It depends on the style of helmet you choose. The different styles protects different areas of the head or face. A Half helmet protects the forehead, top, and back of your head. An open face protects three quarters of your head leaving the face exposed. A full face provides coverage for the entire head and face. The common components are: A rigid shell for deflecting a impacts, pebbles, and other road debris or hazards. A connection for the chin straps such as a d-ring setup or quick release buckle. Some type of interior made for absorbing energy and providing comfort.
They all have: An outer shell designed to protect against penetration and friction against the pavement. An interior lining that should absorb a violent impact. Soft padding on the inside to make the helmet comfortable to wear. Some type of strap connection that keeps the helmet secure.
The last layer of protection just before your head is the interior helmet lining. Some are made of cotton or terrcloth. Others are made of some type of memory foam which does a better job of disbursing energy rather than transferring it to you head.
The D.O.T. sticker is what many officers look for when there is a mandatory helmet law in place. However, D.O.T. does not necessarily mean it's the best helmet. The D.O.T. rating has just been around for a long time and local governments have just picked up on it. The D.O.T. sticker is not what actually provides head protection. The helmet does. So choose a helmet using high quality materials, comfort, and style.
Many states require a rider to wear a helmet with a D.O.T., SNELL, or other rating sticker. Many helmets do not have a certain rating or approval decal. Just keep in mind that your safety is much more important than a sticker with the word "approved" on it. The quality and material of the helmet is what protects your head, not the sticker.
A retention method for the strap is very important. Many helmets use a d ring method which is secured by looping the straps through the rings. Other methods involve a plastic or seatbelt type connector. A high quality quick release would consist of high strength plastic such as polymer.
They all have: An outer shell designed to protect against penetration and friction against the pavement. An interior lining that should absorb a violent impact. Soft padding on the inside to make the helmet comfortable to wear. Some type of strap connection that keeps the helmet secure.
The last layer of protection just before your head is the interior helmet lining. Some are made of cotton or terrcloth. Others are made of some type of memory foam which does a better job of disbursing energy rather than transferring it to you head.
The D.O.T. sticker is what many officers look for when there is a mandatory helmet law in place. However, D.O.T. does not necessarily mean it's the best helmet. The D.O.T. rating has just been around for a long time and local governments have just picked up on it. The D.O.T. sticker is not what actually provides head protection. The helmet does. So choose a helmet using high quality materials, comfort, and style.
Many states require a rider to wear a helmet with a D.O.T., SNELL, or other rating sticker. Many helmets do not have a certain rating or approval decal. Just keep in mind that your safety is much more important than a sticker with the word "approved" on it. The quality and material of the helmet is what protects your head, not the sticker.
A retention method for the strap is very important. Many helmets use a d ring method which is secured by looping the straps through the rings. Other methods involve a plastic or seatbelt type connector. A high quality quick release would consist of high strength plastic such as polymer.
