Comparison LS2 MX436 Pioneer vs AGV Corsa

The type determines the overall design of the helmet, the features of its application and the level of protection.

— Integral. Fully enclosed helmets, also known as full face. The shell in such models covers almost the entire head, leaving only a window for the eyes, covered with glass (visor). This provides a good level of protection; in addition, the integrals have a streamlined aerodynamic shape, which is why they are considered the best choice for riding high-speed sportbikes (although they can be used for other purposes). Due to this, this variety is by far the most popular, it is found both in everyday driving and in professional competitions. The main disadvantage of integrals is that the face is constantly covered: for example, to drink water at a bus stop, chat with a fellow traveler or seller, etc. — Helmet has to be removed entirely. In addition, such models are not well suited for driving with intense physical exertion, accompanied by frequent breathing.

— Open. The most popular type of open models is the so-called 3/4 helmets, in which the shell covers the entire (or almost the entire) head, but leaves the face open. Most of these products also have a transparent folding glass, designed to protect the face from wind, dust and small debris, but do not provide protection from impacts; but there are models without glass. A visor may also be provided. 3/4 helmets are more co...mfortable in everyday use than integral ones, they do not need to be removed while eating, drinking, talking, etc. On the other hand, their degree of protection is also noticeably lower, especially considering that it is the face that often suffers in motorcycle accidents. Therefore, open helmets are considered suitable only for relatively low speeds; in particular, they are appreciated by the owners of motor scooters. An even lower degree of protection is distinguished by the so-called Helmets (Braincap) — helmets that cover only the upper half of the head. Such products can avoid a fine for not wearing motorcycle equipment and can be used as fashion accessories, but they are not able to effectively prevent injuries in a serious incident.

— Modular. This variety is also known as flip up. It is a kind of compromise between the integrals described above and open helmets. In the working position, the "modular" is practically indistinguishable from full face — it completely covers the head, with the exception of the window at eye level. The difference lies in the fact that the protection for the jaw in such models is made folding or removable — that is, it is possible to open the face without removing the helmet. This provides a combination of good protection, typical for closed models, with the convenience of open helmets. However the level of protection for modular products is still somewhat lower than for integrals — due to the presence of moving parts of the shell. In addition, they are noticeably more expensive and somewhat heavier.

— Cross. Specialized helmets designed primarily for cross-country racing, but also popular with stunt riders. Distinctive features of cross-country models are reinforced jaw protection in the form of a characteristic protruding “chin”, a rather long visor to protect against the sun and dirt, as well as the absence of glass – the helmet is supposed to be used with special motorcycle goggles. Thanks to all this, such models are very convenient with an abundance of dust and dirt, and the level of protection in them is quite high. Another important advantage of cross-country shoes is good ventilation (it is provided based on the athlete's intensive breathing). But the aerodynamics of such helmets is noticeably worse than that of the varieties described above; they are not designed for high-speed driving.

— Enduro. The term "enduro" refers to long, several days, cross-country races. Accordingly, helmets for such races can be described as a "tourist" version of the crosses described above. A distinctive feature of the enduro is that they do not need glasses — the helmet is equipped with a folding glass, as in integral models. Otherwise, cross-country and enduro (also called "super-moto") are so similar that in common parlance they are often not distinguished. And some models of this type even provide the possibility of removing the glass and using it “cross-country”, with glasses.

The sizes in which this helmet model is produced.

The appropriate helmet size depends primarily on the circumference of the wearer's head. The circumference is measured at the widest point of the head — usually at a level of 1 – 2 cm above the eyebrows and along the protrusion at the back of the head; more detailed recommendations and descriptions can be found in special sources. Here we note that although manufacturers use the same size designations — XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, etc. — specific sizes for different brands may vary slightly; for example, XL can fit both 60 – 61 cm and 61 – 62 cm. This seemingly small difference can significantly affect the comfort and safety of use. Therefore, when choosing, you need to be guided by the size tables of a particular manufacturer.

It is also worth considering that helmets with the same size designation may differ not only in actual size, but also in the shape of the internal space. Therefore, even compliance with the size table is not a guarantee that the product will be suitable; the most reliable way is to test the helmet "live" before buying.

A type of fastener used on a motorcycle helmet to secure a chinstrap.

— D-Rings. A classic clasp that is still popular today due to its combination of simplicity and reliability. The basis of the design is a pair of D-shaped rings (hence the name). When properly applied, these rings firmly clamp the belt passed through them, and the free end of the belt is fixed to the clasp-button or magnet. In addition to a secure hold, the advantages of D-Rings include the fact that size adjustment is made on the fly every time, directly when fastening; this is especially convenient for a "passenger" helmet, which has to be used by different people. On the other hand, the fastening-unfastening process itself is not very convenient: it requires a certain habit and takes more time than in other fasteners.

