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Motorcycle helmets can be made from different materials; each material has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of weight, price, durability and comfort.

• Polycarbonate suits novice motorcycle riders, occasional use, scooters or limited budgets. It offers correct protection for daily use but expect no top comfort or maximum lifespan.
• Fibreglass is a good middle ground: better protection and durability than polycarbonate without carbon fibre’s high price. A strong recommendation for regular riders wanting quality without top price.
• Carbon fibre is ideal for maximum comfort, minimal neck strain and light weight – especially on long distances or sporty rides. Premium price but often top class in protection and comfort.

All the above materials degrade gradually under UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, weather and perspiration when the helmet is in use. The average helmet lifespan is therefore set at 5 years.

The type of paint on a helmet affects both looks and maintenance. These are the most common options:

• Matt: many riders prefer matte finishes for its appearance. Matte paints do require specific maintenance as they are more scratch- and stain-prone. With proper care you enjoy the matte look longer.
• Glossy: glossy helmets are durable and easy to maintain.

Many modern motorcycle helmets have an internal sun visor. You slide it down or up easily so riders can respond quickly to changing light conditions. It adds comfort and protection against sun glare without needing separate sunglasses. Note that an internal sun visor adds weight, which some riders see as a drawback.

A Pinlock is a special anti-fog lens that prevents the helmet visor from fogging up, and various options are available with helmets:

• Included: the Pinlock lens is supplied with the helmet and can be easily inserted into the visor, for example with help from trained staff in our RAD stores.
• Not possible: the helmet cannot be equipped with a Pinlock lens.
• Optional: the helmet is prepared for Pinlock lens installation, but the lens must be purchased separately.

A Pinlock is a special anti-fog lens that prevents your helmet visor from fogging; options vary by performance to suit riding needs:

• Pinlock 30: basic type for city rides or occasional use; basic anti-fog for mild conditions.
• Pinlock 70: all-round lens for daily use and varying weather conditions; reliable anti-fog with good visibility in rain or during cold weather.
• Pinlock 120XLT: premium lens with extra high anti-fog and better light transmission; ideal for long rides and changing weather conditions.
• Pinlock EVO: standard lens used by helmet brand Shoei, equivalent to Pinlock 120XLT with regard to anti-fog performance and quality.
• Pinlock 200: innovative lens available from 2026; maximum anti-fog performance, even in demanding weather conditions.

The MaxVision™ principle means the Pinlock lens is larger and covers the entire visor better for wider fog-free field of view.

Some open-face/jet helmets are equipped with goggles instead of a traditional visor. The goggles protect the eyes from wind and rain while contributing to a tough and classic helmet look.

The closure of a motorcycle helmet determines how the helmet stays on your head. Below are the two most common closure systems, with their pros and cons:

• Double D closure: classic system with two metal D-rings. The chin strap threads through both rings and tightens by feeding back through one. Extremely reliable, resists high pull force and is the only permitted closure for competition or track helmets.
• Quick release / micrometric closure: ratchet or buckle mechanism for fast, easy fastening even with gloves. Convenient for daily riding or frequent stops. However, in some (heavy) impact scenarios it offers slightly less security than double D and is therefore not permitted in many competitions.

The recess for glasses wearers is a specially shaped section inside the helmet at temple height. It makes wearing (sun)glasses more comfortable without pressure or pinching.

Different helmet shells are there to contain the different helmet sizes. This means that no matter what size, you will always have a light, compact and safe helmet.

Some open-face/jet helmets come with a removable chin bar. While the chin bar does not qualify the helmet for full-face homologation, it provides extra protection and better safety while riding. It can be easily removed if desired for an open helmet feel.

Motorcycle helmets must meet official homologation standards to ensure safety. The most common certifications are:

• ECE 22.05 is the outdated European standard for motorcycle helmets. Helmets are tested for shock absorption, outer shell deformation, chin strap, and visor. Helmets with only 22.05 are no longer allowed in new production since late 2023 but may still be sold.
• ECE 22.06 is the latest standard for road helmets in Europe. Test methods have been tightened, with stricter requirements for visors, accessories, and modular helmets (tested both open and closed).
• FIM FRHPhe-01 is the homologation standard for helmets permitted in races and competitions on circuits. Helmets undergo linear and oblique impact and penetration tests, meeting strict protection requirements. The label is on the chin strap and supplements ECE standards.
• FIM FRHPhe-02 is FIM's newest homologation standard, launched in 2025 for circuit competitions. It sets higher standards than FRHPhe-01, with additional impact tests and a skull fracture criterion (Skull Fracture Criterion, SFC). From 2026, FRHPhe-02 becomes mandatory in many FIM championships.