Explaining Motorcycle Helmets - Put A Lid On It

STRUCTURE

Strap
nylon seatbelt-type material is solidly rivetted to the outer shell, and is extremely strong. Closure can be by a quick-release buckle or by a double 'D' ring.

Comfort liner
The part next to your skin that normally uses a wicking type material that carries away sweat and stays breathable. Look for a removable, washable liner so you can keep your lid smelling sweet.

Cheek pads
Some helmet manufacturers offer cheekpads and crown pads in varying thickness so you can tailor the ultimate fit.

Outer shell
Holding the helmet together is a super-strong, lightweight outer shell. This Shoei uses a composite material including carbon fibers and fiberglass suspended in a tough resin.

Inner shock-absorbing liner
The polystyrene component of the helmet that absorbs the energy from an impact, slowing down your head's rate of deceleration. The blue parts are air channels within the polystyrene that carry cool air into the lid and expel warm air out.

Visor mechanism
The mechanism needs to let you open and close the visor easily, yet stop it from blowing open in a 150 mph wind while also forming a watertight seal against the helmet aperture. Most helmets also incorporate a quick visor change system, allowing for a fast, no-tool swap.

Air vents
Closable vents on the chin and forehead allow cooling airflow into the helmet, and exhaust vents in the low-pressure zone at the back of the helmet draw stale, warm air out.

take a look under an arai helmet's paint. In the company's constant pursuit of helmet perfection it has found that creating a new peripheral belt across the forehead has allowed for a larger eyeport. this technology trickled down from arai's involvement in f1 racing and had great results on bike lids.

notice the hyperridge along the bottom? that's what helps keep the weight low and your neck muscles from aching. who knew?