- Full-Face Helmet
Full-Face Helmet Coverage
Full-face helmets provide the best coverage for your neck and head. It is therefore the most protective type of motorcycle helmet that protects you against potential impacts.
Full-face helmets are a great choice for riders of all types, no matter what type of motorcycle they ride or where they ride. The type of riding you do will determine the size and shape of your full-face helmet. Sport riders ride in a crouching position, so they need a helmet that doesn’t lift at high speeds. They prefer a helmet that has a higher chin and an opening slightly to the top of their helmet.
Full-Face Headgear Design and Features
The chin bar is a distinguishing feature in a full-face helmet. This is a critical safety feature that many helmets do not have. Your chin is subject to fifty percent of the severe impacts in an accident. Only a full-face helmet will protect your jaw and chin.
Full-face helmets with ventilation have vents in the helmet that allow sweat to evaporate, reduce fogging and keep you cool. The ventilation can be shut off in colder months to reduce airflow.
In recent years, full-face helmets have received new features, such as Bluetooth technology and high-visibility designs. Additionally, visors can adjust to the sun.
- Modular (Flip-up) Helmet
Modular Helmet Coverage
Modular helmets are also called flip-up helmets. They combine a full-face and 3/4 helmet. Because the visor and chin bar can be flipped up, the helmet’s front can be opened.
Modular Helmet Design & Features
The materials and fitment of the full-face helmet are identical. These helmets include an eye protection visor and a secondary inner visor to provide additional protection against the sun.
Modular helmets are slightly heavier than traditional full-face helmets due to the additional design hinge features in the flip-up front.
The hinge structure causes a slight reduction in rider safety. There is a slight fissure instead of a uniform full-face helmet. It provides greater protection than the 1/2 or 3/4 helmets due to the extra chin protection.
These modular bell helmets have an upright riding position, making them ideal for tourers, cruisers, or adventure riders. The chin bar is lower and the eye openings are easier.
Bluetooth speakers are a welcome addition. They have a dual-visor system and an anti-fogging coating at the primary visor.
- Open-Face ( 3/4 ) Helmet
Open-Face Helmet Coverage
Open-face helmets (also known as 3/4 helmets) cover your head’s top, back, and sides, but leave your face visible. These helmets are very popular with scooters, cafe-racers, tourers, and even cruisers. The face area can be felt by the wind, making them very popular. A 3/4 helmet has a distinctive feature: it does not have a chin bar. This significantly lowers the safety of the helmet.
Open-Face Helmet Design & Features
In terms of safety, open-face helmets are structurally equivalent to full-face helmets. Although the weight of an open-face helmet is slightly lighter than a full-face helmet, it doesn’t represent a significant decrease in safety. The helmet is not designed to protect against road debris and weather conditions. You may need to buy the individual part.
- Off-road (Dirt Bike or Motocross, or MX) Helmet
Off-road Helmet Coverage
Off-road helmets were designed to be used on dirt roads and streets. These helmets are not the best for highway and city use, but they are great for areas that require knobby tires.
Off-road helmets do not usually offer eye protection so riders should bring goggles or glasses. Goggles are the best choice if you ride in dirt and mud. They can protect your face from debris intrusion during riding.
Off-road Helmet Design and Features
These helmets are different from the 3/4 and full helmets. They have a bigger visor and a more prominent chin bar to improve airflow. These helmets are made for maximum protection and minimal weight. They also provide ventilation to allow for riding in the warmer months. Bluetooth speakers are not recommended.
Many composite options are available including Kevlar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. These materials are strong and lightweight, which will keep your neck and head from getting tired after a long day of riding. You can also read our article on various lightweight helmet options.
- Dual-sport (Crossover, ADV, Hybrid, Enduro) Helmet
Dual-Sport Helmet Coverage
Dual-sport helmets combine the best of both a full-face and off-road helmet. Dual-sport helmets have a wider eye protection visor than full-face helmets and can be repositioned to allow for goggles. Aerodynamic visors do not lift in wind like off-road helmets. The chin bar is also not as protrusive as an off-road helmet. This means that there is less airflow and better soundproofing.
Dual-Sport Helmet Design & Features
The exterior design is similar to an off-road helmet, with a large visor. Dual-Sports provide more comfort and padding inside, comparable to a full-face helmet. They are in the middle of both styles and can be used on or off-road.
These helmets are great for riding on mixed terrain. You can use the visor to get from the street to the trail. Once you have reached the trail, grab the helmet for maximum airflow and goggles.