The Latest Weird and Wonderful Developments in Motorcycle Helmets

It is amazing how far motorbike technology has come. From the first simple helmet design invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885 to aerodynamic, Bluetooth, flip front, stylised designs - we've moved a long way in 150 years.

Until 1973 there were no rules regarding wearing protective head gear on a motorcycle. Since this law first appeared, helmet designers have gone to the extremes in order to ensure their products offer maximum protection. And riders have come to expect their head gear to look as sleek as they are safe.

1. Scientific analysis has shown that if all riders wore the safest helmets available up to 50 lives could be saved each year. So since 2007 the British Safety Helmet and Ratings Programme (known as SHARP) has been working to help customers pick gear that has been tested to breaking point. Finely engineered designs such as the Caberg V2R Zonda Motorcycle Helmet achieved their rare five star rating - meaning after substantial tension, impact and velocity testing the helmet proved it could adequately protect riders in the event of a crash.

The Latest Weird and Wonderful Developments in Motorcycle Helmets

2. The latest hi-tech biker gear features the inclusion of a Bluetooth system which allows modern motorcycle riders to enjoy listening to their mp3s and talk over the phone via speakers and earphones. The Arashi 888 Flip Front helmet allows you to connect wirelessly to your mobile, allowing you full freedom of movement and an ability to contact the world from inside your gear.

3. Helmet designs and finishes have become increasingly complex and personalised as helmets have evolved. Initially your kit was merely picked for its practical qualities but today riders often see their helmet as an extension of their style - even their rider identity. One great example of modern motorbike design is the HJC FG-15 Prism, which has been developed in a wind tunnel for optimum safety and speed but also has a sleek hologram design, so its face shimmers in multiple colours.

4. HJC are one of several big-name brands that design a completely different helmet style for off-road Motocross riders. This new genre has a peaked top, setting it apart from the traditional round on-road designs. It also has a partially open face and is usually worn with off-road goggles to protect the eyes when the mud starts to fly. The HJC AC-MX Killer Motocross Helmet has a stunning complex montage design that pulls together multiple designs and incorporates them all on one shell.

5. Some of the latest technological features are made to impress even the most worldly wise gadget-hunter. For example, the Airoh TR2 Full and Open Motorcycle Helmet allows the rider to wear it as a traditional helmet that covers their entire face, keeping the wind and rain off and ensuring maximum protection. Or the front of the TR2 can be attached to the back of the helmet - allowing the biker to experience the open road feeling that comes with an open face helmet.

New technology is being developed and incorporated all the time. Who knows what professional motorbikers will be wearing in 2050.

HCI Helmets Offer Lightweight Models, Fair Cost, Satisfaction

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the search for a helmet can be as complicated a process as buying custom made shoes, more so perhaps, since there are so many styles of head protective helmets, and personal preferences are as varied as the individuals wearing them.

For example, a rider can choose long helmets, short helmets, stylish helmets for boys or girls, and novelty helmets such as remakes of antique helmet styles, WWII styles, and spiked gladiator helmets. You can choose full or open face helmets, dual visor helmets, as well as three quarter style. There is no excuse for skipping the helmet, and there's no excuse for not getting an HCI helmet while you're at it.

Helmet City International is a major manufacturer of road sporting helmets, and really has focused on the most important qualities in road sports helmets: weight, fit, comfort, and protection. Your dealer has HCI helmets.

Helmets have grown lighter over the decades. Early motorcycle models required no helmets at all, since they were not designed for speed and rarely crashed. As motorcycle design became more sophisticated, speeds increased, as did fatalities. The first helmet, designed for the US Air Force was a two-layered design intended to mitigate the effects of impacts experienced by early pilots. The design was patented in the early 50's, and quickly came into use for auto race car drivers, hockey players, and of course, motorcycle riders.

HCI Helmets Offer Lightweight Models, Fair Cost, Satisfaction

Earliest helmet materials were limited by the current technology; the first helmets were of leather. Those first helmets were good a minimizing 'road rash,' or scrapes to the skin in accidents, but not too effective at preventing brain injury. As technology advanced, helmets became increasingly efficient at preventing injury to the head, and materials became lighter and lighter. Today, the choice for materials for the outer shell includes fiberglass, molded plastic, and carbon fiber. The original inner lining of padding has evolved to be made of EPS, known as expanded polystyrene, which absorbs impact of crashes and protects the head from injury. Modern technology has clearly improved protection, but of course, the rider must wear it for it to work.

