Is There a Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Motorcycle Helmets?

In the market, you’re going to find three types of helmets: male, female, and unisex helmets. Now the question is, is there a difference between men’s and women’s motorcycle helmets? 

Apart from all marketing tactics, yes, female helmets are different in size, style and graphics. 

So it means any man can wear a women’s motorcycle helmet too? What’re some safety ratings for women’s helmets? No worries! In this post, we’ve covered the answers to all questions you might have. 

Is there a difference between men’s and women’s motorcycle helmets?

Graphic design.

Size.

Pony tail.

Yes, there are many differences between men’s and women’s motorcycle helmets. For ten years, the US has witnessed more women riders who made motorcycle riding their hobby. 

And generally, these women are riding with men’s helmets which isn’t good for their safety and comfort. Generally, below are some differences by which you can easily spot the difference between men’s and women’s helmets. 

Graphic Design: 

If you observe, then you’re going to find that women’s helmets generally come with pectoral designs, which women’s love most. And these helmets offer women’s rider to show their femininity.  

However, not all women’s love the pectoral and flower designs, and for them, manufacturers also made helmets with no pectoral design. 

Men’s helmets come with graphic design, which makes them cool, just like ghost rider helmets, you remember? However, there is no restriction for women to use helmets that come with men’s design. 

Size: 

Size is the crucial part of your helmet, and you can’t afford to buy a helmet with ill-fitting. 

Women’s heads are quite different from men’s. Women’s head is a bit rounded while the men’s head shape is oval. Which means men can’t wear women’s helmets. 

Also, men have higher bone mass than women’s, and that’s why manufacturers generally made men’s helmets with heavy material. It’s not about head size, but also about forehead size. 

The forehead of men is receding, while women’s forehead has a slightly vertical shape. And this factor makes manufacturers produce helmets that are only fit for women. 

Additionally, to not create confusion, both helmets also differ by their size chart. Both helmets follow different helmet sizes. 

Pony Tail: 

Years back, women had to shift their ponytail, and it created a lot of distraction, especially of your long hair. But nowadays, most modern women’s helmets come with ponytail compatibility. 

The best thing about these helmets is that you can slip your ponytail from the hole near the adjustment system. However, not all women have long hair, so it’s a kind of option that will be best for women riders.

Even men with long hair and ponytails can also go with these helmets. But always remember to buy a helmet which fits your head.  

Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives:

Let’s not reach the conclusion part yet. We’ve some studies as proof that helmets save lives. 

According to NHTSA, motorcycle helmets saved more than 1800 lives in 2016. Yes, you read right! And according to the same study, approx 802 more people could save their lives if they wore helmets while riding.  

Now let’s see how much the US could save if every rider wore helmets. 

According to the NHTSA study released in June 2017, if all riders wear helmets, the US alone can save $1 billion per year. 

Think in this way; if all riders wear helmets, our government can use the $1 billion for good use. If you’re a rider and always wear a helmet while riding, your helmet decreases your death risk by 37%.

Additionally, another study published on 23 January 2008 concluded that helmets could reduce the risk of head injury by 69%. Overall, helmets do save lives. 

We hope the above studies busted your confusion over motorcycle helmets. Please note that you can reduce the risk of head injury and death further if you choose reliable motorcycle gear. 

What to Consider While Buying Motorcycle Helmets?

There’re many things which you need to consider while buying motorcycle helmets. Apart from safety, we highly recommend looking at comfortability and size factors. 

What to Consider While Buying Motorcycle Helmets:

Safety.

Comfortability.

Size.

Helmet weight.

Helmet material.

Safety: 

You can’t afford to buy a helmet with the compromise to your safety. And what is the point of purchasing a helmet if your helmet can’t protect you from head injuries. 

And that’s why we recommend buying helmets with safety marks only. Please remember that safety marks assure that the helmet is perfect for you and can protect your head from severe injuries. 

Additionally, please don’t forget that every country has its safety mark, so choose according to your country’s mark only.

Nowadays, the helmets also come with additional features like a cheek pad that protect your cheeks from impact. So now, it is totally up to you, and we leave this choice to you. 

Comfortability: 

Comfortability is the biggest factor that you need to remember while buying the helmet. After all, the comfortability factor directly influences your riding. 

The comfortability factor is directly linked with the size factor. And any helmet which isn’t of your size won’t be comfortable for you. For instance, a small-sized helmet could block the blood flow, creating serious medical problems.

And if the helmet size is larger, then it will wobble and will create a distribution. 

Size: 

As mentioned above, the comfortability factor highly depends upon the size of the helmet. 

But here’s a kick, women and men’s helmets follow different size charts, and we highly recommend buying helmets according to your size only. 

Helmet Weight: 

Most of the riders always forget to buy a good weight helmet. In the market, you’ll find a helmet that weighs 1400-1800 grams. 

The helmet weight has to distribute evenly on your head and shoulder, but failing to do so can create shoulder or head pain. Thus the proper alignment and centre of gravity of the helmet play a vital role in your journey. 

In other words, it doesn’t matter what the weight of your helmet is; you’ve to learn the technique to wear a helmet in a proper alignment. 

Helmet Material: 

It’s the most important factor which you need to consider while choosing the helmet. In addition, the helmet material influences highly on factors such as comfortability, weight and material. 

In the market, you’ll find helmets made from polycarbonate material, carbon fibre, fibreglass composite. 

Polycarbonate material is a less expensive material and flexes at the time of impact. But, at the same time, the carbon fibre material is costly and brilliantly lightweight. 

Fibreglass glass composite is more expensive than the polycarbonate material but cheaper than the carbon fibre material and split at the time of impact. We highly recommend buying a helmet according to your needs. 

Safety Ratings of Motorcycle Helmets?

DOT (Department of Transportation): 

If you’re a US citizen, you must be aware of the DOT as a safety rating. In the US, the helmet which follows pre-decided criteria set by DOT is considered best for riding.

Going to purchase a new helmet, then don’t forget to see the DOT sticker on it. 

Snell and ECE: 

AS DOT is the safety rating in the US; in the same manner, the ECE is the safety rating for European countries. Helmets with an ECE rating are considered safe to wear during riding. 

While the Snells ratings is a non-profit organization founded after the unfortunate death of Pete Snel by head injuries. And to protect thousands of riders from the same condition, a group of scientists, friends, physicians, and others joined together and introduced this organization in 1957. 

How to Measure Helmet Size?

Before measuring helmet size, you need to know the actual measurement of your head.

You can use a measuring tape when measuring the outer circumference of your head. Or you can use any non-elastic string or any non-elastic rope to measure the head circumference. 

If using string or rope, please measure the head circumference carefully. Measure the distance from one ear to the second ear through your back head. Please pay attention that the measuring tape shouldn’t be tight and try to measure at the comfortable position as much as you can. 

Some people use their hats to get a rough estimate, but we strongly recommend measuring your head size with measurement tapes only. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

Is there a difference between men’s and women’s motorcycle helmets? Apart from all marketing tactics, yes, female helmets are different in size, style and graphics. Always focus on buying helmets that come with safety ratings.

And always remember helmets save lives and you can’t afford not to wear helmets.