Have you ever imagined that you get amid crossfire while riding?
How much protection will your motorcycle helmet give your head in such cases?
Can a motorcycle helmet, in such instance, deflect the bullets and prevent penetration?
These questions matter more than we know of exactly. And providing answers to these questions will give you additional information for your safety while riding.
And note, there is no such thing as too much information when discussing matters of safety.
The big question is: Are motorcycle helmets bulletproof?
Can these helmets protect against bullets?
And if they can, are there specifications around the kinds of bullets.
Discover the answer to these questions and whether there is anything like a full face bulletproof helmet.
What Are The Features Of Bulletproof Helmets?
There are a host of bulletproof helmets out there. They all serve almost the same purpose, but their bullet-resistant ability varies.
Certain features contribute to the range of benefits you derive from the best bulletproof helmet.
These features are the latest, and every good bulletproof full helmet must possess them.
1. Appropriate And Sufficient Padding
This feature is essential for both the security of the user and the comfort of the user as well.
Your full face bulletproof helmet must have this enablement. When there is proper padding for a bulletproof helmet, it stays fit on your head.
2. Velcro Attachments
Without Velcro attachments, it is either a case of having an old bulletproof helmet or restricting your user access.
It is the Velcro that is on the helmet that helps you adjust it to different modules, making it flexible.
So, this feature is also vital for you as a user to enjoy some level of modularity.
3. Materials That Are Moisture Absorbing
There is enough to worry about concerning the safety of your head as a rider. There is no reason to add to this worry with a wrong bulletproof helmet.
Any full face bulletproof helmet without a moisture absorbing material breeds bacteria.
That effect only adds another worry. You should find out that a bulletproof helmet has this feature before making a purchase.
4. Improved Comfort And Safety
The best bulletproof helmet offers an additional level of safety in times of hazards. It also gives additional comfort to users whenever they have it on.
These helmets employ some of the best materials out there to provide this level of comfort and safety to users.
5. Adjustable Retention System
The chinstrap of a full face bulletproof helmet comes in four different points.
These different points all work together to ensure that the helmet fits just well.
These points are adjustable using a dial adjuster fixed to the back of the helmet.
These are only the significant features of any full-face bulletproof helmet. There are other features, but these are the most significant.
What Are The Difference Between A Bulletproof And A Normal Helmet?
Whenever we consider what marks the gap between a bulletproof helmet and a typical helmet, a lot comes to mind.
We consider many variations. We think of the different materials used in manufacturing a new helmet. Can it be the shells, the foam used, or the dials and chinstraps?
The main difference between a full face bulletproof helmet and a regular mask is in their kind of shell.
The shell is that part of the helmet that repels penetration. The level of dispersion the shell handles depends on the kind of material the casing is from exactly.
There are various kinds of shells used in the production of helmets.
There are the Thermoplastic Shells. These are shells made from hot plastic. These kinds of shells are examples of polycarbonate forms. They are the kind of shells that covers regular helmets. Thermoplastic tanks are relatively more massive, and they come in larger sizes.
The next is Fiberglass Shells. This kind of shells is expensive and harder when compared to their thermoplastic counterparts.
It will take a more potent force to get through this kind of shells before reaching the foam padding. The foam padding within this kind of tank is always sparse. And, sometimes, there is no padding at all.
Fiberglass Shells are relatively lighter, and they come in small sizes. Not, however, that only advanced fiberglass shells with additional repelling assurance are used to make the best bulletproof helmets.
In all, the main difference between these two kinds of helmets is in their shells. This difference in tanks further affects the amount of padding each type gets. That creates further differences between a bulletproof helmet and a normal one.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Bulletproof?
The answer is self-evident. It is no!
There are no bulletproof motorcycle helmets. There are only bullet-resistant helmets.
The best you will get from your motorcycle helmet in this regard is minimal. These helmets cannot even deflect or halt a bullet.
If anyone fires a shot at any motorcycle helmet, the bullet penetrates both the mask and the head it covers.
Even military motorcycle helmets that contain enablement for vision at night and cameras sometimes are not bulletproof either.
This kind can only save you from crash hazards as expected but not from bullets. The best a military motorcycle helmet does is deflecting light bullets.
They deal well with shrapnel as well as fragments. But, it is no bulletproof helmet still.
This incapability takes nothing from this type of helmet. It still comes in handy in protecting your head from concussion and injuries whenever there is an accident.
How To Make A Helmet Bulletproof?
The whole idea of having a bulletproof helmet started a long time ago. It was just an accident during World War II.
And ever since, several of these kinds of helmets are now out there. Some were direct from the manufacturers. And in some instances, you can make motorcycle helmets bulletproof also.
This section of this article is in different aspects.
1. Carbon Fiber Shell
A helmet has an original shell material known as the AS4/Polyphenylene prepreg tape. It is a popular material due to its long-lasting, rigid, and rust-free nature even in different temperature conditions.
This carbon fiber shell provides double the modulus option provided by the combination of a new duo of substitute materials.
2. Aramid/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Anti-Ballistic Layer
This material is another addition that makes any helmet bulletproof. This additive creates a layer of protection. This structure includes aramid in the form of a biaxial weave.
The structure also includes a laminated thermoplastic polyurethane film on one part of the helmet.
To make the surface of the helmet even more resistant, add 39 plies to increase the thickness. This additive makes the ballistic layer 9.01mm thicker. This thickness measures 0.355 when measured in inches.
This level of the shell’s thickness doubles at the end of the manufacturing process.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Bulletproof- FAQs
1. Can A Helmet Stop A Bullet From Penetrating?
No. It can only deflect the bullet if the bullet is a light caliber one.
2. What Then Is A Bulletproof Helmet?
A bulletproof helmet is also known as a ballistic helmet. It prevents light bullets, glasses, and shrapnel damages to your skull. Note that none of these bulletproof helmets provides all-round bullet protection.
3. How Do You Know A Good Bulletproof Helmet?
The best bulletproof helmet will parade the potent approval of NIJ. Any bulletproof helmet that satisfies NIJ standards has all the bulletproof safety you need.
4. How Effective Are Bulletproof Helmets In Terms Of Safety?
Whenever we consider safety, these helmets are not 100% sure. They, however, do just well to protect you in times of collision or explosion.
5. What Are The Basic Manufacturing Materials For An Helmet?
Every good bulletproof helmet is a product of either steel, polyethylene (PE), or Kevlar. The best, however, is the Polyethylene material.
Conclusion
There are a lot of facts around helmets and their protective abilities. Some masks work well enough to take on very acute hazards and keep your head safe.
The level of protection and efficiency any helmet provides is an effect of the material used in its production.
This article answers the question on the minds of most people. Are motorcycle helmets bulletproof?
In summary, for full face bulletproof helmets, the protection is limited. However, there are ongoing efforts to advance to increase the level of bullet protection they provide.
William Demello is a professional biker and racer with over 10 years of experience. He believes in safety first, that’s why he analyzes the helmet before other relevant elements. With this long experience, now he has decided to share his experience with others. Know more at the about page.