When we talk about riding a motorcycle with ATGATT (All the gears all the time), the helmet is always a priority. Because a helmet is responsible for saving the fragile head from accidents or falls. Most people including motorcycle riders have one question out of curiosity about helmets. After doing some research and combining all the data here is what I found.
So, Can a motorcycle helmet stop a bullet? A motorcycle helmet can’t stop a bullet as its shell is made up of fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastics, etc. These materials are not made to withstand the force of bullets. A bullet will easily go from one side to the other penetrating the helmet. Thus, helmets are not bulletproof.
Motorcycle helmets are not designed bulletproof to stop a bullet. It can withstand the impact of the surface or big objects. The helmets will just do fine protecting your head if you got into an accident. Because these don’t put that much impact like the sharp fast-moving bullet.
If by any chance you got in a dangerous situation then it’s important to seek proper cover.
As bullets are sharp and can penetrate objects easily until the object is itself bulletproof. Thus, in order to protect the head from bullets motorcycle helmets need to be bulletproof. I have discussed the reason motorcycle helmets can’t stop the bullet.
Why a motorcycle helmet can’t stop a bullet?
As bullets travel at the speed of 1200 mph to 1500 mph which produces a force of 200-foot pounds to 600-foot pounds. The motorcycle helmets can’t in any way withstand the bullet’s force as it’s made from lighter materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, high-density foam, etc.
The range of force that will concentrate on the small area of the helmet will be around 200-foot pounds to 600-foot pounds and it can vary with various bullet and gun types.
As the bullet is small, moving at higher velocities with having a 600 pound-force at an instant, So, neither the motorcycle helmet shell can stop it nor the inner foam and both will be damaged as soon as bullets hit it.
Now, a thing that we need to understand is how motorcycle helmets protect our heads from usual road accidents or falls.
So, the helmet’s outermost layer of the shell resists sudden shock and penetration. While an inner liner helps to spread the impact all over the helmet which is then absorbed by the foam inside it.
This is how a motorcycle helmet withstands accidents. But with bullets, it’s not the same, because there is no force distribution with the bullets as it’s fast, small, and sharp.
The bullet will easily go piercing from one side to another without any issue. Thus, the final answer is, as a motorcycle helmet is not bullet-proof (not even bullet-resistance) so it can’t stop a bullet.
Here is proof that a helmet can’t withstand the impact of a bullet. A guy has shared a video on shooting helmets with different bullet sizes on youtube.
So, now as we know that motorcycle helmets can’t stop them, let’s discuss some real and practical questions.
Do you really need a bulletproof motorcycle helmet?
The main purpose of motorcycle helmets is to prevent head injury during a road accident. Hence, there is no use of bullet resistance motorcycle helmets until you are going to a world war or have some powerful enemy waiting to kill you.
Helmets are made to be used while riding motorcycles where it needs to be lightweight, comfortable, and aerodynamic.
Thus, First of all, there is no helmet manufacturer making bulletproof helmets. But one thing is sure if the manufacturers try to make some helmets that can stop the bullet.
Then the helmets will not be as comfortable as they should be. Maybe a helmet becomes bulky with the use of heavy metal like steel, or fabric called kevlar.
Apart from this, we should also consider the cost of bullet-proof motorcycle helmets. Only a few people will able to buy which makes it unreasonable to make.
Considering this in mind a motorcyclist will never be required to wear a heavy steel-made helmet. So, it’s also clear that most motorcycle riders will never need a bulletproof helmet at all.
Here is one of the substances readily using over the world for making the helmet bullet resistant. (not bulletproof). These substances are Kevlar and Polycarbonate.
Note: There is lots of confusion between the similar terms but having entirely different meanings. According to cibulletproof.com, “Bullet-resistance” refers to the amount of strength material has to withstand attack from physical means. At the highest level of bullet-resistance material, it can withstand all types of gunfire. This is when bullet-resistant material whether it helmet or glass becomes bulletproof.
Monarch
Can we make motorcycle helmets bulletproof?
It is not possible to make a motorcycle helmet bulletproof because the overall comfort and design will be compromised.
The real task of the manufacturer is to give the same features of light-weightiness in the helmets of riders while making them bulletproof, which is not possible for now. Also, there is no need to make motorcycles bulletproof as we go on a ride, not on war.
Before making a motorcycle helmet bulletproof, here are some of the important requirements that must be kept in mind before manufacturing it.
- Weight of the helmet:– The bullet-proof helmet will be heavy. Thus, the first requirement while making helmets must be lightweight. Nobody wants to carry a stone over their head.
- The comfort of the helmet:- Comfort is another important factor that needs to be addressed. While making bullet-proof helmets the concern should also be comfort because riders need to wear the helmets for hours.
- Aerodynamic design:- The motorcycle helmets must be produced while keeping the shape aerodynamic. It is required to reduce pressure drag while riding.
- Cost-effective:- The most important requirement will be the cost. Even if manufacturers succeed to fulfill the above three requirements and the cost becomes high. Then most people will not be able to buy the helmets so, it will be of no benefit to riders or to the manufacturers.
Thus, while keeping all the requirements in mind, a bulletproof helmet is not possible to manufacture yet.
As it doesn’t seem practical to me nor to the manufacturers because most people will never encounter a world war or enemy ready to kill them. So, there is no need of making motorcycles helmet bullet-proof.
So, the real problem with making a motorcycle helmet bulletproof will be:-
- Retaining the light-weightiness of the helmet as well as making it bullet-proof
- The comfort of the motorcycle helmets must be maintained while making them bullet-proof
- Retaining the cost of the motorcycle helmets is reasonable as well as making it bullet-proof.
There are many issues while making bullet-proof motorcycle helmets. But, I have listed only two of them because these are the most basic requirements.
Conclusion
Motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof and can’t withstand the force exerted by the bullets on the helmets. It’s also not practical to have bulletproof helmets. In short, I have discussed most of the questions one can have related to the primary topic. Stay tuned to the website to get amazing articles. And, if you have got any doubts ask any questions through my email on the contact page
