Motorcycle helmets prices vary from €100 to €2000 and even more expensive, but what is the difference between a cheap and an expensive motorcycle helmet? Today we're going to go deeper into that question so stay tuned to find out what the difference is!
You can expect a good quality helmet to be more comfortable, insulate better against wind and noise and remain more stable at higher speeds compared to a cheaper helmet. Broadly speaking, we can say that the difference lies in the material the helmet is made of, the extra features the helmet offers, the comfort of the helmet, the ventilation, the extra options and the visor that is on the helmet. So let's take a closer look at that.
What makes a helmet more expensive?
To understand why a motorcycle helmet is more expensive we start with the material. Helmets can be made of different kinds of material, you can think of polycarbonate, fiberglass and carbon or a combination of these materials. Carbon is more expensive than polycarbonate and fiberglass and fiberglass is more expensive than polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate flexes, so to speak, the energy that the helmet absorbs during impact, fiberglass composite flexes, cracks and disintegrates as it absorbs energy during impact and carbon distributes the energy during impact.
The inner lining is also an important component when looking at price. The inner lining on more expensive helmets is often antibacterial, removable and washable, more soundproof and replaceable. So you can customize the inner lining if you want or you can wash it so it stays clean.
The extra options you get with a helmet also make the helmet more expensive. These include whether the helmet has been wind tunnel tested, how many certifications the helmet has, whether it is prepared for a communication system, drinking system, the closure of the helmet and whether they have a Quick Release.
Especially wind tunnel tested helmets are more expensive as the design method is often more expensive. In return, however, you get a helmet that feels a lot better on the road. Also the certifications make the helmet more expensive. Many circuits require a FIM certificate, which you will often find on the more expensive racing helmets.
Furthermore, many motorcyclists ride in groups. If you do not do this yet, then there is still a chance that you could do this in the future. Motorcyclists look for each other. An important feature of a motorcycle helmet is the communication.
It is useful in your search for a good motorcycle helmet to take into account a preparation in the helmet for a communication system. Most helmets have a preparation (a cutout in the inner shell) for an intercom.
Cheap vs. expensive motorcycle helmet
Weight
So what is really the difference between a cheap and an expensive helmet? We've already briefly discussed the material that carbon is more expensive than polycarbonate and fiberglass, and there's a reason for that.
It is also lighter, which means that you will have a tired head less quickly. Another point is the number of outer shells a helmet comes in. The more shell sizes the better.
If a helmet has multiple shell sizes it also means that less material is used and therefore the helmet is even lighter. In addition, a compact helmet also looks much better.
Noise isolation
A cheaper helmet often makes a lot more noise than a more expensive one. This means that when you are riding your bike you will hear a lot more wind noise. Especially when you drive on the highway it is not nice to hear a lot of noise. A quieter helmet provides a nicer riding experience.
We test all helmets for noise isolation and produce an annual guide to the quietest helmet available at the time. So is noise isolation something you consider important? Then I definitely recommend that you watch that video!
Ventilation
Ok, so much for noise isolation. Ventilation options on a helmet are also very important. If you have a helmet where you only have ventilation on the chin, you will very quickly get a very warm head which is not a nice experience when riding. You want your head to be able to ventilate enough and stay cool.
The more expensive helmets have a whole ventilation system where cool air enters the helmet and all the hot air is efficiently exhausted through the air outlets. So you have good ventilation that keeps you cool during the warmer days.
Comfort
The comfort of a helmet is very perceptible, if you put on a cheaper helmet and a more expensive one you will notice a big difference very quickly. If you ride a lot of motorcycles you will wear your helmet more often and for longer periods. A helmet that is good and comfortable is of great importance.
A comfortable helmet makes sure you can concentrate better while riding because you are less busy and distracted by the helmet not fitting properly. Small irritations are not a big deal, but if you have a lot of small irritations they will add up and you will be preoccupied with them while riding while you should be focusing on riding.
Visor
Ok, now on to the visors. Also in the visor there can be a lot of difference. A visor of a more expensive helmet can be anti-fog treated, Pinlock lens prepared or the Pinlock lens is already on the visor. This means that your visor will not fog up while riding.
Cheaper helmets are often only anti-fog prepared or do not even have an anti-fog layer on the visor. But a pinlock is better than an anti-fog coating, especially if the lens comes in the box.
The visor mechanism can also differ in quality. A better quality visor mechanism lasts longer and you can fix the visor at multiple heights without it flipping up or down when you ride harder.
So when should you get a more expensive helmet?
So when should you get a more expensive helmet? That depends on your use of the bike and what you think is important for a helmet to have. Do you drive every day back and forth to work and do you go on motorcycle vacations then it makes more sense to take a more expensive helmet.
Do you think it is important that a helmet is quiet and prepared for a communication system? Then the helmet will also be more expensive. But that's not all, a more expensive helmet will generally last longer than a cheaper one. A more expensive helmet is less likely to wear out, which means it can keep you safe longer.
The bottom line is that you need to wear a helmet that will keep you safe and not affect your riding enjoyment. In addition, the helmet should not only fit you well the day you buy it, but one that will keep you safe even after 3 or 4 years in the event of an incident.
Conclusion
That was the difference between expensive and cheap helmets, we recommend you to think about how often you use the helmet now and what you important that a motorcycle helmet should meet or that it should have. Want to know more about the differences between expensive and cheap motorcycle helmets?
Visit our website www.championhelmets.com where we always offer the lowest price guarantee and fun discount bundles. Thanks for reading and hopefully until next time.
