The most critical piece of our body is our head, yet some people ride motorcycles without a helmet. Do you enjoy riding your motorcycle? Wearing a helmet not only prolongs your life but also inevitably protects your brain – hence “brain bucket”. But with so many different helmets out there, how do we choose? To answer this question, we must investigate what kind of rider you are.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the different types of men’s motorcycle helmets and the differences between each.
List of 6 Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets
As we have aforementioned, each motorcycle rider has a preferred helmet and the specific type of rider they are. With this information, we can narrow your search to find the perfect helmet.
1. Half-shell helmets
The half-shell helmet is the classic biker helmet. The style of this helmet is to cover the crown of your head, leaving your face and back of the head exposed. Some helmets include a visor that drops down to cover your eyes; if not, it’s common to wear glasses to protect them.
It isn’t the safest option, given your forehead down to your chin is exposed and the lower part of the rear of your head. But, it is a style preference. The half-face helmet allows you to feel the wind in your face and genuinely grasp your surroundings.
This helmet could be a good option if you’re cruising on the open road for lengthy periods. But, on the other hand, this helmet could be better if you’re a trail rider.
2. Full-face helmets
The full-face helmet is a general term considering how many different types of full-face there are. But, specifically, the full-face helmet comes equipped with a chin bar. With 50% of accidents involving some chin impact, the chin bar is a unique safety design that works.
It’s not as comfortable or breathable as its cousin helmets, but safety is the primary goal for this helmet. On the positive side, a full-face helmet reduces noise levels, increases your likely hood of survival during an accident, and looks pretty cool.
There are some categories of full-face helmets. You have two species: the low chin bar and the high chin bar. The higher the chin bar, the more room you have inside. This type of helmet is ideal for a sport bike riders going at high speeds. On the other hand, a low chin bar full face is perfect for the cruiser rider. Not needing the extra room for the helmet to move around at speeds, the low chin bar keeps a snug fit while protecting your goods.
3. Modular helmets
The modular helmet is unique in its ability to differ from full face to half face. So whether it’s raining slightly and you need to keep your vision open, or it’s hot with no wind, you can cater to both. In addition, the modular helmet comes with a button inside, usually by the chin, which allows the helmet to flip up into a half-face helmet.
If this helmet appeals to you, be sure to purchase one with an interior visor that drops down once you put it into half-face mode. It eliminates the need to carry eye protection during your ride.
This helmet design has a tiny dip in safety due to the hinge factor, but with its ability to shift from one helmet to another, we still recommend this one for all riders.
4. Open-face Helmet
Similar to the half-shell helmet, this helmet doesn’t protect the face. Also referred to as the three-quarter helmet, it covers all parts of your head, including the lower back end, unlike the half-shell. This helmet is the optimal choice over the half shell due to its safety benefits. As well it can include a visor for rain and your eyes.
This helmet is recommended for open-road riding, where you don’t have to worry about rocks being kicked up. Optimizing the airflow creates comfort, but remember your face is still exposed.
5. Off-Road Helmets
The off-road helmet is one helmet that is designed specifically for the need of trail or “off-road” riding. With its extended visor and complete face protection, the trees and bushes stand no chance against your face. These helmets include a higher chin bar, which improves airflow, and safety. Off-road helmets are designed to be lightweight, which enhances the rider’s maneuverability and improves comfort level.
The off-road helmet comes in a few different materials depending on preference and needs. You can order either a kevlar, carbon fiber, or fiberglass version of these helmets.
6. Dual Sport Helmets
The dual sport helmet is a blend between the full-face and off-road helmet, including the best of both worlds to create it. The light, durable material combines the safety and style of the full-face while also including a lightweight feel, increasing comfort, and airflow. In addition, the high chin bar, full face shield, and visor are all essential safety features crafted into its design.
The best quality dual sport helmets include a sun visor over the face shield. Below the face shield, an alternate eye visor drops down to protect your eyes if a little extra wind is wanted. The dual sport is the proper mix of all helmets.
Whether on the open road, on the trails, or driving through the city, this helmet offers some options for each type of riding. It’s sleek, light, safe, and looks pretty darn cool.
Which is The Best Option?
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, we need to find the best option for you. What we can offer are the safest options. Overall any full-face helmet you choose that includes a chin bar is superior to any half-face helmet. A common phrase thrown around is “dress for the fall, not the ride,” and this plays the most important into choosing a brain bucket.
Half-face or half-shell helmets do not offer the highest safety rating. Even the safest rider can not prepare for the most unsafe driver that’s out on the road. The full-face, modular, and dual sport caters to many riders while including top-tier safety features. So stay safe, and keep your head on a swivel.
