We cannot emphasize enough that the first step for injury prevention is minimizing the chances of crash or impact. Helmets are useful safety gear that prevents injuries in an uncontrolled environment. A helmet prevents head and brain injury and protects you against serious trauma.
A helmet works in three different ways:
- When you wear a helmet, it wards off direct contact between the impacting object and skull by acting as a mechanical barrier between the two.
- A helmet spreads the force of the impact over a greater surface area so that it doesn’t concentrate only on a particular region of your skull.
- This safety gear absorbs the impact energy and limits the magnitude of the forces transmitted to your brain and skull.
Good-quality helmets, such as Fox Helmets, are made with superior materials that absorb the impact to the head in a crash. Thus, decreasing the severity of a serious head or brain injury you may be suffering from. The lining of such helmets is covered with a hard outer shell that cushions your head and reduces the severity of trauma.
Therefore, it is necessary to wear a helmet when you ride regardless of the terrain. Choosing a helmet isn’t rocket science. Just focus on the important features and a good brand name.
Here are the helmet features to consider while shopping for this safety gear.
Size Adjustments
Look for a helmet that comes with a size adjustment wheel on the back so that you can adjust it to fit the circumference of your head.
Having a size adjustment feature in your helmet is a good idea, but finding a helmet that fits your head perfectly in the first place is even better. Ensure that it doesn’t wobble from side to side or tilt from front to back when you wear it. A well-fitted helmet stays level across your forehead and right above your eyebrows. Make sure that the straps of the helmet are comfortable.
Ventilation
A helmet must be well-ventilated to help you ride comfortably during long rides.
Mesh Guards
A good-quality helmet includes vent mesh guards to keep bugs and tree debris from sticking to the gear or your hair when riding your bike. These guards are also fitted with vents to allow proper airflow.
Visors
Look for a helmet that comes with visors as they make your ride comfortable during rainy and sunny days. Visors provide extra protection when you ride your bike.
Certification
It is equally important to check the certification of the helmet while shopping. Certifications are usually established by the governing bodies that set impact standards. When you shop for a good-quality helmet, ensure that it has a certification sticker from EN, ASTM, CPSC, CSA, or other bodies.
These are the standards that all the gear must comply with to ensure a safe riding experience for bikers.
How to Care for the Helmets?
- Avoid using solvents or chemicals to clean your helmet. Use only a sponge or soft cloth and clean your helmet with mild soap and water. If your helmet comprises removable pads, you can wash them separately.
- Do not store your helmet in a garage, car trunk, attic, or places with higher odds of heat accumulation. Excessive heat leads to the formation of bubbles on the helmets. They also break down the foam and make your gear less shock-absorbent.
- It is good to replace your helmet every five years with a new one that promises quality, durability, and sturdiness.
Takeaway
We hope that you have understood the importance of wearing a helmet. Now that you know everything about it, shop for the best one and wear a helmet every time you ride your bike.
