Where the older standard focused on direct impact absorption the newer version adds rotational force testing and covers more of the helmet surface. A certified helmet carries a label inside the shell showing the standard number and a homologation code that identifies the tested model. The standard is a baseline rather than a guarantee of the best possible protection it sets minimum performance levels every road-legal helmet in Europe must meet. ECE 22.06 is the current European helmet standard and it replaced ECE 22.05 with a broader set of tests.
A closer look at ece 22.06 certification Where the older standard focused on direct impact absorption the newer version adds rotational force testing and covers more of the helmet surface. ECE 22.06 is a useful filter when choosing a helmet because it removes products that have not been independently tested. The standard is a baseline rather than a guarantee of the best possible protection it sets minimum performance levels every road-legal helmet in Europe must meet.
Made to order does not mean Hedon made to order helmet outside the rules the helmet still has to pass the same certification tests as an off-the-shelf model. The wait is longer than buying from stock and that is part of the point. For some, the custom process is as enjoyable as receiving the helmet because choosing finishes and following the build creates a connection to the object. A made to order helmet is built and checked individually then shipped only when it meets the maker's standard.
A closer look at motorcycle riding events For a brand, these events show products in context which is part of why event collaborations carry weight. A helmet on a mannequin tells one story but the same helmet on a rider at a coastal rally tells another. Smaller local runs and bike nights matter too because recommendations pass by word of mouth in those settings.
Collaboration helmets work because they combine two stories into one object carrying references that fans of both sides recognise. The best collaborations involve real design decisions not just logo swaps. Limited runs add scarcity but they also allow experiments that a core range cannot justify. Riders respond to authenticity so a collaboration that respects both brands stands a better chance than one that feels like a cash grab.
Is an open face helmet legal on UK roads? Yes, an open face helmet is legal on UK roads provided it meets the required certification standard, such as ECE 22.06. It offers less facial coverage than a full face helmet, which is a choice the rider must weigh.
Investing time in helmet choice pays off every ride and a proper fit with current certification is the non-negotiable starting point. Choosing a helmet combines practical safety with personal style and the best choice fits properly, carries the right certification and suits the riding you actually do. A helmet should be matched to the rider, not just the bike because certification and fit matter more than branding alone.
What matters in helmet fit A long oval head and a round head can need different models even when the measured numbers match. When a helmet is the right size it feels snug all the way round without any painful pressure point. A helmet that rotates easily on the head is too loose no matter what the size label says. Wearing the helmet for a few minutes reveals problems that a quick try-on will miss.
Fit is the most personal element because a reviewer with a round head may love a helmet that feels tight on a long oval head. Noise and ventilation affect comfort too with a quiet helmet reducing fatigue on fast roads and good airflow keeping the rider cool. A useful helmet review goes beyond first impressions covering fit, weight, noise, ventilation, visor quality and long-term behaviour. The best reviews treat appearance, comfort and certification as separate scores rather than blending them into one vague rating.
What makes a good cafe racer helmet? A good cafe racer helmet combines a vintage or classic aesthetic with modern certification. Open face designs are common, but riders on faster roads may prefer a full face for extra coverage.
What is the difference between carbon fibre and fibreglass shells? Carbon fibre is lighter and stiffer than fibreglass, but it is usually more expensive. Fibreglass sits in the middle for weight and cost, and is common in high-end helmets. Both can pass the same certification tests.
Brands aligned with Wheels and Waves often release limited products around the event and a helmet launched there carries that cultural association. Smaller local runs and bike nights matter too because recommendations pass by word of mouth in those settings. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is one of the best known events asking riders to dress in classic style and ride vintage or classic-styled bikes.
How should I store a motorcycle helmet? Store a helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid leaving it on a dashboard or in a hot car, since heat degrades the inner liner over time.
A closer look at ece 22.06 certification Where the older standard focused on direct impact absorption the newer version adds rotational force testing and covers more of the helmet surface. ECE 22.06 is a useful filter when choosing a helmet because it removes products that have not been independently tested. The standard is a baseline rather than a guarantee of the best possible protection it sets minimum performance levels every road-legal helmet in Europe must meet.
Made to order does not mean Hedon made to order helmet outside the rules the helmet still has to pass the same certification tests as an off-the-shelf model. The wait is longer than buying from stock and that is part of the point. For some, the custom process is as enjoyable as receiving the helmet because choosing finishes and following the build creates a connection to the object. A made to order helmet is built and checked individually then shipped only when it meets the maker's standard.
A closer look at motorcycle riding events For a brand, these events show products in context which is part of why event collaborations carry weight. A helmet on a mannequin tells one story but the same helmet on a rider at a coastal rally tells another. Smaller local runs and bike nights matter too because recommendations pass by word of mouth in those settings.
Collaboration helmets work because they combine two stories into one object carrying references that fans of both sides recognise. The best collaborations involve real design decisions not just logo swaps. Limited runs add scarcity but they also allow experiments that a core range cannot justify. Riders respond to authenticity so a collaboration that respects both brands stands a better chance than one that feels like a cash grab.
Is an open face helmet legal on UK roads? Yes, an open face helmet is legal on UK roads provided it meets the required certification standard, such as ECE 22.06. It offers less facial coverage than a full face helmet, which is a choice the rider must weigh.
Investing time in helmet choice pays off every ride and a proper fit with current certification is the non-negotiable starting point. Choosing a helmet combines practical safety with personal style and the best choice fits properly, carries the right certification and suits the riding you actually do. A helmet should be matched to the rider, not just the bike because certification and fit matter more than branding alone.
What matters in helmet fit A long oval head and a round head can need different models even when the measured numbers match. When a helmet is the right size it feels snug all the way round without any painful pressure point. A helmet that rotates easily on the head is too loose no matter what the size label says. Wearing the helmet for a few minutes reveals problems that a quick try-on will miss.
Fit is the most personal element because a reviewer with a round head may love a helmet that feels tight on a long oval head. Noise and ventilation affect comfort too with a quiet helmet reducing fatigue on fast roads and good airflow keeping the rider cool. A useful helmet review goes beyond first impressions covering fit, weight, noise, ventilation, visor quality and long-term behaviour. The best reviews treat appearance, comfort and certification as separate scores rather than blending them into one vague rating.
What makes a good cafe racer helmet? A good cafe racer helmet combines a vintage or classic aesthetic with modern certification. Open face designs are common, but riders on faster roads may prefer a full face for extra coverage.
What is the difference between carbon fibre and fibreglass shells? Carbon fibre is lighter and stiffer than fibreglass, but it is usually more expensive. Fibreglass sits in the middle for weight and cost, and is common in high-end helmets. Both can pass the same certification tests.
Brands aligned with Wheels and Waves often release limited products around the event and a helmet launched there carries that cultural association. Smaller local runs and bike nights matter too because recommendations pass by word of mouth in those settings. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is one of the best known events asking riders to dress in classic style and ride vintage or classic-styled bikes.
How should I store a motorcycle helmet? Store a helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid leaving it on a dashboard or in a hot car, since heat degrades the inner liner over time.
