Every motorcycle rider requires utmost safety while riding, whether at top speed, in the city, or while off-roading. Regardless of the functionality, some riders dislike the feeling of wearing an enormous mushroom over their heads. Most half head helmets make the head resemble a mushroom, thus the name “mushroom head” helmets.
Usually, the thickness of these large helmets is due to ample foam padding that manufacturers add to them. Their seemingly mushroom appearance makes some riders avoid them. But instead, go for a lighter, less bulbous head-look in all their safety helmets. One of such lightweight, comfortable, and small-sized helmets is the low profile, skid lid, or skull cap helmet.
This article presents all you need to know about the half helmet, no mushroom helmet. We have also outlined what differentiates it from the other types of half helmets.
What Is A Motorcycle Mushroom Head Helmet?
The “mushroom head” helmet is a profiled name given to thick helmets that make the rider’s head look like a giant mushroom. Mushroom head helmets are thicker, well reinforced, and inevitably much larger. In addition, they are DOT-approved half helmets excessively padded with foams that safety regulators believe are the standard for head safety.
Mushroom head helmets are overly stuffed to absorb impact upon crash rather than repel the impact. In addition, since mushroom heads provide better safety from head injuries and overall protection, they are uncomfortable, heavier, and rigid. This has caused riders to seek more portable and smaller head gears while venturing in their rides.
But if you are comfortable with the age-old mushroom look of the regular DOT-certified helmets, then, you can utilize the mushroom helmet. But, if you prefer the sleek and comfortable feel of the low-profile helmet, you can leave them. However, it’s important to understand that these helmets are preferred based on user taste and satisfaction as they serve different purposes.
Why People Choose Half Helmets No Mushroom?
The Half Helmets No Mushrooms are the preferred alternatives currently for most motorcycle riders. No-mushrooms, skid lids, low profile, or even shorty caps—as they’re also known as—are DOT-certified motorcycle helmets. This helmet, however, is less padded, much smaller, and more comfortable.
The no-mushroom helmet covers the top part of your head but doesn’t protect other vital parts of the head. For example, it doesn’t protect regions like the neck, chin, or back of your head. These helmets are ideal for cruisers or chopper motorcycles. They are even a great choice for Harley riders. You might need to compliment the helmets with sunglasses.
Already we’ve seen a few benefits of no-mushroom helmets over mushroom helmets—it’s primarily about the design. Asides from those, here are brief advantages of the shorty or skull caps over the mushroom helmets.
1. Lightweight
The no-mushroom helmets are lightweight and easy to carry around or even put in your backpack. Some of them are even designed to fit the skull size. An average low-profile helmet can weigh up to 2lbs, providing you easier access to move your head around.
2. Comfortable
No-mushrooms are more comfortable than mushroom helmets. Not only will onlookers not have to call you a “giant mushroom,” but the helmets are also designated to provide comfort. That’s why people choose the half helmets, no mushroom. They love to enjoy the wild breeze brushing against their cheeks during rides.
3. Less tussle
Given that these skid lids are lightweight, that means less stress to your neck and shoulders. Owning a DOT-certified low-profile helmet is more advantageous than possessing a bulky mushroom headgear.
4. Fitting
Skid lids provide more fitting to the head, and in helmet safety, more fitting means more security. The helmet shouldn’t sag on your head as that shows an increased possibility of it falling off your head if a crash occurs. Ideal helmet straps shouldn’t be too tight or too loose on your chin.
5. Affordable
DOT-approved skid lids provide equal protection with the normal DOT-certified mushroom helmets but are more affordable.
6. No-Mushroom design
Another pivotal benefit of the low-profile helmet is that it is small! You don’t have to worry about looking at your reflection in a mirror or glass and seeing a bobblehead mannequin riding a bike. The helmet provides minimal headroom with very little padding. No-mushroom helmets combine style, comfort, and safety with meeting the rider’s preferences.
Is It Safe To Wear Half Face Helmet?
Riding with helmets is generally more secured than riding without helmets. In addition, research shows us that helmets provide over 67% protection against head/brain injuries and exactly 29% prevention of fatal head/brain injuries. This is an impressive record for helmets; however, there also seems to be a challenge.
Another study from Hurt Reports shows impact regions of accidents, and the region that experiences the most impacts is the chin. This is scary information seeing that half-face helmets, in general, don’t have chin bars to protect the chin from crashes.
Unlike their full-face helmet counterpart, half-face helmets don’t provide much safety for the chin.
Conclusion
Motorcycle riding with helmets is a truly great experience if you can stay comfortable inside as well. If you use a half helmet, you get a wider view, and better ventilation. But the regular DOT-certified half-face helmet is bulkier, and weightier and makes you receive the “mushroom head” comments from passersby. A great alternative to that is the no mushroom helmet which is lightweight, smaller, and of course, not a mushroom helmet.
Low-profile—as it’s often called—has less padding and comes in more customizable variations than the regular mushroom helmet. The best part is the look they offer with a less bulky feeling, which is why people choose half helmets no mushroom. If your helmet cracks or bends after a slight crash or accident, you should consider replacing it. However, if you are seeking a fully secured helmet, the full-face helmet is your best option.
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