Introduction to Motorcycle Helmets
By guestposter Oct 13, 2010
There are many types of motorcycle helmets. Helmets are of course designed primarily to protect the head in the event of a collision of some type, but each one is not the same when it comes to protection and safety. There are 4 basic helmet designs, which are as follows:
Full face
The full face helmets are ones that are designed to protect the entire head and face of the user. Most of these devices start at the head and skull and go to the back of the neck. They also have a protective shield that goes over the face and will protect the chin. There are a significant number of accidents where the chin area of the cyclist is affected, and this helmet protects it.
Modular or Flip Up Helmet
The modular motorcycle helmet is one that has many of the features of the full face helmet, with the exception that it lets the user flip up the helmet. It is designed to be worn as the full face helmet, but it has a little more drag or wind resistance. It allows the rider to eat and drink without removing the helmet so this is a popular feature.
Open Face or Three Quarter Helmet
This also is designed to protect the back of the skull, but does not have the chin strap that the modular and flip up versions have. It is designed to protect the head but the covering is not as extensive. This head covering allows more wind flow for the rider, and can be protective as well.
Motocross or Off Road
This type is one that is used primarily for motocross. It is a helmet with an elongated chin and visor, and is manufactured to give protection during the strenuous motocross races. It is also designed to be worn with goggles, and will give further protection. The majority of states do have helmet laws on the books. It is wise to investigate the type of helmet you desire, and find the one that will best meet your particular purposes.
Advantages of Different Types of Helmet
Full face protects the entire head, including the chin.
Modular allows people to eat and drink easily, while still getting complete coverage when the visor is down.
Motocross protects the head and face, and is easy to use with goggles.
Top manufacturers
Some of the top manufacturers of these helmets are Shoei, with popular lines of helmet in each type including the shorty, and HJC which specializes in the modular and flip up. HJC’s latest helmet is the SI-12 which is lightweight titanium, off road helmet but offers full protection. Shoei’s latest model is the RF 1100 which is a lightweight helmet for off road touring.