Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets

Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets

There is little doubt about the fact that a helmet should be an indispensable part of your biking paraphernalia, whether you choose to take a casual ride only a few miles away from home, or plan a long-distance road trip with your friends. However, what may be confusing before buying one, is the type of helmet that would best suit your needs. 

If that is the case with you, then you have taken a look at the right place. The blog will take you through different types of helmets and their features to help you make the right choice.

Full face helmets

SOL SL-68S II Metal Man Helmet
SOL SL-68S II Metal Man Helmet

As the name suggests, Full-face helmets offer full coverage around the head and face. The protective visor and chin bar protects the face and the brain from debilitating injuries in case of accidents. 

Although bulkier, most full-face helmets have ventilation through them to keep you cool while riding in summers and reduce airflow in colder months. 

Considered to be the safest option for long-distance riding, the minimum noise levels appeal to many riders. 

Additionally, newer technologies like Bluetooth connection, high-visibility and visors that adjust to sunlight conditions, make full-face helmets a viable option. 

Half face helmets

AXOR Retro Jet Helmet
AXOR Retro Jet Helmet

Also called the open-face and ¾  helmets, they cover the head but leave the face exposed which is why one can feel the fresh breeze coming in as one speeds past the road. Obviously enough, it also means that the road debris can easily barge in.

Since the chin bar is missing in half-face helmets, they come with a potential risk to cause facial injuries in case of accidents and yet they might be more preferable in hotter climates, given that full-face ones can be potentially suffocating.

Several half-face helmets also come equipped with partial or full-face visors or may have to be bought separately which can protect the face and eyes from sunlight. 

Although they are less safe than the full-face ones, they might be suitable for those who cannot bear the suffocation especially in summers, and may as well use them for small distance rides.  

Half Shell helmets

As the very name suggests, these helmets cover only the head till the ears leaving the face, neck and jaws entirely exposed. 

They seem to be relatively cheaper than their counterparts and offer an expanded view of the driving field, which is why they may be preferred for shorter rides. However, the very design of these helmets also speaks for the lack of safety that they offer. 

Given that the face remains completely exposed, these helmets are prone to encounter more wind resistance, dust and debris from outside and chances of serious injury in case of accidents. Safely enough, half shell helmets can be spotted as the ones falling short of requisite safety standards and the recent trends attest to the same with fewer and fewer people preferring them.   

Modular/Flip-up helmets

LS2 FF324 Rapid Metro Flip Up Helmet
LS2 FF324 Rapid Metro Flip-Up Helmet

These are the flip-up helmets with a hinge that allows the user to lower and raise the chin bar, as and when needed. 

Weighing slightly more than full-face helmets owing to its adjustable build, it tends to provide more safety than the half-face ones. Essentially, it is the go-to helmet for those who want the advantages of both the full face and half face helmets. 

The only catch is, one should pay greater attention to the quality as the hinges and bolts may loosen over time. All things considered, modular helmets may prove to be a good choice for many riders who cannot manage the suffocation of a full-face helmet and do not want to compromise with their safety.

Off-road/ Motocross helmets

Bell MX-9 Helmet With MIPS – Torch Helmet (White blue Hi Viz)
Bell MX-9 Helmet With MIPS – Torch Helmet (White blue Hi Viz)

Designed for motocross, these helmets have an extended chin bar along with a longer visor to enable quality airflow.

To ensure comfort to the riders during their long rides is the very purpose of these helmets, which is why they offer material options like carbon fibre, kevlar and fiber-glass which makes them lightweight and strong.

Paired with a suitable set of goggles, these helmets tend to promise comfort and protection to riders for their off-road journeys. 

Dual-sport helmets

LS2 MX436 Pioneer Evo Dual Sport Helmet
LS2 MX436 Pioneer Evo Dual Sport Helmet

These helmets can be seen as dynamic, for they provide external protection similar to off-road helmets and the internal comfort of full-face helmets. 

They offer wider face opening for a clear vision, superior airflow and a suitable visor to prevent sunlight and road debris. 

Expansive as they are, they also have notable features which is why they are preferred by pro bikers. 

To keep up the fun along with prioritizing safety is what a wise biker does. Choose your helmet type that best suits your needs and always wear one, extending your hands to create a safer world for yourselves and others.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.