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Motorcycle Helmets - Shoei Helmets Combine Style

The Shoei Company is a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of high-tech motorcycle helmets which compete internationally at the high end of the market. Shoei helmets are famous for their aesthetic qualities, their toughness and durability and, in recent years, for their versatility as well. As an example of the latter, the Shoei helmet product line now includes the Hornet-DS, a rider-configurable helmet which makes this single helmet suitable for both on-road and off-road riding.

Shoei Helmets are not only functional, they are outstanding examples of industrial design. Good looking, even elegant, they protect the rider's head, provide proper ventilation and still manage to look strikingly beautiful. The aerodynamically optimized design of the Hornet-DS is a great example. The nose piece stands out in a futuristic way that sets this helmet apart from other, less visually remarkable competitors. As with all Shoei Helmets there is a purpose to the design, however. The curves on the nose piece provide outstanding skull protection and air flow in addition to making a visual impression.

Regarding the toughness of the helmet, the earlier models of the modern Shoei helmets were introduced for use in the construction industry in Japan; the first motorcycle specific helmet being made in 1960. This helmet met the Japanese industrial criteria for robustness. The later versions of the Shoei helmets gave primary importance to the durability and crash resistance while designing the helmets. A sizeable majority of the company's helmets met the standards of Snell Memorial Foundation's M2005 rating. The Snell Memorial Foundation's rating system has often been criticized for its strict rules regarding safety benchmarks. The models of the helmets that have received the Snell Memorial Foundation's M2005 rating can be fairly judged to be the most reliable motorcycle helmets in the world. One key point to be mentioned is that the GRV helmet from Shoei was the helmet in which latest technologies such as carbon technology and Kevlar were first introduced.

In 1965 sales were boosted by the decision of the Honda Motor Company to endorse the Shoei Helmets in conjunction with Honda motorcycles. Since that time Shoei has remained at the forefront of their field. Many Shoei Helmets have won both safety and industrial design awards over the decades.

Surprisingly, this company, a company with a strong international presence-the Shoei helmet is very sought after in the United States-has a world-wide work force of only 500 people. Despite the popularity of the Shoei product in many regions of the world, and despite the fact that the Shoei helmet could be manufactured in places where costs would be much cheaper than in Japan, the company proudly proclaims that every Shoei helmet is produced in its state-of-art facility in Iwate, Japan. This small company produces a superior product that has delighted motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world.

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John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to buy a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle helmets see www.helmetsrus.com To get 10% off your next buy type in the coupon code: Video

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