What are the benefits of using a carbon fiber motorcycle helmet?
Many motorcycle helmets have been transformed from a heavy-solid helmet to a lightweight-solid helmet. The difference in design is the carbon fiber composite that is used.
Carbon Fibers
Carbon fibers are used primarily in composites. These are structures containing two or more components; in the case of fiber reinforced composites, this is the fiber and a resin. If a composite contains two types of fiber, such as carbon and glass, this is a hybrid composite structure. These materials are used when there is a need for higher specific strength and a low density. Other desirable properties include good fatigue resistance and structural stability; it can bend but not break and it snaps back into shape easily.
Carbon fiber motorcycle helmets furnish a lighter yet more durable helmet than most motorcycle helmets today, which are made from fiber glass.
Types of Carbon Fiber Helmets
There are four basic types of motorcycle helmets, full-face, off-road/motocross, open-face and half helmet.
- A full-face helmet covers the entire head, with a rear that covers the base of the skull and a protective section over the front of the chin.
- The motocross and off-road helmet has clearly elongated chin and visor portions, a chin bar and partially open-face to give the rider extra protection while wearing goggles. This helmet’s rear also covers the back of the skull, but lacks the lower chin armor of the full-face helmet, as well as the face shield.
- The open-face‘s rear also covers the back of the skull, but lacks the lower chin armor of the full-face helmet, as well as the face shield. Many offer visors of selectable length ? some clear, some tinted ? which may be used by the rider to block out sunlight or headlights.
- The half helmet has essentially the same front design as an open-face helmet but with a raised rear.~
Other Types of Helmets
Modular Helmets
Modular helmets protect the entire head, neck, ears, eyes and face. They offer the most in protection over any other type of helmet. They also aid in keeping the rain, wind, bugs, rocks, dust and cold out due to its wrap-around design. They eliminate many of the negatives that normal full-face helmets have involving the removal, taking off to eat or drink and then to reverse to put on the glasses.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
German motorcycle helmets are one of the most popular styles in helmets. The German style is certified by the DOT.
Chrome Polo
This is a novelty helmet. This helmet is not certified by the DOT and not intended to be used as safety equipment. Novelty helmets are generally only used to provide the illusion of compliance with mandatory helmet laws.
Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of styles and designs, and now with the carbon fiber brand they can add lightness to strength. Many carbon fiber motorcycle helmets are stylish and artistic in appearance.