The importance of a good motorcycle helmet cannot be stressed enough, and we have also gone into detail to explain the various safety standards of helmets. However, one more crucial aspect to look out for is their retention system — the method the straps secure below the chin.

Globally, there are three popular types — a regular buckle, a micrometric fastener, and the double D’s. While they seem negligible, they are not and in fact, certain used cases for helmets require one specific fastener, and here’s all you need to know about helmet retention systems.

Motorcycle helmet retention systems

Buckles

Buckles are a common sight in India and are popular on budget helmets. They are simple to use, and the straps have an adjustment to a certain point. However, since India lacks stringent standards when it comes to helmet safety and testing, these buckles are extremely unsafe, and they are prone to corrosion since they are made of metal and plastic. In our opinion, stay as far away as possible from them.

Micrometric fasteners

Micrometric fasteners are becoming popular with many helmet makers, even globally. They rely on a simple system to fasten the helmet and are okay for street use. The biggest drawback, however, is that the helmet straps need to be adjusted frequently, and if they are ignored, they can work loose over time and can be fatal in an accident. Also, the plastic materials used can give up easily under pressure.

Double D’s

Yep, motorcyclists love it — it takes a bit of getting used to, and once you have the hang of it, you will never want to part. The double D rings do not rely on any mechanism and have been around for many, many years, proving that simplicity is the safest. There are no parts that will give up over time or in the event of a crash, and all race circuits require helmets to have double D rings — even mandated by FIM standards. In our opinion, this is the safest out there.