DOT Motorcycle Helmets Vs. Novelty Motorcycle Helmets

When you are shopping for a motorcycle helmet you may come across two different categorizations of motorcycle helmets, DOT and Novelty. 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.

DOT motorcycle 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 motorcycle helmets are generally built stronger in order to withstand heavy impact from the ground or other objects.

Novelty helmets, unlike DOT helmets, provide minimal protection and do not meet the minimum DOT standards set forth to be considered a safe helmet. The motorcycle novelty helmet is built more for look than safety and typically are built with a much smaller outer shell, considerably thinner liner, and much less padding. Riders that purchase novelty helmets usually have different reasons for purchasing a helmet than those that buy DOT helmets. They are usually looking for a helmet that provides a more slim, sleek design, and doesn’t carry the bulkiness that DOT helmets carry because of the liner and padding. Novelty helmets are usually built from a plastic material that is not as strong as the material used in building DOT helmets.

When it comes to pricing of the two styles of helmets, DOT helmets are generally more expensive because there is more material involved in making a DOT helmet. Prices typically range anywhere from $45 up to $85 or more depending on the design. You can typically expect to pay about 20% less for novelty helmets because they are made from less material.

So what is your preference? 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 motorcycle 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 motorcycle helmets, and other riders are more concerned about how the helmet looks, so they go with the novelty helmet. It really is up to the rider to decide which helmet suits them.

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How To Find A German Helmet on eBay

Collectors of military memorabilia often use eBay, since it’s an excellent source of good helmets, and you could get what you want for a low price.

However, as eBay becomes a more popular place to purchase German helmets and other military items, more fakes appear. There are plenty of sellers out there creating fakes. Here’s a guide on how to find a German helmet on eBay without getting ripped off.

First, take a look at the chinstrap. Most original German helmets (circa WWII) have no strap. In fact, a single vintage strap could sell for a hundred dollars! Many sellers want the increase in price that a chinstrap brings.

They use modern chinstraps, most produced in Eastern Europe, and attach them to a vintage helmet. There are many fakes already known on the market, and up to half the German helmets sold on eBay have this problem.

If you buy a helmet with a strap, and once it arrives, you find that the chinstrap has a noticable chemical or leather odor -- a “new strap smell” -- return it. Remember -- leather loses its smell after sixty years in storage. Chemical smells may indicate artificial aging substances have been used to fake the look of an old strap on new leather. Liners are also faked commonly. Use the same rules for chinstraps, and look for holes on the fingers of the liner, but not around the forehead.

eBayCamouflage is another thing to look for. Real camouflaged German helmets are extremely rare, particularly the Afrika Korps and Normandy variants. This means that most of the camouflaged helmets on the market are actually fakes. Unfortunately, it’s harder to tell the difference between real camouflage on a helmet and fake paint. If the paint’s still in excellent shape, without damage and scratches, there’s a good chance it’s a fake. After all, a helmet that’s been through a war and most of a century is going to have a few scratches and dings.

Chicken wired helmets are also being sold in greater numbers than really exist. Real chicken wire helmets are quite rare, and you should generally avoid buying the ones you find on eBay. If you think a helmet is real, take a second look. The real thing will be made of either mild steel wire, and will be rusted right to the helmet, or it will be made from zinc wire, which doesn’t rust. If you find wire that’s just a little bit rusted, or shiny new wire, you’re looking at a fake.

The decals are another common method of faking the authenticity of a helmet. Good decals raise the value of a helmet a great deal, but there are plenty of sellers putting fake ones on German helmets. A real decal will fit the helmet and will have a metallic look. It’ll also be appropriate for the helmet type. M-35 helmets are fitted with a pair of decals. M-40 helmets sport an eagle decal. M-42 helmets should have no decals at all. Remember that certain WWII German imagery is not allowed on eBay, so if these symbols appear in the photos, you can expect the auction to be closed.

Last, but not least, a rare helmet usually isn’t. Unusual helmets, like Waffen-SS helmets and Fallschirmjager helmets are almost always faked when you find them on eBay. Likewise, most black helmets (not made after 1939) and any “original” helmet covers are almost invariably not the real thing. Knowing about these methods of faking a helmet can help you get a good deal without being ripped off.

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HD Helmet Cameras : nicety or necessity

With just about every kind of technology going HD crazy, it was just a matter of time until helmet cameras followed suit. VholdR was the first to reach the HD finish line by announcing its new ContourHD which was coined the world’s first HD helmet camera. More recently we’ve had word from GoPro that in October it is launching its GoPro HD Helmet Hero, which it calls the first true HD helmet camera! This HD expression is really quite confusing which leads us to ask the questions; what exactly is HD and do I really need it?

