Helmet is a hard or a padded hat which comes in many sizes and shapes as per the requirement of its usage. Helmets protect the head from any possible injury due to impact.
Helmets have played an integral part of human life right from early days. Some of the oldest paintings in the world suggest that helmets were used for combat in 26 BC. As time passed, helmets have found a way into the other areas of life as a protective gear against head injuries.
Gaadi Bazaar offers few suggestions to know about motorcycle helmets and its types in detail.
Motorcycle production started in the 1900’s. By the mid-twentieth century, the number of motorcycles on road increased and the demand for faster, higher use of motorcycle. Along with higher use of motorcycles and careless/fast/rash driving, there was an increase in the number of accidents and head injuries. Governments soon implied mandatory helmet-usage for riders.
Today, helmets have become more safe and more stylish. Here is a list of the most common helmet types available in the market today.
You are not a king unless you wear a crown. Do not call yourself a rider, until you wear a helmet!
Open-Face Helmets:
These helmets cover the entire head of the rider and do not have a jaw portion. It provides good visibility for the rider. It comes with a visor that is adjustable to move up and down. Since it exposes the face fully, this helmet is not recommended for long ride usage. In terms of style, most of these helmets are round, like a ball with opening at the bottom and one side. Some new models also come with pointed roof portion to provide greater aerodynamics and protection from direct impact of the sun.
Full-Face Helmets:
The full-face helmets are ideal for all types of rides, making it the most reliable helmet for riders. It covers the entire head, including the face and provides protection against serious head injuries. The helmet comes with an adjustable visor. If you have the visor down, it offers you decent protection from wind and dust particles.
Flip-Up Helmets:
Flip up helmets can serve as both open face and full face helmets. The front portion of the helmet covering the face is completely adjustable. If you move the front portion upwards, the helmet becomes an open face helmet. If you move the front portion downwards to cover your face, it serves as a full-face helmet. It can thus carry both the advantages of the full-face and open face helmets. Since it comes with movable parts, the durability is a concern. Also due to the sophistication, it comes with a higher price tag as well.
Half-Shell Helmets:
These are said to be the smallest model of motorcycle helmets available. It protects only the skull. The face and jaw are all left open. Great visibility and light weight are its biggest pros. Since it leaves most of your head uncovered, these helmets are not rated high in terms of safety. It is recommended only for short distance rides within streets or lanes at very low speeds. Design wise, it is mostly plain though modern half-shell helmets come with pointed ends and in-body lines to ease airflow.
Off Road Helmets:
These helmets look great and give you attention as you travel. Off road helmets are designed to wade off dust and dirt when you travel off-road. They do not come with a properly covered visor. This is because offroad riders prefer wearing goggles for clearer visibility. Air vents in the helmet keep the head cool for any sort of rides. These are recommended for off-road or long-distance rides. Considering them for city rides might not be apt owing to no proper visor.
Types Of Helmet Visors:
- Transparent: Regular usage
- Anti-Glare (yellow tint): Protects your eyes from solar glare and light glare
- Tinted (black): Protects you from direct impact from solar rays
Tips to Wear Helmet Properly:
- Clean Your helmet regularly (both inside and outside)
- Wipe the visor before every use
- Buckle your helmet belt
- Go for the right size