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What Are the Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets, and Which Is Right for Me?
- , by Damien Heenan
- 3 min reading time
Full-face, modular, open-face, half-helmets, and ADV—each one built for a purpose. Here’s how to pick the right helmet for your ride.
Let’s be real—your helmet’s not just another piece of gear. It’s your lifeline when things go sideways. It cuts the wind, blocks the debris, quiets the noise, and protects what matters most when rubber meets road.
But helmets aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your riding style, speed, terrain, and comfort all play a part in choosing the right lid. Whether you're chasing sunsets, navigating traffic, or ripping through forest trails, this guide will help you gear up with the right helmet for the job.
Full-Face Helmets: The Shield You Need When the Road Gets Real
Why they matter:
When you’re cranking up the speed, riding in unpredictable weather, or carving canyons, a full-face helmet gives you complete coverage—crown to chin. It’s the top choice for protection because it guards the most vulnerable parts of your face, especially the jaw.
- Maximum protection with full-face coverage
- Reduced wind and road noise
- Blocks rain, debris, and bugs with ease
- Packed with features like vents, sun visors, and Bluetooth integration
Best for: Sport riders, commuters, and long-distance riders who put safety first.
Modular Helmets: Flip-Up Convenience for the Adaptive Rider
Why they matter:
Modular helmets give you full-face protection and the freedom to flip up the front when you stop for gas, chat with your crew, or check your phone. Touring riders swear by them for their flexibility without giving up safety.
- Easily flip open the chin bar without removing the helmet
- Compatible with eyeglasses and comms
- Great for multi-purpose use—city and highway alike
Best for: Riders who tour, commute, or want one helmet that adapts on the go.
Open-Face Helmets: Feel the Freedom, Stay Protected Where It Counts
Why they matter:
Open-face helmets let you soak in the road—the breeze, the roar, the rumble. They offer solid protection for the top, back, and sides of your head while leaving your face exposed, making them a popular pick for relaxed cruising and city runs.
- Wider field of vision and better situational awareness
- Lighter than full-face or modular helmets
- Allow more airflow thanks to the open front—no chinbar blocking the breeze
- Less restrictive fit, great for casual, low-speed riding
Best for: Urban riders, casual cruisers, and anyone who enjoys a laid-back open-air experience.
Half-Helmets: Minimal Bulk for Maximum Breeze
Why they matter:
Half-helmets are as minimal as it gets. They cover the top of your head—no face shield, no chin bar, no extras. For a lot of riders, wearing one isn’t about safety or comfort. It’s the law. Period. If you’ve got to wear a helmet, this is the one that gives you the most freedom while still staying legal.
- Lightest option available
- Allows full airflow—nothing blocking your face or jaw
- Classic cruiser look with a nod to old-school biker culture
- A legal workaround for those who hate wearing helmets
Best for: Riders who value freedom over full coverage—especially those who ride in warm weather, cruise locally, or just want the lightest lid they can legally wear.
ADV (Adventure) Helmets: Built for Everything from Asphalt to Off-Road
Why they matter:
ADV helmets are built for versatility—blending the protection of a full-face with the off-road grit of a dirt lid. Designed for adventure riders who need to transition from street to dirt without swapping helmets.
- Sun-peak visor and extended chin bar for off-road conditions
- Goggle-compatible with a built-in face shield
- Superior airflow and ventilation
- Handles a variety of terrain and weather changes
Best for: Dual-sport and ADV riders who hit both pavement and trails.
There’s no one helmet that fits every ride, but there is one that fits your ride. Start with where you ride, how fast you ride, and how much coverage you want if things go south. Pick a helmet that earns its spot in your gear setup—not because it looks cool (though that helps), but because you trust it to protect your head every single time.
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