Helmets that do not have the D.O.T. sticker are sometimes referred to as being a novelty helmet. The word novelty would imply that the helmet is not a really protective or only made for decoration.
Some of the inferior non D.O.T. rated motorcycle helmets give no more head protection than a toy hemet, thus earning the title of novelty helmet. Other motorcycle helmets are actually made with superior grade materials yet not D.O.T. approved only due to their low profile shell.
So why do motorcyclists purchase head protection that does not carry the D.O.T. approved label or sticker? The rider may feel that any kind of helmet is better than no helmet at all. He or she might only wear a novelty helmet so police officers will not bother them.
Some motorcyclists actually want adequate protection from a helmet but don't like bulkiness of a D.O.T. helmet. A small number of companies have created a smaller and more low profile helmet using superior strength to weight ration materials. Some of which consist of carbon fiber and or kevlar. Kevlar and carbon fiber have been on the market for some time but not used in motorcycle helmet application until after the U.S. military helmets were on the market.
If you are not obligated by state law to wear a DOT rated motorcycle helmet, you have the luxury of choice and freedom to choose a low profile helmet. Be sure to take your time and look for a truly high quality novelty helmet. Don't settle for the imaition carbon fiber type or carbon wrapped helmet. Stick with authentic carbon fiber or something equal in quality and tensile strength. There are a few low profile helmets that have a carbon fiber / kevlar blend that can withstand an enormous amount of weight and friction. Be careful with the helmet origin. Many false or imitation carbon fiber helmets are on the market. Be sure you use a company known for selling good novelty helmets.
Some of the inferior non D.O.T. rated motorcycle helmets give no more head protection than a toy hemet, thus earning the title of novelty helmet. Other motorcycle helmets are actually made with superior grade materials yet not D.O.T. approved only due to their low profile shell.
So why do motorcyclists purchase head protection that does not carry the D.O.T. approved label or sticker? The rider may feel that any kind of helmet is better than no helmet at all. He or she might only wear a novelty helmet so police officers will not bother them.
Some motorcyclists actually want adequate protection from a helmet but don't like bulkiness of a D.O.T. helmet. A small number of companies have created a smaller and more low profile helmet using superior strength to weight ration materials. Some of which consist of carbon fiber and or kevlar. Kevlar and carbon fiber have been on the market for some time but not used in motorcycle helmet application until after the U.S. military helmets were on the market.
If you are not obligated by state law to wear a DOT rated motorcycle helmet, you have the luxury of choice and freedom to choose a low profile helmet. Be sure to take your time and look for a truly high quality novelty helmet. Don't settle for the imaition carbon fiber type or carbon wrapped helmet. Stick with authentic carbon fiber or something equal in quality and tensile strength. There are a few low profile helmets that have a carbon fiber / kevlar blend that can withstand an enormous amount of weight and friction. Be careful with the helmet origin. Many false or imitation carbon fiber helmets are on the market. Be sure you use a company known for selling good novelty helmets.
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Always wear a good helmet, see a video on strong motorcycle helmets. Free reprint available from: D.O.T or Novelty? Which Helmet is for Me?.