Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets - Full Protection for the Rider

Motorcycle helmets have done a lot of evolving, growing in options, advancing in technology and separating stylistically for different activities. Some of the styles currently available, however, offer "benefits" to the riders that lie outside of the realm of protection. Lesser coverage in a helmet gives the riders a lighter weight to carry on their shoulders, less wind resistance and, some say, better audio and visual abilities. These all being true to some extent, the bigger truth is that the full face helmet provides the most coverage and, more importantly, the most protection to the riders.

Full-face helmets come in two distinct shapes. One shape found in the full face helmet category is characteristic of a rounder chin coverage area and is typically used for street riding. This helmet covers the forehead, top and back of the skull, and the base of the skull. This design also completely covers and protects the ears, jaw line and around the chin. The chin coverage is dearly important, as statistically greater than 30% of crashes showed the major impact centering on the chin area. The added coverage gained by wearing a full-face helmet can be the rider's saving grace.

Gauging Ears

This same type of full-face helmet with the rounded contour and the addition of proper insulation is designed for colder weather riding and typical of the snowmobile arenas. Some manufacturers offer these helmets with additional features, such as electric shields for warmth and anti-fogging lens systems for better visibility in the cold. AFX and Z1R both make snowmobile helmets with these options. For example the AFX FX-100 and the Z1R Phantom Snow Helmet are both offered with or without the electric shield but are standard equipped with a dual anti-fogging lens system.

The full-face helmet also comes in another style or contour shape. This second shape is typically found in the motocross world, as it is a solid choice for track and trail, dirt bike and ATV riders. The design is full-face but more angular or square jawed. This style gives the riders all of the same impact protection of the rounder shape with the addition of an elongated chin and visor area. The extended visor helps to protect from dirt and debris with just a tip of the head and shields from the sun in outdoor riding. The squared off chin bar alleviates the need for a mask in accomplishing the task of keeping particles out of the mouth and nose. Another great feature typical of this helmet design is the opening in the face area that promotes better airflow and is perfectly accommodating to the use of protective goggles. The goggles complete the protective package and raise your coverage to that of the closed full-face models.

Protecting the rider's head is paramount and is definitely accomplished through the amount of coverage you are getting from your helmet. The more coverage a helmet provides, the more protection it extends to the rider. Other factors to strongly consider when gauging the protective level of the helmet are the shell construction, quality of liner and secure and proper fit. The hard outer shell is designed to prevent sharp or pointed objects from puncturing through to the skull, as well as providing a supportive structure for the inner foam liner. The shell is meant to compress and even break during impact to help disperse the blow to the liner and away from the skull. The shell is typically constructed of polycarbonate plastic or fiberglass. There are some higher end helmets that are constructed using a lightweight carbon fiber or Kevlar. Most of the foam liners are made of a material called Expandable Polystyrene Foam (EPS) that would crumble into pieces if exposed to contact and abrasion with the pavement or other hard surfaces but is second to none for compressing and absorbing the energy of impact. This liner should be 1-2 inches in thickness for optimal protection. Too much or too little can be ineffective in taking the head to a stop during impact with as little abruptness as possible.

All of the factors mentioned above directly affect the levels of performance and protection that your full-face helmet will provide to you during and outside of accident or incident. A secure fit is as important as these other factors. So make sure that the helmet does not move around when you shake or nod your head. The helmet must stay put to fulfill its job of protecting your noggin.

So, regardless of whether you are looking for a motorcycle helmet for street riding, a motocross helmet or one for the snow, don't take the task of choosing lightly. Look for protection first by researching all of the above factors in the helmets that peak your interest. Then add your own personality and flair through color and graphics choices that are abundant in the current lines and products. Most importantly, WEAR YOUR HELMET EVERY TIME THAT YOU RIDE, NO MATTER WHAT THE LAW OF THE LAND MAY STATE!

Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets - Full Protection for the Rider

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