A Hawk helmet is the best protective gear you can wear while riding a motorcycle. A helmet will not only protect your head from a potential injury, but also cut down on wind noise, windblast on your face and eyes, and deflect bugs and other debris that flies through the air. It will also protect you from changing weather conditions and reduce rider fatigue.
Last but not least, wearing a Hawk helmet is a reflection of your attitude toward riding and shows that you are a responsible rider who takes motorcycle riding seriously.
The expected turn around time from one Hawk helmet to another is three years (or a crash). If you have a crash, be sure to throw the Hawk helmet out and replace it. If you have the same helmet for three years be sure to get a new Hawk then as well.
There are a number of different Hawk available. Hybrid helmets allow you to slide the chin part of the Hawk helmet upwards. It's useful for people who wear glasses or bifocals. Open faced Hawk helmets (also known as three quarter helmets) protect the ears and side of the face, but offers no chin protection.