Tag: Motorcycle Helmets

The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmets are an essential part of a rider’s motorcycle gear, offering protection, comfort, and even a touch of personal style. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting, choosing the right helmet is crucial.

This guide explores the various types of motorcycle helmets, detailing their benefits, features, and suitability for different riding styles.

1. Full-Face Helmets: Maximum Protection and Versatility

Image by Soheb Zaidi via Unsplash

Full-face helmets are the most comprehensive option available, offering protection for the entire head, including the chin and jaw.

These helmets are favored by riders who prioritize safety, especially those who frequently ride at high speeds or in challenging conditions.

Key Features

All-Round Protection: The full-face design ensures that the head, face, and chin are entirely encased, minimizing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Aerodynamic Design: The sleek shape reduces wind resistance, making full-face helmets ideal for sport riders and those who enjoy long-distance touring.
Noise Reduction: The enclosed design helps to reduce wind noise, providing a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Ventilation Systems: Despite their comprehensive coverage, full-face helmets come equipped with advanced ventilation systems that ensure adequate airflow, preventing fogging and keeping the rider cool.

Why Choose a Full-Face Helmet?

Riders who prioritize safety above all else should consider a full-face helmet. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or racing, the full-face helmet provides unmatched protection and comfort.

It’s particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions, offering shelter from rain, wind, and debris. Additionally, the visor can be customized with anti-fog, tinted, or even photochromic lenses to enhance visibility under different lighting conditions.

Read about the best full-face helmets.

2. Modular Helmets: The Best of Both Worlds

Schuberth C5 modular helmet

Modular helmets, also known as flip-up helmets, offer a unique blend of the safety features of full-face helmets and the convenience of open-face helmets.

They are particularly popular among touring riders who need the flexibility to switch between full-face protection and open-face comfort.

Key Features

Flip-Up Mechanism: The defining feature of modular helmets is the ability to flip up the chin bar, transforming the helmet from a full-face to an open-face configuration. This makes it easy for riders to communicate, hydrate, or take a quick break without removing their helmet.
Versatility: Modular helmets are ideal for riders who enjoy long-distance touring but occasionally need the convenience of an open-face helmet for city riding or quick stops.
Comfort and Convenience: With the chin bar flipped up, riders can enjoy increased ventilation and a broader field of view, making modular helmets more versatile in various riding conditions.
Safety Considerations: While modular helmets provide excellent protection, it’s important to note that they are slightly heavier than traditional full-face helmets due to the additional mechanisms. The integrity of the helmet may also be slightly compromised when the chin bar is in the up position.

Why Choose a Modular Helmet?

If you value both safety and convenience, a modular helmet is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for touring riders who may need to transition between different riding environments frequently.

The ability to switch between full-face and open-face modes offers unmatched versatility, making it a popular choice for riders who prioritize flexibility without compromising on safety.

Read about the best modular helmets.

3. Dual-Sport Helmets: Adventure-Ready and Versatile

Honda XR150L dual sport motorcycle

Dual-sport helmets, also known as adventure helmets, are designed for riders who split their time between on-road and off-road adventures.

These helmets combine elements of both full-face and off-road helmets, offering a unique blend of features that cater to the demands of dual-sport riding.

Key Features

Hybrid Design: Dual-sport helmets feature a design that combines the extended chin bar and visor of an off-road helmet with the aerodynamic shape of a full-face helmet. This design offers excellent protection and comfort for both on-road and off-road riding.
Visor and Shield: Most dual-sport helmets come with a visor to shield the rider’s eyes from the sun and a clear shield to protect against wind and debris. The shield can usually be removed if you prefer to wear goggles during off-road riding.
Ventilation: Designed with off-road riding in mind, dual-sport helmets typically offer superior ventilation systems that keep the rider cool and comfortable, even during intense off-road adventures.
Noise Levels: While dual-sport helmets are highly functional, they tend to be noisier than standard full-face helmets due to their off-road design elements like the visor. Riders who frequently travel at high speeds may find this aspect less desirable.

