall, they’re there to protect you, so look after them properly and they’ll do the same for you.
How often should you buy a new helmet?
It all depends. Generally, we would say that a helmet should be replaced after a period of about 5 years use – it varies between manufacturers. What’s certain is you should definitely change your helmet after a crash. Even accidentally dropping your helmet can render it useless. If you do drop it, chances are they’ll be an expert you can take it to who’ll assess the damage done.
How do you know if a helmet fits properly?
Just like a shoe, a helmet should be comfortable when worn; neither too small/tight nor too large. The helmet must not be too tight because this will cause discomfort during use, and should not be too large because it may move excessively while riding and compromise its protective qualities in the event of an accident. Wearing a correct fitting helmet is essential, and its worth going to see a specialist to make sure yours fits you.
If a helmet doesn’t fit, can you just buy thicker padding?
Choosing one that properly fits from the get-go is the wise thing to do. But, if your helmet’s padding has compressed over time and the fit has become too loose, of course, you could look into buying replacement padding to regain that original fit and feel. Good padding is essential for protection, just as much as comfort. But remember that not all helmets offer removable padding. Check this out before you buy just any old helmet.
Do SHARP ratings matter?
Yes, they do, because they certify the product meets certain standards. The SHARP test is very demanding on helmets, so the score ratings deserve to be respected. Evey helmet should have a SHARP rating, so you can check this out before you buy a helmet. This being said, it’s important to note that SHARP standards aren’t an alternate to homogolation standards; they’re there in addition to help you know exactly what you’re buying.
Do different helmet types suit different riding styles?
They sure do. It’s like wearing running traininers or hiking shoes. Different helmets are designed to suit different needs, so have a think about what it is you’re after from your helmet before choosing a certain style? Are you after something that will suit miles of adventure travel, or one that will be more at home on the race track? Some helmets are quieter and some are made lighter. Most products have their own unique DNA.
Can you tell if a helmet will be quiet or noisy?
It depends on many aspects. The presence of lots of air vents or protrusions to the surface of a helmet is likely to make the unit louder. It’s not always the case, but it’s probable in most instances. Most helmet manufacturers will shout about how quiet a helmet is, and you can sometimes learn of dB ratings to get a better idea of how noisy a helmet will be. Whatever your helmet, it’s highly recomended that you wear ear plugs to protect your hearing.
Can you legally wear a dark visor on the road?
No. Dark visors are homologated only for daytime use on race tracks, not for road/street use. Of course, people still do and the rules change from nation to nation, but you’ll see on all dark visors that it clearly reads ‘not for road use’.
Is it ok to use motocross helmets on the road?
Yes it is: a motocross helmet meets the same homologation standard of any other motorcycle helmet, so it’s not a problem.
How are helmets being made safer?
The technology that goes into designing and producing helmets is relentless. We constantly experiment to see how we can achieve higher standards of performance, utilising new and innovative materials and designs to help us reach new levels. We invest massively in R&D to ensure our products are as safe and creative as possible. Helmets have already come a very long way in the relatively short amount of time motorcyclists have been wearing them, but it’s likely we’ll see even more quantum leaps in safety and function standards as the years pass by.
