Buying A Helmet: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever felt the wind flowing through your hair, blowing away all your problems and stress? Ah, the bliss! But today, we're going to talk about how not to lose your head—literally—while chasing that feeling on a 2-wheeler.

Wearing a helmet isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. But the question is, what kind of helmet should you buy?

1. Your Riding Style

First off, helmets aren’t accessories—they’re investments in your safety. Your head and spine are the most important areas to protect in case of an accident, so choosing the right helmet depends on the type of riding you do. Ask yourself:

• Daily errands?
• Commuting?
• Fun weekend rides?
• Long-distance tours?
• Speed freak on the racetracks?

Different helmets serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

Half Face Helmets

These look retro, relaxing and are relatively lighter compared to the other types. The most airy kind of helmets as well! But know that these helmets are not meant for serious injuries; there’s no frontal protection! And if you feel there's even a teensie bit chance that your face could be the next big thing, save it my friend. But anyway, there are tons of options out in the market ranging from the Rs.50/- fakes, to the Rs.50,000/- fancies. Bikes they look great with are Cruisers, Choppers and sometimes even Scramblers and Cafe racers. Scooters and Mopeds always pair well with this classic helmet type.

Modular Helmets

Now these are super convenient, but bulky looking and heaviest of the lot. It's a full face, then it's not. You can find them with pop-up chin bars or completely removable chin options! You can use them in multiple uses and they are certainly safer than half face helmets, but just so you know, these helmets have different safety ratings for the chin vs rest of the body. Reason: the chin is re/movable. Because that part of the gear is not integrated with the body as a solid piece, it cannot collectively absorb impact with the helmet. Worst case- it might just break off. But that's nothing to worry about if you know what kind of riding you're about to get into. These helmets aren't cheap to make even for the roadside hawkers because of the metal and mechanisms, so the prices start at Rs.800 and up. Scooters, Commuter Bikes and Cruisers are the relaxed vibes that these helmets go well with.

Full Face Helmets

The only type that's allowed to be worn by the fastest riders on the planet. The reason’s simple- they're made as a one-piece, are compact and cover the whole head. To talk about more pros, these helmets being the safest type yet in the market, make them also the most popular and most widely made type. So you get plenty of options to choose from! Riding positions, accessories, colors, graphics, you name it- and some brand might've already made it last year. But there still are cons which I must tell you- they're livhter than modular but heavier than half face helmets because of more coverage and material, and so they might also feel warmer to wear (This can be a blessing in winters, but that's one of 4 seasons). Other than that, these are the most aerodynamic helmets you will find on the market with price ranging from 200 Rupees to 2 Lakh+. So choose wisely. These helmets go with most bike types, but because of their design adaptation from motorsports, they look best on Street Naked, Full-faired and Cruiser bikes.

Dual Sport Helmets

This is a category which suits you best if you like touring and treading onto the uncharted terrains every now and then. They've earned another name through this interest- hyper-touring helmets. The main features to look for are-

• Upright riding position design
• Great ventilation inlets and outlets
• Additional Peak (roof over the visor).
• A slightly longer chin.
The helmets are hardly made for the mass users because of a category choice, so you can find it with brands selling from Rs.1000/- all the way up to Rs.80,000/-. These helmets go great with the adventure bikes and from a historic reference, 2 stroke bikes.

Moto-Cross Helmets

If you're looking into MX helmets, you probably already know a bit about moto-cross. These helmets are very sport focused, but it doesn't mean you can't buy them and wear to look the part! The helmets are designed to be quite light as the sport requires a lot of neck movement. Their most prominent features are-

• Long Chin bar
• Long Peak
• No Visor fixture (goggle slot).
• Big ventilation.
You may find some mixed themed designs and categories as well, for people who don't have a fixed usage. But knowing these main types will help you pick amongst the hybrids better as well.

2. Safety First

How safe is your helmet? Look for certifications like DOT, ECE, or Snell—renowned bodies that rigorously test helmets for wearability and protection.

Read more on helmet certifications here.

3. Material Matters

What material is your helmet made of? Is it some cheap plastic, or one of the better polymers like ABS or PC? Or is it made of the materials that the racers prefer, the Composites: Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, Kevlar Fiber...

Plastic helmets? Sure, they get the job done, but they’re entry-level at best. They’re heavy, less durable, and don't offer the kind of impact protection you need when pushing limits. Enter composite fiber helmets—crafted from advanced materials like fiberglass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. These helmets are lighter, stronger, and designed to absorb impact like a champ. Plus, they last longer without compromising safety.

You got to make a choice. Invest in safety.

4. Ventilation Options

Remember that breezy feeling we talked about earlier, well you don't have to go complete opposite and suffocate! Helmets do come with great ventilation options as per usage, so choose wisely and liberally.

5. Get the Right Fit

Once you have your eye on a few shortlisted models, time to make sure that the helmet fits you well. Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around your forehead; about 1 inch above your brow line. Take the size in centimeters. That is your helmet size. If you don't have that tape, take a thread or your charging cable, and measure the same. Check it against a straight ruler to get your size.

Most brands mention the head Shape they cater to as well: Round, Oval or Long-Oval. Figure out your fit using top view photos for this.

6. Time to Look Cool

Now that safety's something we've taken care of, coming to the good stuff - the dips and coats, the razzle Dazzle, the Colors and Inks!!

Why wouldn't I want to look the coolest version of myself while riding? Match the color, match the lines, the graphics, the undertones, or my riding jacket? It's my Super-Suit! One has to go crazy with that! Be seen and known!

Why settle for ordinary when you can turn heads?

7. Accessories Matter

let's talk about the accessories that many brands offer, to make the riding experience even better!

1. a) Check for integration availability for anti-fog lenses, for the humid or rainy days.
2. b) See if they have space to install communication systems, for taking urgent calls, or linking up with your fellow riders on a tour.

Are there any other cool accessories in the market that these helmets are preparing for? Can they give you more?

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Choosing the right helmet isn't just about style—it's about protecting what matters most: your life. Whether you’re cruising through the city, tackling rough terrains, or blazing down the highway, your helmet is your ultimate shield. With the right fit, material, and design, you can ride with confidence knowing that you're not just looking cool but staying safe. Make a smart investment, because when you’re pushing limits, ordinary gear just won’t cut it. The wind in your hair? That’s a feeling you’ll want to enjoy for a lifetime. Ride smart, ride safe.