Motor Cycle Helmets - Tips For Buyers
Although most people do not actually consider them as essentials and will in fact buy them last, motor cycle helmets are one of the most important accessories when you have a motorcycle. In fact, state laws have included the wearing of motorcycle helmets. This, lawmakers say, will be able to prevent major injuries should accidents happen. Helmets protect the person from suffering from head injuries that are potentially dangerous and even fatal. Passengers are even asked to wear helmets especially when cruising at high speeds.
Below are some tips that will help you buy the right motorcycle helmet.
1. Does it meet the DOT standard?
Before buying a helmet, make sure that what you have chosen meets with the criteria set by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. You can determine this by looking for the symbol of the DOT on the helmet.
You will also find a label inside the helmet that provides you with essential information about the helmet such as the manufacturer’s name, the year and the month the helmet was manufactured, the model number, the size of the helmet, the materials used for its construction and of course some information about the company. Make sure that both the logo and the label is present.
2. Is it quality-made?
Helmets should be made from a firm polystyrene layer or Styrofoam layer that will help protect your head from injury. The layer should be an inch thick and should weigh about three pounds. It should be simple constructed with none of the embellishments that will only cause injury in your head such as spikes or other protruding decorations. Chin straps with sturdy rivets should be also be present as this will help keep the motorcycle helmet in place.
3. Does it fit your style?
A helmet need not be out of style just because it is considered as a safety gear. It can also be an avenue where one can make a fashion statement. Try looking for great illustrations on the outer shell of the helmet. Some people even have the illustrations custom-made.
4. Does it offer full protection?
Helmets that protect the whole face will of course serve you in good stead during collision. The plastic face shields will also protect you from the wind, the dust, rain, insects and road debris that are thrown up by passing vehicles. If you do not want helmets with the shield on them, buy a separate goggles that will help protect your eyes. One thing that you should know is that windshields are not enough to protect you.
Custom Motorcycle Helmets
Although the motorcycle helmet’s primary function is to protect the biker’s head, many motorcycle riders today want some custom motorcycle helmets to express themselves while having protection. If the color of the one purchased does not express the owner’s personality, it is always possible to put stickers or better yet to custom paint this.
The best place to get some ideas will be to visit a local decal store. If none are interesting, the person can always check various websites online. Should there be a good prospect, this should be printed and shown to the local shop and ask if this can be done.
The individual should not be surprised if the detailing shop in the neighborhood cannot accommodate the request. This is because the establishment may not have the proper equipment to make it happen.
Should this be the case, the person will just have to get the job done over the Internet. The customer will have to select the design and give a time frame. The biker will also have to determine how this will be paid.
Those who have brand new helmets should ship this to the manufacturer to have the work done. The person must not forget to put the contact details inside so this can be returned when the task has been completed.
If the cost for shipping this is too expensive, perhaps it will be much cheaper to order a new one with the custom painted job included. The owner has to make sure to order the helmet that will fit one’s head because giving the wrong details will make this useless when this is delivered to the customer.
The price of custom painted motorcycle helmet varies. This will depend on the type of paint used and the amount of time taken into making the design. Given that this will entail shipping and handling, it will be safe to have about $500 for everything.
Many of these shops prefer to work on brand new solid color helmets because the effects will not be the same when this is done on an old one. It is advisable not to sand or use primer to remove the moldings since the specialist will also be doing that before painting this with the new design.
When people see a car, it is easy to see the detailing on the sides. Since this is much different for a motorbike, the best thing to look at will be the custom painted helmet that is often considered by many to be a work of art.
Novelty Helmets
Looking for a novelty helmet can be very challenging. Such motorcycle helmets can usually be
found on motorcycle helmet specialty shops that offer unique design choices for the discriminating rider.
Novelty motorcycle helmets provide a very attractive addition to a rider’s getup. Whenever you want to go for a ride, use a novelty motorcycle helmet to get yourself noticed. Such helmets can make you very popular among other avid motorcycle riders in no time.
