A motorcycle helmet is a piece of vital safety equipment. It’s your first line of defense in a crash, protecting your head from serious injury. While all helmets offer some level of protection, choosing the right one for you can make a significant difference in the outcome of an accident. There are five main types of motorcycle helmets, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Full-face helmet
Pros:
Full-face helmets offer the most comprehensive protection for your head, face, and jaw. The entire head is encased within a hard shell, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury in a crash. The enclosed design of a full-face helmet helps to minimize wind noise, making for a quieter and more comfortable riding experience, especially at highway speeds.
A full-face helmet shields your face from dust, rain, insects, and other debris encountered while riding. This is especially beneficial for long-distance rides or riding in unpredictable weather conditions.
Cons:
Compared to other helmet styles, a full-face helmet can restrict your peripheral vision slightly due to the presence of the face shield. However, modern helmets are designed to offer a wide field of view, minimizing this drawback.
Furthermore, full-face helmets tend to be the heaviest type of helmet due to the additional material required to protect the face and jaw. This can cause neck fatigue on longer rides and while some full-face helmets have good ventilation systems, they typically offer less airflow than open-face helmets, which can be a discomfort on hot days.
Open-face helmet (3/4 helmet)
Pros:
Open-face helmets are significantly lighter than full-face helmets, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders, particularly during extended rides. Furthermore, its design provides an unobstructed view, offering superior peripheral vision compared to full-face helmets. This can be advantageous for navigating traffic and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Open-face helmets also allow for maximum airflow, keeping your head cool and comfortable on hot days. This is ideal for riders who live in warm climates or those who tend to get hot easily while riding.
Cons:
Open-face helmets leave your face exposed, offering minimal protection in the event of a crash. This puts your face and jaw at high risk of serious injury. Due to the lack of facial protection, open-face helmets are not recommended for highway riding where speeds are typically higher and the risk of a motorcycle accident is greater.
Another con is that your face will be exposed to the elements such as wind, rain, dust, and insects, which can be uncomfortable and distracting while riding.
Modular helmet (flip-up helmet)
Pros:
A modular helmet combines the features of a full-face and open-face helmet. The chin bar flips up, allowing for increased ventilation at lower speeds or when stopped, providing a more open-face experience. When the chin bar is down, it offers the same level of protection as a full-face helmet.
The flip-up functionality can be helpful for riders who frequently stop and need to talk to people, eat, or drink while on the go. With the chin bar flipped up, a modular helmet offers an expansive field of view similar to an open-face helmet.
Cons:
Modular helmets tend to be heavier and bulkier than traditional full-face helmets due to the added mechanism for the flip-up chin bar. This can increase neck fatigue on long rides. The chin bar on a modular helmet introduces a potential weak spot compared to a traditional full-face helmet. While they go through rigorous safety testing, some riders may prefer the solidity of a traditional full-face helmet.
Dual-sport helmet (off-road helmet)
Pros:
Dual-sport helmets are specifically designed for the demands of off-road riding. The peak (visor) helps to shield the rider from sunlight and deflect branches, rocks, and other debris encountered on trails.
Many dual-sport helmets feature excellent ventilation systems to keep the rider cool in the often-slow speeds and hot environments associated with off-road riding. Furthermore, while some dual-sport helmets come with face shields, goggles are a common option for off-road riders. Goggles can provide a tighter seal around the eyes to keep out dust, dirt, and moisture.
Cons:
In some areas, dual-sport helmets may not be street-legal without a face shield. Always check your local regulations before using a dual-sport helmet on public roads. Goggles, while effective for off-road riding, can fog up more easily than a face shield and may not be as comfortable for extended wear on the street.
Half-helmet
This type of helmet offers minimal protection and is not recommended for motorcycle riding. There aren’t really any pros for this type of helmet and the major con of this type of helmet is that it offers very little protection, as stated before. However, some states allow them, but many experienced riders avoid them altogether.
Choosing the Right Helmet Size and Fit
A properly fitting helmet is essential for safety and comfort. A helmet that is too loose could come off in a crash, while a helmet that is too tight can be uncomfortable and cause headaches. Here’s how to find the right fit:
First, measure your head. Wrap a cloth tape measure around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows. Then match the measurement to a helmet size chart: Most helmet manufacturers will have a size chart on their website or packaging that will indicate the recommended head size for each helmet size (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.)
Try on different helmets. Once you have an idea of your size, visit a motorcycle shop and try on a few different helmets. The helmet should feel snug but comfortable. It should not pinch or cause any pressure points.
Afterwards, perform a cheek pad test. To do this, put the helmet on without fastening the chin strap. The helmet should be snug enough that you can barely fit a cheek between the padding and your face. Next try out a rolling test. With the helmet on and the chin strap fastened, try to roll the helmet from side to side. The helmet should move slightly, but it should not come off easily.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on style and fit, consider some additional features:
- Visor options: Look for a visor made from anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate. Tinted visors can help reduce eye strain on bright days, but ensure they are still compliant with local regulations for light transmittance. Consider a helmet with a quick-release visor system for easy swapping.
- Ventilation system: A good ventilation system is essential for keeping your head cool and comfortable on hot days. Look for helmets with adjustable vents on the top, front, and back of the helmet.
- Padding and liner: The padding should be comfortable and breathable. Look for a helmet with a removable and washable liner for easy cleaning.
- Communication system compatibility: If you plan on using a Bluetooth headset to communicate with other riders or listen to music, make sure the helmet you choose is compatible with your chosen system.
- Weight: A lighter helmet will be more comfortable for longer rides, especially important for touring riders. However, lighter helmets may use less robust materials to achieve their weight reduction.
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet is an important decision. By considering the factors outlined above, you can find a helmet that provides the protection you need, fits comfortably, and suits your riding style.
