What should I look for when buying a helmet?
Don’t consider any helmets that aren’t DOT certified. You’ll know because they’ll have a DOT sticker on the back. DOT certification is a minimum standard - better protection is offered by Snell certified helmets.
I recommend you get a full face helmet which will protect your full face from bugs and junk flying up from the road, and reduce the damage to your jaw and lower face if you crash. If you choose a 3/4 helmet I recommend you get a face shield to keep the bugs out of your eyes and teeth. Modular or “flip-up” helmets are sort of a cross between the two, and are a good idea for those of us who wear glasses.
Different brands of helmets fit better on different shapes of heads. You should try on several, and keep track of which brands feel best on your head. It’s recommended that when you find one you like you should wear it around the store for 10 to 20 minutes, which will give you time to notice any pressure points.
