subject: Novelty Motorcycle Helmet vs. DOT Motorcycle Helmet [print this page] Novelty Motorcycle Helmet vsNovelty Motorcycle Helmet vs. DOT Motorcycle Helmet
When you are shopping for a motorcycle helmet you may come across two different categorizations of motorcycle helmets, DOT Helmets and Novelty Helmets. You may ask yourself, "What do these mean?" The fact is there are some major differences between the two that you should be aware of. These differences are significant enough to where they may sway your decision in buying one or the other.
With a great style and half the cost, novelty helmets have become very popular. There are many different types and sizes of novelty helmets to choose from, it may be overwhelming to pick the best one. Novelty helmets are usually lighter motorcycle helmets with less padding. The most important thing that separates novelty helmets, is that they are not DOT approved. This means that they are basically not safe for riding on streets. Novelty helmets are usually much cheaper than DOT approved helmets with the same styles.
In most cases, novelty motorcycle helmets are made of a fibreglass material which is tough and durable. The shell of novelty helmets provide protection against flying debris that may be encountered when you're on a motorcycle trip. The interior makeup of the is comprised of a liner and a minimal amount of padding. Novelty helmets do not have the inner liner that you'll find in traditional half helmets. Instead, they have a thin cushioned liner which is mainly there to provide your head with a little cushion from the thick outer shell that the helmet is constructed of. This liner provides to protective value and is simply there to provide comfort to the rider.
DOT helmets are helmets that have been put through the test and have proven to meet or exceed the standards of the DOT. No, this does not mean the DOT approves the helmet, it simply means that the helmet has met the qualifications and standards that have been set forth. They are built to protect your head in the event of a crash or fall, and that is made possible by having thicker inner liners and helmet padding. In many cases you can expect to find over an inch of padding in these types of helmets, which in some cases makes for a bulkier helmet. DOT helmets are generally built stronger in order to withstand heavy impact from the ground or other objects.
What works for you? It really boils down to what the rider is comfortable with buying, and what the rider prefers when considering all of the pros and cons of the two types of helmet. The DOT helmets are going to offer a lot more protection and may be more bulkier because of the inner liner and padding. At least with these helmets you know your head is protected and chances of being injured are reduced. The novelty helmets offer a cooler look and feel, but do not offer any protection in the event of an accident. They are made more for show and are not intended to be used as safety equipment. Some riders prefer to be protected when riding so they choose to by DOT helmets, and other riders are more concerned about how the helmet looks, so they go with the novelty helmet. Ultimately it is really up to the rider to decide which helmet suits them best.