Since the early days of helmet cameras when we were plugging CCTV cameras into recorders and gaffer-taping them to our helmets, we’ve seen the launch of many new generations of helmet cams. Naturally, each new version has some exciting feature or benefit which tops its predecessors and competitors and quite naturally, this particular feature is heavily promoted to persuade buyers that this is now the ‘must have’ helmet cam. That is, of course, until the next helmet cam hits the market. Surely having HD quality is just the next inevitable step.

What we have appreciated is that the various helmet camera brands such as GoPro, Oregon Scientific, VholdR, Drift Innovation and VIO have started to address our main focus; what do you as extreme sport enthusiasts really want in your action camera? New features such a colour screens, wireless remote controls
, wide angle lenses and innovative mounts are being focused on and in our view point, these features are as important, if not more important, as the video quality that the camera delivers. After all if you can’t use your helmet cam easily, quickly and hands-free in the toughest of sports situations then it’s not fit for purpose.

So, back to the point; what is HD? High definition recording is the quality captured by the recorder in terms of the video’s resolution. The answer to whether you really need a HD helmet cam can be answered by asking yourself another question: what am I going to use my helmet cam’s footage for? If you have a HD enabled TV then go for it! If you are going to upload your footage to the net or watch it on a normal TV, then having a HD helmet camera is more of a nicety then a necessity.

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College Football Helmet Decals - Show Your Support with Helmet Wall Stickers

Are you a die-hard football fan? Well if you are, there is no better way than to display your team spirit right on your bedroom walls. You can boast your enthusiasm for your favorite football team as much as you would like. The college football helmet decals will bring a lot of life and vigor into the place where you live.

College football is a very bold game and it is not really meant for everyone to play. One needs to be courageous to play the sport by securing himself by wearing headgears and safety gears to avoid any kind of mishaps. The headgears prevent the players from being recognized as well. Displaying NCAA helmet decals on your walls will also make you feel like one of the players.

The helmet is one of the most important accessories in the great game of football. Lot of research and testing are been conducted while designing the helmets. You might want to check their features thoroughly before buying them. Don't forget to try them on and see if it feels comfortable on you. The wide range of football helmet stickers available can give you a good idea on the available models.

College football helmet wall stickers are available in different sizes to suit your purpose. You can practically have it posted on room of any size. Children and infant rooms can be made extravagantly vibrant and colorful by the repositionable and removable stickers. The children will be happy depicting their team spirit as well.

The football decals can be used on the headboards of your kids cot. The windows can de decorated with the football jersey decal and helmet decal. The entire room can assume a sporty theme by painting the walls with football team colors. The masculine look of the room will encourage your kids to indulge in sports more enthusiastically.

The dcor of your childrens room will keep reminding them of their favorite football stars. These college football wall helmet graphics can be bought in varying sizes and images to suit the individual preferences of each football enthusiast. You can display loyalty to your favorite team right from the comforts of your living room.

This football season you can turn your room into a playfield itself by decorating your walls with the posters of your favorite football icons. You can decorate your room with the stickers of your favorite team and exhibit your support and sportsmanship. With the help of the gorgeous football wall decals, you can bring home the true American football spirit.

These college football helmet decals will definitely provide you with a unique experience of the game itself right from your bedroom itself. They come in various sizes to fit rooms of all sizes. A college playground effect can be achieved by sticking posters on the walls of your room.

Looking for a unique way to show your support this football season?? Then look no further than wallstickers-decals.com for Sports Wall Graphics. Larger than life, precision cut, removable vinyl College Football Wall Helmet Decals, will ensure everyone knows who you support.

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Find Great a Discount Motorcycle Helmet

Safety gears like helmets are vital to motorcycle riders. It was even implemented by law in most places as it could save lives. But if you're on a tight budget, often you have got to find how to economize on everything. The best way to purchase a discount motorcycle helmet is through a specialty shop or dealer. While that might seem to go without saying, there are more options for finding discounted motorcycle gear. It'd be an amazing bargain to purchase a leather jacket from a private seller, or to find saddlebags or maybe motorcycle parts on eBay or through other means. But you should be wary when buying a piece of equipment that might save your life.

If you do not buy a discount motorcycle helmet from a reputable dealer, then the probabilities that you're purchasing a helmet that doesn't measure up to safety standards is much slimmer. That's not to say it could not happen--it could. You do carry some of the responsibility in making sure you get a quality helmet. You should ensure it meets the DOT requirements before buying it and wearing it ; don't simply take someone's word for it.