There are many ways that you can have your own novelty motorcycle helmet. There are many shops that offer you a selection of novelty designs that you might find very attractive indeed. If this fails, you can always have one custom made for you. You can have a certain design for a helmet in your mind and you might want to have one. The best thing for you to get one is by having one custom made. That way, even your choice designs are made to your exact specifications, giving you a helmet that looks and also feels good on you.
Once you have your own novelty motorcycle helmet to use, you should be able to know how to take good care of it. Such motorcycle helmets may be tough and sturdy but they should be handled as a fragile item. In cleaning your helmet, try using only the mildest soap recommended.
Avoid using petroleum-based cleaning fluids and agents on your helmets as they can cause the protective layer of your helmet to decompose. Try not to drop your helmet on hard surfaces. A dent on your helmet would be enough to cause you discomfort when you wear it and its safety and protective properties may be compromised.
Do not store your novelty motorcycle helmet near gasoline, cleaning fluids, or in places with excessive exhaust fumes and heat. Materials that make up your motorcycle helmet may react chemically in such environments and may be invisible to the naked eye.
Read instructions carefully about painting or decorating your helmet. The material composition of your motorcycle helmet can change if painted or applied with decals. Try also to avoid hanging your motorcycle helmet on your side mirrors, turn handles or sissy bar. This can damage the inner liner of your helmet which can make it unusable after a short time.
Try to follow these tips to ensure that your novelty motorcycle helmets continues to provide you with the comfort and protection that it was designed for. Care and awareness is important in prolonging the life of your helmet.
Snowmobile Helmet
Safety is important in snowmobile riding, as it is with any other motor sport. One of the biggest safety measures that people can take is to purchase snowmobile helmet . As with all safety gear, one shouldn’t compromise but buy the best there is that is within their mean
s.
There are different helmets for the different things that you do. For example, a professional racer might get a helmet that is sturdier than one gotten by someone who uses their snowmobile to go to the store. The internet provides us with lists of dealers who carry these snowmobile helmets. They also recommend different kinds of helmets to suit different needs.
These sites also give us an idea of what’s available in the market. For items such as these, the internet is best used as a guide. When you’re ready to buy a helmet, its advisable to walk into a store, so you can be able to fit one. The best helmet should fit snugly without being to tight on you. When you try it on, keep it on for a few minutes so you can get a feel for it. Also seek the advice of the personnel in the store. They will measure your head so that they get you the best fitting helmet.
You should also ensure the lining of snowmobile helmets are comfortable, and won’t cause you itching when you wear it. Also pick a helmet with a visor that will protect your eyes from UV rays. You can pick one that has yellow reflective lenses to cut down on the reflection. Remember that a helmet is the buffer between you and serious injury. Spend what you have to, to get the best protection.
Motorcycle Intercom
Without a motorcycle intercom, motorcycle riding is a solitary experience. When you’re riding alone it’s a good way to clear your head or get your thoughts together. But if you’ve got a passenger, or you’re riding with another biker, inevitably you’ll want to talk to them. Motorcycle intercom systems that mount in your helmet let you do that.
The problem is that there are so many to choose from in such a wide price range. It’s hard to decide which one to choose. And given that motorcycle intercoms have
to work in an extremely difficult environment, choosing the right one can make the difference between enjoying your new purchase or hating it. This motorcycle intercom review will hopefully make your decision easier.
Let’s start with a broad overview of the types of motorcycle intercoms available.
Acoustic Motorcycle Intercom
The most basic form of motorcycle intercom is the acoustic intercom. By acoustic I mean that it doesn’t use electronics at all. It just uses hollow tubes that your voice travels through. They’re like the old ships where the captain yells down a tube to the engine room to tell them to “give it more steam.”
These systems have rubber-tipped tubes that insert in your ear the same way an earplug would. There is also a mouthpiece tube for you to talk into and all the tubes connect into a junction box.
One of the positives is that there are no batteries or electronics to mess with. That makes them very dependable. However, there is no amplification which means there is no way to adjust the volume or filter out wind noise. So at higher speeds, it will be more difficult to hear. Another problem is that some people find the “earplugs” uncomfortable in their ears for long periods.
