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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Klim has redesigned some gear and come out with some completely new gear.
Klim is one of the best motorcycle gear manufacturers out there, and for the Klim 2023 lineup, the company has revealed new and redesigned stuff, complete with touring products, apparel, helmets, and goggles. Let’s take a closer look.
Continue reading “Klim 2023: New Gear From the Best In the Business”Bell Custom 500 Six Days McQueen helmet
Bell Helmets has a Steve McQueen-inspired helmet for riders everywhere. The Bell Custom 500 Six Days McQueen helmet brings retro style to the classic design to honor McQueen’s participation in the 1964 International Six Days Trial race as a part of the first-ever U.S. team.
Continue reading “Bell Channels Steve McQueen With a New Custom 500 Helmet”Are you looking for a badass, racing-inspired helmet?
Simpson motorcycle helmets are a favorite among many riders out there (I own one), but you might be asking, are they any good? Well, this article takes a look at that question as well as where the helmets are made, the history of the company, and the best Simpson helmets out there. Let’s dive in.
A good update to Scorpion’s lineup.
Are you looking for your next dirt bike or off-road helmet? You should check out the new Scorpion VX-16 EVO Air helmet. The company updated its off-road helmet lineup with this offering, and it has a whole slew of great features for you.
Continue reading “Scorpion VX-16 EVO Air Off-Road Helmet”Shoei has long since moved on to the GT-Air II helmet, which I recently discussed in an article about the best Shoei helmets, but the old GT-Air is still a great helmet if you can find one, and Chaparral Motorsports has some 25% off. That means you’ll save around $120.
Continue reading “Save 25% on a Shoei GT-Air Helmet”The next level of sport touring helmets is here.
The Schuberth S3 is the next level in the sport touring helmet market. The company needed a new entrant into the segment, and this new S3 is it. The company’s new lid is better than the previous Schuberth products.
Continue reading “Schuberth S3 Sport Touring Helmet”A great helmet at a great discount.
If you’d love to own the AGV K6 Helmet, then now is the time to pull the trigger on that lid. The K6 is currently marked down 20% at Revzilla, meaning you’ll save right around $100.
Continue reading “Get 20% Off the AGV K6 Helmet”Let’s take a good, long look at Scorpion helmets.
Scorpion motorcycle helmets have been on the market for quite some time, and the brand is becoming more popular with each passing day. It offers a variety of colors, sizes, and features. But, is Scorpion really a good choice in helmets? Let’s take a closer look.
Continue reading “Scorpion Motorcycle Helmets: Should You Buy One and What’s the Best?”A closer look at why you might want to buy and Arai.
Arai motorcycle helmets have long been synonymous with comfort, protection, and quality. It’s no surprise that so many motorcyclists are loyal to this brand. From the advanced features to the stylish design and well-made construction, there is much to admire about Arai motorcycle helmets. Here is a look at some of the factors that make them a great choice.
Continue reading “Arai Motorcycle Helmets: Should You Buy One and What’s the Best?”If you’re shopping for a new motorcycle helmet you’ve certainly seen HJC motorcycle helmets. They’re everywhere, but are they any good, should you spend your hard-earned money on one, and which ones are the best? In this article, I take a closer look at HJC motorcycle helmets.
Continue reading “HJC Motorcycle Helmets: Should You Buy One and What’s the Best?”
