There are good reasons for both. Metal can absorb a lot of energy and It makes for warm and cooling the head.(But) It Is a great condutor If you Work near powerlines (You would not wear metal)And that brings me to plastic It also asorbes energy well.Thats why you have to replce them.They are light and flexible,but cheaper than metal. You all should know there are many studys right know going on that uses nano technology, but will cost (much of your beer cans).This helmet will not have to be replaced and is light weight also flexible. ( I LOVE THE FRONT SCREEN )::blob5: