If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you know how important it is to wear a helmet while riding. But have you ever wondered what makes up the visor on your helmet?
The visor on a motorcycle helmet serves as a shield to protect the rider’s eyes from wind, debris, and the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, not all visors are created equal. Different materials are used in their production, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.
Understanding the materials used to make motorcycle helmet visors can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a helmet. In this article, we will explore the various materials used to make helmet visors and their specific features and advantages. So, let’s dive into the world of helmet visors to learn more about this important component of motorcycle safety gear.
Unveiling the Mystery: What are Motorcycle Helmet Visors Made of?
Most motorcycle helmet visors are made of polycarbonate, a strong plastic that is lightweight and shatter-resistant. Some higher-end helmets have visors made of Lexan, a brand of polycarbonate that is even stronger and more impact-resistant. Both materials are clear, so they won’t obstruct your vision while riding.
Some riders prefer to have a tinted visor on their helmet to help reduce glare from the sun or headlights. Tinted visors are usually made of a darker shade of polycarbonate. While they can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to remember that they can also make it more difficult to see at night or in low-light conditions.
If you ride with a group, you may want to consider getting helmets with interchangeable visors so you can all match. Many brands offer helmets with multiple visors in different colors or styles, so you can find the perfect look for your group.
Pros and Cons of Each Visor Material
There are three main materials that motorcycle helmet visors are made of: polycarbonate, acrylic, and Lexan. Each material has its own set of pros and cons that riders should take into account when choosing a motorcycle helmet visor.
Polycarbonate visors are the most shatter-resistant and therefore offer the best protection against flying debris. However, they can be scratched more easily than other types of visors.
Acrylic visors offer good scratch resistance and are more optically clear than polycarbonate visors. However, they are not as shatter-resistant as polycarbonate and may yellow over time. And also they are more expensive than polycarbonate.
Lexan is the most expensive option but is optically clear and very impact resistant. It can also withstand high temperatures better than the other two materials. But they are also the most fragile. They offer little protection against scratches or flying debris.
Types of Helmet Visors and their Construction
Motorcycle helmet visors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique construction. The most common type of visor is the full-face helmet visor, which covers the entire face and provides the most protection from the elements. Other types of visors include the half-helmet visor, which only covers the top half of the face, and the three-quarter helmet visor, which covers the bottom half of the face.
The construction of motorcycle helmet visors also varies depending on the type of helmet. Full-face helmet visors are typically made from a single piece of shatterproof polycarbonate or Lexan plastic, while half-helmet and three-quarter helmet visors are usually made from two or more pieces of shatterproof plastic laminated together. The construction of motorcycle helmet visors also determines their level of tinting; some helmets have clear visors for night riding, while others have tinted or mirrored Visors for daytime use.
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Benefits of Different Types of Helmet Visors
Motorcycle helmet visors come in a variety of styles and each offers different benefits. Here is a look at some of the most popular types of motorcycle helmet visors and the benefits they offer:
Clear Motorcycle Helmet Visor:
A clear motorcycle helmet visor is the most popular type of visor and offers the rider the greatest visibility. This type of visor does not distort colors and allows riders to see clearly in all lighting conditions. Clear motorcycle helmet visors also offer the greatest level of protection from the elements, including wind, rain, and debris.
Smoke Motorcycle Helmet Visor:
A smoke motorcycle helmet visor offers a slightly darker tint than a clear visor, but still allows for good visibility. Smoke motorcycle helmet visors are popular with riders who want a little extra protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Smoke motorcycle helmet visors also offer exceptional protection from wind and debris.
Mirrored Motorcycle Helmet Visor:
A mirrored motorcycle helmet visor offers the darkest tint of all the types of visors and can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions. Mirrored motorcycle helmet visors are popular with riders who want maximum protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Mirrored motorcycle helmet visors also offer excellent protection from wind and debris.