When fitting a helmet, wear it for at least 10 or 15 minutes to evaluate comfort. It should be snug but not tight and should not come off easily when you tug it. Try many different models, and if possible, try it on your bike before buying.

Technological Features of Scorpion Helmets

All motorcyclists are required by law to wear a motorcycle helmets when cruising on the road. A motorcycle helmet protects a motorcycle driver's head and face from serious injury in case the motorcycle crashes. It is very likely that the injuries will be fatal if the head is unprotected by a helmet.

Many companies produce motorcycle helmets. One of the best motorcycle helmet producers is ScorpionExo.

Helmets from ScorpionExo are designed and engineered by the world's best helmet designers. ScorpionExo ensures the customer that the helmet he bought is high-quality, durable, and well above the safety standard stipulated by the safety board.

Technological Features of Scorpion Helmets

Each helmet is made of state-of-the-art materials. The outer shell is made out of fiberglass and Kevlar matrix. This thin yet durable material prevents sharp objects from penetrating the helmet, thus protecting the wearer's skull. This shell also provides structure to the inner lining so the latter won't be destroyed upon contact.

The outer shell is also wind-tunnel tested and aero tuned, which means that it is designed to be aerodynamic the helmet cuts through wind resistance. Additionally, it is equipped with an EPS-lined chin bar for extra protection of the lower part of the face.

Underneath the hard shell is the helmet's thicker but softer liner. The liner, made from impact-resistant foam, crushes during an impact. This crushing action delays the time and the distance over which the helmet stops and lessens the deceleration of the head as it sinks into the foam. The foam is quite firm, preventing the head from hitting the hard outer shell too hard during a crash.

Scorpion helmets are also equipped with HelmetPump, designed exclusively by ScorpionExo. This device allows the rider to adjust the helmet's fit on his head. This is done by inflating or deflating the specially designed air-adjustable cheek pads.

Technological Features of Scorpion Helmets

The helmet is also equipped with SpeedView. This device is a retractable light smoke sun visor placed inside the helmet. SpeedView reduces eye strain by adjusting to the condition and intensity of the daylight. And this can be done without changing the face shields!

SpeedShift quick-change shield system, exclusively designed by ScorpionExo, is another feature of these helmets. The technology allows the wearer to easily change the face shield in just a few seconds. Furthermore, the wearer doesn't need any tools to remove and reattach the SpeedShift face shield.

All of ScorpionExo's face shields are also installed with the EverClear no-fog system. The system, as its name implies, prevents condensation, which can impair a driver's vision, from forming. It is also scratch resistant. In addition, the helmet is equipped with a breath deflector to further reduce condensation.

The KwickWick liner is another feature present in all helmets produced by ScorpionExo. The liner and cheek pads wicks away sweat, keeping your head dry. Since it does not retain the moisture, the helmet won't smell odorous. The liner is breathable, removable, and washable.

For extra comfort, each helmet also features adjustable front and rear vents, which allow air to go inside. A specially designed wind spoiler at the back of the helmet reduces lift, creates a vacuum, and forces the airflow through the helmet.

Arai Helmets - Expert Design

The company that manufacturers Arai helmets was developed in 1926. Hirotake Arai, a Japanese hat maker shifted his focus to motorcycle helmets and the company has become synonymous with professional motorcycle champions and helmets built for pros. What might be the most impressive aspect of Arai helmets is the fact that each one is hand made. In fact, all Arai helmets bear the signature of the creator inside the shell. There is no doubt that Arai helmets are one of the most popular worldwide. In fact, it is because of this commitment to crafting high performance motorcycle helmets that sets them apart from the rest. Arai helmets are not fashioned for a pure profiting perspective; rather each helmet is a work of art unto itself. In fact, several helmets have actually been showcased in art museums.

