A Complete Guide to All Types of Motorcycle Helmets

A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of safety gear that a rider can wear. In 2022, Motorcycle helmets save the lives of 37% (riders) and 41%(passengers) and reduce head injury by 69%. As a beginner in the motorcycle world, the first thing you should do is learn about helmets and find the best one for you. Most states in the US require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, but as a rider with 10 years of experience, I strongly suggest that you wear a helmet whenever you ride a motorcycle, no matter where you are. Helmets can protect you from serious head injuries in the event of a crash, and can help you stay safe on the road.

There are many different types of helmets on the market today, and it can be confusing to try to figure out which one is right for you. Each type of helmet has its own set of features and benefits that can offer riders a unique level of protection, comfort and style. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of helmets and give you some brand recommendations and best-selling helmets in each type.

7 Different Types of Helmets

• Full-face
• Modular
• Open-face
• Half Helmets
• Dirt Bike Helmets
• Dual-sport
• Smart

Full Face Helmets

Full face helmets are the safest type of motorcycle helmet available. They provide complete coverage of the head and face, and are constructed of sturdy materials that can withstand impacts. Full face helmets also offer the best protection from the elements, and can be equipped with features like visors and ventilation systems. Full-face helmets also tend to be the quietest and most aerodynamic, making them a good choice for riders who want to minimize wind noise and maximize speed.

Most sport motorcycle riders prefer full face helmets because they provide better protection for the rider’s head, face and neck in the event of a crash. They also allow the rider to adopt a more aerodynamic crouched riding position, which is necessary for high-speed riding. Full face helmets also tend to be more stable at high speeds than open face helmets, which can lift off the rider’s head if not properly secured.

However, you will feel sweaty and hot wearing full face motorcycle helmets under hot weather. The helmet will protect your head and face from the sun and heat, but it will also make you sweat more. If you are riding in hot weather, make sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks often to stay cool.

Read our reviews on best full face helmets

Best Selling Full Face Helmets

Modular / Flip up Helmets

There are a few different types of motorcycle helmets, but the most popular type is the modular helmet. This type of helmet consists of two parts – a visor and a main body. The visor can be flipped up or down, depending on whether you need it or not. The main body of the helmet covers the top and sides of your head, and is usually made from a lightweight material.

Modular helmets offer many of the same benefits as full-face helmets,  and they are a combination of 3/4 and full-face helmets. But with the added convenience of being able to flip up the chinbar for increased visibility and ventilation. Modular helmets are a good choice for riders who want the option of being able to go from full coverage to an open-face helmet without having to remove the entire helmet.

What kind of riders wear modular helmets?

Because of their upright riding position design, modular helmets are often used by tourers, cruisers, and adventure riders. The modular helmet is typically made of a tough outer shell and can be easily removed when not needed.

While most visors simply block out the sun’s rays, some modular visors are designed to also prevent sunshine from entering the vehicle. This can be especially helpful on bright days when the sun’s rays can be quite blinding. By blocking out the sun’s rays, the driver can stay focused on the road and avoid any potential accidents.

Best Selling Modular / Flip up Helmets

Open Face Helmets (also known as 3/4 Helmets)

Open-face helmets are ideal for riders who want the wind in their face and the freedom to move their head and neck while riding but they leave the neck and jaw exposed. These helmets provide good coverage of the head and face, and are often equipped with a visor to protect the eyes from the sun and debris. They are generally lighter and cooler than full-face helmets, making them a good choice for summer riding. That’s why they are favored by low speed riders and those who are lived in hot weather area.

Difference between open face and full-face helmets?

One key difference between open face helmets and full-face helmets is the level of protection that they offer for the face and eyes. Full-face helmets typically provide more protection for the face and eyes than open face helmets, as they cover the entire face and have a built-in visor. This can be important for riders who are concerned about protecting their eyes from debris or the sun.

Another difference to consider is the ventilation that each type of helmet offers. Open face helmets typically have better ventilation than full-face helmets, as they allow more air to flow around the head. This can be important for riders who want to stay cool and comfortable while riding.

While open face helmets provide less protection than full face helmets in the event of an accident, they are still a popular choice among riders. This is because open face helmets are generally lighter and more comfortable to wear than full face helmets. Additionally, many riders feel that open face helmets offer better visibility and airflow, which can be important factors when choosing a helmet.

Best Selling Open Face Helmets

Half-helmets

A half helmet or “brain buckets,” is a type of motorcycle helmet that covers the rider’s head, but not their face. They are typically worn by cruiser and touring motorcycle riders. Half helmets are often designed without a chin bar and visor, and offer less protection than full-face helmets, but they are much more comfortable to wear and don’t obstruct the rider’s vision.

A half helmet is a great choice for motorcycle riders who want the freedom and wind in their face while still being protected. They offer great protection for the head and skull in the event of a crash, and can also help deflect debris and bugs while riding. If you are a low speed riders that often do road triping, then this one might be a good choice. But out of safety, do pick up half helmets that come with visors or face shields to help protect the eyes.