Maintaining Your Visor: Cleaning and Replacing Tips
It’s important to keep your motorcycle helmet visor clean and free of scratches. Here are some tips for cleaning and replacing your visor:
- To clean your visor, use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they can damage the visor.
- To remove scratches, you can buff them out with a polishing compound or toothpaste. For deeper scratches, you may need to replace the visor.
- When replacing your visor, make sure to get one that is the correct size and shape for your helmet. Visors that are too big or small can impair your vision and be dangerous.
How to Choose the Right Helmet Visor
When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle helmet visor, there are a few things you need to take into account. The most important thing is the level of protection that the visor offers. You also need to consider the visibility that the visor provides and how comfortable it is to wear.
There are three main types of motorcycle helmet visors: clear, tinted, and polarized. Clear visors offer the best visibility and are ideal for night riding or in low-light conditions. Tinted visors help reduce glare and eye fatigue, making them ideal for bright days. Polarized visors reduce glare even further and can improve contrast, making them perfect for sunny days.
When choosing a motorcycle helmet visor, always opt for one that is made from shatterproof polycarbonate. This material offers the best protection against impact and flying debris. Make sure that the visor is properly secured to your helmet so that it doesn’t come loose in an accident.
Don’t forget to clean your motorcycle helmet visor regularly with soap and water or a specialized cleaner. This will help keep it free of dirt, grime, and bugs that can obstruct your vision while riding.
If you’re unsure about the correct way to secure your helmet with long hair, check out this comprehensive guide on “How to Put On a Motorcycle Helmet with Long Hair.”
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet Visor
When choosing a motorcycle helmet visor, there are a few factors to consider in order to ensure you are getting the best possible product. Here are a few things to look for when making your purchase:
- The visor should be made of shatterproof material in order to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- It is important that the visor fits snugly on your helmet so that it does not move around or come loose while you are riding.
- Make sure that the visor allows for adequate ventilation so that you do not overheat while wearing it.
- Choose a visor with UV protection in order to keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Motorcycle Helmet Visor?
Visors can become dirty and opaque from road debris, bugs, and even your own sweat. Cleaning and maintaining your motorcycle helmet visor is important for keeping it clear and functional. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your motorcycle helmet visor:
1. Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the visor.
2. For tougher grime, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the visor with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the visor with clean water afterwards.
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on the visor, as this can damage the surface.
4. If your visor has an anti-fog coating, avoid using cleaners that could strip away this coating. Instead, use a cleaner made specifically for anti-fog surfaces.
5. Apply a new anti-fog coating to the visor if needed. This can be done by spraying a small amount onto the inside surface of the visor and wiping it evenly with a clean cloth. Allow the coating to dry completely before using the helmet again.
6. Inspect the visor regularly for cracks, scratches, or other damage. If any damage is found, replace the visor immediately.
7. Be sure to store the visor in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Common Mistakes People Make Regarding Motorcycle Helmet Visors
One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a motorcycle helmet is not taking into account the type of visor they need. Motorcycle helmet visors come in a variety of styles and each serves a different purpose. For example, there are clear visors for those who want to be able to see clearly while riding and tinted visors for those who want to reduce the amount of sunlight that hits their eyes. There are also mirrored visors, which can help reduce glare from the sun.
Another common mistake is not properly caring for the visor. Motorcycle helmet visors need to be cleaned regularly in order to keep them clear and free of scratches. A good way to clean a motorcycle helmet visor is with a microfiber cloth and some lens cleaner. Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives on the visor as this can damage it.
Many people make the mistake of not replacing their motorcycle helmet visor when it becomes damaged or scratched. A damaged or scratched motorcycle helmet visor can impair your vision while riding, so it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Motorcycle helmet visors are important for motorcycle riders as they provide them with an extra layer of protection from the elements, and can even save their lives in some cases. To ensure that they get the most out of their visor, it is important to understand what materials are used to manufacture them and how those materials affect its performance. We hope that this article has helped you gain a better understanding of what motorcycle helmet visors are made of so that you can choose the best one for your needs.