Modern motorcycle helmets are not only designed for safety, but for comfort and style as well. Today’s helmets are made from plastics and are often reinforced with Kevlar or a carbon fiber. For comfort and protection, they generally have fabric and foam interiors allowing for a snug and comfortable fit.
A typical HJC motorcycle helmet has three protective mechanisms:
1. Outer Shell
The outer shell is usually fairly thin and made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, fiberglass or Kevlar. The purpose of this hard outer shell is to prevent penetration of the helmet by a pointed object that could puncture the skull. It also provides structure to the inner liner so it does not disintegrate when it hits concrete, pavement or any other hard surface. The foams used on motorcycle helmets usually have very little resistance to penetration and abrasion.
During a crash situation, a motorcycle helmet is designed to break in two. The helmet will absorb the energy and impact of the fall instead of the rider’s skull. As a result, they don’t offer much protection after their first impact, but generally that is the most crucial one. A helmet may be irreparably damaged from other impacts such as dropping the helmet from a high place
2. Inner Liner
The purpose of the thick, soft inner made of expanded polystyrene foam or expanded polypropylene foam liner is impact protection. The liner crushes during impact, which increases the distance and time over which the helmet stops, reducing its acceleration. Just like the outer shell, the soft inner lining is compromised in a crash. As a rule, helmets should be replaced after any type of major impact. But, it’s a good idea to replace it after three to four years, regardless of whether it has sustained impact or not; it’s just a good safeguard.
3. Rentention System
The retention system is meant to keep the helmet on your head during impact. The style of the protective retention system varies depending on the design of the helmet. The retention system can only do its job if the helmet fits properly. Measure your head at it’s largest circumference, typically one inch above your eyebrows. Then refer to the manufacture’s sizing chart to ensure a good fit.
As a rule of thumb, full-coverage helmets provide the highest level of protection, followed by open-face helmets. HJC and Bell motorcycle helmets are some of the best brands of helmets in the industry. Always think safety first. Find the helmet that offers the most protection for the kind of motorcycle riding that you do. Then go for comfort and style!
Shop Motorcycle Helmets
