Those were the last few days of the month of November in 2014. It was a cold night and I was out with two of my friends heading towards Lavasa (this place needs no explanation). I don’t know what happened but a friend of mine who was a pillion, gave his helmet to me and took mine as my helmet was acting funny (wind power mind you!). As I started leaning before that corner the bike started behaving absurdly, like it was fighting against my will to turn, I ran wide, had a lowsider and went straight into the bushes just right before the cliff.
Fast forward I was in the hospital waiting for my surgery, to fix two broken hand fingers. When my friend came to visit, we examined the helmet I had a crash with. It had good amount of dents. There was no way I could have come out of the accident with lesser or the same level of injuries if I had my crappy helmet on. One more thing saved me was my newly bought leg and elbow guards (thanks to another friend who practically blackmailed me to get them). The accident could have been worse if I had my crappy helmet on. 5 days later I did the most absurd thing you could imagine
Visited a helmet shop with my friends just 5 days after the surgery. Only one hand operational and the other tied to a sling. I knew I could not ride for two more months but the urge to get a new helmet was unstoppable. And that is when I learned the things I should have known in the first place. 15 months later I am here, telling you about the things you need to know before you buy a helmet. A helmet should be a perfect fit; the helmet padding should press against your cheeks and should not move around when you wiggle your head.
Another thing you need to consider is the locking mechanism. There are usually two types of locking mechanisms, Double D ring and quick-release buckle. In low cost helmets Quick-release is usually provided. However, Double D ring is always the safest strapping mechanism there is, try to get a helmet with that mechanism. Not going to explain the types of helmets and their features as it’s not in the scope right now.
Now you bought a helmet, what next? I see people just putting the helmet just on top of the head like a hat. They don’t bother to fasten the strap and the helmet keeps dancing on their heads as they ride. What’s wrong with just putting a helmet on the head? Everything. If the helmet is not fit enough, in case of an impact, instead of the helmet soaking the bump, the gap between your head and the helmet will allow the inner part of your helmet to hit your head. So in a way it will be your head which will be soaking the bump. So much for using the helmet for protection.
Not fastening the strap makes the helmet near to useless. In case of impact it can directly come off and can leave your head vulnerable and exposed to the danger. Always wear good helmets, strap them properly, and make sure they fit perfectly. Be careful out there and ride safe.
Buying A New Helmet- is that enough? Part-1
By: Rituraj Sambherao
Fast forward I was in the hospital waiting for my surgery, to fix two broken hand fingers. When my friend came to visit, we examined the helmet I had a crash with. It had good amount of dents. There was no way I could have come out of the accident with lesser or the same level of injuries if I had my crappy helmet on. One more thing saved me was my newly bought leg and elbow guards (thanks to another friend who practically blackmailed me to get them). The accident could have been worse if I had my crappy helmet on. 5 days later I did the most absurd thing you could imagine Visited a helmet shop with my friends just 5 days after the surgery. Only one hand operational and the other tied to a sling. I knew I could not ride for two more months but the urge to get a new helmet was unstoppable. And that is when I learned the things I should have known in the first place. 15 months later I am here, telling you about the things you need to know before you buy a helmet. A helmet should be a perfect fit; the helmet padding should press against your cheeks and should not move around when you wiggle your head.
Another thing you need to consider is the locking mechanism. There are usually two types of locking mechanisms, Double D ring and quick-release buckle. In low cost helmets Quick-release is usually provided. However, Double D ring is always the safest strapping mechanism there is, try to get a helmet with that mechanism. Not going to explain the types of helmets and their features as it’s not in the scope right now.
*** Double "D" ring and Quick Release Buckle
Now you bought a helmet, what next? I see people just putting the helmet just on top of the head like a hat. They don’t bother to fasten the strap and the helmet keeps dancing on their heads as they ride. What’s wrong with just putting a helmet on the head? Everything. If the helmet is not fit enough, in case of an impact, instead of the helmet soaking the bump, the gap between your head and the helmet will allow the inner part of your helmet to hit your head. So in a way it will be your head which will be soaking the bump. So much for using the helmet for protection.
Not fastening the strap makes the helmet near to useless. In case of impact it can directly come off and can leave your head vulnerable and exposed to the danger. Always wear good helmets, strap them properly, and make sure they fit perfectly. Be careful out there and ride safe. Buying A New Helmet- is that enough? Part-1
By: Rituraj Sambherao