My AccountWhether you’re new to the world of motorcycles, or you’re just in the market for some new gear, in this post we’ll discuss the different types of motorcycle helmet. We’ll weigh up the pros and cons of each, to help you decide which type is best for you.
Full Face Motorcycle Helmets
A full face motorcycle helmet might as well be called a “full head motorcycle helmet”, as it covers your whole head. Full face motorcycle helmets offer total protection to the top and back of your head, as well as the front and the sides. There’s also a visor to protect your face, and a front section to protect your chin.
The Pros of Full Face Motorcycle Helmets
- No question about it, they are the safest of all helmets. If you want total, dependable protection while riding, look no further.
- The solid design of a full face motorcycle helmet makes it even more reliable. There are no hinges or joints meaning there are fewer weak spots.
The Cons of Full Face Motorcycle Helmets
- They cover your whole head. This can result in hot and uncomfortable rides in warm weather, though some models offer ventilation and condensation wicking features.
- Full face motorcycle helmets can muffle sounds, which may make you feel a little claustrophobic, while also potentially making it harder to hear oncoming traffic.
- Not all full face motorcycle helmets are designed with glasses wearers in mind. If you wear glasses, a full face helmet could feel too cramped, and you may find your lenses fog up.
Modular Motorcycle Helmets
Also known as flip-up motorcycle helmets, modular helmets offer the same whole head protection you get with a full face helmet. However, they’re fitted with a hinge to allow you to flip up the front should you need to. Some models even allow you to remove the front visor entirely.
The Pros of Modular Motorcycle Helmets
- They offer the best of both worlds – the protection of a full face helmet with the freedom and flexibility of an open face or half face helmet.
- They’re a great choice for glasses wearers, as they can be roomier and better ventilated than full face helmets.
The Cons of Modular Motorcycle Helmets
- Be sure to check the safety rating. A modular helmet should cite separate safety ratings for the “open” and “closed” settings. If they do not, then the manufacturer may not intend for the helmet to be ridden in the open setting. In this case, the helmet might not be as flexible or reliable as it first appears.
- It is possible to find modular helmets that offer just as much protection as a full face helmet, but they tend to be among the priciest of all types of helmets.
Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
Open face motorcycle helmets are like full face motorcycle helmets with the front removed. While they offer full protection for the top, back, and sides of the head, the face is open. This makes them a popular choice in warmer countries, where even the best ventilated of full face helmets can get very hot very quickly.
The Pros of Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
- They’re cooler than full face helmets – literally. As the face is open, they offer total ventilation, and the exhilarating thrill of the wind in your face.
- Most models offer a clip-on visor, to protect your eyes from wind, dust, rain, and insects.
- They’re a great choice if you wear glasses, as there’s plenty of room, and the ample ventilation means there’ll be no fogging.
The Cons of Open Face Motorcycle Helmets
- They’re not as safe as full face or modular helmets. In the event of a crash, your skull will be protected, but your face might not be so lucky.
- If you ride in the UK, is it really necessary to worry about a full face helmet getting too hot? It’s probably not worth compromising your safety in exchange for a bit more comfort on the handful of hot days we get each year.
- The sound of wind can be overpowering and long term exposure may affect your hearing.
- In very cold weather, having an open face helmet may be very uncomfortable on your eyes and face.
Half Motorcycle Helmets
A half face motorcycle helmet is like a hard hat, protecting only the top of your head. The back of your skull, and your face, remain exposed.
The Pros of Half Motorcycle Helmets
- Again, if you wear glasses, with a half motorcycle helmet you won’t need to worry about a cramped fit or fogged lenses.
- They can be more convenient than most other types of motorcycle helmets. If you only ride short distances, or if you have a job that involves driving to multiple places over the course of a day, it can be a hassle to put on and take off a full face or half face helmet every time.
The Cons of Half Motorcycle Helmets
- They just don’t offer much protection. If you’re involved in a crash, they’ll protect the top of your skull and nothing else. Things could get ugly.
- Seriously, half motorcycle helmets might be a terrible choice if you’re at all concerned about road safety. Many models have such low safety ratings that UK manufacturers refuse to produce them.
Choosing The Right Motorcycle Helmet For You
If you wear glasses, then you might have to seek out a full face helmet that’s designed to meet your needs – with extra ventilation, or with grooves in the lining to accommodate your glasses’ arms. Alternatively, a modular helmet could give you a bit more flexibility. Be sure to read our full guide to choosing the right helmet if you wear glasses.
Whichever style you choose, motorcycle helmets are an essential part of road safety. Your top priority when choosing a helmet should be its safety rating. And in most cases, a full face helmet will offer the most protection.
Ensure that any helmet you purchase meets motorcycle helmet laws. Visit the Government website to find out more about British safety standards.