Obviously these acoustic intercoms only work for rider-to-passenger and not bike-to-bike.
Wired Motorcycle Intercom
The next step up is wired intercoms. These systems have wires that run from the rider and passenger into a central control box that houses the electronics and battery.
Just like the acoustic intercom, with a wired system you don’t have to worry about any external interference like you do with wireless technologies, unless you add a radio handheld communicator for bike-to-bike talking to your system. Some wired units let you plug in an FRS/GMRS radio, which is described in the wireless technology section below. The radio requires voice activation for it to work.
One of the issues some people have is that the wiring can be a little bit of a pain. Every time you and a passenger get on and off the bike you have to remember to unplug the units. Depending on how you have it set up, this could be two or three plugs.
Wireless Intercom Technology
There are four types of radio technologies used in the U.S. for motorcycle intercoms. They are GMRS, FRS, FM, and Bluetooth. There are also wired intercoms that enable you to plug into a handheld Citizens Band (CB) radio that has voice activation.
Frequency Modulation (FM) radio is similar to the FM radio you listen to, but for motorcycle intercoms a narrower frequency is used. Like FM radio, these systems can produce clear sound, as long as the distance between them isn’t too great. FM radio works best when there are no obstructions such as hills between the transmitter and receiver. If long range is the most important feature, then GMRS intercoms will provide better performance.
The Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are the modern equivalents to the old walkie talkies you may have had when you were a kid. FRS radios typically have a maximum range of two miles with few obstructions in between, while GRMS radios communicate up to several miles. Like FM, these are public frequencies so other people can hear your conversations and vice versa. In some heavily populated areas these FRS/GRMS radios are heavily used, while out on the open road you should have fairly private conversations.
One nice thing with the FRS and GMRS radios is that you can go to your local discount store and purchase a cheap handheld radio that will communicate with these units. If someone were following you in a car, or they had a wired motorcycle intercom system that lets them plug in an FRS/GMRS handheld radio, they can communicate with you. The downside of this was just mentioned in that there are millions of these radios out there so in heavily populated areas you’ll pick up lots of other transmissions. Also GMRS radios require an FCC license for legal use.
Bluetooth is the latest technology to hit motorcycle intercoms. Not only can these systems communicate totally wirelessly from rider to passenger, they can be used to communicate from bike to bike. Although with these systems the range is not in miles, it is in hundreds of feet. Since you are likely riding close to your buddies, this is not usually a problem. Although, range can be as much as 800 to 1600 feet.
The Bluetooth range limitation actually works as an advantage since it limits the amount of outside interference you’ll get. Also, since you must program two units to work together, you won’t pick up conversations from other people with Bluetooth devices…and they won’t be able to hear you. You won’t have to worry about your conversations listened to by anyone else.
If you want Bluetooth wireless communication there is one thing to watch for. Some units that say they are Bluetooth use FRS or GMRS to communicate bike-to-bike and the Bluetooth is just used to communicate with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone or other device.
Bluetooth intercoms also usually have some other features you won’t find on other types of intercoms such as:
- Integrate with Bluetooth enabled cell phones and automatically answer calls totally hands free.
- Enjoy your favorite stereo music from your A2DP enabled cell phone or MP3 player
- Listen to the audio navigation message from your Bluetooth enabled GPS.
Some Bluetooth intercoms only have one ear speaker while others have two.
Motorcycle Helmet Intercom Features
Here are features to look for as you are shopping for an intercom to use with your motorcycle helmet:
- If you may be riding in the rain, get a system that says it’s waterproof and not just water resistant. Some riders will put a water resistant system in a plastic baggie and that works for them.
- You can get systems that have a headset speaker for one ear or both ears. Installation and moving the intercom to another helmet is easier for systems with only one ear, but some people want to hear sound in both ears.
- Most systems have voice activation of some kind to keep the headset quiet when no talking is occurring. This voice activation often has the ability to be disabled and a push-to-talk switch used instead.
