Choosing the safest motorcycle helmet

Right after purchasing a motorcycle, what do you buy? That is right – a motorcycle helmet!

Motorcyclists are aware of the importance of motorcycle helmets. When faced with unfortunate events, helmets have the ability to make a difference between life and death. The risks of having your life scathed by head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are also decreased by 69%. However, this is not true for all motorcycle helmets as not all will protect you properly.

What is the safest motorcycle helmet for you? Which type should you pick? What size should you choose?

We love helping out our readers! Hence, allow us to walk you through the process of purchasing a motorcycle helmet.

Also Read:

Which is the safest type of motorcycle helmet?

When buying motorcycle helmets, users are presented with a sea of options to choose from. Trying to choose one can become extremely confusing and frustrating. At a time like this, you should start by selecting a type and narrowing your options down.

Below, we will name some types of motorcycle helmets that are considered to be safe options.

Full Face Helmets

Full face motorcycle helmets are the most effective motorcycle headgear available in the market. They completely cover the wearer's head, and thus, manage to shield them from all harm.

Outer shells cover the back and top of the head while chin bars safeguard the jaw. A little place is left open for the visors through which the riders can get a perfect view of the road. Users can also opt to get tinted visors which will allow better vision during the day. The helmet ends at the wearer's neck, but thanks to the vents, airflow is maintained perfectly.

When a full face motorcycle helmet is sported, wind noise is cut down gravely. As a result, users are kept away from hearing damage. The face is kept away from dust and debris, and the weather is unlikely to cause damage to one's health.

One problem with such helmets though is the fact that they end at your neck. This makes them weightier than others and also more suffocating to wear. Many riders will choose to ditch the safety simply because of the feelings of claustrophobia that it brings.

Open Face Helmets

Unlike full face helmets, open face helmets have no chin bars or chin visors. The face is left completely exposed along with your jaw and neck. Nevertheless, it completely blankets the top and back of your head along with the sides. As it ends at the wearer's forehead, many also tend to call such helmets ¾ helmets.

Although they are not as protective, open face helmets are approved by DOT and the law. Hence, they can be worn on the road. Such helmets are appreciated by the wearer for properly supporting ventilation. They let the air in and allow the riders to experience the unique feeling of freedom that motorcycle riding brings.

When such motorcycle helmets are worn, due to an open face, people are offered a full vision. The road can be clearly seen and you might as well get tinted face shields to avoid reflections. Inhaling and exhaling are made much easier as glasses don't fog up, all thanks to the excellent airflow.

The problem with open face helmets though is they provide no protection in frontal smashes. Statistics have shown that they do little to prevent head or brain injuries. But, if you are willing to carry the risk to seek comfort, then you should choose them over other kinds.

Modular Helmets

Such helmets are known to be a blend between full face and open face helmets. They use a hinge system that allows you to lift the chin bar when needed. Riders are instructed to keep the visor down on the road and lift it during stops to communicate with others and allow better airflow.

Modular helmets bring along the benefits of open face helmets and full face helmets. The entire head is shielded during an accident. You can also lift the helmet at stops to communicate with others and access proper ventilation.

Despite eliminating the difficulties caused by full face and open face helmets, the modular helmet can be rather dangerous in some ways. The hinge system is known to be faulty and flips the helmet off the face when riding at a high speed. When this happens, wearers will end up facing ugly consequences. Getting into an accident is very likely as riders can get distracted. Their vision might also get blocked because of the chin bar flipping up. If the force applied to the head when the helmet lifts off is too large, the motorcyclist's neck might even be twisted.

Dual-Sport Helmet

Dual-sport helmets are known to be a mix between off-road helmets and full face helmets. They are extremely stylish looking and often come in an aerodynamic style. This elevates the riding experience by making it smoother.

Face shields or visors on such helmets are large and so, wearers have no trouble when it comes to vision. Several vents are available which allow maximum airflow and interior paddings offer a lot of comfort. Being lightweight acts as a big plus point since neck strain is reduced.

Just like with open face helmets, dual-sport helmets block out the wind. This prevents dirt from getting in and also cuts down harmful wind noises. It can be worn on both – the road and the track. Overall, it is as ideal of a choice as full face helmets.