DOT approved motorcycle half helmets are quickly becoming the most popular type of motorcycle helmet. Fashioned after the German motorcycle helmet, these small and light weight helmets are among the best available today for the motorcycle rider.

Many materials are used in making a motorcycle half helmet. The best manufacturers of motorcycle half helmets use super lightweight materials, and can have a helmet weighing as little as 28 ounces. Better quality half helmets are made from a durable, yet light weight carbon fiber shell. The manufacturer will use styrofoam as a spacer/padding inside of the shell. Lined with a plush cloth, and double d stainless steel rings for the chin strap, a half helmet can offer the best combination of comfort and safety. Some half helmets are finished with a leather exterior on the shell, or simply a paint scheme with graphics.

There are many sub styles of half helmets available. The retro style is simply a round shell with no visor. Simply a shell and chin straps. There are some retro style half helmets that have a patch of leather over where the ear would fit in the chin strap to offer some warmth to the rider on cool nights or days. This is commonly referred to as a neck warmer.

The jockey/polo style most closely resembles the German motorcycle helmet. Shaped like the retro, with a small extension of the shell in the back, and a permanent visor molded into the shell, these offer a comfortable fit as well. These can be fitted with neck warmers as well.

The beanie/shorty style of half helmets are very similar to the jockey/polo style half helmet, with the exception that the visor is removable. These can also have neck warmers optionally, and also have face shield visors that flip up snapped into place. The beanie/shorty style is the most popular among the half helmet categories.

When purchasing a half helmet, use a cloth measuring tape to measure your head size. Have someone help you so that you can get an accurate measurement. Measure around the circumference of your head just about one inch above your eyebrows, or whichever point gives you the largest measurement. If your measurement falls between two sizes, use the larger of the two sizes. The measurements for sizes are XS 20 1/4 - 20 7/8", S 21 - 21 5/8", M 21 3/4 - 22 3/8", L 22 1/2 - 23 1/8",XL 23 1/4 - 24", XXL - 24 1/8 - 24 7/8".

remember to always check for DOT approved helmets, and ask for the DOT number available for the helmet, so that you can verify yourself that the helmet is legitimately manufactured to meet or exceed DOT standards. This can be the deciding factor in some cases as to whether or not you can wear a helmet in some states that require helmets to be worn when riding on a motorcycle.

Motorcycle wrecks are serious business. Not much between you and the pavement to prevent injuries to head, chest and legs.

Yesterday, in the local Newspaper, was a picture of a crumbled up motorcycle. Driver had died at the scene. His helmet lay over by the curb. His body went to the morgue. Caption said he was seen popping wheelies on the highway. Young, foolish, and now dead.

I downloaded the picture so I could take a look at the helmet. We sell to a lot of the local riders and wanted to see if it was one of ours. I recognized the helmet as one I had seen numerous times in shops, on eBay, on the web. It was a novelty spike helmet with a DOT sticker on the back It was not a DOT Approved Helmet. Whether the rider bought a novelty and added the sticker or bought it thinking the helmet was DOT approved, we will never know, but it could not protect his head. On Impact the helmet not only popped off, its side was crushed. Could I have looked inside I would have seen a thin lining which would have been no protection whatsoever. DOT stickers are easily bought and printed off. I see people selling them all the time on Ebay, at flea markets, even yard sales.

If you are sincerely looking for a DOT Approved helmet on the web and do not know the dealer or recognize the brand, make sure the ad says the DOT sticker is clear coated under the glaze. You can view a sample of this on our web site www.agelessparlor.com We sell quality reasonable priced helmets for motorcycles, motorscooters and ATV wear. We sell DOT and Novelty helmets. Our ads clearly state what you are buying.

Novelty helmets have their place. If you live in a State with lax or no helmet laws, you can wear novelty helmets for looks. There are some really neat ones out there. We sell some of them. You can check them out in our http://helmetsforfun.com shop. There you will find novelty helmets for motorcycle riding. You can enjoy the German Style Chromes with spikes, our most popular novelty or checking out the black and colored fibers.These helmets are not DOT or Snell Approved.

If you value your life and want to ride as safely as possible, you will include a a DOT approved or Snell Approved Helmet in your motorcycle gear wardrobe, no matter the law of your State. Protect your head. Remember not all wrecks and wipe-outs are fatal, some can just make you a mental vegetable for the rest of your life. Do what you can to protect your life and your future. Ride safe.