Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: helmets, motorcycle helmet, helmet

Question

Greetings from bali,

know much about helmets? last time i studied them you bought
fibreglass if you valued your scone and polycarb if you
wanted light weight and weren't particularly fussy.  Now
there's kevlar and carbon fibre and something called abs –
can you enlighten me?
I still value my scone but am not as wealthy as i once was,
and it's time for renewal.

Rgds,

gd  

Answer
Hi Garry,

Kevlar when used in helmets is very good for puncture protection. It helps to stop sharp items from piercing through the helmet in a crash. A lot of racing helmets use this (it's known as Carbon Kevlar) as it's very strong and light. It's also good for high speed impacts but not so good for low speed as these helmets have a very hard shell.

Carbon fibre keeps the helmet light and it is generally used as the outer shell. Often these helmets are more expensive, a fiberglass construction is also very good and a bit cheaper.

ABS is Acrilonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It's a plastic that's most often used in cheaper helmets.

If you're looking at a lower budget helmet I would go for something like the AGV K3 or an HJC model. Generally full face helmets are safest, but if you're used to open face models, try out a flip front (also known as modular). Shoei do a flip front called the Multitec which I believe is possibly the safest flip front available.

The helmet you choose depends on where you are using it and your riding style. Faster riding/racing go for a Carbon Kevlar construction. If you're just going around town or commuting, a fiberglass or ABS construction is what you'll need.

If you need any more help do not hesitate to ask.

Many thanks,

Steve