A Helmet in Action

• A motorcycle helmet's primary duty is to protect your head in the event of an impact. A helmet's first line of defense is its rigid outer shell, which distributes as much of the kinetic force of the impact evenly around its surface. If the impact is severe enough, the shell may crack to absorb the shock before transmitting it to the inner expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) liner. The EPS liner then compresses to reduce the amount of residual kinetic energy before it's finally transmitted to the wearer's head.
  
  

Open Face Helmets

• Extremely popular with the cruiser segment, open face helmets allow riders to feel the wind on their face. Eyeglass wearers are also able to slide their glasses into place easily and with little discomfort. These helmets are available in three distinct forms: three-quarter shell, half shell, and beanie style. Three-quarter shell helmets afford the highest level of protection, covering the wearer's jawbone, ears, and cranium. Half shell helmets cover only the cranium, although some are available with removable leather neck shrouds. Beanie-style helmets are similar to half shell styles, protecting only the cranium. However, most of the beanie-style helmets available in the marketplace have no certification from the US Department of Transportation, due largely to their inability to meet the minimum protective standards set by the U.S. DOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  
  

Modular Helmets

• A modular helmet can be almost indistinguishable from a typical full-face helmet with the chin bar lowered and locked into place. These helmets afford a higher degree of protection from impacts and the weather, while allowing the rider to still feel the freedom of an open-face helmet. In most cases, a large button on the base actuates the chin bar. Pressing this button in will unlock the hinge and allow it to swivel upward and lock into place. Most modular helmets available today have certification by the US Department of Transportation.
  
  

Considerations

• With the NHTSA citing traumatic head injuries as the leading cause of motorcycle fatalities, selecting the right helmet is critical. With the varying levels of protection afforded by each helmet type, the determining factor is the level of protection with which you feel most comfortable. Commuters and long-distance riders would be best suited with a modular helmet, since alternating between modes as weather and riding conditions change is a simple button-push away. Casual riders, who may choose not ride their motorcycle in inclement weather, can use an open face helmet without concern for the elements. In the end, it really comes down to what you feel is best for you and your head.
  
  

Selecting a Helmet

• Properly sizing a helmet is a critical part of the selection process. Always try the helmet on first. The helmet should fit comfortably and snugly without creating too much pressure on your cheeks and temples. Conversely, the helmet should not slide or move around on your face or head. The foam liner should also fit snugly on the top of your head, instead of floating above it. The chin strap should be long enough to loop under your chin and fasten securely without allowing the helmet to slip off your head. Wear the helmet for a few minutes to see how it feels. Shake your head from side to side and up and down. If the helmet begins to hurt you or falls off, try another size. Also, be sure the helmet has a DOT label on it. This label certifies that the helmet meets the U.S. Department of Transportation's minimum safety standards.