What to look for when buying a helmet? Read This First

What to look for when buying a helmet….Let me just say this out loud, so the universe hears it:

Buying a motorcycle helmet is low-key a nightmare.

I know, that sounds dramatic. But unless you’re one of those lucky people whose head shape is “perfectly medium-oval and fits everything like a dream” (first of all, how dare you)—then you already know.

And here’s the thing… I didn’t know what to look for when buying a motorcycle helmet at first. I was like, “Cool. This one has flames on it. Seems legit.”

Spoiler: it was not legit. It was barely better than a salad bowl with a chinstrap.

So yeah, this post? It’s the guide I wish someone handed me when I walked into a motorcycle shop looking like a confused toddler with $200 and zero helmet knowledge.

☠️ Let’s Just Get the Scary Truth Out First

I know we wanna joke around and make helmet shopping fun, but real quick:

Your helmet is the single most important piece of gear you’ll ever buy.

Not your jacket. Not your boots. Not that Bluetooth intercom that lets you blast Foo Fighters while dodging potholes. If your brain isn’t protected, none of the other stuff matters.

So yeah, we’re gonna make this fun. But we’re also not gonna mess around.

🧠 The Real-World Guide to What to Look for When Buying a Motorcycle Helmet

I broke this down based on how I actually think when I shop—so expect a little chaos, a lot of side comments, and at least one story where I embarrass myself.

1. Fit: Like a Hug, Not a Headlock

Let’s start with the obvious. If it doesn’t fit, don’t buy it.

And I don’t mean “it kinda fits” or “it’ll probably break in.” No. If your forehead’s throbbing five minutes into trying it on, imagine hour two of a summer ride. You’ll wanna throw it into a ditch.

Here’s my checklist now:

Snug but not painful
Doesn’t move when I shake my head like I’m saying “no” at a wedding buffet
No gaps near cheeks or forehead
Doesn’t squish my ears into little pancakes

Quick Story:
I once wore a helmet that fit perfectly until I tried to take it off. My ears got stuck, and I panicked. In a parking lot. While a stranger watched. We made eye contact. I still think about that sometimes.

2. Safety Ratings (aka the Boring Stuff That Saves Your Life)

Okay, this part’s not sexy. But it’s crucial. There are three big ones to look for:

DOT (Department of Transportation) – the bare minimum in the U.S. It’s… fine.
ECE – the European standard. Usually more rigorous than DOT.
Snell – the gold standard for nerds who read crash test data for fun.

Pro tip: Just because a helmet looks badass doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’ve seen “skull” themed helmets that were literally foam with stickers.

Look inside. Check the labels. Don’t trust “approved” unless it says what it’s approved by.

3. Type of Helmet: What Kind of Vibes You Want

This one’s more personal. But here’s a quick breakdown of the main styles:

Full Face

Max protection. Best for highway riding and face preservation.

Great if you: ride fast, long distances, or want to avoid swallowing bugs.

Modular

Flip-up front. Kinda like a transformer helmet.

Great if you: like to chat at red lights or sip coffee without taking it off.

Open Face

Looks cool. Not great if your chin likes staying attached.

Great if you: ride a cruiser, love wind in your beard, and live life on the edge.

ADV/Off-Road

Pointy visor, lots of airflow. Meant for trail riding and looking like a dirt-track warrior.

Great if you: plan on hitting the trails or want to pretend you’re in Mad Max.

4. Weight: Your Neck Will Thank You Later

You ever ride for two hours and then feel like your neck got in a fight with gravity?

Same. Weight matters more than I thought—especially on longer rides.

Carbon fiber helmets are light but pricey. Polycarbonate ones are heavier but affordable. Try different ones on, and don’t underestimate the difference a few ounces makes.

Unless you’ve been doing neck workouts or are secretly Batman.

5. Noise Levels: AKA Wind Screaming in Your Ears

True story: I once rode 30 minutes with my new “budget helmet” and my ears were ringing like I’d been to a Metallica concert.

Some helmets are LOUD.
If you do freeway riding, noise isolation is a big deal. You want:

Good seal around the visor
Solid neck roll cushioning
Proper fit (loose helmets = more noise)

Or, just accept the chaos and get good earplugs. That works too.

6. Visor Game: It’s Not All Clear and Simple

Okay, this is underrated. Visors aren’t just see-through plastic.
Things to look for:

Anti-fog coating or Pinlock system
UV protection (because yes, your eyes can get sunburned)
Wide field of view (especially for sport riders)
Quick-release mechanism (because fiddling with screws at dusk = not fun)

Bonus points for helmets with drop-down sun visors. It’s like built-in sunglasses and it makes you feel very James Bond on two wheels.

7. Ventilation: The Sweat Factor

If you live anywhere that gets above 70°F, this matters.

Some helmets feel like a sauna after 15 minutes. Others keep things breezy like a summer convertible.

Look for:

Top vents
Chin vents
Rear exhausts (to push hot air out)

One trick I use: I breathe up into the visor and see how fast it fogs. If I fog it like an old bathroom mirror? That’s a nope.

🛠️ Bonus Things I Now Always Check (Because I’m Tired of Regret)

Chin strap comfort – is it scratchy? Too short? You’ll feel it every single ride.
Speaker pockets – I use a Sena for music & group rides. Some helmets have cutouts built in. Life-changing.
Interior lining – is it removable? Washable? Because sweat is real and so is helmet funk.

🤔 So, What Helmet Did I Actually Buy?

After way too many try-ons and mild identity crises, I landed on the Shoei RF-1400. Not because it’s perfect (I still struggle with the visor tab), but because it felt like the least annoying of the bunch.

But honestly? Fit is everything. You might love AGV. Or Arai. Or something I’ve never heard of that has cat ears. Go with what feels good and keeps your brain safe.

✨ Wanna Nerd Out or Laugh at Gear Fails?

Last Thoughts about What to look for when buying a helmet

Here’s the truth no one told me: buying a motorcycle helmet isn’t just about protection. It’s about vibe, feel, confidence, and yeah—a little bit of trial and error.

So don’t rush it. Don’t settle. Try a bunch. Ask dumb questions. (I once asked a guy, “Does this make my head look small?” I’m not proud.)

And whatever you do—don’t buy one just because it looks cool. A scar on your chin isn’t “character.” It’s just a scar.

Ride safe,
– The guy who once wore a novelty helmet and didn’t realize it was illegal until a cop gave me the look 😬

What to Look for When Buying a Motorcycle Helmet? (A Totally Honest, Slightly Chaotic Guide)