A motorcycle helmet is essentially a form of protective clothing worn on the head and can be made from several different substances including metal, kevlar, resin fiber, and other products. Helmets are used in dozens of different applications such as for protection of the head in combat, civilian life, protection from falling objects, protection from sports injuries, and from injuries due to high-speed collisions where a racing helmet would be used. Motorcycle-riders and cyclists are required to use helmets, and there are several good manufacturers on the market including icon helmets, and arai motorcycle helmets. This article caters specifically to the topic of the motorcycle helmet, and there are several different designs. The full-face helmet covers the entire head along with the rear of the helmet covering the base of the skull, and a protective section over the front of chin. There is an open cutout in a band across the eyes and nose, and you can have either a clear or tinted plastic face shield over the front, which swivels up or down to allow access to the face.

Full-face helmets including icon helmets are available from most manufacturers. They are also made from various types materials with carbon fibre kbc helmet uk being common. Most full-face helmets include vents to help with airflow and one of the best things about this type of helmet is the protection it offers for your head. Some critics dislike the increased heat, lack of air circulation, sense of isolation, and the lack of hearing that is sometimes associated with this type of motorcycle helmet. Off-road full-face helmets sometimes omit the face shield and extend the visor and chin portions. You can find a number of different visor applications including flip-face, flip-out, convertible, or modular. The chin bar pivots upwards and in some cases can be removed. With the chin bar pivoting upwards, it allows the rider to enjoy eating and drinking without unfastening the chinstrap and removing the helmet, definitely a good feature!

Another type of popular helmet is the open face. This is not commonly used as a racing helmet. The helmet's rear covers the back of the skull, but lacks the lower chin armor that the full-face helmet can provide as well as the face shield. You can purchase visors of selectable length and they come clear or tinted, which may be used by the motorcycle rider to block out sunlight or headlights. You will still get the full, rear protection of a full-face helmet but it offers little protection to the face even in non-crash events. You will also find that dust, bugs, and even wind in the face and eyes could cause you discomfort or injury. It's not uncommon for riders to wear goggles or wraparound sunglasses to supplement their eye protection with this type of helmet. Another type is the half helmet, which has the same front design as the open-face helmet, but with a raised, rear section, the half helmet provides only minimum coverage and just meets US laws. This type of helmet is definitely not recommended for motorcycle riders.

You're also going to find other types of headgear or novelty helmets, so-called because they can't legally be called a motorcycle helmet. These types of helmets are not certified and are generally only used to provide an illusion of compliance with federal mandatory helmet laws. These types of helmets are usually smaller and lighter than DOT-approved helmets, and you won't get the proper crash protection because they lack the energy-absorbing foam that protects the brain in the event of an impact. Visit user forums and various manufacturers’ web sites to gain more knowledge and information before you purchase.