You’re probably wondering why low-profile motorcycle helmets feature mushroom heads. It’s the edges that look like a mushroom. Well, not everyone likes the mushroom head design instead of a nifty clean edge.
The reasons are obvious in most cases. For starters, no mushroom head designs have the slick design that mushroom heads don’t have. Secondly, you get a stylish outlook that you can’t really achieve with a regular helmet. Well, there are other aspects to the no-mushroom helmets that will give you other reasons to get one.
However, the usual low-profile design helmets have mushroom heads because of the thick padding and foam added by manufacturers.
Let’s dive in and learn more about helmets with and without mushroom heads. We’ll also discuss whether they’re any safer compared to other designs or not.
What Is Helmet Mushroom Head?
Before we get started, let’s understand what a mushroom head helmet means. A helmet mushroom head is a name given to helmets with thick and excessive padding for added protection. The padding makes these helmets appear like a giant mushroom on the head, hence the name.
This is the complete opposite of low-profile helmets without a mushroom appearance. The helmets lack any kind of padding and reinforcement. They appear slim and feature a low profile design, making them a favorite for bike riders and cafe races.
Some riders avoid these types of helmets because of their bulky nature and heavy weight. Instead, they opt for a half helmet without a mushroom look. These are the smallest in any bike helmet sizing chart. However, there are also size variations of the small, medium, lightweight within this helmet type.
In simple terms, mushroom head helmets are thicker, bigger, and heavier. They feature excellent reinforcement which brings out the bigger looks.
Most of these helmets are DOT-approved (Department of Transportation) with regulators believing they are the ideal standards for safety. The design features excessive stuffing to absorb any impacts on crashing.
Overall, mushroom head helmets ensure optimal safety from head injuries. However, the helmets tend to be uncomfortable, heavier, and rigid. This is why you see most people opting for the lightweight half helmet without the mushroom appearances.
In the end, the ideal choices come down to personal preferences and safety. The age-old mushroom look is ideal for safety but one must compromise on comfort. The low-profile lightweight helmets are ideal if you want a sleek and more comfortable feeling.
Why Do Low Profile Motorcycle Helmets Have Mushroom Heads?
You’ll be surprised at the amount of money bike lovers pay to have stylish bikes. However, they usually end up with a mushroom-like head which doesn’t look good on them.
As a bike lover, do you want your head to look like a giant mushroom on the road? Why do low-profile motorcycle helmets have mushroom heads?
The mushroom head appearance can be attributed to excessive padding and thick shells. The extra protection added helps absorb impacts in case of accidents.
In most cases, the helmets feature a tough exterior shell that protects against impacts. Additionally, they feature different foam padding on the interior to help enhance comfort and further absorb shocks. The helmets work perfectly when it comes to safety.
However, the extra materials add more weight making them bulky and heavier. The mushroom head design is understandable for safety purposes. You can also find extra moisture-wicking fabrics on the helmets to help absorb any moisture and sweat.
Manufacturers are always trying to get low-profile helmets without the mushroom appearances. However, this must be done without affecting safety. Nowadays, we have low-profile helmets without a mushroom appearance.
However, the biggest question is whether the helmets are safe. This leads us to our next important question.
Are Low-Profile Helmets Safe?
Although you get superior cooling to the neck with a low-profile helmet, you may get skeptical about their safety.
Well, to some extent, low-profile helmets are safe. However, they are not the safest on the market. Low-profile helmets are the safer than wearing no headgear at all. However, most bike riders are always on the lookout for a stylish, lightweight, and low-profile helmet with good protection.
Nowadays, you can pretty decent low-profile helmets with new technologies and some little padding to ensure optimal safety. They’ll come with comfort throat sleeve, Quick-release adjustable straps, even safety certifications on top.
You’ll get DOT-certified low-profile helmets that can meet a wide array of needs. On top of the light and comfortable design, a helmet with DOT safety standards checked is no joke. However, you need to get the correct size of helmet that is perfect for your head size.
They are a unique blend of helmets that give users protection and looks. The low profile prevents the bulky mushroom head design. You can be sure of looking stylish and great on the road.
So, in a way, low-profile helmets are safe to some extent. First, they are minimally padded, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. The helmets cover almost the entire head. However, it leaves out vital parts of the head like the chin, back of the head, and neck. This is the minimal risk the helmets pose in case of accidents.
In some instances, you might consider complementing the helmets with glasses. The major benefit of low-profile helmets over bigger helmets is design. They tend to strike a thin line between safety and looks.
So, apart from design and safety to an extent, what else do you stand to gain from low-profile helmets?
Benefits Of Low-profile Helmets
- Easy to wear and remove: There is less tussle with low-profile helmets. You can easily wear and remove them with ease. These helmets do not put your neck and shoulders under heavy stress.
- Comfortable: Secondly, the helmets are comfortable and feel great to wear. The unique design offers comfort. You don’t have to feel like you’re wearing a giant mushroom over your head. Most riders choose half helmets because of comfort.
- Lightweight: Thirdly, the helmets are exceptionally lightweight and easy to carry around. You can have them on your head for long periods without fatigue. They are also easy to store and can fit in backpacks.
- Great fitting: The helmets offer a great fit, therefore, ensuring more security. You can be sure the helmet will not sag. It stays in place coming with straps that ensure a great fit.
- Affordable: Lastly, these helmets are quite affordable. The fewer materials used in their construction means they tend to cost less.
I can confidently say low-profile helmets are safer to wear. However, they are not the safest with the degree of safety varying. Research has shown that helmets offer up to 67% protection against head injuries. Additionally, the helmets protect against 29% of fatal injuries.
Overall, for low-profile helmets, the chin is at the highest risk of injuries in case of accidents. This is because of the helmet design that does not cover the chin. A full-face helmet with a mushroom head provides full-head protection.
So, when you’re wearing a low profile helmet, have the right helmet size, and make sure the covered part is getting its best safety possible. Have your Adjustable chin straps tightened all the way, and have a sun visor with an adjustable dial to customize your vision.
Conclusion
Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is a great way to keep yourself safe. In fact, in most countries, you need to wear a helmet by law. Deciding between a low-profile motorcycle helmet with a mushroom head and one without should not be difficult.
Everything comes down to personal safety and style. In the end, both helmets come with their pros and cons. You need to see what works for your case and choose accordingly.
