5 Things to Know about Materials Used in Helmets

Helmets need to serve one purpose, and one purpose only: to protect our heads in the event of a crash. We have also grown to demand comfort and style from helmets. However, there are some things to know about the materials used in helmets before picking one out.

5 Things to Know About Materials Used in Helmets

The important things to know about materials used in helmets can help us make better and safer decisions for ourselves and our kids. The main purpose of a helmet is to protect our heads in the event of a crash. However, it is essential to note that not all crashes are equal.

For example, a motorcycle crash happens at far higher speeds. Those higher speeds mean harder impacts; thus, we need stronger materials for the helmet’s shell. But most helmets are still made of the same materials. A basic helmet is made using a polycarbonate plastic material.

You can find motorcycle helmets that are made of fiberglass or even kevlar. These two materials are stronger, but that doesn’t mean they provide more protection. The strength of the outer material, the shell, only makes a difference in how the helmet will stand up to a crash or a fall.

The Inner Layer Matters

One of the most important things to know about materials used in helmets is that the outer shell is mostly meant to house the inner layer. The inner layer is where we find most of the protection from a helmet. However, every helmet uses the same material: expanded polystyrene or polypropylene foam.

The shock of hitting our heads against a hard surface means risking concussions or worse. The foam is designed to absorb and spread that shock evenly to lessen the blow. There is no way to completely remove that danger, but reducing the risk of concussion or head injury is most important.

Polystyrene foam is excellent at absorbing that shock and spreading it evenly.

Foam for All

All crashes and hits are not equal. A motorcycle crash is not equal to a bicycle fall or a football tackle. They all come with different levels of danger to our heads, but all are dangerous nonetheless. Another one of the important things to know about materials used in helmets is that foam covers them all.

You may find two types of foam, polystyrene or polypropylene, but they are both great at absorbing that shock. In fact, they are so great that they are used in every type of helmet. You will find the foam in motorcycle helmets, bike helmets, football helmets, and even in packing material.

Of course, the packing material is more lightweight than helmet foam. However, we use this foam to absorb shock in any case.

Foam isn’t Everlasting

The helmet’s shell helps protect the foam so that it lasts longer and looks better. After all, no one wants to ride around with a hat made from packing peanuts. But another one of the important things to know about materials used in helmets is that the foam is not everlasting.

Wear and tear play a role, as do weather, humidity, etc. This means helmets should be replaced every so often to ensure they are strong enough to do what they are meant to do. Consumer Reports suggests that helmets should be replaced every 5 years to maintain strength.

However, some cheaper helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years. Cheaper helmets usually use a cheaper outer shell material, which means the foam isn’t as protected as it could be.

Materials for Comfort

Helmets may come with more materials than just an outer shell and a foam. These other materials are meant to help provide comfort over protection. These materials are usually softer foams made of some type of fabric.

It is important to note that these materials may add a tiny bit of shock absorption, but not enough to be noticeable. However, comfort and a snug fit are very important. This means everyone may have a different preference for the comfort padding of a helmet.

There is no one-size-fits-all here, but there is no need to search out how much protection the comfort layers offer. The important things will always be the fit of the helmet and the foam.