India is undoubtedly the most flourishing two-wheeler market. In fact, almost every Indian household has a motorcycle or scooter for their daily commutes. The downside of this? Increased number of two-wheeler accidents. While it's completely normal to be a part of a two-wheeler accident in the country, the safety aspect of it is not all that normal. This can be attributed to lenient law enforcement and lack of awareness. But you'd also be surprised to know that while helmet is the most important safety gear to don while riding, the use of a wrong helmet can also lead to accidents and deaths. Moreover, the right helmet not only ensures the safety of your head but also provides comfort and protection for your face. And if you have read this far, I am sure you have made a decision to buy one for yourself. Here are some important aspects then that you must consider before investing in a helmet. Because helmets should not be something you buy casually to escape the traffic police. So, read on.
There are different types of helmets available for different riding needs and motorcycles. While a full-faced helmet is the most ideal and versatile, there are other kinds that would be optimal; for example, a half-face helmet is sufficient for a scooter while a motocross helmet will be needed if you are into off-road riding. So you must first decide the style of helmet based on your needs.
Now that you have decided upon your helmet style, the next aspect to ponder upon is your budget. Helmets range anywhere between Rs 200 for a really basic (read: useless) lid to Rs 1 lakh for a really good one. It depends on how much you want to invest in the safety of your head and life. A good starting range for someone new should ideally be no less than Rs 3000 as good helmets come for a price and is a worthy investment in the event of a crash.
Most helmets are usually made of fibre-glass composites while the high-end ones are made out of carbon composites and Kevlar. The interiors of the helmet have cushioning with air mesh to soak up the sweat and keep it the insides clean and dry. Do not purchase the plastic ones as they will break even from a fall. Check if the helmet is light enough to be worn for long hours and the inside foam can be removed for washing or not. Most helmets easily last 3 -5 years, and the smaller details will be useful in making the final decision.
The government of India has mandated that all motorcycle helmets must have the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark for legal sale and usage. This certification is one of the many safety standards for the best motorcycle helmet brands. A helmet with the ISI mark is a sign that it complies with all the regulations laid down by the BIS. Other safety standards include ECE 22.05 for helmets manufactured in the UK and DOT for those in the US. The latter 2 certifications with 4+ star ratings offer much better safety as proven in crash tests. DOT testing involves dropping a helmet from a predetermined height onto two different surfaces. ECE 22.05 testing involves an anvil and impacts on certain specific spots. Additionally, chin straps, shell and abrasion resistance is also checked.
If you remember wearing a helmet as a kid, you will also remember it used to wobble up and down. This shows that the helmet is over-sized and not of your fit. Keep this in mind when trying out a helmet. The helmet should have a snug fit and should not wobble or try to suffocate you by being too tight. The helmet will pop out in case of an accident if it is lose or too big. Wear it at least for 10 – 15 minutes to see if it fits right. The strap should lock in and open up easily but not vaguely. Once locked the helmet should not move or come out. Ask someone to remove the helmet for you, to see if the strap locks properly or not.
In a sub-tropical country like India, proper helmet ventilation is an utmost necessity. With summer reigning over a major part of the year, most motorcycle riders skip wearing helmets to avoid getting sweaty and suffocated. However, to keep up with safety, you must learn how to choose the right helmet with adequate vents for air circulation. Now, different manufacturers have varying placement of vents. Pick one that seems to offer the most breathable space. Also, check if they can be closed, which might be necessary during monsoon and winter. Besides these standard requirements, you might also want to look for the quality of inner EPS foam, straps, and helmet colour. However, you must zero in on the type of helmet you want before everything else.
