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German motorcycle helmet construction has come a very long way from the WWII-era M35, M40, and M42 combat Stahlhelm helmets from which they descend. Typically, bikers choose a helmet based foremost on price, followed by looks, comfort, and safety – in that order. As far as a modern DOT approved German motorcycle helmet goes, the classic shapes of the M35, M40, and M42 combat Stahlhelm helmets remains unchanged while both the comfort and safety factors come from a whole new world.

To get an idea of the advancements a modern German style motorcycle helmet, DOT-compliant ones at least, offers today's biker, take a look at these two photos:

As you can see, the original WWII-era German helmet uses a simple leather web liner on the inside. While a leather web liner may offer comfortable wear and easy re-sizing, it obviously isn't going to provide any suitable protection for the rider's noggin during a serious spill.

Now, compare that to the modern-day DOT-approved German motorcycle helmet pictured above. As you can see, it offers a plush interior for the ultimate fit and comfort. It's contoured-to-fit polystyrene foam inner shell ensures a comfortable fit while providing the impact-absorption needed to protect the rider's grey matter.

Thick contoured foam padding bonded to the inner shell provides some extra cushion, but it mainly ensures comfort, easy wear, and minimal wobble. The comfort liner covering the foam uses a dual-textured design. Perforated microfiber nylon lines the bottom to enhance air circulation. The remainder of the interior features a sweat-resistant plush brushed nylon lining that helps prevent that clammy feeling on hotter days.

Some of the pricier German motorcycle helmets offer a more deluxe interior. They typically have a mesh upper crown panel that improves airflow circulation for hot-weather riding. They also offer a specially padded crown section to ensure a snug yet very comfortable fit. Plus, it provides an air space for reduced heat and moisture buildup throughout the interior.

If you look closely at the photo of the original German combat helmet, you can spot steel D-rings on either side. These were used for the chin-strap. Most of the German style motorcycle helmet models on the market today come equipped with the open-ear harness-style chin-strap retention system, as seen the picture of the modern helmet above.

Virtually all of the German motorcycle helmets that come with the open-ear harness retention system feature padded and enclosed black nylon straps. For greatest comfort, the ear-area harness is padded and covered in brushed nylon that matches the helmet's interior. Black leather-like vinyl outer trim on the ear harness adds a perfect finishing touch.

Like most every modern-day motorcycle helmet, DOT-approved German style helmets feature outer shells made of some form of one-piece injection-molded polycarbonate, which is penetration resistant and impact absorbent.

Finally, exterior finishes for modern-day German motorcycle helmets is surprisingly varied. Although the classic shape is the same, these types of helmets can be purchased with a painted finish, a chrome finish, covered with leather, or with a polished space-aged-looking raw carbon fiber finish. It's also possible to a buy a German motorcycle helmet with spike or spikes up top, though one would have to question the wisdom of wearing a German motorcycle helmet with spike ornamentation in light of a potential crash.

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