For many individuals, motorcycles are a fun form of travel and recreation. Although if proper safety measures are not noted, riding a motorcycle can be a deadly establishment. Motorcycle fatal injuries have gone up by 127% over the last 10 years. Most states have some form of laws governing helmet use when operating a motorcycle. The prerequisite of these laws is supported by the facts. Studies show that 65% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet. Since a helmet is an essential part of road safety, and its usage mandated in a rising number of states, it is critical for riders to know what to go looking for when purchasing top quality, inexpensive motorcycle helmets.

there are many good, yet reasonably priced motorcycle helmets on the market. If an inexpensive helmet meets certain qualifications, a rider can be assured that it perform best when it is required most. Most significantly, the helmet must be D.O.T, or office of transportation, licensed. The dept of transportation has a highly specific set of minimum safety standards that any helmet they certify must meet. Among these, the helmet must provide confirmed protection from heavy injury. In addition to protection from cataclysmic harm, helmets supply a myriad of benefits that will reinforce any rider's experience. Besides reducing wind noise and defending the rider from insects, a helmet can essentially increase focus while riding.

There are features that a first-rate helmet should have, whether it is expensive or not. Good motorcycle helmets are made with an expanded polystyrene froth lining inside the helmet. Well-made helmets will also fit comfortably, not fall off when they're needed most, and supply serious facial coverage. Many dealers carry helmets that meet these qualifications. Although one factor may be skyrocketing the price on what should be, expertly made, cheap motorcycle helmets.

The helmet's appearance, color, finish, and graphics are a crucial part of the purchasing process. For a rider, finding a helmet that speaks to their individual personality is imperative. Although the more complicated designs can increase the price substantially . Most experienced riders prefer florescent or solid colors that are simply visible. Foregoing fancy helmet designs may decrease the cost of a great helmet and make it affordable.

Once you find a store that offers discount motorcycle helmets and you know they are reputable, you've got more leeway. You can look among the DOT compliant helmets for a style, color and design that you love. Be certain not to shop the other way around. No matter how crowd pleasing and on-sale a helmet could be, you do not need it if it is not up to safety standards.

When it comes to used helmets, if you can find one that fits you properly, you can save a large amount of money over even discounted new models. The danger with a second user helmet is that it's old and doesn't meet current safety standards, and that it might have been damaged. A helmet that was worn in an accident, as an example, might look completely fine but have injury to the inner cushion that could leave you in danger. It can also be tricky to find a used full face helmet or three-quarter helmet that fits you right, particularly if it was worn often .

Getting a decent fit in a new or used helmet is significant. Any helmet that feels like it's'floating' on your head at road speed can be at best an annoyance, and at worst a distraction that could cause an accident. Getting a discount is always great, but if you can not find a discount motorcycle helmet that's's just right, consider the additional money for a new helmet spent wisely on your safety and comfort.

Not everyone appreciates the need for wearing a helmet. Some feel like it constricts their liberty on the road. But helmets have also gone through a lot of science and testing. There are numerous discount motorcycle helmets available in the market that's made to be comfortable to wear and durable enough to protect your head from collision. If you like to ride your motorcycle, then you should also love your life by wearing a helmet with the right fit.

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Why Would Anyone Buy a Novelty Helmet?

There's a huge controversy out there between motorcycle riders about novelty helmets and D.O.T (U.S. Department of Transportation) approved helmets. As any rider knows, D.O.T approved helmets are the safest to wear when riding a motorcycle and, in states with helmet laws, they're the only approved helmets. So why would anyone buy a novelty helmet? A few reasons:

1. Less Bulky

Regular riding helmets can be quite heavy, weighing down on the neck and straining muscles. Some motorcycle riders wear novelty helmets because they're lighter; many weigh as little as two to three pounds. As well, when using regular riding helmets many riders feel the wind catches the helmet and pulls at their head, further straining neck muscles.

2. The Mushroom Look

Full helmets create that "mushroom" look and a lot of riders just don't approve. Who wants to look like a mushroom on wheels? Many novelty helmets are snug and don't bulge out like standard helmets. This is a huge consideration for most.

3. More Comfortable in the Summer

Another concern for motorcycle riders is the heat. Summer being one of the best times to get on the bike and go cruising, no one wants a full helmet that feels smoldering hot. For some, full helmets make the ride hard to enjoy. Novelty helmets with reduced padding provide the rider's head room to breathe and a fashionable look to compliment their bike.

4. Safety Concerns

Believe it or not, some who have researched D.O.T. approved helmets would rather wear novelty helmets. Some novelty helmets are made of carbon fiber and Kevlar, and those riders feel safer with these materials rather than an approved helmet.

