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March 19, 2010

Motorcycle Helmets – What Style is the Right One For You?

Rex Holman asked:




When it comes to motorcycle riding, a motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of gear that you own. Most states require that you wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. There are three major styles of motorcycle helmets from which you can choose: full face, 3/4, and half helmets. Choosing the proper protection should be based on personal preferences, styles, and safety. Within these three categories, there are also numerous variations in style and features.

Full face helmets offer the most protection of all of the available motorcycle helmet types. The addition of the chin bar gives maximum protection to the rider, while the visor protects the eyes. Full face helmets are the only style to offer some protection of the neck. When looking at helmets, examine the ventilation system, which can greatly impact your comfort while riding. Because a full face helmet can be the bulkiest of all motorcycle helmet styles, make sure that the style you choose feels natural and fits comfortably on your head. Lightweight helmets can reduce neck and shoulder strain, making your ride more enjoyable.

Three-quarter shell motorcycle helmets are those most often seen on law enforcement officials riding motorbikes. These cover most of the head, and are held in place with a chin strap. Unlike a full face helmet, this style does not typically have a face shield; it may also be known as an "open face" for this reason. Many riders wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect their face from flying debris and other hazards when wearing a three-quarter or half helmets because they lack the built-in face protection of a full face helmet.

Half helmets are small and lightweight. Many are made with high-tech materials such as carbon fiber, resulting in a sturdy yet lightweight motorcycle helmet. Many like the look of half-helmets over other styles. Although some believe that you must purchase a full face helmet to enjoy maximum protection, many half helmets are DOT certified. Still, this style of helmet is designed mainly to protect the top of the head in an accident, and usually provides the least amount of protection of the three motorcycle helmet types. On the other hand, they are also the least restrictive, and can be more comfortable to wear.

motorcycle helmets
Harley-Davidson® Full Face Zip-up Helmet Bag. Bar & Shield graphics. 98165-02V Harley-Davidson® Full Face Zip-up Helmet Bag. Bar & Shield graphics. 98165-02V
List Price: $20.00
Sale Price: $18.95
Average Rating:

Zip-up bag for carrying full face helmet. Soft inner liner to protect helmet from scratches. Outside pocket for extra storage with Bar & Shield logo graphics. Three tie down loops on the bottom of bag to secure to bike...

Joe Rocket Manta Tank Bag, Magnetic Mount Black Joe Rocket Manta Tank Bag, Magnetic Mount Black
List Price: $44.99
Sale Price: $44.99

The Joe Rocket Manta Tank Bag is a small yet versatile tank bag. With its compact shape, it stays out of the way when mounted but still holds smaller items and is great for those shorter day trips. Wind/water resistant Rock Tex 680 construction...

Complete Video to Painting Motorcycle Helmets with Vince Goodeve [VHS] Complete Video to Painting Motorcycle Helmets with Vince Goodeve [VHS]
List Price: $39.95
Sale Price: $39.95
Used From: $25.40

HJC CL-16 Helmet CR Silver XS HJC CL-16 Helmet CR Silver XS
List Price: $134.99
Sale Price: $121.48

HJC CL-16 CR Silver XS

Girls Rock Star Rubber Ducks (1 dz) Girls Rock Star Rubber Ducks (1 dz)
Sale Price: $6.50

These biker rubber duckies are ready to hit the road. Fun party favors and carnival prizes feature leather jackets, denim jackets, headbands and hats on these duckies who are ready for a ride on a hog...

Air Skillz Hip Hop Airbrush DvD Air Skillz Hip Hop Airbrush DvD
List Price: $20.00
Sale Price: $20.00

. In this DVD Airbrush Assassin teaches you professional time saving and money making tips and tricks that can be used by any novice to expert airbrush artist offering custom hip hop airbrush t-shirts...

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