In the world of motorcycle helmets, women’s helmets have always been more style conscientious than their male counterparts. While colors such as pink and purple are often found in women’s motorcycle helmets, they are rarely seen in a man’s helmet. In fact, a woman’s helmet tends toward being designed as a trend proclamation more than that of a man’s helmet.
A word of caution should be mentioned here – safety and not looks should be the most important consideration in purchasing women’s motorcycle helmets. An expert said that exuding sex appeal is often a factor in designing a woman’s motorcycle helmet from the manufacturer’s point of view; however, that should be a minor factor when one is a consumer looking to purchase a helmet for women.
Women’s motorcycle helmets are easily distinguished from a man’s helmet. Women’s helmets are often smaller. As well, colors and the design are geared toward one gender or another.
Since more and more women over the last three decades have been riding motorcycles, women’s motorcycle helmets come in so many styles. A woman who wants a trendy and safe helmet need not sacrifice one for the other – she can get both in one helmet. An excellent example of a woman’s motorcycle helmet that is both stylish and functional is the Icon Racing’s “Hooligan Gloss Helmet.” Although the name does not denote femininity, the helmet is shaped unmistakably for a woman and is available in a pink-purple hue. At the same time, this helmet has all the necessary safety features. It meets all the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Snell; it is made of a fiberglass shell; the dual-density styrene liner in the helmet reduces the risk of head trauma. This helmet is truly both beautiful and functional.
Because riding motorcycles is still perceived to be primarily a man’s activity, men tend to be more experienced and knowledgeable than women in purchasing helmets. Before shopping for women’s motorcycle helmets, a first-time buyer should learn about the wide variety of women’s helmets that are in the market. She should get a basic knowledge of DOT and Snell safety standards for helmets. She should understand the importance of proper fit as a factor in determining the level of protection a helmet can provide. She should also be knowledgeable about the trade-offs in a woman’s motorcycle helmet – those pertaining to safety, comfort, heat-flow, ventilation and other factors in rider’s comfort. Since the female face is generally more delicate than a man’s, women tend to buy helmets that maximize facial protection.