Evaluate how well a Motorcycle Helmet meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a motorcycle helmet and you've learned about the different features of motorcycle helmets. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of motorcycle helmet - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the motorcycle helmets available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed motorcycle helmets to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a helmet meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available motorcycle helmets in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any motorcycle helmets that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any motorcycle helmets that clearly exceed your price limit.
Let's say your strong preference is for a full-coverage helmet. Right away you can get rid of entire categories of helmets, such as the shorty and novelty designs. If your local laws demand that motorcyclists use helmets that meet a certain safety requirement, you can cross off any helmets that aren't adequate for those laws.
As far as construction is concerned, make sure that the helmet is approved by a relevant standards authority; in the USA both Snell and DOT certification are acceptable. Such certification indicates that the helmet is constructed to a standard that should see it perform its stated purpose - provide protection to you in the case of an accident by absorbing impact energy, preventing most penetrations, and having the fastening system retain the helmet on your head.
The helmet should fit your head snugly, without being too tight (its inner padding will tend to 'mold' to your head over time). Try on the helmet, and keep wearing it for at least 10 or 15 minutes. Shake your head from side to side: the helmet should remain stable. If it is too tight this will become noticeable and when you remove the helmet you will likely find obvious red pressure marks on your face.
Also bear in mind that helmet sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so you need to try out any new helmet before purchase to see if it is an appropriate fit. A loose helmet is just as undesirable as a tight helmet, and you run the risk of it coming off your head in an accident as well as being uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis.
If comfort is a key requirement then not only do you want a helmet that fits well, you also want one that has good ventilation and good moisture control. Check out the vents on the helmet - where are they, how many are there, are they adjustable, and what role does the EPS (expanded polystyrene) layer play in the ventilation system? As far as the liner is concerned check to see how easily it can be removed for either washing or replacement, and if it can't be removed then the helmet is a likely failure of your 'comfort test'.
Tip: As the EPS layer ages it becomes more brittle, thereby reducing its ability to absorb shock. Experts suggest that you purchase a helmet as near as possible to its manufacture date so that you get maximum life from your EPS. (These same experts suggest you change your helmet every 5 to 7 years and never use a helmet that has been involved in an accident.)
Another aspect of comfort is protection from the wind and things that 'fly' in the wind (rocks, insects, etc), and related weather factors. In this context you will want to check out the faceshield and consider its construction and any special features it might offer to make your riding more safe and comfortable. Also ask about anti-misting or de-fogging and how this works with the helmet. Check out how well the faceshield is sealed against the helmet and ask around as to wind noise.
When you were considering your requirements in a motorcycle helmet it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as style, color, liner material, weight, comfort and price as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various motorcycle helmets meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Style
- Full face
- Open face
- Half face
- Shorty
- Motocross
- Novelty
Sizing
- From 6 inch (also known as 52cm or XS, 20.5 inch circumference) to 7 7/8 inches (also known as 63cm or XXL, 24.75 inch circumference)
- Sizing descriptions vary with manufacturer
Weight
- Ranges from 2.2 pounds (1 kg) to 4.3 pounds (1.9 kg)
- How the weight is balanced is of equal importance
- Weight depends on size as well as construction
Shell - outer
- Fiber-reinforced composites
- Thermoplastics (polycarbonate)
- Plastic
- Kevlar
- Fiberglass
- Carbon fiber
Shell - inner
- Shock absorbing foam
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS)
- Dual EPS
- Channelled
- Will lose effectiveness over time and can only absorb a single impact (discard helmets after an accident, or after 5 to 7 years)
Liner
- Foam and cloth
- May be hypo-allergenic
- Removable, washable, replaceable
- Dual liner
- Moisture reduction
- Ergonomically formed
Cheek pads
- Removable
- Washable
- Replaceable
- Sizeable
Chin bar
Vents - cooling
- Rear, top and chin
- Face-shield
- Neck-roll
- Adjustable
Face-shield
- Optical
- Distortion correction
- Flip-up
- De-misting/anti-fogging
- UV protection
- Adjustable
- Removable
- Anti-scratch
- Shatterproof
Eyeport
- Enlarged (vision effect)
- Goggle grabbers
Chinstrap
- Double 'D' ring
- Padded
- Quick release
Warranty
- Limited 1 year, material and workmanship
- 5 year on all manufacturing defects
- Helmet warranties may be distinguished on manufacturing date (7 years) or purchase date (5 years)
Approved
- Snell
- DOT
- ACU Five Star
- ECE 22.05 Standard
Other features
- Breath guard
- Exhaust breath control
- Helmet lock
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your motorcycle helmet needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a motorcycle helmet.
Once you have finished evaluating the motorcycle helmets available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the motorcycle helmets one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Helmet compares with competing Helmets
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of motorcycle helmets that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of motorcycle helmets that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which motorcycle helmet on my short-list is the best value for money ?
Which of these motorcycle helmets is the most comfortable?
Which of my short-listed motorcycle helmets has the best reputation?
Which motorcycle helmet is the easiest to put on?
Which of the motorcycle helmets seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed motorcycle helmet has the most features I want?
Which motorcycle helmet do I like the best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating motorcycle helmets that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the motorcycle helmet, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the motorcycle helmet is put together. Check the assembly - is the motorcycle helmet solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the motorcycle helmet from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the motorcycle helmet prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Is the retention system securely attached? Make sure the motorcycle helmet fits you physically, and that it is user-friendly - some motorcycle helmets look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use the incorrect cleaning products on the shell to those recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour, Manufacturing defects
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to use the helmet to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other items are required - do you need a face shield, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing gear?
- Registration - what are the time frames and costs?
- Internet access - is this necessary for registration or support?
- What else will you need to fully utilize the helmet?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of motorcycle helmets that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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