If you are thinking about buying a motorcycle helmet for yourself or your significant other there are a few things you need to know - and luckily that information can be found in one place - right here to start.  Furthermore, almost every motorcycle crash victim I represent that was wearing a helmet has said "man - am I ever happy I had a helmet on!" and the others that were not wearing helmets wish they had.

No biker, especially a biker that might have some reluctance to wear a helmet for whatever reason, wants to wear a helmet that is not comfortable.  Hallmarks of a comfortable helmet are soft foam rubber next to your noggin, a seal of some sort around and isolating your ears but be careful to have nothing actually in contact with your ears and some sort of support at the back of the helmet that will support your neck.

Safety is probably next on the list.  Make sure the helmet you purchase is a DOT approved helmet.  If the helmet is DOT approved it will have a DOT sticker on it.  Make sure the helmet has a DOT sticker because that ensures that the helmet has met rigorous performance standards for safety.  You have to make sure the helmet fits properly - more on that next.  The chin strap needs to keep the helmet on your head when you are in a crash.  The strap needs to go from ear to ear and stay secured with a double locking strap - a simple click does not cut it.

Both comfort and safety of your helmet depends on the fit of the helmet.  The most comfortable helmet, the most expensive helmet or the best looking helmet will be useless if it does not fit properly.  Chances are if the helmet does not fit well it will not be comfortable and you will not wear it anyway.  Fit, in my opinion, is the most important element when deciding on a helmet.  To correctly make sure a helmet fits your brain box make sure you:

1. Utilize a motorcycle helmet manufacturer's fitting chart and measuring tape.
2. Keep in mind that the helmet should fit snugly and comfortably on your head.
3. Make sure the helmet rests tightly against your forehead--you should not be able to wedge your thumb between the helmet and your forehead.
4. Adjust and fasten the chin strap, but don't allow it to cinch your neck.
5. Give your head a shake to ensure that the helmet does not shift around or slide off your head.
6. Mount your motorcycle in riding position--the top of the helmet should not affect your vision. Along with clear vertical vision, you should have 100% vision to your left and right (motorcycle helmet manufacturers are required by law to account for lateral vision).
7. If you wear glasses while riding, make sure the helmet fits properly over and around them.
8. Press down on the top of the motorcycle helmet. Hold it down and make certain the helmet feels comfortable and surrounds your whole head.
9. Make sure the store where you buy will allow you to return the helmet.
10. Check for all additional comfort, convenience and motorcycle helmet safety features before taking your motorcycle for a ride.
11. Buy the helmet and go for a long ride to make sure that the helmet is comfortable.  If it is not comfortable for at least 2 hours on the road take it back and try another brand or size.

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