There are many types of motorcycle helmet for the different riding styles and conditions. One thing that you must consider when purchasing your helmet are the safety features that are included with the helmet. The three major helmet manufacturers are Bell, Harley Davidson and Smith and Nephew. These three companies have different design and construction standards and all are required by law to provide protection for the consumer from injuries caused by defective products. Some of the safety features included in each type of helmet are listed below. All of these features are tested and guaranteed to provide the maximum safety benefit to the rider.
The difference between a DOT motorcycle helmet and an approved aftermarket helmet is mainly the addition of an anti-fog shield, usually heated or non-heated. Most basic construction and design of both a DOT helmet and an aftermarket helmet are similar. However, because they are designed to meet certain standards set forth by federal law and state regulations, there is a slight difference in the appearance of some of these items. In addition, most DOT and non-DOT helmets have vents located on the sides or back of the helmet, rather than on the sides of the cheekbones or over the bridge of the nose, which is one reason why riders sometimes feel the sides are more foggy when wearing a DOT helmet.
Full face helmets are usually a two-piece shell with either a face shield which rides up over the brow and cheekbones to rest on the cranium, or a full face helmet with a removable face shield that rides down over the eyebrows. Face shields can be custom made according to the individual’s shape and preferred style, although those with rounded chins may not prefer a full face helmet because the chances of hitting the side of the helmet are increased. Some DOT approved full face helmets also feature additional features such as a removable brow rest, chinstrap, or chin strap. Some manufacturers offer a choice of interchangeable visors or goggles, as well. Many of these manufacturers also produce a full face helmet that features interchangeable cheek pads. Some DOT approved full face helmets are available with a hard shell and have some or all of these features, while many of the non-DOT models are made from a light weight vinyl.
Helmets for off road use differ from those used in on road riding in several ways. First, they generally do not have any type of ventilation. The riders who enjoy riding in the rain or in extreme conditions also like the lack of ventilation. These individuals often choose full face helmets. Since these motorcycles have no physical protective wind screen, they must provide some sort of wind diffuser for their eyes. Full face helmets that have no wind diffusers are known as soft-shell helmets, since they are generally constructed entirely from a single piece of fabric.
Another important difference between the DOT approved full face helmet face shield and a regular unprotected motorcycle helmet is that the former provides full face coverage while the latter does not. When a passenger is riding the motorcycle, the passenger needs to have the ability to keep his or her head elevated above the surface of the road in order to have full protection of his or her head and face. Without some type of chin vent, this cannot be accomplished. Chin vents are necessary for motorcycle riding for two reasons. The first reason is that without them, a helmet can develop an uncomfortable feeling when riding because the vents make the helmet too hot to wear.
The second reason why a helmet for motorcycle riding is required to have chin vents is that a driver’s windscreen is often subjected to condensation. A windscreen can be prevented from becoming clogged by using a breath box. Breath boxes have a lip that goes all the way around the inside of the helmet. The lip of a breath box acts like a continual stream of refrigerant which allows a rider to have a dry, comfortable ride. Tips for wearing motorcycle head helmet safety