Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmets are a gear used to protect the rider from any kind of injury to the head and face. A helmet absorbs the shock of impact, that results from an accident while riding a motorcycle. The helmets that are used by bikers, have evolved with time. Today's modern day helmets provide the user with extra benefits, like ear protection, ventilation, face shields and even intercom.

The idea of motorcycle helmets originated following a fatal motorcycle accident. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence, an officer of the British army, met with an accident while riding a motorbike. Mr. Lawrence succumbed to the head injuries, six days after being admitted in a hospital. Hugh Cairns, a neurosurgeon who attended to Colonel Lawrence, did a thorough study of the effects and impact of head injuries on motorcyclists. The result of his extensive research was the creation of motorcycle helmets, which proved to be a boon for both, the civilians and riders in the military.

Types of Helmets

The different types of helmets range from the Full face, Open face, Half helmet, Modular to Motocross.

The Full face helmets cover the entire face including the base of the skull and the chin. These helmets have a cut across the portion of eyes and the nose. A face shield is incorporated in the design to protect the face from wind and water during rains. The protection provided for the chin has proved beneficial, as the chin is more vulnerable to injuries during accidents.

The Motocross or Off-road helmets, have an extended chin, which gives extra-protection to the rider. Visors help keep sunlight off the eyes. The chin bar in Motocross helmets is angular as against the rounded ones in Full face helmets.

The Open face helmet provides protection to the 3/4th part of the head; so it is also called the 3/4th. The chin bar and the face shield are absent in this motorcycle helmet. Many Open face helmets have a visor that protect the rider from the glare of the sun.

The Half helmet, as the name suggests, covers only half of the head i.e. the skull. It provides the minimum protection required for the head. As the helmet comes off the head during accidents, it not considered to be as safe.

The Modular helmet is also known as Flip-up helmet, due to the chin bar that is pivoted upwards. It is kind of a hybrid helmet which resembles a Full face helmet when the chin bar is lowered and an Open Face helmet, when raised.

Women's Motorcycle Helmets

Helmets designed for women are smaller in size as compared to those used by men. These helmets are given a stylized look and come in different shapes and sizes. Before buying a helmet, one should see whether it fits snugly or not. It should fit tightly around the head. To check whether a helmet is loose, try to wedge a thumb between the forehead and the helmet. There is no gap left, if the helmet is tight enough.

It is possible to get cheap motorcycle helmets that are durable and good-looking. Make sure that the helmet has passed the D.O.T or the Snell certification test. Many online stores offer helmets in the price range of USD110 to USD700.

Using helmets is of utmost importance for motorcyclists. Many fatal accidents have been prevented due to the usage of helmets. An important accessory while driving a motorcycle, one should never forget to wear a helmet.