Today, there is a large variety of motorcycle helmets available, starting from quarter shell to half shell types. Though choosing a particular helmet style is a matter of personal preference, here are some details of the three main styles of motorcycle helmets – each having its own advantages as well as disadvantages. Understanding each of these styles will surely help you take an informed decision:
As the name suggests, full-face motorcycle helmets cover the entire head as well as the face. It has a hard outer shell which covers the full area starting from the brows, over the cranium and extends to the base of the skull. The side portions also cover the cheekbones to extend over the jaw and chin. In front it has a visor which protects the eyes of the rider from wind, rain or dust.
Though this style of helmet is considered to be the safest since it covers major portion of the head, face and neck, it has a disadvantage, which is its heavy weight, which puts a strain on the neck, if the rider is riding against strong winds or for an extended period of time.
The full face helmet can be of two basic types: the racing helmet which look slim and sleek and the dirt bike helmets. The latter is extremely light – in fact, the lightest full face helmet available. Since there are no visors fitted to these, you must wear goggles.
Though the three quarter shell helmet is very similar to the full face helmet, the only difference is that it does not cover the entire face. On the contrary, these types of helmets start from the brows, then go over the cranium and end at the base of the skull. On the sides it merely covers the ears. To keep the helmet in place usually a chin strap is worn.
While the benefits of this type of helmet is very similar to the full face helmets, there are some additional advantages which include the communication ease of riders while wearing the helmet and the speed with which it can be taken off without disturbing vision.
Sometimes referred to as a beanie helmet, the half shell helmet is the least obtrusive of all the styles of helmets. It covers only the top half portion of the head, weighs light, does not block the ears and offers the least amount of wind resistance. Unfortunately this type of helmet also offers the least amount of protection to the rider.
In a move to ensure safety for motorcycle riders, most States have made it mandatory that safety helmets must meet the minimum quality standards as set by DOT (Department of Transportation). When you see a safety sticker on any helmet, you will know that it has DOT approval and acceptance.
There is another type of safety sticker for motorcycle helmets provided by SNELL a non-profit organization who has set a stricter voluntary standard in safety parameters of helmets. Thus helmets which carry two stickers, one from SNELL and the other from DOT are considered to be the safest of all helmets which ensure maximum safety for bike riders in this country.