— Quick click. The classic Quick-Click design resembles a car seat belt buckle: on one half there is a metal plate with a hole, on the other there is a lock that automatically fixes this plate and opens at the touch of a button. It is believed that such fasteners are less reliable than D-Rings, however, with proper workmanship, this difference is not significant; and fasten and unfasten Quick-Click much faster and more convenient. Also in this category are "fastex" — fasteners, familiar to many from tourist equipment. "Fastex" has the form of a trident, fixed in a special nest, such a lock opens by...pressing from the sides; this variety has not received much distribution, as it is considered not very reliable.

— Ratchet. Also known as Quick-Release. One half of such a clasp looks like a strap (usually plastic) with a special notch, a lock is installed on the second. The strap can move through the closed lock only in one direction — to tighten, this is how the “ratchet” fastens (with a characteristic sound, hence the name). To unfasten it, you need to open the lock, giving the strap the opportunity to move in the opposite direction. This design allows you to quickly and easily remove and put on the helmet, while, like the D-Rings, it automatically adjusts to size with each fastening. At the same time, fasteners are considered not very reliable, but in fact it all depends on the quality of workmanship (which, usually, is directly related to the price category of the helmet).

The type of visor provided in the design of the helmet. The visor is a mandatory piece of equipment for cross-country and enduro helmets (see above). It is also often used in open models, and occasionally in modular ones.

The purpose of this part is additional protection from the bright sun, and in some cases also from flying dirt and small debris. The visor can be made removable and non-removable; the first option allows you to remove the visor if necessary (for example, for storage or to improve aerodynamics), the second is considered more durable and reliable, the visor can play the role of an additional element of impact protection.

— Quick release visor. The ability to quickly remove the helmet visor, in most cases without the use of special tools. Such an opportunity can be useful, for example, for cleaning from pollution, replacing transparent glass with tinted glass, or vice versa.

— Anti-fog coating. The presence on the helmet visor of a special coating that prevents fogging from the breath of a motorcyclist. This feature will be useful especially in cold weather (glasses practically do not sweat at high air temperatures). It is especially important for closed helmets (integral and enduro, see "Type"), but can also be found in open ones. Note that such a coating is not a 100% guarantee against fogging, but the likelihood of this phenomenon is greatly reduced.

— Sun visor. A sunscreen in the form of additional tinted glasses that can be lowered and raised as needed, usually by means of a small lever or button on the side of the helmet. Do not confuse this device with tinted glass (see "Visor" above): a sun visor is provided as an addition to the main visor and covers only the eyes. By lowering and raising such glasses, you can “turn on” and “turn off” additional dimming. At the same time, the main visor is most often made transparent, thanks to which the helmet can be comfortably used at night — just lift the built-in glasses and look through the transparent glass. However,...the sun visor can also be combined with tinted glass; this option will be appreciated by people with sensitive eyes that do not tolerate sunlight well and require enhanced darkening. The disadvantage of this feature is a noticeable increase in the cost of the helmet.

— UV protection. Availability of UV protection in the glass and/or helmet sun visor (see above). Intense ultraviolet light is harmful to the eyes, it leads to their rapid fatigue, deterioration of vision, and sometimes even eye diseases. Moreover, such radiation can be quite intense not only in sunny, but even in cloudy weather; in addition, the amount of ultraviolet increases in mountainous areas as altitude increases. However with short-term exposure, the described effects are hardly noticeable, but even for trips over short distances, UV protection will be useful. And if you are going to travel "far and long" — this feature is highly desirable. Note that if necessary, UV protection can be provided using separate glasses (motorcycle or conventional), but not all helmets allow the use of such glasses.

— Built-in ventilation. The ventilation system usually has the form of holes in the shell — the air flow entering them "blows" the inside of the helmet. This not only provides comfort (especially in hot weather), but also reduces the amount of moisture accumulating inside: the rider's head sweats less than in a fully closed helmet, and the sweat that is released quickly evaporates and is blown into the ventilation. At the same time, many models provide the ability to completely or partially block the ventilation — for example, in cold or rainy weather.

— Breath cutter. Most often found in helmets of a closed design (integrals, modulars, enduro — see "Type"). In such models, it is a kind of visor that covers the nose and mouth of the motorcyclist — so that the exhaled air is discharged into the lower part of the helmet and the visor does not fog up. Also, sometimes cut-offs are called additional masks that are equipped with open helmets, but this is not entirely true — such masks have a slightly different purpose, they are mainly designed to protect the mouth and nose from dust, small litter, insects, etc.

