Comfortability while riding a motorcycle is largely dependent upon the helmet. To help you choose the most suitable options among different types of helmets, we have collected all the necessary information about them: the pros and cons, for whom this or that type is more suitable, and for whom.
All information is laid out in detail, with photos and tables to accommodate.
So, what are the different types of helmets?
Construction:
- Full Face
- Modular (AKA Flip-Up)
- Crossover
- Dual-Sport (Motard)
- Open types:
-
- ½ (AKA Brain Bucket)
- ¾ (AKA Open Face)
Closure:
- Rattles
- Double Rings
Material:
- Thermoplastic
- Carbon
- Fiberglass
Full Face Helmets
The most well known, widely used and SAFEST helmet. It covers the whole head and looks like a holistic, full-fledged construction. The shell, as a rule, has inlet and outlet openings, the design is equipped with goggles or a flip-down visor that protects the face.
It offers the greatest protection, but is not well ventilated and has a poor field of vision.
Although, modern and higher-priced full-face helmets have additional multi-channel ventilation and sufficient visibility.
In more than 30% of accidents, the harmful impact falls on the front of the helmet, the full face helmet has an undeniable advantage in safety protection over other types.
the safest of all types of helmets
one of the quietest in its price category
when stopping, for example, at a traffic light or at a gas station, it must be removed
not always well ventilated
does not always have a very wide field of view
Modular Helmets
Outwardly, it looks exactly like the full-face helmet, but it has ONE main difference – with one movement of the hand, the front of the helmet can be raised to easily open access to the face. This is convenient if you often need, for example, to smoke, drink or for any other reason you need access to the face.
The construction of the modular helmet allows for special devices in closing and opening the front part. Accordingly, the modular weighs more if we compare it with other types of helmets in its price category.
In terms of safety, it is significantly inferior to the full-face helmet. Mainly, because of the open type of construction. More often than not, the folding chin arch is not included in the building structure of the helmet. At the first fall and contact with asphalt, a modular helmet will not protect any better than an open type of helmet for example. However, It is a great option for riders who travel long distances.
Another obscure nuance regarding modular: As a general rule, this type of helmets is slightly smaller in its external parameters than the full-face helmet. This is important if you want a smaller helmet. For example: if you desire a helmet that takes up less space while traveling with luggage.
able to fold up the protective glass and chin – providing easy access to the face
safe enough because it covers the whole head
excellent aerodynamics
convenient to use with glasses
not as safe as a full face, because it does not have an integral structure, but a metal lock for opening and closing the helmet
the heaviest weight among all types of helmets
higher cost
sometimes insufficient durability due to the complex device
Pay attention when choosing a modular! Certain modular models have the chin and visor opening at the top of the helmet and while riding with it open, the aerodynamics deteriorate. This makes it impossible to ride with an open modular at high speeds.
However, there is The Shark Company that manufactures modular helmets with patented technology: when you raise the chin and visor, the visor remains at the top of the helmet, snug against it, and the chin rotates backward. Accordingly, with this option, the aerodynamics do not deteriorate and you can comfortably ride at high speeds, with an open helmet or with a closed one.
Crossover
Helmets designed specifically for motorcycling. These helmets differ because the chin area is protruded forward to facilitate better rider breathing. Thus, allowing more air to enter your nose and mouth, which means you can breathe deeper and more freely. In addition, the chin part is greatly strengthened and designed so that the rider who wears it will be better protected in case of a fall.
Another distinguishing feature of the crossover is the lack of a visor. Instead of a visor, riders who ride sports bikes wear special glasses called goggles. This is due primarily to the fact that they are constantly getting dirty. There is also a canopy in the construction of the helmet which protects the helmet from dirt.
Crossovers are very lightweight.
lightweight
additional protection of the chin
protection from dirt and the sun
good visibility
excellent ventilation
lack of visor
aerodynamic pressure on the head.
Motard (dual sport)
Almost the same helmet as the crossover, but differs by the presence of a built-in visor. A suitable option for those who ride in all seasons. It has the same pros and cons as the crossover.
Open types of helmets
½
These helmets offer no chin protection or face protection. They offer almost no protection so they are rarely used when riding motorcycles. It is usually preferred among Scooter riders.
easiest to wear
most comfortable
great visibility
neck is almost never tired
minimum level of protection
not safe enough for motorcycle use
¾
This type offers side protection, unlike a brain bucket, but leaves the face open. All the same, it is more suitable for owners of cruisers, choppers and other low-powered motor vehicles.
easy to breathe
wide viewing angle
light enough due to the small construction
not safe enough
Different Helmet Materials
Thermoplastic
The most common material for the manufacture of motorcycle helmets. Automated production and a minimum of manual labor together with shockproof plastic make these helmets reliable and affordable and therefore the most common.
Fiberglass
Better when compared to thermoplastic in strength, and durability. In the manufacturing process of such helmets, the proportion of manual labor is higher. Fiberglass helmets are very strong and relatively expensive, they are used in sports.
Carbon
Today these are the lightest construction, which is important when you buy a helmet. When riding a motorcycle, the head lends itself to heavy loads, during acceleration, braking, moving through bumps, etc. Preventing fatigue from wearing a helmet is an important factor for comfortable riding.
very durable
lightweight (carbon is the lightest material)
light enough due to the small construction
price – carbon fiber helmets are much more expensive than thermoplastic.
Type of mount
- Helmets on ratchets – a convenient and quick fastener for everyday and city driving, convenient fastening even in motorcycle gloves
- clasps “double ring” (DD-ring) – the only valid way to fasten, used on racing tracks, and at all sporting events. The method is not as convenient as a ratchet, but safer. It completely excludes even the theoretical possibility of unfastening the helmet during its operation. In addition, owners of helmets with a double ring claim that it is enough to pull a little at one of the ends of the clasp, move it away and you can remove the helmet. It is not necessary to unfasten the fasteners to the end.
Our recommendations:
- choose a helmet with a pinlock (so that the helmet does not sweat);
- choose a helmet so that it already has sunglasses on
- choose a helmet that will keep you safe in case of an accident.
If you still have questions or concerns about different types of helmets, please leave a comment below. Also if you found this information useful, let us know about it!