ENTRY-LEVEL HELMETS

Easy on your wallet but high on specification

RATINGS

All helmets sold in the UK are built and tested to the internationally recognised ECE 22.05 European standard, which covers all aspects of the helmet including its impact protection, its strap function and the integrity of the visor. Additionally the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP), launched by the UK’S Department for Transport, assigns helmets star ratings based on impact testing.

FIT

Above all, your helmet must fit you properly to do its job. It needs to sit securely on your head without moving when twisted from side-to-side or pulled forward or back. You might need to try on a range of styles from different manufacturers to find something that’s right for your head size and shape.

ACU GOLD APPROVAL

The Auto Cycle Union (ACU), UK motorcycle racing’s governing body, requires competitors to wear a helmet carrying its gold approval sticker. Many helmets have it these days, even the cheaper ones. Trackday organisers usually insist on an ACU Gold sticker, too.

BREATH DEFLECTORS

Some helmets have nose and/or mouth guards, designed to deflect your breath down and away from the visor to prevent it misting. Sometimes they work well but some riders find them claustrophobic and restrictive, especially during city riding in hot weather. Ideally, look for ones that are removable, so you can use them as and when you want.