When purchasing motorcycle gear, there are many different things to look into, such as safety, versatility, usability, and of course, the design.  There are different pieces of equipment, ranging from a helmet to a flack jacket.  Many states do not even require a helmet. New York is not one of those states: New York requires a helmet with at least DOT accreditation.  New and old riders alike must ensure that whichever piece of equipment they are investing in is worth the price being asked.  Also, there are different levels of safety standards.  

As a New York State motorcycle permit holder, I must look into the protective gear that goes along with riding.  I started out looking into helmets that were only aesthetically appealing.  After a little while of researching, I noticed that there were many different acronyms discussed in the helmet descriptions: DOT, ECE, AUS, SHARP, and SNELL.    So, I began to wonder what all of these different letters meant.  Revzilla explained that DOT, ECE, and AUS are broadband safety protocols for the United States, Europe, and then Australia, and then SHARP and SNELL are third party testers that do more in depth battle testing to receive those placards, exemplifying the standard level of safety they met.  Also, these ratings do matter: the product must fit in order for the ratings to excel.  

Fit yourself, how do you fit yourself to a helmet?  To fit yourself, you try the helmet on and then check for pressure points that may cause excess stress and fatigue while riding so that your head in protected to the greatest extent (Kraus).  According to Fuel, an online magazine attached to the “Motorcycle-superstore,” there are many components to the helmet.  The outer shell is typically made of polycarbonate, a composite material, or of carbon fiber/kevlar.  Then the inner shell that resembles styrofoam is EPS “Expanded Polystyrene.”  The combination of the inner and outer shell absorb 99% of the blow.  The interior of the helmet and the strap is not only for riders’ comfort, but to provide cushion on impact, minimal as it may be, and the strap will keep the helmet from flying off your heat on impact during the accident (“Anatomy”).

 Another piece of equipment that is not required in our state is a motorcycle jacket.  These jackets are made of many different materials: there are the Leather Based ones as well as composite and combination jacket.  Any of these, at bare minimum, will lessen the chance for road rash (an uncomfortable abrasive rash/burn/laceration, that in severe cases will go down to the bone).  However, these jackets may diminish the rider’s ability to do some rider functions if the jacket does not fit properly.  But as we all know when you are looking into Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you ensure your equipment will have the proper fit necessary for the rider.  

So, we now have been informed on the necessity of PPE and what it can do for you.  As a new motorcycle enthusiast/rider, I will be sure to wear at least the bare minimum of a DOT, and probably even a SNELL rated helmet.  Be sure to consider safety if you ride a motorcycle.