Motorcycle helmets have a variety of different designs. We understand that it can be tough to choose the right helmet from so many available options.
This is why in today’s post, we’ll guide you through the basics of different types of helmets. Moreover, we’ll also go over the pros and cons of each category.
Quick Summary
You can check the post for the following topics:
- Various types of motorcycle helmets
- Which one should you choose?
- Important tips
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, the designs have evolved over the years. Each design has its own benefits and different use.
However, there are five main types of helmets you need to be aware of. These categories are classified on design and purpose of use.
Here’s the list:
- Full face helmets
- Modular helmets
- Open face helmets
- Half helmets
- Sports helmets
As you can already tell by the name, each category is ever so slightly different from the other. Let’s discuss each of these types separately.
Full Face Helmets
The most common type of helmet you can find anywhere in the full-face helmet. They are widely regarded as the most secure type of helmets.
These helmets cover the entirety of your head, face, the upper half of your neck. Moreover, they have a curved arc in the front middle section which is covered by a transparent visor.
It is like an enclosed shell. It provides 360-degrees of protection and you have a clear line of sight with a curved visor.
Moreover, the padding is designed to keep the helmet stable.
Do these helmets always have a transparent visor?
In most cases, yes. Transparent visors are useful in day and night conditions. However, you can buy a tinted visor if your eyes are sensitive to sunlight.
Besides that, full-face helmets can be used for casual and off-road purposes. Their enhanced durability and protection make them suitable for all sorts of conditions.
Pros:
- Protection for chin, jaws, nose, and neck.
- Tight fit and aerodynamic design.
- Multiple visor options.
- Clear line of sight and wide peripheral vision
- Bluetooth accessibility
Cons:
- The inside of the helmet can get foggy in certain weather conditions.
- Difficult to wear for extended periods without proper airflow.
Modular Helmets
These helmets are a hybrid between full-face and open-face helmets. You can move the entire section below the visor to turn it into an open-face helmet.
In some cases, you can even remove this part. Another feature of modular helmets is that they come with dual visors. One is for full-face orientation and the other for open-face orientation.
You can easily see a cut in the bottom-middle section. This is where the helmet disjoints. Besides that, there is a tinted and smalled visor inside the helmet as well.
Do these helmets have a locking mechanism?
These helmets also have a dual locking mechanism for full-face and open-face orientation. This is to make sure that the helmet stays in a specific style even at high speeds.
Pros:
- Easy to wear.
- Highly versatile.
- Chin down design for better airflow.
- Built-in air vents.
Cons:
- It can be a hassle to manage two visors.
- The modular mechanism can wear out over time.
Open Face Helmets
As the name suggests, open-face helmets are designed to only cover your head, ears, and some parts of the neck. Your entire front half is exposed and only covered by a visor.
Moreover, compared to full-face helmets, this category is considerably lighter and easy to wear. You don’t have to worry about visor fog or airflow either.
An open-face helmet has a distinct difference. There is no helmet material below the visor.
Are these helmets safe to wear?
Absolutely. In terms of protection and durability, open-face helmets are on par with full-face helmets. However, they are only recommended for on-road usage.
Pros:
- Highly convenient to wear.
- No airflow problems.
- Stylish and sleek look.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Not suitable for different weather conditions like rain.
- Not usable for off-road purposes.
Half Helmets
Some people also regard this category as a sub-type of open-face helmets. It is mainly because they are quite similar in design. However, there are some major differences.
Half helmets only cover the along your eye-brows line. You can also find some models that extend to the ears but they are quite rare.
It is quite easy to tell the difference between an open-face and a half-helmet. An open-face helmet covers the majority of your head. On the other hand, a half-helmet only covers the top half of your head.
Pros:
- Excellent airflow.
- Easy to wear and carry around.
- Extremely lightweight.
- Visor compatibility.
Cons:
- Minimal protection.
- Not suitable for long motorcycle rides.
Sports Helmets
The last category includes all the helmets that are used for either sports or off-road purposes. Unlike other helmet types, you’ll find sports helmets to be sharp with a distinct look.
While other helmets have a round shape, these helmets come with a lot of curves and edges. This is because it increases the aerodynamics of the helmet.
If you look at a sports helmet, you can tell that there is a lot going on. The entire helmet is quite different from other categories.
Can I use these helmets for casual use?
The main plus point of sports helmets is that they can be used for casual purposes as well. You can give your daily attire a fresh and sporty look.
Pros:
- Highly durable.
- Shock and crack-resistant.
- Multiple air vents.
- Suitable for different weather conditions.
Cons:
- These helmets can be difficult to wear due to their weight.
- You cannot move the visor up completely.
These are all the five main types of helmets. We hope this information helps you to distinguish between different helmets.
Which Helmet Should You Choose?
Well, to simply put it, you can choose whatever type you are most comfortable with. Some people prefer full-face because of the protection it provides.
While on the other hand, some go for the open-face design because it is more convenient. We suggest that you try every single category at least once.
How will that help me?
It’ll give you a better idea of which type suits you best. However, in a general sense, if you travel long distances, you should get a full-face helmet to protect yourself from dust and other things.
Whereas, if your rides are short and within the city, open-face helmets are a viable option for that purpose.
Important Tips to Keep in Mind
Here are some things you should always keep in check before buying a motorcycle helmet.
- Safety over everything. Always buy a DOT-approved helmet for on and off-road use.
- Buy a helmet that fits your head perfectly. A loose helmet can be troublesome.
- Don’t buy a tinted visor helmet because it looks cool. It can be hard to view from a tinted visor at night time.
- Air vents are necessary for full-face and modular helmets. Otherwise, your visor will fog up constantly.
Final Thoughts…
With this, we come to the finish line of our post on different types of motorcycle helmets. We hope this information proves to be useful for you.
Motorcycle helmets are a necessary part of motorcycle drives and you can choose from a vast variety of designs. Each design has its own unique perks. Some are suitable for on-road purposes while some are specifically designed for off-roading.
Do let us know which helmet you use on a daily basis. CLICK HERE for more information.