- Many intercoms have noise reduction capabilities with digital signal processing to help reduce the noise they pick up from the microphone. The faster you drive, or the windier it is, the more important this feature is.
- If you want music, look for a system that has a built-in FM stereo radio tuner or an auxiliary stereo input for a Walkman, MP3, iPod, or satellite radio unit. You can also use this input to receive driving directions from a voice prompted GPS unit.
- Some systems mount on your helmet, while others have capability to mount on your belt clip or bike. If the system is big and bulky, you may want the ability to mount it on your bike.
- You can integrate some intercoms with cell phones so you can talk while you ride. They require special cables or you can get motorcycle intercoms that have Bluetooth capability so they connect to your Bluetooth-enabled phone wirelessly.
Once you find the right motorcycle intercom for you, it will really make your ride with other people much more enjoyable. You’ll wonder how you got along without it. You typically get what you pay for when you buy motorcycle intercoms, but even a bad motorcycle intercom is better than none at all.
Get Motocross Helmet Online
If you want to order motocross accessories or motocross helmet , internet offers unlimited choices and facilities to get them online. What you need to do is visit several websites or online stores, selling motocross accessories and motocross helmets, and after checking out the designs, catalogues and comparing prices you can choose the store that is off
ering the best deal.
Don’t let pricing be a major criteria because motocross accessories, gears and & motocross helmets etc are also as much about ensuring safety. There is some stunning collection of motocross accessories available in some of these stores. They are meant to provide the ultimate comfort and riding experience to all motocross riders and enthusiasts. These stores could be selling everything right from street accessories, handlebars, mounts, motorcycle windshields, wheel chocks, tubes and tire accessories to plenty more.
The collection of motocross helmet and accessories available in the market is truly impressive. The colored tires, special tire with lettering pen etc. These tough designer tires are always in high demand with the motocross riders who wish to give their motorcycle tires a very racy and sophisticated look. With lettering pen tires, it is possible to fill in the lettering on the motorcycle tires and then create a customized look. These tires create a very streamlined sophisticated appearance for the motocross bikes.
The handlebars and mounts constitute another popular range of motocross accessories. These come in exciting collections of colors like black, blue, red, gold, silver, carbon etc. They help create a sophisticated and customized look to your motocross riding. The collections of windshields are also exclusive. These motorcycle accessories are available in many types depending upon individual brands. .
The collection of miscellaneous motorcycle accessories may also include mix of license frames, turn signals, tank pads as well as several others. It is for you to find out and ensure that these motocross accessories you are finalizing come with a superior finish and high strength materials to provide it a long shelf life. If you are on the lookout for high quality and durable motorcycle accessories, they are for you! High quality stuff is always a preferred choice of a serious rider because they can meet all of your unique requirements!
Coming to motocross helmets, they are designed especially for racing. They are usually full face helmets without a face shield. These motocross helmets will have a visor, but it is recommended that rider uses a set of goggles to ensureadditional eye protection during rides. A good motocross helmet will fit properly on your head and be comfortable to wear for hours. It should be approved for safety by the Department of Transportation. Look for motocross helmets that have a removable lining. Motocross helmets, motocross accessories can either be very inexpensive or very expensive. You need to do your homework and check out as many places as you can. By the end of it you will not have any problem finding motocross helmets or motocross accessories for the price you want.
Motorbike Helmets For Your Daring Stunts
Are you the adventure type that always go to your motorcycle to do fascinating but dangerous stunt that lets your adrenaline flow?
If you are what I am talking about, then this motorbike helmets with cameras can help you capture all those daring feats easily for motocross, flying, ATV, road racing, kayaking, skydiving, cycling, snowboarding, karting, and other adrenalin-pumping sports.
Motorbike Helmets cams give you the capability to record every moment of the action without depending on an outside camera person. These action video cameras are popular with television and movie recordings as well as daredevil athletes, and now you can record your feats just like the pros! You can show the recording to your friends, and they can imagine being there with you on every twist and turn.
What is a Helmet Camera?
