Looking For a New Helmet

The first detail would be the D.O.T. certification. The U.S. Department of Transportation sticker on the back of the helmet is a way for you to be assured that the helmet has passed the D.O.T. standards. The standards require the helmet absorb a significant amount of the impact's energy, the ability to prevent penetration, and to have a fastening system that will withstand a large amount of force.

The second detail would be the helmet's ability to stay on your head. Trying on a helmet for fit and comfort is important, but you will also want the helmet to stay on your head in the event of a crash. You can find out whether a helmet has the ability to stay on with a simple test. Fasten the chinstrap snugly; you should feel some push on your chin. Then you want to grab the back of the helmet and lift it rolling it forward. If it hurts and the helmet still comes off, keep shopping for another helmet.

Another detail is comfort. Comfort of a helmet can make a difference in enjoying a long ride on your motorcycle or a miserable one. Some people might tell you that there is no such thing as a comfortable helmet, but after having them try 40 selections of helmets they found one that was comfortable. They are now a believer. There is a comfortable helmet for everyone. You may have to try several different dealers and try on every helmet in each store, but you will find one.

Fit is another important detail. Fit will also have something to do with the helmet being able to stay on your head. A helmet that fits, as it should, will probably be a little tight. as you pull it on. This would be because of the foam lining, which is the main component to sealing out the wind noise inside the helmet. If the helmet pulls on easily, it will probably be noisy and won't fit, as it should. The interior lining of the helmet will settle and compress a certain amount, to mold to your head, so a little tight is better than too loose.

Another important detail you need to remember when choosing a helmet is the area of coverage the helmet will give you. You can say the more coverage the better. Recent studies have shown that motorcyclists with facial injuries are more likely to have brain injuries, in fact about 3.5 times more likely. Those motorcyclists with facial fractures are 6.5 more times likely to have brain injuries. The full-face helmet provides more protection than the full coverage open-faced helmet or the half helmet.

The face shield has certification information molded into it. As you are trying on the helmet, make note of any areas of distortion. If any are found, especially in the area of your line of vision you will want to find another helmet. Distortions in face shields are fairly rare, but they still do exist. So double-check your face shield.

If you are looking for helmets with special features, you can find modular bluetooth motorcycle helmets on the market.

The Nolan N102 N-Com is just one of several modular bluetooth helmets available on the market. The retail price for this is $740. However every new N102 works with Nolan's N-Com connection kits. If you are not ready to pay that amount of money for a helmet, you can buy just the base helmet for $350 and add the Bluetooth when you are ready. Modular models like this are more popular with the older generation. The entire front flips up to expose your face.

It also comes with hook ups for bluetooth, intercom, and a 3.5-mm jack for your iPod. Quick-release chinstrap is extremely convenient. The flip-front can easily accommodate bifocals. It includes volume control, and a paint job that hides scratches.

All modulars are noisy. The microphone requires constant moving when putting the helmet on or taking it off. It is one of the largest headpieces on the road.

The Vemar Jiano Bluetooth Modular Motorcycle Helmet comes fully equipped and there is no assembly required. It is compatible with your cell phone, GPS, and other electronics. It can be connected to your MP3, but is not meant to be a high-quality sound system for music. It comes equipped with stereo speakers. The Jiano Bluetooth Modular Motorcycle Helmetwill operate for up to 10 hours on a charge. By using two together you will be able to communicate with a wireless connection with your passenger. The bluetooth is easy to operate, even while wearing gloves.

The helmet comes in a variety of sizes from XXS to XXL. The helmet was engineered in Italy to the motorcyclist specific EC standard. It comes with a five year warranty from the date it was manufactured, which is equal to its useable life of the helmet. It is D.O.T. certified.

The Jiano helmet features a mid oval shell shape, which offers a generous fit from the front to the back of the helmet, and fits more snugly from ear to ear. This helmet has a very comfortable fit for riders who like long rides. The internal liner fits the rider without any kind of pressure points.

The exterior is made from an ultra light thermoplastic material. The exterior shell is aerodynamically shaped for ease of cutting through wind with less buffeting and wind noise. This helps in reducing the amount of stress on the rider's neck muscles after a long ride.

The face cover of the Jiano helmet has a lock mechanism, which exceeds expectations for safety and convenience. The face cover lock utilizes metal pins and hooks, making it extremely resistant to opening in the event of a crash. The actuation button is easy to use with gloved hands. An extra anti-fog, non-scratch 2.2 mm thick outer quick release dark tinted shield is included with each helmet.

These are just some of the special features the Vemar Jiano Bluetooth Modular Helmet offers. To see more about this helmet find a dealer near you and check it out.