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.

Simpson Ghost Bandit Sandbox Helmet – Everything You Need to Know

Recently, the Simpson Ghost Bandit Sandbox Helmet hit the virtual shelves at some of the retailers I work with. It’s a killer lid, so I thought I’d mention it.

Simpson’s Ghost Bandit helmet is one of the best lids out there if you want that killer badass look and quality protection. Simpson cut its teeth making helmets for racing, so you know these guys know protection.

Let’s take a closer look at this new take on the Ghost Bandit helmet and what it brings to the street.

How Long Do Motorcycle Helmets Last?

The industry standard for the life of a motorcycle helmet is five years. After that, manufacturers, industry experts, and safety advocates say you should replace your helmet.

While I’m all for people buying themselves a new motorcycle helmet, I don’t think you should buy one if you don’t want to or have to.

For that reason, I thought it best to take a closer look at the question of how long do motorcycle helmets last.

Motorcycle Helmets for Riders With Glasses

Do you need to wear glasses when you ride your motorcycle? If so you’ll have to find motorcycle helmets that are designed specifically for it.

Sure you could potentially cram your glasses in with any old helmet, but the simple fact of the matter is that it won’t be comfortable.

For this reason, I decided to pull together a list of motorcycle helmets designed specifically for riders with glasses.

Black Friday is Right Around the Corner – Get Up to 74% Off Select Items

Black Friday is right around the corner, and if you’re in need of motorcycle gear or know someone who is, you might as well take advantage of the epic sales out there.

Right now, you’ll find that Revzilla has some really high markdowns on select gear. I’ll say that Huckberry, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and Amazon also have fantastic gear that might interest motorcyclists, but Revzilla seems to have the best deals right now.

Here are some of the standout deals that I noticed, some gear is as high as 74 percent off, meaning you’ll save a ton.

Shoei X-14 Kujaku Helmet – Everything You Should Know

The Shoei X-14 Helmet is a full-face lid derived from racing helmets. It originally came out a few years ago, but now the Kujaku graphic is new.

The beautiful thing about this Shoei helmet is that it’s designed for the track, but it will still work for the street rider who wants an aggressive full-face lid.

Let’s take a closer look at this helmet.

5 of the Best Holiday Helmet Deals on Revzilla

Motorcycle helmets are pricey, so it’s always nice if you can snag one at a discount. Right now Revzilla has some great holiday helmet deals.

I’ve pulled five of the best deals from the company’s website and listed them below. You’ll find helmets marked down by as much as 45 percent.

So, without futhre ado, here are the best deals on helmets right now.

LS2 Arrow Carbon EVO Helmet

If you’re looking for a good carbon fiber helmet, check out the LS2 Arrow Carbon EVO Helmet, which is now on sale.

The helmet is a high-performance full-face helmet that provides riders with a reasonably affordable option at a high level.

Let’s take a closer look at this helmet and what it offers.

Flashy Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets up to 55% Off

If you’re looking for a really nice full-face motorcycle helmet that has some true style, then you need to check out the helmets below.

These are no ordinary lids, and Revzilla has them marked down by as much as 55 percent.

While some of these are bargain lids, you’re still getting pretty good quality for the money. All helmets at least come with DOT approval.

Sena Outrush R Bluetooth Modular Helmet

The Sena Outrush R Bluetooth Helmet is one of the latest Bluetooth headset integrated helmets on the market, especially when it comes to modular helmets.

At this point, everyone knows Sena’s helmets are some of the best in the businesses when it comes to connectivity and technology features.

The Outrush R is no different. Sena gave it a really nice setup and there’s little doubt in my mind that this will be a hit.

Nexx Has a New Helmet Coming

If you love Nexx Helmets, then you need to get ready because the company has a new helmet coming soon.

I have no idea what it is really. The company just sent out a single image.

The image above is what they sent out to journalists, and it shows what appears to be a top vent of the helmet.