Tips for Buying Good Protective Motorcycle Gear
AMERiders knows that Safety Trumps Style when referring to Protective Motorcycle Gear. When choosing between stylish riding gear or walking away from a crash the choice should be obvious. You can’t prevent an accident by wearing Protective Motorcycle Gear, but making smart choices about your gear can make a big difference if something does ever happen.
Protection Starts at the Top so use Use Your Head
Most riders would say that a helmet is the most important piece of Protective Motorcycle Gear. A great helmet helps by ensuring significant impact and accident protection as well as helping you hear and see better while riding. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says a rider without a helmet is 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury, and they also say that helmets have saved over 19,000 lives between 1984 to 2006.
Dueling Helmet Standards: Snell vs. DOT
While shopping for a helmet, you may notice decals from either the Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell). Both address rider safety, however, there are important differences between the two certifications. All helmets sold in the U.S. are required to meet the DOT’s FMVSS 218 standard. However, Snell helmet standards have to go through rigorous tests that the foundation has developed. Helmets and other headgear are voluntarily submitted to snell for testing by their manufacturers. Each helmet goes through at least 7 test types from impact to shell penetration tests to flame resistance testing. Only helmets that pass the technicians testing get certified.
Selecting the Right Helmet a simple guideline:
- Get the proper fit. Your helmet should grip your cheeks, your jaw, the top and sides of your head.
- Avoid used helmets. Helmets are made for one impact use, so there is no guarantee a used helmet hasn’t been compromised.
- Remember that wear and tear may significantly reduce protection over time.
Full-face helmets offer greater protection than three-quarter or half-shell styles.
Getting Off On the Right Foot : Choosing the right footwear
When riding, your feet keep you balanced when stopping the bike. They also take a beating from the elements while moving. That’s why tennis shoes or plain old cowboy boots are not smart choices. To stay comfortable—and safe—while riding, purchase a pair of high-quality motorcycle boots, as a great addition to your Protective Motorcycle Gear.
Soles
A stiff rubber sole will help provide protection when you’re moving. As well as provide traction when you stop. Good soles can actually prevent you from tipping over if you plant your foot in gravel, oil or sand. And boots with a heel they may offer a better “hold” on your bike’s pegs.
Material
Boots protect both your feet and your legs. While the most motorcycle boots are made of leather, some of the best boots are also reinforced in major areas. Such as shin, ankle, and calf with a strong material like Kevlar.
Comfort
Choosing a comfortable protective pair of boots is vital. Your Boots should fit snug enough to stay on if you wreck, but loose enough to allow proper circulation. Quality motorcycle boots will help your feet stay dry and cool. Waterproof or water-resistant materials, as well as a ventilation system that lets your feet breathe, are important to look for.
The sole shown here is a great example it belongs to the boot above our Women’s 6″ Lace Zipper Boot Black it is a great example of a boot to buy. It has comfort, durability, and traction control. As well as an extra heavy duty traction sole for added protection and style. This boot also has Goodyear welt construction with top quality full grain oiled leather.
Get a Grip Choose Smart Protection for Your Hands
Like boots, gloves offer both comfort and protection. Gloves protect your hands from the weather. They may also save your hands in a crash since it’s second nature to extend your hands during a fall. Gloves that protect your whole hand, including palms, fingers, and wrists. Ensure that your gloves are comfortable in any weather. Great comfort can lead to better control, especially if you’re riding for long periods of time. Lastly, Also make sure you actually wear your gloves, they can’t be considered part of your Protective Motorcycle Gear if you don’t wear them.
Tough as Leather Is Not Just a Saying
Leather may seem like a fashion statement, however, quality leathers are an important first layer of defense between you and the road. Some materials may “grab”, leather doesn’t. A rider wearing leather in an accident may be more likely to slide, instead of doing a tumbling act, an advantage which can greatly reduce some serious injuries.
What is this about armor?
There’s is no such thing as too much protection. Which is why so many riders use body armor in their riding attire. Built directly into jackets and pants or worn under gear you’re already wearing, armor adds an additional layer of protection
Types of armor- Armor comes in many types and styles
- Memory foam armor is similar to the material inside motorcycle helmets and offers the highest impact absorption.
- Hard armor is generally impact-resistant plastic with a foam interior. Hard armor tends to have less give in a fall.
- Foam armor, usually made with inexpensive foam, offers the least amount of protection.
Dress for the Slide not the Ride
Even if it is just a quick run to the store, don’t ever take a shortcut with your protective gear. Jeans and a sweatshirt won’t be enough if you’re sliding across the pavement. Riding gear may seem like overkill—and sure, it’s miserable on the hottest days—but it can help prevent road rash, broken bones, or far worse. We even wrote an article titled Dress for the ride, not the slide to explain the importance of riding gear.
And as always….
~Live Free Ride Hard~
~AMERiders
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AMERiders knows the importance of Protective Motorcycle Gear, let us be your stop when looking for your next set.
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