Discount Snell Approved Motorcycle Helmet

Can a motorcycle helmet be too cheap...or rather, too inexpensive? You're looking at one of the most inexpensive full-face, DOT and Snell approved helmets available. In this case, the term "Snell approved" means that the helmet is listed in the "Snell Certified M2000 Motorcycle Helmets" page on the Snell Memorial Foundation website. If a helmet isn't listed on that page, then as far as we're concerned, it's not Snell approved. The manufacturer, in their haste, may have listed the helmet as Snell-approved before the formal approval was provided by Snell.

Remember, of course, that helmet noise levels will vary tremendously, depending upon the rider, the type of motorcycle, and fairings. We always use properly fitted earplugs when riding, and we also use helmet liners whenever we ride. The MR10's liner is very thin compared to some other helmets we've tried and it sure doesn't look like very plush. The ad copy for the MR10 claims that the liner is removable, but it wasn't apparent to us that it could be separated from the helmet. Since we've never removed a liner anyway, this wasn't a big deal. The MR10's air vents actually seem to work fairly well. The helmet provides a good volume of air flow through the top vent and across the interior of the helmet down on to the head. Both the helmet's shell and its interior lining can be seen through the vents, and it isn't pretty.

We assume M2R wanted to spice up the looks of the helmet, so they applied a very thin and not very nice looking air extractor appliqué on the top of the helmet. It's made from some type of flimsy plastic material, it bends easily under thumb pressure, and it's a slightly different color than the helmet shell.

But the worst part is that it was applied with double-sided tape, and parts of the extractor were already separated from the helmet right out of the box. Our feeling is that this piece of plastic would probably be destroyed if the helmet were dropped but a single time. I border on a size large and extra-large, depending upon the helmet. When I looked at M2R's helmet sizing chart, I thought a size XL would fit best, but it turns out to be at least one size too big because it has such a wide internal shape.

Spend $40.00 and get a decent quality helmet. The other argument is this: If you can only afford $65.00 for a helmet, the MR10 at least gets you a Snell approved helmet, for what it's worth. By the way, although the marketplace seems to demand Snell approval, we're not aware of any scientific study that demonstrates that Snell approval is "better" than ECE 22-05 or DOT approval.

It's not necessary to spend, for example, $500.00 on a helmet like the Shark RSR. Save up a few more bucks and remember the old adage, herewith adapted: If you have a 65-dollar head, get a 65-dollar helmet.

Road Safety With Motorcycle Helmets and Accessories

Executive summary about motorbike helmets by Katrina Wagner

The clothing and accessories required need to be of very high quality and quantity. Motorbike helmets, clothing, boots and motorbike accessories are the easiest to get based on their dependency, reliability and function on the roads.

Motorbike helmets have to undergo a very strict check. Motorbike accessories include additional wear and safety accessories that help enhance safety. The gloves help to protect the rider from harsh weather especially when it's cold. Gloves cost approximately €54.99.

Things that go along with the motorbike to enhance security are proper clothing, boots, gloves, luggage, helmets, tyres, bodywork, spare parts, exhausts, electronics and lubricants.

Akuma V-1 Motorcycle Helmet

Executive summary about motorbike helmets for sale by Burn

Surely both the whimsical GPA "Aircraft" helmet and the built-like-a-tank Draxtar P-104Akuma continues the military theme with the V-1 "Ghost Rider", was designed by Kerry Harris, the President of Integrated Helmet Technology, a manufacturer of interesting helmet accessories like the rechargeable LED lights built into the Shoei Syncrotec Police helmet and the AFX FX-11 Lightforce.

The heck with solid colors and the 1970's-style graphics commonly found on off-the-shelf helmets. The V-1 is a production version of a custom painted helmet with some great detailing and that detailing includes -- get this -- red LED lights in the exhaust vents!

That's right folks: flip a switch under the chin bar and the exhaust vents glow, just like the afterburners have kicked in! Integrated Helmet Technology used their experience from the powered fan in the AFX FX-11 Lightforce and the LED light in the Shoei Syncrotec Police helmet, but this time it's used for whimsy rather than function...although there is actually a practical side to the red LEDs in the helmet's exhaust, as they really do make it more visible at night.

The V-1 in large seems to run true to size; that is, it fits just about how I would expect a size large to fit. The Coolmax fabric liner is also designed to wick away moisture, although I always wear a helmet liner anyway.

Our size large V-1 weighs in at 1591 grams (3 lbs., 8-1/8 oz.), which compares very favorably with, for example, the size large KBC VR-1 at 1616 grams and the old OGK FF-3 at 1623 grams.

Our V-1 came with the Akuma "Super Smoke" dark smoke visor. The visor includes a Shoei-like removal system; raise the visor all the way up, pull down on a loop and the visor pops off.

The V-1 flows a lot of air; in fact, it probably has some of the best ventilation of any helmet I've tried. The top vent is a slider that moves forward or back, but there's no scoop to catch the air coming from the front of the helmet. There are two intake vents on either side of the top of the helmet, and I can't see underneath, but I think the air moving over some holes in the helmet pull the air through and out the exhaust vents in the back. The graphics for the exhaust vents even include airbrushed dark exhaust streaks, which gives the helmet just one more cool detail and also gives the entire artwork a three-dimensional look.

