How to choose the best motorcycle helmet
Avoid buying novelty motorcycle helmets whenever possible. Keep in mind that a helmet is the only protection you have, which keeps your head from hitting the asphalt during a motorcycle collision. While novelty helmets are cheaper, they have not been proven to offer adequate protection in the event of a motorcycle accident. According to the statistics published by insurance companies most motorcycle riders will be involved in at least a single accident during their riding lifetime. A properly fitted and reliable helmet can make the difference between life and death. If practical, always buy a helmet which is Snell certified. You can buy Snell certified helmets online, or from your local motorcycle safety gear store. You should always try on at least three or four helmets before you make your final decision.
Some riders do not know that there is a big difference between DOT certification and Snell certified motorcycle helmets. Snell helmets often are confused with DOT certification and vice versa. The biggest difference is that the DOT certification process allows for helmet makers to self certify the quality and safety of their helmets. Snell laboratories mandates that helmets must be tested by Snell directly, because of the fact that they are an independent company which does not have any vested interest which is directly aligned with helmet makers. Snell laboratories will also randomly test helmets from the regular stock, buy randomly buying and testing specific models right from the store shelves. The reason they do this is so that manufacturing firms cannot cheap by providing Snell with only the best examples of their helmets. Random testing ensures that there is a fairness involved in certification as it is much more difficult to cheat in this process. Motorcycle helmets are extremely important to wear, as your head is the most fragile part of your body.