Cons of Half helmets

Except for the lowest safety protection provided by half helmets. There is another issue or hassle for motorcycle riders. When you’re out on the open road, it’s important to be protected from the elements. Half-helmets offer little protection from the wind and rain, so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Dress in layers and pack a rain jacket to stay comfortable and dry. And of course, always ride safely.

Best Selling Half-helmets

Dirt Bike Helmets

Off-road helmets, also known as dirt bike helmets or motocross helmets, are designed to protect riders from the unique dangers of off-road riding. These helmets are often lighter and more comfortable than traditional motorcycle helmets, and they offer better ventilation to help keep riders cool in hot conditions. Off-road helmets also typically have more durable construction to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, and they often have special features like visors and chin bars to protect riders from the sun, dust, and other debris.

Off-road helmets often are designed with large “sun peaks” add-ons which can be adjusted to block out the sun’s glare, providing better visibility while riding. Additionally, they can be used to deflect branches and other debris that may be encountered while riding off-road. And many off-road helmets feature vents that help to keep the rider’s head cool, even in hot weather.

Most riders opt to wear separate safety glasses inside their off road helmet for added eye protection. This is because the visor on the helmet can often become foggy or dirty, making it difficult to see clearly. By wearing glasses underneath the helmet, riders can ensure that their vision is not obstructed.

Cons of off road helmets

One of the biggest drawbacks to dirt bike-style helmets is that they can be quite loud. This is due to the fact that they typically don’t have any type of windscreen or fairing to deflect the wind away from the rider’s head. As a result, wind noise can be quite loud when riding with one of these helmets.

Another potential drawback to dirt bike-style helmets is that they don’t offer as much protection as some other types of helmets. This is because they typically don’t have a face shield or visor, and the helmet itself is often not as thick or padded as other types of motorcycle helmets.

Best Selling Off-road Helmets

Dual-sport Helmets

Also called Crossover, ADV, Hybrid, Enduro helmets. There’s no mistaking a dual-sport helmet. If you look at the appearance of Dual-sport helmets, they are a mix between an off-road helmet and a full-face helmet. They usually have a visor to protect your eyes from the sun and debris, and a chin bar to protect your face in case of a crash. They are designed to be comfortable and lightweight, so you can wear them all day long.

With its distinctive visor and aggressive styling, it’s designed to offer the best of both worlds: the protection of a full-face helmet with the added convenience of an integrated visor. And while they may look tough, they’re actually quite comfortable, with plush liners and plenty of ventilation to keep you cool on even the hottest days. Whether you’re hitting the trails or the open road, a dual-sport helmet is the perfect choice for the adventurous rider.

Cons of Dual-sport helmets

They can be more expensive than traditional motorcycle helmets, and they may not offer as much protection as full face helmets in a crash. Dual sport helmets are designed to be used for both on and off-road riding. However, they sometimes have ventilation issues that can make them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. When choosing a dual sport helmet, be sure to try it on and make sure that the vents are not too restrictive. You may also want to consider a helmet with a removable visor, as this can help to improve airflow.

Best Selling Dual-sport helmets

Smart Helmets

Smart helmets are the future of motorcycle safety. They are equipped with a variety of sensors and features that provide riders with real-time information about their surroundings. This information can be used to avoid accidents and improve rider safety. Additionally, smart helmets can connect to a motorcycle’s on-board computer to provide riders with information about their vehicle’s performance. This can help riders troubleshoot problems and keep their motorcycle in top condition.

With the advent of smart helmets, you can now have bluetooth inside your helmet that allows you to hear music on the road, at the same time, have SOS settings in case of an emergency. This is a great feature for those who enjoy listening to music while they ride, as it allows them to do so without having to worry about being distracted by the outside world. At the same time, the SOS feature is a great safety measure that can help to ensure that you are always able to get help in case of an emergency.

Cons of Smart Helmets

There are a few potential drawbacks to wearing a smart helmet. First, the helmet may not provide as much protection as a traditional helmet, since it is not as thick or sturdy. This is because smart helmets makers have to put all those electronics inside the helmet.

Second, the helmet may be uncomfortable to wear, since it is heavier and bulkier than a traditional helmet. Why? it’s due to the sensors and other electronics add weight and bulk to the helmet. This can make it more difficult to wear for extended periods of time, as it can be quite uncomfortable. Additionally, the added weight of the helmet can make it more difficult to keep your head up while riding, which can be dangerous.

Finally, the helmet may be expensive, since it contains a lot of advanced technology. But if you want to stay cool and enjoy the high tech, then go ahead.

Best Selling Smart Helmets

In conclusion

There are many different types of helmets on the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. For example, full-face helmets offer the most protection for your head and face, but can be hot and uncomfortable in warm weather. Open-face helmets offer less protection but are cooler and more comfortable. