Thursday, February 26, 2009

Motorcycle Helmet Weights


While light weight is always a plus, it isn't necessarily the only factor to consider. The helmet's center of gravity will affect how the weight is carried, which can make a lighter weight helmet feel heavy and vice versa.

The fit of the helmet is paramount, because a proper fit will distribute the weight more evenly around the head and down through the shoulders.

Also, helmet aerodynamics are important, because a proper design will help prevent helmet lift and buffeting (which can also be exacerbated by the helmet's perceived or real weight).

When comparing helmet mass, it's important to know the size of the helmet shell used by the manufacturer. Helmet weights may vary, depending upon size. Full-face helmets range from approximately 1400 to 1800 grams.

Once helmet weight reaches about 1650 grams, it becomes harder to mask its weight. Flip-up, or "modular", helmets typically weigh more than a comparable sized full-face helmet, due to the mechanism used to flip up the visor.

Helmet manufacturers claim that Snell certification can add 50 to 100 grams or more weight to a helmet, due to the differences in the composition of the shell in order to meet Snell requirements, but modern fiber technologies may have reduced this amount -- if they're used. Also, Snell has announced an update to their standard, which may reduce this spread even further.

For the purchaser, this means that it's also important to know which helmet safety standard the helmet meets when comparing weights.

Here is a comparison chart that shows the weights of some of the helmets that we've reviewed. The helmets are listed by size. Remember, helmets should not be judged on weight alone - several other factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a helmet.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Motorcycle Helmet law

Motorcycle helmets can be a very controversial subject with bikers. Those who ride motorcycles have very strong opinions on whether they should be required to wear a motorcycle helmet or not. Many bikers choose to wear a helmet because it is required by law. Some bikers live in areas that a helmet is not required, but still choose to wear a D.O.T. approved helmet.
We will take a look at motorcycle helmets, both D.O.T. approved and novelty. We will discuss reasons for and against wearing motorcycle helmets, what it takes for a helmet to be approved by the Department Of Transportation and what it means to you, the individual who must choose a helmet.
First, let's take a look at the helmet laws in America. Each state can choose to require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet that is D.O.T. approved. Helmet laws can change and what is written below may have changed by the time you, the reader, reads this article. Please always check with your local authorities as to what the CURRENT law is for helmets in your local area.

HELMET LAWS BY STATE:

100% HELMET LAW FREE STATES

There are only four states that are 100% helmet law free. This means that these states do not require you to wear a motorcycle helmet. You may, of course, still wear one, but it is a personal decision.
These states are:
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • New Hampshire

FULL HELMET LAW STATES

There are 20 states that have FULL helmet laws that require you to wear a D.O.T. approved safety motorcycle helmet whenever you are riding on a motorcycle.
These states are:
  • Alabama
  • California
  • Georgia
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia

ADULTS OVER 18 EXEMPT FROM HELMET LAWS STATES

There are 19 states where adults over the age of 18 are exempt from the helmet laws. This means that if a rider or a passenger on a motorcycle is under age 18, they are required to wear a D.O.T. approved motorcycle helmet.
These states are:
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Utah
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

ADULTS OVER 21 EXEMPT FROM HELMET LAWS STATES

There are seven states that require a motorcycle rider to be 21 years old before being exempt from the helmet laws. This means that if you are under age 21, you are required by law to wear a D.O.T. approved motorcycle helmet.
These states are:
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Kentucky
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
In my opinion, one should always wear a D.O.T. approved helmet. I do not say this just because I sell motorcycle helmets, but because as a motorcycle rider of many years, I have ALWAYS worn a D.O.T. approved motorcycle helmet. I feel safer wearing a full faced helmet as I've seen people wearing shorties who have had their faces scraped up pretty bad.
You will get varying opinions from different riders about the safety of helmets and there are those that feel it is safer NOT to wear a helmet. I know there have been cases where the rider crashed and would have been better off without wearing a helmet, but those cases are fewer than those who crash and a good quality motorcycle helmet has saved their lives.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Rodia Helmets


At RODIA Helmets people know about motorcycle riding so they can deliver a quality product to the motorcycle rider. RODIA motorcycle helmets offer anywhere form children helmets to full-face ones. Let’s examine some of the possibilities.

If you are in the market or a lightweight easy to handle-wearing helmet try the DOT Flame Shorty Motorcycle Helmet. This lightweight is part of the DOT Motorcycle Helmets line. What a great helmet feature this helmet has you can take the visor off, as you will. You can also successfully wear your glasses even with the visor attached. The design of a flame is real hip in black and orange.

For a novelty helmet that is nicely padded with felt try the Gloss Black Tiger Novelty Motorcycle Helmet. This extremely light in weight type helmet is part of the novelty helmet line. Novelty helmets are not up to DOT standard of safety though. It is fairly high in strength though due to the material it is made from which is a blend composite.

I you are daredevil enough to do motocross you need protection. Check out this number called DOT ATV Dirt Bike MX Green Camo Motorcycle Helmet. It has a padding that wicks away moisture and can be taken out to be washed. Also this helmet is designed around the fact that some riders want to wear goggles.

For the real artistic motorcycle rider there are many airbrush styles that can be airbrushed on RODIA motorcycle helmets. There are only a select number of helmets that the airbrushing can be done on. Mainly it can be done on DOT Shorty Helmets and the gloss novelty helmets. After going through a special process these helmets are all done separately. The designs include skull, unicorns, lightening and even a butterfly.

A helmet that illuminates with changing colors in the sun is the Iridium Motorcycle Helmet. The composition of this helmet is Iridium chrome made up of different colors together to cause the color changing effect. This is only one of the new helmets that RODIA is offering right now. On the downside this is not a certified DOT helmet.

An addition to high gloss helmets can be a Motorcycle Helmet Mohawk. This is truly for the kids or young at heart. Kids will be easily spotted in an event with one of these. If there is concern of it falling off it has been tested at high velocity. They have a suction cups to keep them in place and on securely.

Lids need to wear helmets too so RODIA has a line of helmets for them. One of the kid's helmets is called DOT ATV Dirt Bike MX Kids BlueG Motorcycle Helmet. This one is decorated in blue, gray and black so the young guys would love it. This motocross helmet not only comes in 3 sizes but also has DOT stamp of approval.

There is plenty more to look at on RODIA motorcycle helmets. Only a small number of the helmets have been mentioned here. These quality helmets are not just quality in functionality but also quality of design. With most of these helmets having the ever-important DOT of approval they are extremely safe.

Monday, February 23, 2009

neoprene face masks

HELMETS INC. introduces a series of neoprene face masks. They are offered in a choice of 30 different full color patterns, which include skull designs, camouflage patterns, a tiger, butterfly, roses, flames, a clown and a red, white and blue mask among others. There are designs for men and women. wholesale masks

The flexible neoprene provides a snug fit. The masks have eye holes, a shaped nose with breathing holes and a small hole for the mouth. Some are full faces and others are partial. Some are reversible, containing different designs on each side or solid black on the other side of a design. They are water resistant, have Velcro closures and can be worn with goggles.

They were initially designed to dress up motorcycle riders, keep them warm and protect against wind, rain and insects. The masks are useful for hunters, skiers, fishermen and other outdoor sports enthusiasts. They are very popular with kids.

Units come individually packaged, and an illustration of the unit is shown on the package. Packages are ready to hang on pegboards and include the UPC code. There is no minimum order for existing Helmets Inc. customers. A 10 unit minimum is required from new customers. The wholesale cost is $6, and suggested retail price is $10.

For more information, contact:

Helmets Inc.
3625 First Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35222
Toll Free: 800-827-7507
Tel.: 205-322-6607
Fax: 205-322-1187
Website: www.helmetsinc.com

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Helmets are Shielding Your Skull


An individual who has already bought an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) must now think of getting the correct helmet to be used for driving. The fact of procuring a helmet is quite similar to that of an ATV. It should be mutually giving you the comfort and lavishness with the feeling of style. All the more it should be affordable too. Whenever you are going to purchase a helmet make sure it should be effectual in shielding equally your skull and visage in case any mishap occurs. It is because a helmet is by far the most significant tool to save you from any sort of misfortune that comes into your way.

Well what are features one looks for a good helmet type? Here are some tips that will help you get one of your desires.

  • A helmet should neither be that tight nor too loose. Though it is a bit awesome to tell in this manner, still this is the brightest means of picking.
  • Like other commodities helmets also have certain price tags attached with them. But remember self-protection should be given the first priority. So, choose one that is best for you in all ways.
  • Ensure that the helmet must be fitting you very well. Before buying one it is advised to always go for testing the fitness of the helmet. It has been observed that if the skin moves along with the helmet then the fit is a good one.

There are some interesting instructions for the women riders as well. Whenever you are going to fetch a helmet for a woman some extra things need to be paid attention to. The primary aspect that has to be considered is their hair. A lady should opt for that kind of a helmet that helps her wear her hair. She can go for the large ones without being worried about her looks. Whether she is fat or slim it doesn’t matter at all. Another thing! Suppose you are looking for a helmet for your kid’s safety. Don’t be in the dilemma that it is not required for them. Yes, they do entail them. But don’t pick the large ones, as they are a trouble to be handled. They are just equally risky akin to not having a helmet.