Another aspect of Arai helmets, that sets them apart from the rest, is their focus on their family heritage. The company is now in it's third generation. Proving again that Arai helmets are not just another factory run operation set to make profits. The family name of Arai backs up every helmet that is handcrafted. It should also be noted that every Arai helmet is hand inspected during development. In fact, by the time an Arai helmet is finished, it has been hand inspected at a minimum of three times. It is this high commitment to quality that has made the Arai name one of the most sought after when it comes to choosing motorcycle helmets. There are strict codes that are set in place during the testing of Arai helmets and every single helmet is held to those rigorous standards.

Arai's commitment to excellence and quality has resulted in motorcycle helmets that are designed with the needs of the rider in mind.

Arai helmets are not only leaders in design and technology; they are also leaders when it comes to offering or providing warranties. All Arai helmets are covered by a full five-year limited warranty. This is in direct contrast to the majority of motorcycle helmets that only offer a limited one-year warranty.

Arai Helmets - Expert Design

Aria helmets have earned their reputation due to the expertise that is in their design. The helmets are designed with the rider's comfort in mind. The main aspect is on ensuring that the helmet fits, but also that it is well ventilated and that the ventilation system really works. By keeping moisture and humidity out of the helmet and away from the face, you can rest assured that your helmet is not just providing you with protection, but will professional comfort as well.

Not only are Arai helmets comfortable, but also they are also safe. They continually are being awarded with recognition for their high safety standards. Arai helmets are designed by taking into consideration every possible scenario for an accident. This has caused their design to be exceptional and above most other motorcycle helmet designs. Continually, Arai helmets are being praised for their expert craftsmanship.

Going to Your Head: Tips on Picking the Perfect Helmet

Whether you're planning to hit the road, trail or track on a motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile, one of the most important pieces of gear you can get is a good helmet.

The choices have never been greater, with options that allow you to pick a helmet that works for your sport, what you ride and the way you ride it. From understated retro-styled half motorcycle helmets to radical ultra-light full-face competition motorcycle helmets with extreme graphics, the range of headgear covers just about any need. Prices can fit most budgets too, running from under $100 to over $800.

There are some important helmet safety standards to know a little about. Helmets that meet the various standards display a designation on the back or inside the helmet lining. Helmets that don't display a designation probably have not been submitted for compliance testing and probably aren't worth buying no matter how cheap. Helmets by reputable manufacturers also generally display the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture, size, model, and material information.

In general, each set of standards evaluates things like impact protection capabilities and penetration protection of the shell, coverage provided by the design, and retention (strap) strength. Unfortunately, each set of standards is different, making comparisons on performance difficult, but in any case, a helmet approved by any of the recognized standard-setting organizations is more likely to be effective than a helmet that isn't.

Going to Your Head: Tips on Picking the Perfect Helmet

While no set of standards is necessarily proven better than any of the others for any given sport or type of helmet, it may be important to know which approvals a helmet has if you plan to use it for competition (a helmet can hold more than one approval) because some race sanctioning bodies allow only certain approvals. For example, one sanctioning body may allow only Snell Foundation approved headgear, while another allows DOT, ECE, or Snell.

DOT stands for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which enforces Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Standard 218 applies to safety helmets sold in the U.S.

The Snell Memorial Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that has been looking at helmet safety since 1957. Snell's standards are updated every five years, with its latest edition being M2010.

ECE stands for Economic Community of Europe. The current ECE standard is 22.05 and applies to helmets sold in Europe, but has come into wide use and many helmets sold in the U.S. have ECE approval.

You might also see ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and BSI 6658 Type A (British Standards Institution), but these are less common. BSI also evaluates personal protection products such as body armor used for racing, resulting in the CE (Certification Europe) under the BS EN 1621 1 standard and back protectors under BS EN 1621 2.

Another regulatory tidbit to be aware of in the U.S. is whether or not helmet use is mandatory. Federal law does not address it and state laws vary. Nearly all states require helmet use for at least some riders or passengers; for example some states require helmets for riders with temporary or learner's permits, or under age 21, but not for riders holding their regular cycle license. Some states mandate helmet use for all riders, period. Some states also mandate use of helmet reflectors, eye protection and day-time headlight use. So, know the law where you plan to ride. The American Motorcyclist Association can help, it has a great database of state laws on its website.

