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.