Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

You know that you need a helmet when riding your motorcycle - but just any old helmet isn't going to give you the protection you seek. You need the right type of helmet, the right ratings, and the right fit. It takes time to find this ideal helmet, but it's the only way to get you the protection you need while on the road. We created the following buyer's guide to help you shop for the perfect helmet. If you have any questions, you can always ask the friendly staff at Loewer Powersports & Equipment. You'll find us in Alexandria, Louisiana.

The Right Type

There are many different helmets out there for many different uses. You'll want the one offering the best protection as you'll be cruising down the highway at top speeds next to much larger vehicles. But we will cover each type of helmet so you know what the choices are.

First is the half helmet, which offers the least protection. These are often used by cruiser and chopper lovers due to their style. But they leave your face exposed and can easily roll off if the fit isn't perfect.

The next step up is the open helmet. These cover your ears and part of your face. Some include a visor to shield your eyes. 

You'll find the most protection with the full-face helmet. These cover the most amount of your head and come with face shields. Many are made with better padding to improve rider comfort. Beginners should absolutely choose this style without a doubt (but we recommend all riders do).

The Right Ratings

Helmets can undergo crash tests to see how they would hold up in a mock collision scenario. This gives you key information about what quality of protection you can expect from a helmet.

Two types of organizations do these test - government agencies (such as the Department of Transportation) and non-profits (such as Snell).

These tests cover a number of aspects including impact (how well it absorbs shock), penetration (how well it'll hold against hitting sharp objects), retention (how well the strap stays closed), and peripheral vision (how much you can see on each side).

Always look at the crash test ratings before trying on a helmet. There are too many solid options out there to justify buying one without good ratings!

The Right Fit

It may sound counterintuitive, but you are better off with a cheap well-fitting helmet than you are an expensive ill-fitting one. The fit is what keeps your helmet positioned well during a crash, which is what keeps you safe. 

Start by figuring out your measurements. Your head size tells you how big of a helmet you need and how the helmet will line up with your forehead and jaw. Look up sizing charts online before hitting the store.

When you have the helmet on, do a few tests. Move your head from side to side (it shouldn't wiggle). Roll your head forward (it should not slide off). Wear it for a few minutes (it should not leave red spots, feel stuffy, or leave any soreness). Once you find a helmet that fits, you are set!

We hope you found our guide helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment. We offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale. We also do parts replacement and service appointments. If your motorcycle is experiencing issues, bring it on in! Our expert staff can get it running like new in no time. We proudly serve those in Rapides Parish (including Alexandria), Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.