Flowing air from the front of the helmet directly through the back of the chin bar and on to the rider's face sounds logical, but for some reason, it's not common practice in motorcycle helmets. Most helmets take the air in through the chin vent and duct it up on to the back of the visor, which is fine for defogging. The air that comes in through these vents apparently flows back and out two corresponding exhaust vents on the lower rear section of the helmet. A small chin curtain underneath the chin bar probably helps by either keeping the outside air from flowing up under the chin bar or possibly by helping to seal the helmet, which sometimes makes the vents more efficient.

The red LED lights are hidden up under the exhaust. The helmet comes with an electric recharger and power cord. This is the same power and recharging system found in the Shoei Syncrotec Police helmet and the AFX FX-11 Lightforce helmets. Both of those systems were also designed by Integrated Helmet Technology.

A tight-fitting helmet should, all things considered, keep out the wind-induced noise from underneath better than a loose helmet, and the V-1 is a good example. Remember that we always wear correctly fitted, high quality earplugs and an extra helmet liner when riding, and we strongly recommend that you always wear hearing protection also.

The Akuma Ghost Rider now includes a front-mounted white LED light. This type of LED light is also used in the Shoei Syncrotech Police Helmet. Akuma told us that "All Ghost Riders, Werewolves, etc. come with the map light. We added a 40,000 mcd LED in the front and the helmet weight has not changed."

Helmet Noise

Noise levels under motorcycle helmets can be very high. Daily noise exposures of working motorcyclists may regularly exceed 90 dB(A).

The measurements in the wind tunnel showed the main source of noise to be the turbulence at the edge of the windscreen's wake acting on the helmet. Low windscreens direct the turbulence to the base of the helmet, and modifications to improve the helmet seal around the neck can reduce noise levels on motorcycles with low windscreens.

Wind tunnel tests with a flying helmet containing active noise reduction earmuffs demonstrated that noise levels as low as 70 dB(A) at 80 km/h and 80 dB(A) at 115 km/h were achievable at the ear. We recommend you consider wearing earplugs under the helmet.

How to Care for Motorcycle Helmet Visors

Executive summary about motorcycle helmets by Kayar Sprang

Tinted visors help shield your eyes from the sun and blinding vehicle lights.

Things You'll Need:

1. Soft, clean cloths

2. Mild baby shampoo

3. Rain-X® X-treme Clean™

Instructions:

1. Not all helmet visors can be cleaned the same way. Manufacturer's instructions vary.

2. Wash the visor immediately after each use to easily remove dust, dirt and grime. Some manufacturers only allow their visors to be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth because chemicals can harm the surface. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it to a streak-free shine with a clean cloth.

3. Clean the helmet visor with mild baby shampoo, water, and a soft cloth if the manufacturer allows you to use soap. Rinse the visor off with clean water first. Then, place a few drops of shampoo in warm water. Swish it around, then wash the motorcycle visor with a soft cloth. Pat it--don't rub. Dry with a clean cloth.

4. Use a cleaning product like Clear Shot Visor Motorcycle Helmet Visor and Lens Cleaner if the manufacturer allows it. This kit includes a spray cleaning fluid and two microfiber cleaning cloths.

5. Treat the motorcycle helmet visor with a water repellent and protectant such as Rain-X® X-treme Clean™ if the manufacturer allows.

6. Store the visor in a soft bag when it's not in use to protect it from scratches and damage.

7. Set the visor down on its edges--never on its face--when it's detached from the helmet.

8. Keeping a visor clean will go far in reducing scratches. Never clean a motorcycle helmet visor with an abrasive cleaner.

Proper Fitting of Motorcycle Helmet

Executive summary about Motorcycle Helmet by Dan Ludwig

It is essential when purchasing a motorcycle helmet to ensure it is a proper fit. Not all helmets are made the same. Thinking about purchasing a motorcycle helmet? Below is a list of necessary steps you should take in determining the proper size for your head.

1. Measuring the head is a starting point for the entire helmet sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size motorcycle helmet. So remember, this is a rough guide and a starting point, and depending upon your head shape, this step alone may not provide a perfect fit.

a. Using a cloth tape measure is best, but any tape measure will work.

b. The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement.

2. Hat Size. Use your hat size as another starting gauge in determining motorcycle helmet size.

3. Select a motorcycle helmet to try on based upon your head measurement and hat size. Most helmets have printed on the sizing tag either the inside diameter of the helmet, the hat size, or both. If your measurement and hat size are exactly between two sizes, round up to the next largest size as a starting point.

4. Now that you have the helmet on your head, it is time for the visual check:

a. Your eyes should be approximately in the center, with the top edge of the liner padding just above the eyebrows.

b. Now that you are wearing the helmet, use a mirror to look carefully at the way it fits. Check the back of the helmet where the neck roll (if the helmet has one) makes contact with the neck.

5. After you have made your visual check, grab the helmet in your hands, one on either side of the helmet, and try to rotate the helmet from side-to-side. If in either test there was little or no skin movement, and the helmet moved very easily, the helmet is too large. A properly fitted motorcycle helmet will cause the skin to move as the helmet moves. Keep in mind that helmets, like shoes, will break in over time. For this reason, the best approach is to select a helmet that is as snug as possible, and take into consideration the length of time it will be worn.

6. Retention Check. Reach over the top of the helmet, grabbing the bottom edge with your fingers. Then try to roll the helmet off your head. If it comes off, it is undoubtedly too large.

7. Confirming Proper Fit. One way to confirm your evaluation of proper fit is to try on motorcycle helmets that are one size larger and one size smaller than the one you think is right.

8. Do not rely on a "catch-all" sizing chart because as stated earlier, sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The sizing chart should contain the head circumference and associated helmet size, and possibly a hat size comparison.