Best Motorcycle Helmet: Difficult Choices

Because there are literally dozens of motorcycle helmet manufacturers, both domestically and abroad, it’s an amazingly difficult task to choose which one is the “best.” Most bike riders would argue that they own the best motorcycle helmet. Thus, to even come close to deciding which one is the best motorcycle helmet available, a rider must set certain criteria to use in deciding.

Besides considering safety (the primary purpose of a helmet), a rider must also consider style, design, price, quality, comfort and versatility – not necessarily in that order, along with several other elements that make a helmet the “best.” When defining “best,” it is also important to decide what is best for you.

Sometimes comfort alone is the primary consideration when selecting a motorcycle helmet. It’s almost like buying shoes. No matter how stylish and attractive they might be, if they hurt your feet you’re not going to wear them!

Price can also have strong bearing on your decision. With costs ranging from under $150 to well over $350, riders must decide about included features such as padding, visors and type of ventilation. As the saying in the industry goes, “If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet.”

For some riders, especially those in the 18-24 age range, style and design is the most important consideration when deciding which is the best motorcycle helmet for them. They seem to favor the “Ninja” or more streamlined look and a variety of paint schemes that make the helmet standout on the road or in a crowd.

Another important consideration is the type or model of the helmet. While most riders seem to prefer the full-face model, which offers the most protection, lots of others decide upon the ¾ or open face helmet. They frequently settle upon this style based on feelings of claustrophobia. The ¾ helmet looks like the full-face but has no chin bar or visor.

Name a Few Possibilities

Instead of naming an exact helmet as the very “best,” it is possible to narrow the choices down by choosing specific top-of-the-line manufacturers who is forward thinking, innovative, safety conscious and price competitive. There is no doubt that the following companies stand very close to the top when making the ultimate selection: Arai, Bell, HJC and Shoei.

One important consideration is the longevity of the manufacturer. Arai Helmets opened for business over 65 years ago and quickly evolved into a company whose structure was strongly based on innovation, design and safety. The son and grandson of the original owner are still involved in this business that is headquartered in Japan. Bell Helmets, too, has a long and stable history. Named for the city of Bell, California, this company first began selling motorcycle helmets in 1954.

The “Bell 500,” named after the Indianapolis 500, proved itself by saving a driver from serious injury when he crashed head on into a wall. HJC Helmets, located in Cerritos, California, was established in 1971, and their sole product is motorcycle helmets. They claim they have been the Number One motorcycle helmet manufacturer in North America since 1992.

Shoei Helmets opened for business, in Tokyo, over 40 years ago. Their focus became research, development and design, as well as technical teams for the world’s top motorcycle racers. Shoei’s commitment is to produce the most advanced helmet in the world.

It should be noted that Harley Davidson and BMW also rank high when considering the best motorcycle helmet there is.

Is There Really a Best Motorcycle Helmet?

Choosing a best motorcycle helmet is like choosing a best car or a best book or a best stereo system. It’s really about choosing what’s best for you. Maybe you’re happy with any helmet, as long as it’s decorated with bright yellow and orange flames. Maybe your economy priced helmet, priced at $49.95 is best for you, because you’re strapped for cash. No matter. Whatever helmet you choose and are comfortable with, that’s definitely your best helmet. Enjoy!