Helmets

Identifying the perfect helmet involves considering various key elements to ensure safety, comfort, and adaptability to your riding style. The outer shell, the first line of defence in the event of an impact, should be made from durable materials such as carbon fibre, composite fibres, or polycarbonate. These materials offer excellent protection by distributing the impact energy over a wider area. Inside, the EPS (expanded polystyrene) layer absorbs impact energy. An ideal helmet should also have removable and washable interiors, made from hypoallergenic fabrics that ensure prolonged comfort and moisture management. Ventilation systems are crucial to keep the rider cool and focused, with ventilation channels that offer optimal airflow. Moreover, consider the type of fastening (double D for sport riding or micrometric for daily use) and the helmet certification to ensure it meets current safety standards. The choice of the right helmet also depends on the type of motorcycle and the intended use: racing, touring, urban, or off-road.
Here are some tips to help you choose the most suitable helmet:
- Safety certification: Ensure the helmet you are considering complies with approved safety standards, such as ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) 22.05 or DOT (Department of Transportation) certification in the United States. These certifications indicate that the helmet has been tested and approved to provide an adequate level of protection.
- Fit: The helmet should fit snugly on the head without being too tight or too loose. The helmet's shell should adapt evenly to the shape of your head without uncomfortable pressure points. Ensure also that the helmet does not move excessively when you tilt your head forward or backward.
- Style and design: Choose a helmet that fits your riding style and personal preferences in terms of design and colour. Also consider additional features that might be important to you, such as an integrated sun visor, an adjustable ventilation system, or compatibility with intercom and Bluetooth headphones.
- Type of helmet: There are several types of motorcycle helmets, including full-face, modular, open-face, and off-road. Choose the type of helmet that best suits your riding style and needs. For instance, full-face helmets offer maximum protection, while modular helmets offer greater versatility and convenience.

The safety of a helmet can be assessed through several fundamental criteria. Firstly, approval according to current standards, such as ECE-22.05 or ECE-22.06, confirms that the helmet has passed rigorous tests guaranteeing its protective capacity. Advanced construction materials, such as carbon fibre or composite fibres, provide strength and lightness, reducing the risk of injury in the event of an impact. A good helmet must also have an effective ventilation system for the comfort and concentration of the rider, a high optical quality visor for optimal visibility, and interiors that ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The right helmet choice should also reflect the riding style and intended use, as specific helmets are designed to offer optimal performance in specific contexts, such as racing, touring, or urban use.

A motorcycle helmet does not have a predetermined expiry date, however, the general rule is to replace it every 5 years to ensure that it maintains the safety levels for which it was designed. This period considers the natural deterioration of materials such as EPS and the internals, which can degrade even without intensive use. However, it is crucial to replace the helmet immediately after a significant impact or if it shows visible signs of wear that compromise its structural integrity. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the internals and caring for the outer shell, can extend the life of the helmet, but does not replace the need for replacement to ensure maximum protection.

It is crucial to choose a helmet size that fits correctly to the shape and size of your head. To find the correct size, measure the circumference of your head with a tailor's tape measure, placing it about one centimetre above the eyebrows, which is generally the widest point. Then consult the manufacturer's size chart to find the correct size based on your measurement. A well-fitting helmet should fit comfortably around the head without being too tight, avoiding painful pressure points. Additionally, consider adjusting the fit with removable and adjustable cheek pads and internal padding.

Keeping your helmet clean is essential not only for hygiene reasons but also to preserve its durability over time. Starting with the interiors, most modern helmets offer removable and washable cheek pads and liners. It is recommended to wash them gently by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding the use of harsh detergents that could damage the materials or leave irritating residues on the skin. For the outer shell, use a soft cloth dampened with water and, if necessary, a specific helmet cleaner to remove insects, dirt, and debris without scratching the surface. For the visor, clean it regularly with suitable products that do not compromise the anti-fog features or the optical quality. It is also essential to pay attention to the visor opening mechanisms, which can be cleaned with compressed air or a small brush to remove dust and accumulated dirt that might hinder proper function.