Size
The sizes in which this helmet model is produced.
The appropriate helmet size depends primarily on the circumference of the wearer's head. The circumference is measured at the widest point of the head — usually at a level of 1 – 2 cm above the eyebrows and along the protrusion at the back of the head; more detailed recommendations and descriptions can be found in special sources. Here we note that although manufacturers use the same size designations —
XXS,
XS,
S,
M,
L,
XL, etc. — specific sizes for different brands may vary slightly; for example, XL can fit both 60 – 61 cm and 61 – 62 cm. This seemingly small difference can significantly affect the comfort and safety of use. Therefore, when choosing, you need to be guided by the size tables of a particular manufacturer.
It is also worth considering that helmets with the same size designation may differ not only in actual size, but also in the shape of the internal space. Therefore, even compliance with the size table is not a guarantee that the product will be suitable; the most reliable way is to test the helmet "live" before buying.
Size adjustment
The method of adjustment in size provided in the design of the helmet.
Many modern motorcycle helmets have a system that allows you to
adjust their size within a small range. This allows you to optimally adjust the product to the size of the head (which very rarely corresponds to the standard size to the millimetre), providing a snug and at the same time comfortable fit. Control systems can be:
- Swap. Adjustment in the form of a pneumatic cushion, inflated in the region of the lower part of the head. It is used in helmets of a closed design, mainly
integrals and
crosses(see "Type"), while the pillow covers, usually, almost the entire circumference of the helmet (except for the chin).
- Twisting. A mechanical system used in shallow open helmets (usually the so-called "3/4 low profile" models). It has the form of a plate on a movable mount, located in the back of the head; due to fastening, this plate is pressed against the back of the head, firmly holding the helmet on the head even when the strap is unfastened (which, however, does not eliminate the need to fasten it while riding).
Visor
The type of visor used in the helmet. In this case, a visor means glass that covers the motorcyclist’s face from wind, dust, raindrops, etc., and often also from the bright sun. Note that there is a specific category of visors - sun protection; they are not taken into account in this case; for more information about such devices, see “Functions/capabilities”. Traditional visors can be like this:
-
Transparent. Classic transparent glass that does not change the visible image. In bright sunshine, such visors are less comfortable than tinted ones, but this disadvantage can be compensated for by using additional sun visors (see below). At the same time, transparent glasses do not impair visibility in the twilight and are generally more versatile, and therefore are used in most helmets that generally have visors.
—
Tinted. Visors with tinting. As a rule, we are talking about a certain degree of shading - from light “smoky” to almost black or mirror (glasses tinted yellow or orange have their own specifics, so they are indicated separately - see below). The darkened visor improves visibility in bright sunshine; in addition, it is often made polarized, which also reduces the amount of visible glare (from water, from shiny metal surfaces, etc.). On the other hand, through such glass it is worse to see in the evening and at night than through transparent glass - up to the complete impos
...sibility of using a helmet with a closed “visor” normally. So tinted visors are recommended for daytime driving only.
— Tinted/transparent. This option is indicated for models available in different configuration options - both with a tinted and with a transparent visor. This allows you to choose the option at your discretion, depending on personal preferences and expected driving characteristics. And some models can be equipped with both types of glass, which makes the helmet universal right out of the box.
- Yellow. Visor tinted yellow or orange. These glasses are the opposite of tinted visors: the yellow color increases image brightness and contrast, improving visibility in low light conditions - from cloudy weather to evening and night driving. But in daylight, even not very bright, the yellow color can cause discomfort (although it all depends on the user’s preferences). In general, this is a rather specific category; it is rarely installed in helmets as standard: it is believed that the need for yellow glass rarely arises, and if it does arise, such a visor can be purchased separately without any problems.
- Absent. By definition, cross-over helmets designed for use with glasses do not have visors; In addition, glass is missing in some open models (see "Type"), in which such equipment does not fit due to construction or design considerations. But in other types of helmets this option practically does not occur: if a given model allows the installation of a visor, it is almost certainly equipped with at least the simplest transparent glass.