Why Choose a Dual-Sport Helmet?

For adventure riders who tackle a mix of highways and trails, a dual-sport helmet is an ideal choice. It offers the protection and features needed for off-road riding while maintaining the comfort and aerodynamics required for highway speeds.

If your rides often take you from the pavement to the dirt, the versatility of a dual-sport helmet will serve you well.

Read about the best dual-sport helmets.

4. Open-Face Helmets: Classic Style With Freedom

Image from Bell

Open-face helmets, also known as ¾ helmets, cover the top, sides, and back of the head but leave the face exposed. They are a popular choice for riders who prioritize comfort and a wide field of vision, often seen among cruiser and scooter riders.

Key Features

Wide Field of Vision: The lack of a chin bar allows for an unobstructed field of view, which is particularly beneficial for riders who navigate through city traffic or enjoy leisurely rides.
Lightweight and Comfortable: Without the added bulk of a chin bar, open-face helmets are typically lighter and more comfortable, making them a preferred choice for short commutes or casual rides.
Customization: Many open-face helmets offer the option to attach visors, face shields, or goggles, allowing riders to customize their level of protection based on their needs.
Vintage Appeal: Open-face helmets are often associated with a classic or retro aesthetic, making them a popular choice for riders of vintage motorcycles or those who prefer a minimalist style.

Why Choose an Open-Face Helmet?

Open-face helmets are ideal for riders who value comfort, style, and an open-air riding experience. They are particularly suited for city commuting, short-distance rides, or riding in warm weather.

However, it’s important to note that the lack of a chin bar offers less protection than full-face or modular helmets, so riders should weigh the trade-offs between comfort and safety.

Read about the best open-face helmets.

5. Half Helmets: Minimalist Design With Maximum Freedom

Bagus Prastyo via Unsplash

Half helmets, sometimes referred to as brain buckets, provide the most minimal coverage, protecting only the top of the head.

These helmets are favored by riders who prioritize freedom and airflow over protection, often seen among cruiser and chopper riders.

Key Features

Minimalist Design: Half helmets offer the least coverage, focusing on protecting the top of the head while leaving the face, ears, and neck exposed. This design provides a sense of freedom and connection with the environment.
Lightweight: Due to their minimal design, half helmets are the lightest option available, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods, especially in hot weather.
Style: Half helmets are often chosen for their distinctive look, complementing the rugged, minimalist style of certain motorcycles, such as cruisers and choppers.
Limited Protection: While half helmets meet the basic safety standards, they offer significantly less protection than other helmet types, especially in the event of a frontal impact.

Why Choose a Half Helmet?

Half helmets are best suited for riders who value freedom and style over maximum protection. They are ideal for low-speed, short-distance rides, and are often preferred in warm climates where ventilation and airflow are a priority.

However, riders should be aware of the trade-offs in terms of safety, as half helmets provide the least amount of coverage and protection.

Read about the best half helmets.

Choosing the Right Helmet for Your Ride

Selecting the right motorcycle helmet is a decision that should be based on your riding style, safety preferences, and personal comfort.

Full-face helmets offer the highest level of protection, making them ideal for sport and touring riders. Modular helmets provide versatility, while dual-sport helmets cater to those who enjoy both on-road and off-road adventures. Open-face helmets offer comfort and style, and half helmets provide the ultimate in freedom and airflow.

No matter what type of helmet you choose, ensure it meets safety standards and fits properly. A well-fitted helmet can be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. Ride safe and always prioritize your protection on the road.

Read all of my motorcycle helmet articles below.

LS2 Spitfire Bombrider Helmet

I’ve been on an open-face motorcycle helmet kick recently. I really like the designs that are out there, and there are often great graphics, too. That’s the case for the LS2 Bombrider Helmet.

The helmet has a kind of WWII vintage quality to the graphic. It has a pinup girl sitting on a bomb on the side of it. This paired with the classic design of the LS2 Spitfire makes it look really good.

