Not only is it mandatory to wear a helmet in many states and countries, but it also provides critical protection in the event of a crash. But when it comes to price, the question arises: are expensive motorcycle helmet brands worth it?
Yes, expensive motorcycle helmets are worth it, as they are often made with higher-quality materials and better construction than less expensive helmets. In addition, they provide more advanced safety features, such as a fiber matrix shell. They may also offer more ventilation and comfort.
However, the difference in safety between a $400 helmet and a $750 helmet may be negligible, so it is important to consider whether the extra cost is worth it.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at expensive motorcycle helmet brands’ pros and cons to help you work out if they are worth the extra cost.
What Makes Motorcycle Helmets Expensive?
Several factors can contribute to the price of a motorcycle helmet. Some of the main factors include:
Materials
The material used to make a motorcycle helmet can significantly affect its price. Some common materials used in helmet construction include:
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass is a popular material for full face motorcycle helmet construction due to its strength and lightweight properties. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a good choice for budget-conscious riders.
Carbon fiber:
Carbon fiber is a high-tech material known for its strength and lightweight properties. It is often used to construct high-end helmet shells and can significantly increase the cost of the helmet.
Polycarbonate:
Polycarbonate is a type of plastic known for its durability and impact resistance. It is often used to construct budget-friendly helmet shells.
Advanced composite materials:
Some helmet manufacturers use advanced composite materials, such as aramid fibers, to construct their helmet shells. These materials are known for their strength and lightweight properties.
In general, the material used in a motorcycle helmet can greatly impact its price. Helmets made from more expensive materials, such as carbon fiber, tend to be more expensive than those made from fiberglass or polycarbonate.
Features
Features are additional elements or capabilities that a motorcycle helmet may have beyond its basic function. Some common features that can affect the price of a helmet include:
Ventilation:
Many helmet designs include ventilation systems to help keep the rider’s head cool and comfortable. These systems can range from simple vents to more advanced systems that use fans or other technologies to circulate air.
Bluetooth connectivity:
Some helmet designs include built-in Bluetooth technology that allows the rider to make phone calls, listen to music, or communicate with other riders using a headset.
Built-in headphones:
Some helmet designs include built-in headphones that allow the rider to listen to music or take phone calls without needing external headphones or earbuds.
Removable and washable liners:
Many helmet designs include removable and washable liners that can be taken out and cleaned to help keep the helmet fresh and hygienic.
Graphics and finishes:
Some helmet designs include special graphics or finishes that can add to the cost of the helmet. These graphics and finishes range from simple decals to more complex paint schemes and designs.
Overall, the features of a motorcycle helmet can significantly affect its price. For example, helmets with more advanced features, such as built-in Bluetooth connectivity or advanced ventilation systems, are more expensive than those without these features.
Brand
Some helmet brands are known for their high-quality products and are willing to charge a premium price. However, these brands may use more expensive materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and more advanced features in their helmet designs.
Other helmet brands may offer more budget-friendly options from less expensive materials with fewer features. These helmet designs may be a good choice for riders looking for a more affordable option.
It’s important to note that the price of a helmet does not necessarily reflect its quality. Some lower-priced helmet brands may offer helmet designs that are just as protective and well-made as more expensive options.
Therefore, before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to research different brands and compare the features and safety ratings of different helmet models.
Safety Certification
Certification refers to the process by which a motorcycle helmet is tested and verified to meet certain safety standards.
In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for motorcycle helmet manufacturers.
Therefore, to be sold in the United States, a helmet must meet the minimum safety standards set by the DOT.
Other countries may have safety certification standards for the manufacturing of helmets.
For example, the European Economic Community (EEC) has its certification standard for helmet manufacturers, the ECE 22.05.
Helmets that meet higher safety standards are more expensive than those that only meet the minimum safety requirements.
This is because they may be made from more expensive materials, use advanced manufacturing techniques, or include additional protective features that help to improve the helmet’s performance in the event of an accident.
It’s important to note that the price of a helmet does not necessarily reflect its level of certification or overall safety performance.
So, looking for a helmet that meets the appropriate safety standards for your region and has a good track record of performance in real-world accidents is always a good idea.
Overall, the cost of a motorcycle helmet can vary greatly depending on the materials, brand, features, certification, and style.
It is important to find a helmet that fits well, is comfortable, and meets the necessary safety standards, regardless of the price.
Are Expensive Motorcycle Helmets Safer?
The price of a motorcycle helmet does not necessarily reflect its level of safety. While it is true that some more expensive helmet designs may use more expensive materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, or additional protective features, this does not necessarily mean that they are safer than more budget-friendly options.
A motorcycle helmet’s safety performance is determined by various factors, including its construction, the materials used, and ability to withstand impacts.
To ensure that a helmet is safe, it is important to look for a helmet that meets the appropriate safety standards for your region and has a good track record of performance in real-world accidents.
Most helmets will have a badge or sticker on the back of the helmet stating if it is DOT or Snell approved for the USA or EEC for Europe.
It is also important to note that the most expensive helmet on the market is only sometimes the safest option for every rider.
The safety of a helmet depends on its ability to fit the rider properly and provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to try on a helmet to ensure that it fits well and feels comfortable before making a purchase.
What To Look For When Buying A Motorcycle Helmet
When buying a motorcycle helmet, there are several things you should consider to ensure you get the best possible product for your needs and budget. Some things to look for when buying a helmet include:
Safety ratings:
It is important to look for a helmet that meets the appropriate safety standards for your region.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets and enforces safety standards for motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the United States.
Look for a helmet certified by the DOT or another reputable organization to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards.
Fit:
A helmet that fits well is important for both comfort and safety. Try on a helmet to ensure it fits and feels comfortable before making a purchase. The helmet should fit snugly on your head, not too loose or tight.
Materials:
The materials used to construct a helmet can significantly affect its performance and durability. Look for a helmet made from high-quality materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or advanced composite materials, to ensure adequate protection during an accident.
Features:
Helmets can come with various features, such as ventilation systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in headphones.
Decide which features are important to you, and look for a helmet that includes them. Remember that helmet designs with more advanced features tend to be more expensive.
Brand reputation:
Research different helmet brands and read reviews from other riders to get an idea of the quality and performance of different helmet models.
Look for a brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality helmet designs.
When buying a motorcycle helmet, it is important to look for a product that meets the appropriate safety standards, fits well, is made from high-quality materials, includes the features you want, and has a good reputation for quality and performance.
In conclusion
The price of a motorcycle helmet can be affected by various factors, including the material used in its construction, the features it includes, the brand, its certification, and its style.
More expensive helmet designs may use more expensive materials, have more advanced features, meet higher safety standards, fit better, and have more elaborate finishes and graphics.
However, the price of a helmet does not necessarily reflect its level of safety or overall performance.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to research different brands and compare the features and safety ratings of different helmet models before making a purchase.
When buying a motorcycle helmet, it is important to consider the safety ratings, fit, materials, features, and brand reputation to ensure you get the best possible product for your needs and budget.
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