The material from which the shell is made is the outer hard shell of the helmet.

— Thermoplastic. Material used primarily in inexpensive motorcycle helmets; the most popular option in this category. Thermoplastic (most often it is polycarbonate) is notable for its low cost and has quite sufficient, although not very high, strength characteristics, but it is quite heavy, besides, it “ages” with use due to temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet radiation; These helmets are recommended to be changed every 5 years.

— Thermoresin. In terms of basic properties, this material is similar to the plastic described above; at the same time, it is more durable and durable, however, it also costs a little more, which accordingly affects the price of helmets.

— Fibreglass (fibreglass). In this case, we are not talking about pure glass fibre, but about fibreglass — a composite consisting of fibreglass and a plastic base. Sufficiently strong and reliable, but at the same time quite heavy material, used mainly in mid-level helmets.

— Carbon. It is also carbon fibre — a composite material that combines carbon fibre and a polymer resin base. This combination allows you to achieve lightness and at the same time extremely high strength, but it is not cheap. Therefore, a carbon fibre shell is usually a si...gn of a premium helmet.

— Fibreglass / Kevlar. The fibreglass described above, supplemented with a composite based on another fibre — Kevlar. Kevlar is not much inferior to carbon in terms of strength, while it costs less, and such material weighs noticeably less than fibreglass, which significantly affects the mass of the entire helmet. In this case, the materials are usually arranged in layers.

— Carbon / fibreglass. Helmets partly made of carbon, partly made of fibreglass; such a shell usually has a "puff" construction. About the features of each of these materials, see above, and their combination allows you to combine the advantages and partially compensate for the shortcomings. So, such combined helmets are cheaper than pure carbon ones, and in terms of strength they may not be inferior to them. However fibreglass is a heavy material, which accordingly affects the weight; however, such helmets still turn out to be quite light.

— Carbon / Kevlar. Helmets that combine carbon and Kevlar in construction — usually in the form of layers that make up the shell. Both of these materials are detailed above, and the combination is remarkable for its high strength and lower cost than pure carbon. At the same time, these helmets are still expensive, and weigh a little more than carbon ones.

Safety certification or certifications to which the helmet conforms. To date, the following types of certificates are found in motorcycle helmets:

—ECE 22.05. The European certification system, which provides for very strict requirements for safety testing among national and international standards (except that in the ACU the requirements can be even tougher). According to ECE 22.05, each batch of helmets must be tested before being sent for sale (for this, several test items are selected), and the testing itself is quite strict and takes into account the fact that motorcyclists' heads can have different sizes and weights. Helmets certified according to this standard are used even in professional motorsport (although, of course, products of different levels and purposes can pass certification).

— Snell. Also known as SMF. Standard developed and used in the USA; appeared in the mid-1950s, and has been regularly improved and refined since then. Snell's requirements are more relaxed than ECE 22.05, but tougher than DOT: products must undergo constant quality control, and the test takes into account the possible difference in head size (although it does not take into account the difference in weight).

— DOT. The standard was developed by the US Department of Transportation back in 1972 and has remained virtually unchanged since then. It provides for very mild conditions for b...oth the testing itself and the control of the results. So, the check is carried out only for the standard size and weight of the head, the manufacturer himself does this and he also determines whether his products comply with DOT requirements, and control by the Ministry of Transport is limited to periodic selective testing. However, even with this in mind, having a DOT is much preferable to no certification at all.

— ACU. A standard developed and maintained by the British Motorcycle Union (Auto-Cycle Union), a public organization representing the interests of the motorcycle community. Provides two main marking options — ACU Gold and ACU Silver; however, the second option is extremely rare for a number of reasons, and it is usually the top, “gold” marking that is used. In order to be ACU Gold certified, a helmet must not only meet certain generally accepted standards (described above by Snell 2005 or ECE 22.05, British BSI Type A, etc.), but also be tested according to ACU rules, which require additional checks. As a result, the ACU Gold marking corresponds to a very high level of safety. Note that some time ago this system was at the centre of a scandal: there were rumors that “ACU Gold” stickers are sold freely and can be found even on low-quality helmets that have not passed (and are not able to pass) an official test. However, the ACU organization has taken steps to correct the situation, and conscientious sellers do not go for such a deception. However, if you have any doubts, you can check from official sources (for example, the ACU website on the Internet) whether the selected helmet meets the safety level claimed for it.