Are Motorcycle Helmets Bulletproof? - Unraveling the Myth ...

Motorcycle helmets are undoubtedly one of the most critical safety gears for riders. They are designed to protect the head and reduce the risk of severe head injuries during accidents. However, with the ever-increasing emphasis on safety, a common question arises - "Are motorcycle helmets bulletproof?" In this in-depth article, we will delve into the details of motorcycle helmet construction, debunk the myth surrounding their bulletproof capabilities, and provide valuable insights into their effectiveness.

longkui Product Page

Are Motorcycle Helmets Bulletproof? Debunking the Myth

Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof. While they are engineered to withstand severe impact forces, they are not designed to resist the penetration of bullets. Motorcycle helmets primarily utilize foam padding and a hard outer shell to absorb and disperse impact energy, offering protection against head injuries caused by accidents.

Understanding the Construction of Motorcycle Helmets

To comprehend the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets, let's take a closer look at their construction:

1. Outer Shell

The outer shell of a motorcycle helmet is typically made from materials like polycarbonate, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. These materials provide strength and rigidity to the helmet, distributing the force of an impact over a larger area.

2. Impact-Absorbing Liner

Beneath the outer shell, a layer of impact-absorbing liner is present, usually made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. This liner is designed to compress upon impact, reducing the force transferred to the rider's head.

3. Comfort Padding

The interior of the helmet features comfort padding, which not only provides a snug fit but also plays a role in energy absorption during an accident.

4. Chin Strap and Buckle

Motorcycle helmets are equipped with a chin strap and buckle to keep the helmet securely fastened to the rider's head.

The Limitations of Motorcycle Helmets

While motorcycle helmets offer significant protection, it is essential to recognize their limitations:

1. Impact Severity

Motorcycle helmets are primarily designed to safeguard against high-impact crashes at relatively lower speeds. They may not offer the same level of protection in extremely high-speed collisions.

2. Single-Use Protection

Motorcycle helmets are designed to provide protection during a single impact. If a helmet is involved in a severe crash, it should be replaced, even if there are no visible signs of damage.

3. No Bulletproof Capability

As mentioned earlier, motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof and cannot protect against bullets or sharp objects. They are solely intended for motorcycle accident protection.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

- Myth: Helmets are Bulletproof Shields

Many people mistakenly believe that motorcycle helmets can shield them from bullets, leading to unrealistic expectations of their protective capabilities.

- Myth: A Heavier Helmet Provides Better Protection

The effectiveness of a helmet is not solely determined by its weight. Modern helmets are designed to meet specific safety standards, and their ability to absorb and disperse impact energy is more critical than their weight.

- Myth: Wearing a Helmet Reduces Visibility

While some riders may feel restricted by a helmet, modern designs ensure that the field of vision remains clear and unobstructed.

The Importance of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet

While motorcycle helmets may not be bulletproof, their significance in protecting riders from severe head injuries cannot be overstated. Here are some reasons why wearing a helmet is crucial:

- Prevents Head Injuries

Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries during motorcycle accidents. It acts as a protective barrier, absorbing impact energy and reducing the likelihood of skull fractures and brain trauma.

- Increases Survival Chances

Studies have consistently shown that wearing a helmet increases the chances of survival in the event of a crash. It provides a vital layer of protection for the head and brain, reducing the severity of potential injuries.

- Sets a Safety Standard

By wearing a helmet, riders set an example for other motorcyclists, promoting a culture of safety and responsible riding.

FAQs About Motorcycle Helmets

Are motorcycle helmets bulletproof?

As discussed earlier, no, motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof. They are designed to protect against impact during accidents and are not capable of stopping bullets.

How often should I replace my motorcycle helmet?

For optimal safety, motorcycle helmets should be replaced every five years, or immediately after a significant impact or crash.

For more information, please visit Bullet-Proof Helmet.

Can a second-hand helmet provide adequate protection?

It is not recommended to use a second-hand helmet. Helmets are designed to provide protection for a single impact, and a used helmet may have hidden damage that compromises its effectiveness.

What safety standards should I look for in a motorcycle helmet?

Look for helmets that meet the safety standards set by organizations such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), Snell Memorial Foundation, or the European ECE 22.05 standard.

Are modular helmets as safe as full-face helmets?

Yes, modular helmets are designed to provide comparable safety to full-face helmets when the chin bar is locked in place.

Can I use a bicycle helmet for motorcycle riding?

No, bicycle helmets are not designed to offer the same level of protection as motorcycle helmets. They lack the necessary features to protect against high-impact crashes.

