May 03 2010
An Overview Of The Different Motorcycle Helmet Styles Available For Consumers
Five motorcycle helmet styles are available to fit your riding needs. The one that will provide the most protection is the full-face style. The open face helmet has all the features of a full-face except there is no visor to cover the face. The half helmet is similar to the open face style with the exception of a raised back leaving your neck exposed. Modular helmets take on characteristics of both the full and open face helmets. Novelty helmets are not heavy enough to provide good protection making motorcycle riding unsafe.
The hard shell of a full-face helmet provides the best protection in an accident. This helmet covers the head completely from the brow to the neck. The side of the shell covers the chin, cheekbone and jaw allowing an opening for wraparound viewing. The acrylic shield removes quickly if necessary. The shield protects the eyes and face from riding hazards. Models come with an advanced technology to provide ventilation at the chin. They come available with chinstraps to keep them securely on your head and a highly padded inner shell for protection.
The open or three quarter helmet resembles the full-face but full coverage of the face is not one of its features. Instead of a chinstrap, these come with a chin-cup to keep them secure. To protect your face and eyes from glare and the elements encountered while riding, visors are an option to purchase with the helmet. Full coverage sunglasses or goggles are often the choice of riders who purchase this style to protect their eyes.
The ’shorty’ or half style helmet provide some protection to your brain and are DOT (Department of Transportation) certified. They cover the top of the cranium and that is it. They can come off in an accident leaving you vulnerable to head injuries. The people who buy these helmets are usually the ones who would not wear a helmet but have to because it is the law.
The ‘flip-flop’ or modular helmet has a chin bar that can easily lift up to expose your face. This is convenient for eating, talking or drinking without having to take the whole helmet off. Manufacturers recommend the chin bar in a down position when riding.
Novelty helmets sometimes referred to as ‘brain buckets’ are not certified by the Department of Transportation and are normally used to present the illusion of obeying the law. They are very light and do not have the ability to protect the brain due to the lack of absorbing foam padding in the helmet’s inner shell.
Cyclists have many motorcycle helmet styles available to choose from. You can personalize them once you find the style that fits their needs. Helmets are mandatory when bike riding. Try to find one that will reflect your personality.
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