Motorcycle helmet shells are typically made of various materials, depending on the helmet's design, purpose, and price range. The most common materials used for motorcycle helmet shells are:
Thermoplastics: Many entry-level and mid-range helmets use thermoplastics like polycarbonate. These materials offer a good balance of affordability, durability, and impact resistance.
Fiberglass Composite: Higher-end helmets often feature a shell constructed from fiberglass composite. Fiberglass layers are combined with resins to create a lightweight yet strong and rigid shell.
Carbon Fiber: Some premium and high-performance helmets utilize carbon fiber shells. Carbon fiber is extremely lightweight and offers exceptional strength and impact resistance. Carbon fiber helmets are typically more expensive due to the costlier manufacturing process and materials.
Kevlar: Kevlar is another material used in helmet shells, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It provides excellent impact resistance while keeping the helmet relatively light.
Multi-Composite: In certain cases, helmet manufacturers combine different materials to create a multi-composite shell. These combinations may involve layers of fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, or other reinforcing materials strategically placed for optimal strength and weight distribution.
It's important to note that the shell material is just one aspect of a helmet's overall safety. The interior padding, impact-absorbing liner, retention system, and certification standards are equally crucial for providing adequate protection. When choosing a motorcycle helmet, it's recommended to look for helmets that meet or exceed recognized safety standards, such as DOT (Department of Transportation) or ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), to ensure proper protection in the event of an accident.