5. Nostalgia

What rider doesn't love the feeling of freedom that riding a motorcycle gives them? No doors, no surrounding metal - just you, the bike, and the road. Full face helmets take away the joy, wind, and bugs that are supposed to come with good hard ride. With novelty helmets, riders can get something that allows them to breathe comfortably and enjoy the nostalgia of the ride.

6. Looking Cool

Okay, so some standard mushroom helmets have designs on them. However, novelty helmets have a wide variety of graphics available. Daytona novelty helmets, for instance, have flaming skulls, iron crosses, pink flames, butterflies, and more, it just depends what you're looking for!

7. Decoration

Do you like spikes? Decorate your motorcycle's bay with a Kaiser German helmet and 3" spike! Novelty helmets don't have to be worn to be cool. Many use novelty helmets purely for decorative reasons. For that matter, some riders have even built an entire display wall to show off novelty helmets that fit their style.

8. For the Streets

Some riders where novelty helmets on the streets and switch to D.O.T. approved for the highway. In this case, it's all about having options.

9. As Costumes

Whether you're a rider or an enthusiast, novelty helmets make great costume helmets. With the many styles and options available, you're sure to find one that would go great with your next costume!

10. Individuality

Some riders just want to be unique. They want to stand out from the "crowd". A grinning red skull, 3" spike, pink German, German leather or polo helmet will definitely do it.

Safety is first, but there are still places that a novelty helmet is the best choice for the ride. Whether you're wearing it as part of your unique style, for comfort during a leisurely ride, they're unique, stylish headgear. If you're buying for decorative purposes, you're sure to find some awesome styles. Novelty helmets are cool but at the end of the day "Ride Hard and Save the Melon!"Savin Scalp Helmets is your one stop shop for motorcycle helmets of all shapes and sizes. We provide a wide selection of affordable novelty, half or full face, and motorcross helmets. Our brands include Voss, Caliber, Daytona, Hawk, Outlaw, Bell, and Rhodia. Visit online today for more information.

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Half Helmet …The Advantage Of Using Half Helmet

DOT approved motorcycle half helmet are quickly becoming the most popular type of motorcycle helmet. Fashioned after the German motorcycle helmet, these little and light weight helmets are among the best available today for the motorcycle rider.

Many materials are utilized in making a motorcycle half helmet. The best manufacturers of motorcycle half helmets use super light-weight materials, and can have a helmet weighing as little as twenty-eight ounces. Better quality half helmets are made from a sturdy, yet light weight carbon fiber shell. The maker will use styrofoam as a spacer/padding inside of the shell. Lined with a plush fabric, and double d chrome steel rings for the chin strap, a half helmet can offer the best combination of comfort and safety. Some half helmets are finished with a leather exterior on the shell, or just a paint scheme with graphics.
One kind of these is called a half helmet. They cover the head of the head and come down the back a bit, but leave the entire face open to the air.

Safety is a common concern of those who are deciding on a helmet.
Some like them because they think the half-style looks better. Simply a shell and chin straps.

The jockey/polo style most closely has a resemblance to the German motorcycle helmet. These can be fitted with neck heaters also.

The beanie/shorty style of half helmets are very like the jockey/polo style half helmet, with the exception that the visor is removable. These can also have neck warmers optionally, and also have face shield visors that flip up snapped into place. Other people like these helmets because they'd rather not be wearing any helmet at all, but the laws in the areas in which they ride demand head protection. These motorcyclists compromise by wearing as little on their head as possible . The faceless design permits the wind to hit their faces, which is a sensation many prefer. When buying an open-face helmet, riders should ensure to try them on with the straps fastened, since this is the way in which the helmet will be worn. Also, customers need to be sure that any other head accessories, like earmuffs or snap-on visors, will fit with the helmet they are considering. There's no point in purchasing a helmet or accessories you will not actually be able to use.



You do bear a little of the responsibility in making sure you get a quality helmet. You should confirm it meets the DOT needs before purchasing it and wearing it ; don't simply take somebody's word for it.
When you find a store that offers discounts on helmets and you know they're reputable, you have more leeway. Regardless of how crowd pleasing and on-sale a helmet could be, you don't want it if it isn't up to safety standards.
Do not forget to always check for DOT authorized half helmet, and ask for the DOT number available for the helmet, so you can confirm yourself the helmet is legitimately made to meet or exceed DOT standards. This may be the decisive factor in some cases to whether or not you can wear a helmet in some states that need helmets to be worn when riding on a motorcycle.

Joshua Larson loves to ride motorcycles and has almost every brand. Half helmet has saved my life frequently. Plus, I really like the various style I can choose from.Inexpensive helmets are oftentimes not durable enough to protect me from collision. I prefer discount motorcycle helmets. I get world-class standards with significant discounted basic pay at Discount Helmet Factory.

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