Motorcycle Helmet Styles Explained
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, there are 6 main styles. Note, however, most of those 6 have multiple interchangeable names and they can vary depending on where you live. So, let’s find out what differences these 6 types of helmets have.
The Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet: |
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Full-Face Helmets are the granddaddy of safety. A full-face helmet covers the entire head and protects your entire face. They are the most protective helmet type. |
Pros |
Cons |
• Covers the entire head to reduce impact during an accident. • Eliminates the need to wear sunglasses or goggles. • Tinted models hide the face and offer anonymity. • Insulates sound to minimize distraction. • Does not have hinges or additional components, making them more lightweight and aerodynamic than other helmet types. • Offers the most protection of any Motorcycle helmet type. • Usually comes with the most features such as internal sun visors, venting systems, and built in bluetooth. • Best protection from the elements • Great for all year riding. • Easy to find advanced safety standard ratings across all budgets. |
• Can get stuffy during summer. • May make the wearer claustrophobic or feel disconnected/isolated. • Reduces hearing and visibility • Heavier than most other types of motorcycle helmets. • They can trap in the heat. • They have to be removed in many businesses in order to identify the person. • Eating, drinking and speaking are more difficult. • Required for most tracks |
The Modular or Flip-Face Motorcycle Helmet |
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Modular, Convertible, Flip Up, or Flip-Face Motorcycle Helmets are the next safest option to full-face motorcycle helmets. Much like the full face, this type of helmet covers the entire head as well, but with a little added feature – you can pivot the chin bar upwards or even remove it (on some models) if you want a snack, drink, or airflow at lower speeds. |
Pros |
Cons |
• Converts from a full face helmet to an open face helmet with a single push of a button. • Provides good ventilation and a comfortable riding experience, similar to an open face helmet. • Protects riders from the elements, but lacks some of the safety features of a full face helmet. • Versatile design makes it convenient to use in both cold and warm weather. • Allows the rider to chat, have a drink, take a breath of fresh air without removing the helmet. • Easier to get on and off then a full-face motorcycle helmet. • Great for riders to use their bike for road trips, or multiple stop trips. • Has the most features of any motorcycle helmet • Protects almost as good as a full-face motorcycle helmet when the chinbar is locked down. • Quieter than half-shell and open-face motorcycle helmets. • No need to take off your helmet when entering businesses. • Dual homologated models are certified with the chin bar down, and also with it up. |
• Feels and looks heavier than a full-face helmet because of the hinges that allow the visor and chin bar to pivot. • Detachable/flip-up chin bar can make the helmet’s structure less sturdy during impact. • Not totally safe at high-speed rides or when the chin bar is open. • Heaviest of all helmet types. • Nondual homologated models are certified only in the chinbar down configuration. • Riding with the chinbar up can be a wind-catch that can cause fatigue the longer you ride. |
The Open-Face or ¾ Motorcycle Helmet |
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• Feels and looks heavier than a full-face helmet because of the hinges that allow the visor and chin bar to pivot. • Detachable/flip-up chin bar can make the helmet’s structure less sturdy during impact. • Not totally safe at high-speed rides or when the chin bar is open. • Heaviest of all helmet types. • Nondual homologated models are certified only in the chinbar down configuration. • Riding with the chinbar up can be a wind-catch that can cause fatigue the longer you ride. |
Pros |
Cons |
• Offers good ventilation while providing impact protection to the head and neck. • Allows the rider to communicate, talk, drink, eat, smoke, or touch their face without taking the helmet off. • Feels more lightweight and provides a wider field of vision compared to a full-face helmet • Does not feel restraining or claustrophobic. • A good anount of protection. • A sense of freedom feeling the air on your face. • Lighter weight than most helmet styles. • More comfortable than full-face or modular motorcycle helmets. • They can be found with most helmet safety certifications. • A great choice for people who are claustrophobic but want a lot of protection. |
• The open design leaves the rider’s face and chin more vulnerable to injury. • Does not offer much coverage and protection during cold weather. • Does not do a good job at canceling or reducing noise. • Feels uncomfortable or unstable when riding at high speeds. • Little face protection. • More wind and elements on the face. • Less aerodynamic than other helmet types. |
The Half-Shell, Shorty, or Beanie Motorcycle Helmet |
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The half-shell motorcycle helmet protects the upper half of the head. If they’re not properly fastened, they’re more likely to fall off during a crash.
They are the most comfortable, but least protective, of the DOT-approved motorcycle helmets.
If you’re going for safety, this one shouldn’t be at the top of your list. |
Pros |
Cons |
• Lets the rider have a more immersive riding experience |
• Does not provide full crash protection, especially on the face and chin. |
The Dual Sport or Adventure Motorcycle Helmet |
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Dual sport motorcycle helmets tend to a compromise between the street and dirt. They are produced with the same materials as street helmets but share the off-road features like peak visors and the option to flip up the visor and use goggles instead. The chinbar is slightly elongated and lower like a dirt bike helmet too. |
Pros |
Cons |
• Flip up visor allows the use of goggles on off-road rides. |
• Can be more expensive than other helmet types because of the rich features and multiple configurations. |
The Dirt Bike, Off-Road, or Motocross Helmet |
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Dirt Bike Helmets are designed for maximum protection, to be lightweight, and have increased visibility and ventilation. With a wider eye opening than street helmets, you will need goggles or eyewear to protect your eyes. |
Pros |
Cons |
• Spacious interior can accommodate goggles or sunglasses. |
• Don’t usually have a visor. |
Did we miss anything? Let us know by commenting below.
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