Different Motorbike Helmet Buckles…..

Jan 25, 2013

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A motorcycle helmet buckle is the part on the end of the helmet strap that, when the 2 parts are connected together, holds the helmet securely on your head.
There are (in very basic terms!) 3 different motorbike helmet buckles, the quick release buckle, the ‘Double D’ buckle and the micro metric buckle……

The Quick Release Style Helmet Buckle

View of a closed quick release buckle on an AGV helmet.

Close up view of a closed quick release buckle on an AGV helmet.

A quick release buckle in the ‘open’ position on an AGV helmet.

Open quick release helmet buckle close up

Close up view of an open quick release buckle on an AGV helmet.

The quick release buckle (also known as the seat belt style buckle) is an easy to use buckle where a metal end part (usually with a hole in it) goes into a spring operated catch (this system works similar to a seatbelt on a car).
The strap length is usually adjusted using metal length adjusters on the strap. Although the buckle pictured above on an AGV helmet is difficult to operate with gloves still on, there are many different versions and styles of this buckle, some of which can be operated with gloves on (these usually have a push button opening mechanism).

The Micro Metric Style Helmet Buckle

View of a closed Micro Metric buckle on a Nitro helmet.

Close up view of a Micro Metric helmet buckle

Close up view of a closed Micro Metric buckle on a Nitro Motorcycle helmet.

View of an open Micro Metric helmet buckle

View of an open Micro Metric buckle on a Nitro Motorcycle helmet.

Close up view of an open Micro Metric helmet buckle

Close up view of an open Micro Metric buckle on a Nitro Motorcycle helmet.

The ‘Micro Metric’ buckle system works by using a ‘toothed’ tad on the end of 1 strap which goes into a spring operated ratchet on the end of the other strap (the basic principle of this system is similar to a reusable cable tie).
The Micro Metric buckle can be operated with gloves on and the strap length is normally adjusted by using metal length adjusters on 1 of the straps. The fitment and length of the strap can be fine tuned using the toothed tab and ratchet system (the toothed tab doesn’t have to go all the way into the ratchet to be closed). Micro Metric buckle explained in full….

The Double D Style Helmet Strap

View of a closed Double D strap on an Arai helmet.

Close up view of a closed Double D strap on an Arai helmet.

View of an open Double D strap on an Arai helmet.

Close up view of an open Double D strap on an Arai helmet.

The ‘Double D’ helmet strap system is probably the oldest, simplest and (arguably!) the safest strapping system for motorcycle helmets.
The Double D system doesn’t contain any ratchets and works by putting 1 end of the strap through both of the metal ‘D’ rings on the other strap, then looping the strap back through the 1st ‘D’ ring to secure it.
Although the downside of this system means it is very difficult (or near enough impossible!) to operate with gloves on, the simple design means it hardly ever fails and always has to be adjusted to the correct tension when you put the helmet on.

If you’ve got any questions or know of any buckle styles we’ve missed please leave a comment below…..

Comments

7 responses to “Different Motorbike Helmet Buckles…..”

Terry

September 4, 2016

Worth reaidng. However nothing to say about safety. For protection and safety, a helmet is the first gear that you will need while riding. Not every time you will get a crash, but the safety must be assured. Studies and researches say that the riders wearing helmets are less likely face crashes. I don’t need to mention that the properly constructed motorcycle helmets will save you from serious head and neck injury.

Reply
1. WhiteDogBikes
  
  September 5, 2016
  
  This article wasn’t about helmet safety……
  
  You can read more about some aspects of helmet safety on the pages below:
  
  http://www.whitedogbikes.com/whitedogblog/inside-full-face-motorbike-helmet/
  
  http://www.whitedogbikes.com/whitedogblog/inside-a-flip-front-motorcycle-helmet/
  
  http://www.whitedogbikes.com/whitedogblog/motorbike-helmet-road-legal-uk/
  
  Just out of interest……
  
  “Studies and researches say that the riders wearing helmets are less likely face crashes”
  
  Any links to back up this quote? 🙂
  
  Reply
David Larson

December 12, 2016

Can the micro metric be fitted onto a helmet already double-d equipped?

Reply
1. WhiteDogBikes
  
  December 13, 2016
  
  Not without alot of modification to the helmets strap. You would need to cut the strap or threads to get the old double D buckle off then attach the new micro metric buckle and re stitch the strap. Not something I’d really recommend doing as the last thing you would want is the stitching coming undone in an accident if it wasn’t secure enough!
  
  Reply
Andrew

December 15, 2016

Great description, I used ratchet on all my helmets but just got a HJC with double D – so far so good.

Reply
Noobie biker

March 3, 2020

Thank you for this article. Pictures were great!

Reply
Mike Beecham

August 23, 2020

I was involved in a head-on crash with a pickup that turned into my lane and impacted his bumper at a 45 degree angle. I had helmet with a micro-metric buckle and impact was estimated by state patrol at about 20mph. Of course, the helmet saved my life and the armored jacket saved me from a shattered right shoulder versus a separated shoulder that I suffered. 2 hours after accident, I noticed a sore throat that apparently was a result of buckle impacting my larynx. I will use double d straps from now on.

Reply