Agreed.Style and safety aside, you need to try on different helmets to see which one fits your head shape the best. Each manufacturer has different shell shapes to cater to different types of heads. A top of the line $800+ helmet is useless if it doesn't fit well and you end up hating it. Try a few dealers to see what they carry. Dainese/Triumph dealers tend to carry multiple models of Shoei/Arai. Look for smaller local shops to try on the other brands if you can as well. When looking at gloves, the single most important protective element is a palm slider. This will keep your hand from catching and twisting during a crash.
I would definitely recommend a MSF course to get the feel of riding.
---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 PM ----------
Here's a recent article on motorcycle gear I came across. Not a bad read.
http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com...o-know-about-motorcycle-sa-1596858706/+travis
Helmets makers seem to cater to a certain head shape. Like some have more of a longer (egg shaped ) head and some have a wider almost circle. The list goes on.
I have a older scorpion 700 helmet, I got it online after testing my helmet size on a friends hjc helmet. I had to return it and pay shipping cause I got one size way too small.
I think its better to go buy ur first helmet in person. There is a shop in the city called "riders needs". They are in Chicago near Montrose and Pulaski. They had a decent selection of helmets there.
Keep in mind u should be switching out helmets every like 4-5 years. Because newer standards are out as well as helmets get a little grimmy after a while. Im on my 3rd year and there has been some wear and tear on mines.
