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.

Sena Motorcycle Helmet Closeouts Up to 60% Off

Get a modern helmet at a low price.

I’m a big fan of a Sena motorcycle helmet or the company’s Bluetooth equipment, and right now Revzilla is offering great discounts and deals on Sena gear.

While the Sena Bluetooth devices you can add to pretty much any helmet are great products, I like the helmets that have the comm systems built right in.

Below you’ll find the current Sena Bluetooth motorcycle helmets that are on sale. If you’re looking for a helmet with a Bluetooth comm system, I highly recommend one of the following options, especially at these prices.

Best Half Helmets With Facemasks

Half helmets are a favorite of cruiser riders everywhere, but half helmets with facemasks take things to a new level.

These helmets can be worn like any other half helmet, but they offer a detachable face mask that provides a bit more protection from the elements if riders feel the need.

When I first saw this type of helmet, I wasn’t too impressed, but after a while, I came to realize that it’s the versatility of the design that makes it special. With that in mind, let’s look at my top picks.

Nexx XG20 Groovy SV Helmet – Everything You Need to Know

This is a great open face helmet.

If you’re tired of the same old open face helmets out there, and you’re in the market for a new motorcycle helmet, then check out the Nexx XC20 Groovy SV Helmet.

This helmet blends classic, smooth lines and modern design into one cohesive product that looks great all around. Add to that the advanced materials used, and you have one of the best helmets on the market in its class.

Let’s take a closer look at this unique helmet, so you can decide if it’s the right lid for you.

5 Best Modular Motorcycle Helmets You Can Buy

Modular motorcycle helmets offer a ton of versatility.

Modular motorcycle helmets are great if you love an open-face helmet, but want more protection than they can provide.

I’m a huge fan of modulars. I know they don’t offer quite as much protection as a full-face helmet, but they give you more protection than an open-face counterpart and offer sleek style with the ability to pop the face portion of the helmet up for some fresh air.

If you’re looking for a good modular helmet, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve listed my favorite modular helmets below.

Get 22% Off Icon Airform Rubatone Helmet

If you’re looking for a killer full-face helmet, then look no further than the Icon Airform Rubatone Helmet.

Right now this lid is 22 percent off at Revzilla, meaning if you want to score a well-loved helmet for a seriously good price, then you should head over there to check this lid out.

Before you do that, though, let’s dive into what this helmet really offers you.

5 Best Full-Face Helmets for Harley Riders

Harley riders need full-face helmets too, so I thought it best to take a look at the best full-face helmets for Harley riders out there.

When you think of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the gear associated with them, you might not think of full-face helmets. It’s always leather jackets or leather vests, half helmets, and engineer boots.

However, many Harley riders are looking for full-face motorcycle helmets that also look good with their bike. The following helmets do just that.

5 Great Motorcycle Helmets Under $150

You’ve got to have a good motorcycle helmet, but your helmet doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of great motorcycle helmets under $150.

While you won’t have the most recent features and technology in some cases at this price point, you will have a good safe helmet that’s comfortable to wear while riding.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best motorcycle helmets under $150 that you can buy.

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.