Let’s take a look at the details of the helmet and all that it has to offer.

Nolan N21 Visor Joie De Vivre Helmet

Take a look at one of the coolest open-face helmets out there that you’re bound to find. This is the Nolan N21 Visor Joie De Vivre.

I was originally drawn to this because of the graphic, but it’s a helmet that has a lot of substance to go with its flashy styling. It blends vintage styling with modern construction and would be a great helmet for just about any motorcycle or scooter.

Let’s take a closer look. I’ll outline the helmet’s details, list some images, and add some videos.

20% Off Bell Helmets: Deals and Discounts on Motorcycle Gear

I’m always looking at motorcycle gear, and I noticed that Revzilla is offering some killer deals on Bell Helmets right now.

The deal the company has going right now is 20 percent off select Bell Helmets, but there are certain bell helmets that are offered at even steeper discounts.

Let’s take a look at the deals that are currently available.

Arai XD-4 Helmet

Looking for an amazing adventure riding motorcycle helmet? The Arai XD-4 helmet is quite simply one of the best.

Arai makes fantastic helmets. My colleague Jim Pruner fairly recently went to the Arai headquarters in Japan to check it out. He came away impressed, and I was impressed by his article about the experience.

That and the other various reviews out there extoll the virtues of the Arai XD-4. With that in mind, Let’s take a look at what makes it so great.

Icon Airflite Battlescar 2 Helmet

The Icon Airflite Battlescar 2 Helmet is not my go-to favorite design or style, but there’s no denying the presence of this helmet. There’s a definite Master Chief from Halo quality to this lid, and there’s no denying the cool factor on the right bike an with the right gear.

The Icon Airflite is a good helmet. Icon makes top-quality gear, and while I don’t particularly love the large face shield that extends all the way down to the chinbar, I do think this unique lid is one of the better options out there for a variety of riders.

Shoei RF-1200 Helmet

The Shoei RF-1200 Is One of the Best Full-Face Helmets Out There

Looking for a full-face helmet that will keep you safe, looking good, and comfortable as all get-out for mile after lovely mile? Then you should check out the Shoei RF-1200.

The RF-1200 is one of those helmets near the top of the heap in terms of features, construction, and comfort. Are there other great full-face helmets? You bet, but if you’re looking for something better than this, you’ll have to go up in price most likely.

Shark EVO One 2 Helmet

The Shark EVO One 2 Helmet Is a Unique Modular Helmet

Modular helmets are all the rage right now. The Shark EVO One 2 Helmet is a killer modular helmet that has a unique flip-up chin bar.

The EVO One 2’s chin bar flips all the way to the back of the helmet so it’s fully out of the way. This makes it easy to rock the helmet like an open face without the chin bar catching the wind like with most modular helmets.

5 Best Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets Under $100

Usually, I’d recommend a full-face or modular helmet, but I recognize that some folks like to wear an open-face helmet from time to time. Heck, I do, too. That’s why it’s important to find the best open-face motorcycle helmets out there.

I also don’t like to spend a boatload on my motorcycle gear. I value safety, but that safety can be had at very reasonable prices. There are plenty of motorcycle helmets out there for prices that won’t break the bank

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best open-face motorcycles under $100. Note that these helmets have an MSRP of under $100 or right at $100. Many sellers have discounts that would put the actual price to you below that dollar amount.

Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet

The Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet is one of the most advanced open-face helmets out there.

If you’re looking for a good open face motorcycle helmet that offers plenty of fantastic features. It’s a top-quality helmet that will keep you safe and comfortable.

This helmet is new and Shoei has made the most of the J-Cruise and updated it. The new J-Cruise II Helmet builds on the product’s good reputation.

Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet

The aggressive-looking Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet is perfect for the right kind of rider.

If a sense of badass style is high on your list of priorities for motorcycle gear, then the Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet is right for you.

This is one of the most stylish helmets out there. Icon is known for making gear that makes a statement, and this helmet does that even more than the others from the company.