Type
The type determines the overall design of the helmet, the features of its application and the level of protection.
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Integral. Fully enclosed helmets, also known as full face. The shell in such models covers almost the entire head, leaving only a window for the eyes, covered with glass (visor). This provides a good level of protection; in addition, the integrals have a streamlined aerodynamic shape, which is why they are considered the best choice for riding high-speed sportbikes (although they can be used for other purposes). Due to this, this variety is by far the most popular, it is found both in everyday driving and in professional competitions. The main disadvantage of integrals is that the face is constantly covered: for example, to drink water at a bus stop, chat with a fellow traveler or seller, etc. — Helmet has to be removed entirely. In addition, such models are not well suited for driving with intense physical exertion, accompanied by frequent breathing.
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Open. The most popular type of open models is the so-called 3/4 helmets, in which the shell covers the entire (or almost the entire) head, but leaves the face open. Most of these products also have a transparent folding glass, designed to protect the face from wind, dust and small debris, but do not provide protection from impacts; but there are models without glass. A visor may also be provided. 3/4 helmets are more co
...mfortable in everyday use than integral ones, they do not need to be removed while eating, drinking, talking, etc. On the other hand, their degree of protection is also noticeably lower, especially considering that it is the face that often suffers in motorcycle accidents. Therefore, open helmets are considered suitable only for relatively low speeds; in particular, they are appreciated by the owners of motor scooters. An even lower degree of protection is distinguished by the so-called Helmets (Braincap) — helmets that cover only the upper half of the head. Such products can avoid a fine for not wearing motorcycle equipment and can be used as fashion accessories, but they are not able to effectively prevent injuries in a serious incident.
— Modular. This variety is also known as flip up. It is a kind of compromise between the integrals described above and open helmets. In the working position, the "modular" is practically indistinguishable from full face — it completely covers the head, with the exception of the window at eye level. The difference lies in the fact that the protection for the jaw in such models is made folding or removable — that is, it is possible to open the face without removing the helmet. This provides a combination of good protection, typical for closed models, with the convenience of open helmets. However the level of protection for modular products is still somewhat lower than for integrals — due to the presence of moving parts of the shell. In addition, they are noticeably more expensive and somewhat heavier.
— Cross. Specialized helmets designed primarily for cross-country racing, but also popular with stunt riders. Distinctive features of cross-country models are reinforced jaw protection in the form of a characteristic protruding “chin”, a rather long visor to protect against the sun and dirt, as well as the absence of glass – the helmet is supposed to be used with special motorcycle goggles. Thanks to all this, such models are very convenient with an abundance of dust and dirt, and the level of protection in them is quite high. Another important advantage of cross-country shoes is good ventilation (it is provided based on the athlete's intensive breathing). But the aerodynamics of such helmets is noticeably worse than that of the varieties described above; they are not designed for high-speed driving.
— Enduro. The term "enduro" refers to long, several days, cross-country races. Accordingly, helmets for such races can be described as a "tourist" version of the crosses described above. A distinctive feature of the enduro is that they do not need glasses — the helmet is equipped with a folding glass, as in integral models. Otherwise, cross-country and enduro (also called "super-moto") are so similar that in common parlance they are often not distinguished. And some models of this type even provide the possibility of removing the glass and using it “cross-country”, with glasses.Size adjustment
The method of adjustment in size provided in the design of the helmet.
Many modern motorcycle helmets have a system that allows you to
adjust their size within a small range. This allows you to optimally adjust the product to the size of the head (which very rarely corresponds to the standard size to the millimetre), providing a snug and at the same time comfortable fit. Control systems can be:
- Swap. Adjustment in the form of a pneumatic cushion, inflated in the region of the lower part of the head. It is used in helmets of a closed design, mainly
integrals and
crosses(see "Type"), while the pillow covers, usually, almost the entire circumference of the helmet (except for the chin).
- Twisting. A mechanical system used in shallow open helmets (usually the so-called "3/4 low profile" models). It has the form of a plate on a movable mount, located in the back of the head; due to fastening, this plate is pressed against the back of the head, firmly holding the helmet on the head even when the strap is unfastened (which, however, does not eliminate the need to fasten it while riding).
Visor
The type of visor used in the helmet. In this case, a visor means glass that covers the motorcyclist’s face from wind, dust, raindrops, etc., and often also from the bright sun. Note that there is a specific category of visors - sun protection; they are not taken into account in this case; for more information about such devices, see “Functions/capabilities”. Traditional visors can be like this:
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Transparent. Classic transparent glass that does not change the visible image. In bright sunshine, such visors are less comfortable than tinted ones, but this disadvantage can be compensated for by using additional sun visors (see below). At the same time, transparent glasses do not impair visibility in the twilight and are generally more versatile, and therefore are used in most helmets that generally have visors.