Conclusion

The word "bulletproof" is often misused, especially when discussing helmets or vests. A more accurate description would entail the term "bullet-resistant," as these objects are not entirely impenetrable. Understanding the difference between the concepts is critical for those using these items as protection.

When faced with powerful weaponry, ammo and enough sustained fire, all body armor is vulnerable to some degree. The same applies to bulletproof glass. However, when the number of projectiles is minimal, many of these items effectively resist the impact of most incoming bullets.

Some armor has higher degrees of effectiveness than others. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) uses a rating system to classify various levels of body armor. Additionally, some military tanks, ships and other vehicles use unique forms of armor conforming to separate standards that typically classify what they can resist.

Here is the Deal:

There is really no such thing as bulletproof helmets or any armor for that matter. There are bullet-resistant helmets and armor,  but helmets that are positively bulletproof, meaning they will stop every single bullet fired into them is a misuse of the term bulletproof. Merriam-Webster defines the word bulletproof as being "impenetrable to bullets". There is only one thing that we currently know of that is truly bulletproof, and that is Superman. 

Lesson Number One with so-called bulletproof helmets, vests, or vehicle armor is that they are not impenetrable. With enough sustained fire or the use of dedicated ammo, just about any type of armor ceases to actually be bulletproof. As you can see in the case of the up-armored HMMWV, penetrations were achieved on both the "bulletproof" glass and some of the hard-armor. 

Now:

Some armor has extreme capabilities of the resistance offered and we use various rating systems to explain this resistance. The National Institute of Justice or NIJ publishes these levels and are the industry standard for most armors. Additionally, there are unique armor sets found on ships, tanks, and other vehicles that conform to their own standards, usually classified to what they can actually defeat and resist threat wise.

You Might Be Wondering:

What about these so-called bulletproof helmets? I want a ballistic helmet level IV! Well so do we here at Hard Head Veterans for our ATE Ballistic Helmet, but there is the little issue of weight. With advances in material fibers, metals, and ceramic armors, the weight required to achieve a true rifle rated ballistic helmet climbs with each NIJ rating achieved. In our testing with next-generation metals, we are adding 7-15 lbs depending on desired bulletproof helmet coverage to defeat M80 ball at normal velocities with safe backface deformation upon impact. 

Luckily advanced ceramic and now fiber options have proven to be lighter and perform just as well. After a ton of R&D and working with Diamond Age Armor, we are excited to be offering our up-armor solution for our ATE ballistic helmets. Not only is it lightweight (right at a 1 lb), but it defeats the most common rifle rounds out there including 5.56 & 7.62X39! Made from silcon carbides it allows us to achieve incredible protection ratings with a thin and lightweight solution.

Performance:

• 62 X 39 M43 LS 123.7 gr. Russian MSC
• ft/s Front Impact- No Penetration - 21.206 mm BTD
• 56 X 45 M855 62 gr
• ft/s Front Impact- No Penetration - 14.306 mm BTD

Tactical Bulletproof Combat Helmet

Monolithic rifle rated helmets using advanced UHMWPE and processing techniques have just started to enter the market as well. These helmets are capable of defeating rifle rounds, but will come at the cost of extra weight and expense. 

Want this patch? Check out milspecmonkey.com for it! 

Kevlar Bulletproof Helmet

As far as fibers go, Kevlar is the most common material in the ballistic impacts industry because of its high tensile strength and lower cost. The ATE ballistic model consists mainly of Kevlar and is among our most popular items. It carries a Level IIIA rating from the NIJ, which means it can provide resistance against most small-arm projectiles up to a .44 magnum.

Combined with the Up-Armor shell, it offers one of the most effective solutions on the market at a relatively light 4 pounds.

Devtac Bulletproof Helmet

The devtac bulletproof helmet though? Isn't this a bullet proof helmet full face application that is lightweight and meets NIJ specs? First off we have to agree, this is a seriously cool looking "bulletproof helmet". Assuming that the devtac bulletproof helmet doesn't have any issues with limiting vision, fogging up, or anything else. The only tests we have seen are limited to pistol rounds, and not performed in a lab. Backyard tests are always fun, but if you require the helmet to do its job when worst comes to worst make sure it meets resistance to penetration tests, V50, backface, blunt, and more. 

What's the Bottom Line?

Many of the helmets on the market meet the NIJ IIIA standards. However, that means they are only resistant up to those rounds in specific conditions. There are numerous other tests that a ballistic helmet should pass in addition to the resistance to penetration tests.

Check out our testing and warranty page to learn more about the strict testing criteria we use at Hard Head Veterans.

For more information about helmet testing, and specifically backface deformation testing, check out this video bellow. It goes in depth on what BFD for ballistic helmet testing actually looks like from the lab perspective!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit UHMWPE Fiber.