A helmet camera is a very small type of camcorder that can be attached to a protective helmet to record all the action while doing extreme sports activities. It can also be used for more relaxed sports such as fishing, golf, hiking, and biking. Helmet cameras are also called helmet cam, bullet cam or bullet camera, lipstick cam or lipstick camera (resembles a tube of lipstick), or wireless helmet camera.
A helmet camera works in conjunction with a DVR (DVD video recorder) and can be played back again and again for your enjoyment.
Benefits of Helmet Cams
Helmet cams provide hands-free recording during your extreme sports activity. This promotes safety and easy use. You won’t have to worry about holding the camera or adjusting it as you go. You can concentrate on the activity and still capture all the details without distraction. Also, you can record sound with a helmet camera and narrate the activity as you go. If you’re participating in an extreme sporting competition, you can record every moment as a keepsake for years to come.
Buying Helmet Cameras
When you get ready to buy a helmet camera, check online for a dependable retailer. You can always find great deals on quality lipstick cameras with all the accessories to go along. Search for helmet or bullet camera reviews to find good quality products. Also, check for sound quality, durability, and features before buying. Sometimes paying a little more is well worth it if you get a better quality helmet camera. There are affordable, high-quality cameras available online such as the Oregon Scientific ATC-2000 action adventure cam.
Tips for Using Helmet Cameras
Once you buy a helmet camera, take time to study on how to use it properly. Be sure the helmet cam has been properly secured before starting your activity. High speeds, bumps, and falls can cause the helmet camera to become lost or broken if you don’t secure it properly. The camera’s cable should also be secured so that it doesn’t flap in the wind. Take quick breaks to check the lens to make sure it’s clean if you’re out on the road or in the dirt, water, or mud. Also, be sure the camera is actually recording before getting started!
During extreme sports with your motorbike helmet, you can be the star every time with an amazing helmet camera!
ATV Helmet - Choosing The Right Headgear
You have already taken the time to choose the right ATV for you or a family member. You did
your research, maybe test drove a few to make sure the vehicle had the right “fit” and found one that matched both your budget and your personal sense of style. Your shopping isn’t over yet. Along with having the right ATV for either the trails or working out in the field, you’re going to need the proper safety gear to go along with it. Gloves, jackets, pants and boots are definitely on the list, but the most important piece of safety gear you will own will be your motorcycles helmet .
How do you go about finding a helmet that fits properly? How tight is too tight? How loose is too loose? Are all helmets the same? Starting with the last question, not all helmets are the same. You want to get a helmet specifically designed for use on a vehicle like an ATV or a dirt bike. You don’t want to get a helmet that someone might use on a regular street motorcycle. Most ATV helmets cover your head completely and have a face guard that extends over the mouth. When you first put the helmet on it might feel tight because of all the padding inside. If you can slip the helmet over your head without it feeling snug, then you know that it’s too big. Try shaking your head side to side and going through as many movements as you can to see if the helmet shifts or slides when you move. Also try to decide how heavy the helmet feels. Does it feel cumbersome? Do you think you would be able to wear it for longer than 15 minutes without getting tired of it?
The second thing to look for is how easily the helmet comes off. If you’re in an accident or get thrown from your ATV, you don’t want your headgear to go flying off in one direction and you in another, which totally defeats the purpose of having a helmet. Now that you’ve got the helmet on, adjust the chinstrap and cinch it tight under your chin. Grab the helmet from the back and try to take it off by pushing it to the front. Does the helmet slip down over your eyes and come off? Now try moving the helmet side to side. If you can feel your skin shifting with the helmet and the foam padding then you know you have a good, solid fit.
Women have one more thing to consider when they go to look for a helmet. The way a woman wears her hair on the trail will make a big difference in what size helmet she gets. If she has short hair that won’t need to be braided or tied up, then there’s no problem. If every time she goes riding she French braids her hair or tucks it up under the helmet, then she might need to go with a larger size than she would if she didn’t put her hair up. The hair takes up extra space and if you don’t account for that your helmet won’t be the right size.
