If there is anything that matters in motorcycle gear, a good helmet is at the top of the list. While it may be a legal requirement in many places, it’s also the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. To Royal Enfield riders, a helmet is not just a safety measure but an extension of their personality and style.

With so many options available, choosing a helmet that suits needs can be challenging. Whether you’re selecting  helmets for men or opting for full face helmets, one must know what really matters.

Guide to Help you Pick up the Right Helmet for your Riding Needs.

1. Safety Standards: First Priority

The primary purpose of a helmet is to protect your head in an accident. Therefore, the first thing to look for when picking a helmet is its compliance with safety standards. 

Only those helmets that are certified as conforming to internationally recognized safety standards such as DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), or ISI (Indian Standards Institute) have undergone comprehensive testing procedures and have satisfied the results in terms of protection.

Tip: Never compromise on safety. A helmet that looks fabulous cannot be of much use if it doesn't keep you secure.

 

2. Fit and Comfort: The Perfect Fit Matters

A helmet should not be tight enough to cause discomfort. Trying on various sizes and shapes helps ensure a good fit. An ill-fitting helmet, whether too tight or too loose, cannot provide adequate protection.

Steps to achieve the right fit:

• Measure your head size with a soft measuring tape by wrapping it around the largest part of your head, just above the eyebrows and ears. Check if the helmet is tightly fitting without pinching. It is normal to feel an even pressure all around your head.
• No Mobility Once Activated: Once fitted, the helmet should stay in place when you move your head. Thus, there should be no movement of the helmet when there is a jerky motion while riding. This will ensure that it does not shift or fall off during an accident.

Comfort is also essential, especially on long rides. You have to think about the ventilation system, padding, and the material of the liner, as these will contribute to more comfort on extended hours of the road.

 

3. Full Face Helmets: Maximum Protection

For many Royal Enfield riders, a full face helmet is the preferred choice. Full face helmets offer comprehensive coverage for the head, neck, and face, thereby providing the highest level of protection against impacts. These are ideal for long rides, highway rides, or off-road journeys.

Why Use a Full Face Helmet?

• Full Coverage: A full face helmet compared to an open face helmet, full-face helmets provide full head and face coverage, offering maximum protection in case of an accident.
• Protection from Elements: They shield riders from wind, dust, rain, and insects, thereby increasing comfort and safety when riding.
• Noise Reduction: The closed design of a full face helmet also minimizes wind noise, thus providing a quieter ride, which is convenient over long distances.

While some like the ventilation and freedom in an open face helmet, safety and comfort usually win out over preferences in a full face helmet.

 

4. Helmet Type: Choose Based on Your Riding Style

There are helmets made for particular riding styles. Understanding your riding habits will help you select the right type.

• 
  Full Face Helmets: These are the best for general all-around protection and are considered best suited for high-speed or long-distance riding.
• Modular Helmets: It's like a cross between full face and open face helmets wherein it offers flexibility for the ability to flip up the front part. These are for enthusiasts who enjoy versatility in a helmet.
• Open Face Helmets for Men: While offering less protection than  full face helmets, these helmets provide better for ventilation and visibility making them suitable for city rides or for short commutes.
• Off-Road Helmets: If you prefer having off-road rides on wild trails, then off-road helmets are much better as they are designed for that particular purpose of saving you from the dirt track conditions and harsh terrains.

 

5. Weight: Lighter = More Comfortable

The weight of the helmet can even largely affect your comfort quotient, especially in case you are going to ride for a long distance. Heavier helmets do cause neck fatigue and thus any feather-light helmet is easy to wear for long periods.

Choose helmets for men that can distribute a good amount of weight. Most helmets are made out of advanced composite materials like carbon fiber, offering great strength and lightness. Even if they're expensive, their comfort can be well worth the investment when you consider long-term comfort.

 

6. Ventilation: Stay Cool on Long Rides

Ventilation will be key to keep you cool and comfortable on your ride. For those living in warmer climates and perhaps riders who enjoy longer rides, the value of airflow inside the helmet reduces sogginess and discomfort.

The full face helmet has vents placed strategically to ensure airflow to the helmet for preventing fogging of the visor and maintaining airflow so that your head remains cool.

When you select a helmet, ensure that the ventilation system allows adequate airflow without admitting too much wind noise.

7. Visors: Clear Vision is Essential

A visor on a helmet contributes a lot to your safety, providing a wide field of vision and protecting  your eyes from dirt, bugs, and debris that may come your way when riding.

• Anti-fog Coating: Mostly, this is a prerequisite for any full face helmet visor, mainly because they keep your sight clear with both cold and wet conditions.
• Tinted Visors: Some helmets come with tinted visors, or there is an option to put one. One would use them for riding in bright sunlight so that glare might reduce and therefore make the ride easier for you.
• Visor Swap: Use helmets that have clean visors that you can swap with tinted visors very easily. This is extremely handy in your wear of clear visors during clear conditions and vice versa.

 

8. Helmet Material: Durability and Safety

Most helmets have different materials which vary from one to the other regarding their durability, protection level, and weight.

Thermoplastic - These helmets are inexpensive, but at the same time, very rugged. Many bikers choose this option. While thermoplastic helmets can provide a solid protection level, they tend to weigh more.

Fiberglass - They could be defined as the upper class of thermoplastic helmets. Since the primary characteristic of these helmets is that they provide better protection and lightness, many bikers prefer choosing this kind of helmet.

Carbon Fiber - For exceptional protection with the least amount of weight, you need carbon fiber helmets. These helmets are extremely powerful and lightweight. However, they come with a price tag.

Choose a material based on your budget and riding requirements without compromising safety.

 

9. Style and Design: An Extension of the Rider's Personality

Style does matter, but safety and functionality should always top these priorities. For the Royal Enfield rider, a helmet is seen as an extension of their rider's personality, and there are countless designs and colors to choose from.

Whatever your preference-sleek and minimalist or bold and eye-catching-you will find men's helmets in many styles. Just don't forget to weigh safety and comfort against aesthetics.

10. Budget: Spend for Quality

You might be tempted by trying to save some money on a cheaper helmet, but when it comes to helmets there is an area where trying to cut corners can be especially hazardous: your helmet. Invest in this and it's well worth the little extra money to find the best protection available.

Try to find the best helmets on safety, comfort, and style in your budget. Once you get a well-made helmet, it will last you for two years and give you reassurance every time you go out and ride.

Conclusion

A helmet is the cornerstone of any motorcycle rider's safety gear. For the Royal Enfield rider, it's not just about safety; it's about finding the perfect balance of protection, comfort, style, and performance. These guidelines will help you select the ideal helmet, whether you prefer the security of a full face helmet or the relaxed feel of an open-face helmet.

Your helmet is more than gear - it's your most trusted companion when you're riding. So, choose wisely and ride safe.