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Tinted. Visors with tinting. As a rule, we are talking about a certain degree of shading - from light “smoky” to almost black or mirror (glasses tinted yellow or orange have their own specifics, so they are indicated separately - see below). The darkened visor improves visibility in bright sunshine; in addition, it is often made polarized, which also reduces the amount of visible glare (from water, from shiny metal surfaces, etc.). On the other hand, through such glass it is worse to see in the evening and at night than through transparent glass - up to the complete impossibili
...ty of using a helmet with a closed “visor” normally. So tinted visors are recommended for daytime driving only.
— Tinted/transparent. This option is indicated for models available in different configuration options - both with a tinted and with a transparent visor. This allows you to choose the option at your discretion, depending on personal preferences and expected driving characteristics. And some models can be equipped with both types of glass, which makes the helmet universal right out of the box.
- Yellow. Visor tinted yellow or orange. These glasses are the opposite of tinted visors: the yellow color increases image brightness and contrast, improving visibility in low light conditions - from cloudy weather to evening and night driving. But in daylight, even not very bright, the yellow color can cause discomfort (although it all depends on the user’s preferences). In general, this is a rather specific category; it is rarely installed in helmets as standard: it is believed that the need for yellow glass rarely arises, and if it does arise, such a visor can be purchased separately without any problems.
- Absent. By definition, cross-over helmets designed for use with glasses do not have visors; In addition, glass is missing in some open models (see "Type"), in which such equipment does not fit due to construction or design considerations. But in other types of helmets this option practically does not occur: if a given model allows the installation of a visor, it is almost certainly equipped with at least the simplest transparent glass.Features
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Quick release visor. The ability to quickly remove the helmet visor, in most cases without the use of special tools. Such an opportunity can be useful, for example, for cleaning from pollution, replacing transparent glass with tinted glass, or vice versa.
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Anti-fog coating. The presence on the helmet visor of a special coating that prevents fogging from the breath of a motorcyclist. This feature will be useful especially in cold weather (glasses practically do not sweat at high air temperatures). It is especially important for closed helmets (integral and enduro, see "Type"), but can also be found in open ones. Note that such a coating is not a 100% guarantee against fogging, but the likelihood of this phenomenon is greatly reduced.
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Sun visor. A sunscreen in the form of additional tinted glasses that can be lowered and raised as needed, usually by means of a small lever or button on the side of the helmet. Do not confuse this device with tinted glass (see "Visor" above): a sun visor is provided as an addition to the main visor and covers only the eyes. By lowering and raising such glasses, you can “turn on” and “turn off” additional dimming. At the same time, the main visor is most often made transparent, thanks to which the helmet can be comfortably used at night — just lift the built-in glasses and look through the transparent glass. However,
...the sun visor can also be combined with tinted glass; this option will be appreciated by people with sensitive eyes that do not tolerate sunlight well and require enhanced darkening. The disadvantage of this feature is a noticeable increase in the cost of the helmet.
— UV protection. Availability of UV protection in the glass and/or helmet sun visor (see above). Intense ultraviolet light is harmful to the eyes, it leads to their rapid fatigue, deterioration of vision, and sometimes even eye diseases. Moreover, such radiation can be quite intense not only in sunny, but even in cloudy weather; in addition, the amount of ultraviolet increases in mountainous areas as altitude increases. However with short-term exposure, the described effects are hardly noticeable, but even for trips over short distances, UV protection will be useful. And if you are going to travel "far and long" — this feature is highly desirable. Note that if necessary, UV protection can be provided using separate glasses (motorcycle or conventional), but not all helmets allow the use of such glasses.
— Built-in ventilation. The ventilation system usually has the form of holes in the shell — the air flow entering them "blows" the inside of the helmet. This not only provides comfort (especially in hot weather), but also reduces the amount of moisture accumulating inside: the rider's head sweats less than in a fully closed helmet, and the sweat that is released quickly evaporates and is blown into the ventilation. At the same time, many models provide the ability to completely or partially block the ventilation — for example, in cold or rainy weather.
— Breath cutter. Most often found in helmets of a closed design (integrals, modulars, enduro — see "Type"). In such models, it is a kind of visor that covers the nose and mouth of the motorcyclist — so that the exhaled air is discharged into the lower part of the helmet and the visor does not fog up. Also, sometimes cut-offs are called additional masks that are equipped with open helmets, but this is not entirely true — such masks have a slightly different purpose, they are mainly designed to protect the mouth and nose from dust, small litter, insects, etc.