Youth ATV helmets are another issue. So many parents are very money minded when it comes to getting clothing and gear for their kids that they might be tempted to get a helmet a size larger for the child to “grow into”. Unfortunately you can’t cut corners when it comes to buying a helmet. It has to fit snuggly with no exceptions. As mentioned before, a helmet that is too large is as dangerous as having no helmet at all.
Dirt Bike And Motorcycle Crash Helmets
Since Dirt Bike riders and motorcycle crashers spend most of their time doing stunts, racing, riding on steep hills, uneven ground and rough terrain, the Helmet becomes the most important component of a Dirt bike safety gear. Choosing the right Dirt Bike Helmet should not be based only on the style or graphic design but on the degree of protection, safety and comfort it can provide.
The Full Face Helmet, with its wrap around design, is the head-gear which offers the most protection for Dirt Bike riders because it guards the whole head. This type of helmet also shields the wearer from rain, wind, insects, dirt and cold. However, it can muffle external noises, and happens to be the most expensive type of Helmets.
The Half Helmet offers good protection for the top and the temple area of the head, including the ears. This type of Helmet is preferred by many Dirt Bikers because of its convenience in putting on and taking off, unlike the Full Face type. The Half Helmet is also designed to provide adequate peripheral views. However, it does not offer enough protection for the frontal part of the head.
An Open-Face Helmet offers good protection for the head, neck, ears, and eyes. It also has a face shield that opens up which can be very convenient. Though this type shields the wearer from rain, wind, insects, dirt, cold, etc, it a very good safeguard for injuries to the face, chin, teeth, and nose area.
Even if the chin strap is fastened, a loose Helmet can be uncomfortable and unsafe. Before buying any Helmet for your Dirt Bike, make sure you choose one that fits your head comfortably, which will not flop around while riding or making sharp turns. Lastly, always remember to check if your motorcycle crash helmet is a SNELL or DOT certified or not. This will make the difference in your life. Because only SNELL and DOT certified helmets can save your life.
Full Face Motorcycle Helmet - How To Buy One
A helmet is not an accessory, it a life saving gear. You must therefore spend considerable time in
finding out how to buy a motorcycle helmet. For me, the best type of motorcycle (and I recommend for you to buy) is a full face motorcycle helmet . because it brings full protection for you and it is also the proven most effective type of motorcycle helmet. In this post I’m going to give you some of the points that you need to check before you buy your fullf ace motorcycle helmet.
1. DOT Certification: The helmet that you buy must have a Department of Transportation certification. This is a guarantee that the helmet meets the basic safety requirements.
2. Retention: Do a roll off test before you buy a helmet. This test is simple. All that you need to do is to secure the straps, grab the rear lip of the helmet and try to roll it forward off your head. Don’t stop if it hurts. A helmet should stay on your head at the moment of impact. If the helmet comes off, then don’t buy it. There is no point having a fractured head and an intact helmet lying a few feet away.
3. Fit: The fit decides the retention factor of a helmet. The fit should be snug and the helmet should stay stable. A full-face helmet should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of your head. When you move the helmet your skin must move as well.
4. Comfort: Comfort is a sum total of many things: the fit, the feel, the weight, the soundproofing. When trying on a helmet keep it on for at least 20 minutes. Then check to see what are the areas of discomfort.
5. Coverage: A full helmet is better than a half helmet and a full-face helmet (with a chin bar) gives more protection than an open-face style.
6. Face shield: If you are buying a helmet with a face shield go for Snell-certified helmets. The shield should be easy to operate and stay in position when raised. Also check for optical distortions. They can be dangerous.
7. Convenience features: Along with an extra shield and a quick-change face shield mechanism, a storage bag is a useful feature to look for. You can use it to carry helmets.
8. Comfort features: Vents, padded straps and, interchangeable padding shapes to fit your head shape are comfort features. But remember vents can cause wind noise and can also get damaged easily.
9. Appearance: Appearance is largely a personal choice. The only advantage that a florescent helmet has is that it will stand out more during the day.
10. Cost: Go for the full face motorcycle helmets that meets all the criteria outlined above, even if it is cheaper than other helmets. Price is not always an absolute indicator of quality.