Helmet designs have evolved over the years into specialized gear for different purposes. Motocross, trail riding and ATV uses are the target of a range of full-face motocross helmets that are characterized by a chin bar that extends out further than full face models targeted for road use, and tend to have sun visors, but not flip up face shields, allowing easier use of goggles. This design is popular for snowmobile use as well.

Snowmobile helmets are sort of a breed of their own. Unlike most helmets where ventilation and keeping things cool inside is a design feature, snowmobile helmets are designed to work best in the cold. These helmets come equipped with removable breath boxes (internal deflectors to keep your breath from fogging up the face shield), double lens or even heated face shields to prevent fogging. It's a good idea to size the helmet to allow the use of a balaclava inside for that extra measure of warmth without making the fit too tight. Modular full-face helmets (designed to allow the chin bar and face shield to unlock and be lifted up together) may be a good option to consider.

Street use motorcycle helmets include half motorcycle helmets, open face motorcycle helmets and solid or modular full face motorcycle helmets. Of course, you can use most motorcycle helmets for almost any power sports application, if you want to; it's just that the ones designed for the particular sport tend to work best.

Going to Your Head: Tips on Picking the Perfect Helmet

Depending on the manufacturer, model and design, there may be a range of options to consider, such as various tinted shields, including some that are photochromatic, which change tint in response to light levels. If you opt for a dark tint shield, for a day-long ride, consider getting clear lens high impact riding glasses to wear in the helmet, so if the ride goes into the hours of darkness, you'll be able to see and protect your eyes with the shield up.

Some helmets have removable inner liners and side pads that allow cleaning, or replacement to adjust the fit of the helmet. If in-helmet communication gear is in your plans, motorcycle helmets with a speaker cavity are available.

The range of colors and graphic designs available is extensive. Color is a safety feature, as well. Some research shows that the likelihood of accidents with other vehicles is reduced when the rider wears bright colors, including the helmet. Some models have LED lights for increased visibility to vehicles approaching from the rear and an LED map light in the front.

Many helmets come with nylon straps equipped with D-rings for retention. Using those can be a drag with gloves on, so motorcycle helmets with quick-release locking buckles might be worth considering. Aftermarket quick release buckles can also be to the existing straps. Chin strap covers may also be available for some models.

Ventilation is another feature to consider most helmets have some form of closable vents in the chin bar, sides and/or crown. Tiny vents tend not to work all that well and this is a feature to try out if you are able to take a helmet out on a demo ride.

The construction of the outer shell not only affects impact characteristics, but weight. Resin, polycarbonate, fiberglass or carbon fiber composite and combinations of these are in common use. The carbon fiber models tend to be lighter than other models, but also tend to be more expensive. Shell design also affects overall comfort in terms of limiting wind noise and buffeting through aerodynamics. Some models include a removable chin curtain and neck roll that can limit wind noise in the helmet.

After sorting through all the options and settling on the type, look and options, then size it up so it fits snugly, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. In general, if the helmet can move when your head doesn't, when the chin strap is adjusted and secured, it's too loose. If you can barely get the thing on, or the top of your head doesn't fit all the way to the top of the helmet's interior, it's too small. Trying some motocross or motorcycle helmets on and noting the size can help assure you'll get a good fit if you order a helmet, but sizing charts put out by each manufacturer can work as well. Like clothing, sizes can vary from one manufacturer to another; one brand's small may fit like another brand's medium. Models with removable lining components can be more precisely sized.

Two more things you might not think about can help protect your helmet investment. A carrying bag or carrying case is a good finishing touch for any helmet purchase and it can keep your new lid looking like new for a long time. The warranty can really help if something fails. Warranties can be as short as 90 days or as long as five years. Whichever one applies, keep your receipt and warranty information because you may not be able to get warranty service without them.

Final thought: buying a used helmet may seem like a good deal, but even apparently minor damage or out-dated design can make the helmet much less effective. The old rule to keep in mind is probably still true: if you have a ten dollar head, get a ten dollar helmet.

Wearing a Helmet

Is it essential to wear a helmet when I am riding a motorcycle or a bicycle?
Yes, all two wheel riders and pillion riders need to wear helmets when riding a motor bicycle or a bicycle for protection.

Why?
Motorcycle and bicycle riders are more prone to have a crash than other vehicle occupants because they are,
* Unprotected by a vehicle structure and thus exposed readily to the traffic environment
* Often shares the traffic space with fast moving vehicles
* Less visible
* Unstable in the traffic environment

Wearing a Helmet

What should I look for when choosing a helmet?
The Helmet should,
* Fit your head comfortably
* Cover the maximum area of your head and face
* Not be too tight or too loose
* Have a proper buckle
* Buckle should not be too tight or too loose
* Preferably of white or other light color with reflective stripes.
* Not have cracks, holes or any sharp pointed objects protruding inside

Do helmets prevent accidents?
No, the helmet does not prevent the occurrence of accidents. Helmets only prevent the occurrence of brain injury, reduce severity and deaths resulting from brain injuries during a crash.

Do I need to wear a helmet even if I am riding at low speed?
Yes. Brain injuries can result even at low speeds of 10-15 kmph.

Do I need to wear a helmet even if I travel a short distance?
Yes. Crashes can occur at any distance from your destination.

Do I need to wear a helmet only in the city limits and places where police officers are present?
No. Crashes and a full form a motorcycle can occur at any street or in any road irrespective of the presence of a police officer.

Do helmets cause neck injury during a crash?
No. A higher number of severe neck injuries are reported among riders without helmets.

Do helmet straps cause strangulation during a crash?
No. A properly placed helmet does not cause strangulation.

Do my children need to wear helmets when they are in school uniform?
Yes. Children are at a much higher risk of sustaining injury in a motorcycle crash because of their smaller size and softness of the skull. Serious head injuries, to children above five years can be prevented by wearing correct size helmets. Parents need to be more safety conscious, while carrying children in motorcycles.

Wearing a Helmet

Do adult helmets provide protection for children?
No. Children need to wear helmets designed for children.

Do children under five need to wear helmets?
Helmets do not provide protection to children under two years because of their weak neck muscles. There are no standard motorcycle helmets designed for children between two to five years. Therefore, parents need to think twice before carrying children less than five years on motorcycles.

Nebraska Football Helmet - A History

Since the 1960's, Nebraska has kept a very consistent football helmet design. They have always had a very conservative design; they have never had a flashy or unusual design, even for a special occasion like a Bowl Game. In 1960, Nebraska had a red helmet with a white stripe and the player's number on the side (e.g. 22). In 1961, apparently the powers that be felt that even that design was too colorful and action-packed and instead opted for a white helmet with black numbers on the side. This Nebraska football helmet design is about as plain as you can get for a football helmet. In 1966, the numbers changed to red and a red vertical stripe appeared on the helmet for the first time. The white background and red stripe have never left the helmet since then.

The red numbers lasted just one regular season before they were dropped altogether. Rather than have the player's number on the side of the helmet, the letters "NU", made their way to the helmet for the Sugar Bowl game in 1967 and remained for 2 full seasons. During the third season with this helmet design (1969), a "100" decal appeared on the front of the football helmet. It was football-shaped in blue with white numbers outlined in red. The "100" marked the 100 year anniversary of the chartering of University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nebraska Football Helmet - A History

From 1970 to 1981, the Cornhuskers kept the exact same design. The helmet had a white background, a red vertical stripe, and the letter "N" replaced "NU". This football helmet looks very much like today's design with one exception. In 1982, the team switched from the basic gray facemask to the red facemask. For almost 30 years, that same exact design has remained. The "N" is about as plain as you can get. It has no serifs and looks like your basic Arial font uppercase "N" that you could type on any word processing program. It probably fits well into the image of the program as a hard-working, Midwestern school, where they like to run the ball up the middle. In many ways it is the antithesis of some of the flashier designs out there at schools like Oregon, Maryland, and Boise State. There is not even a catchy logo like the Texas Longhorn or the Florida State spear. Looking at this football helmet, you can start to see why the cold weather, Rust Belt schools of the Big Ten were quick to admit the Cornhuskers for full conference membership in 2010.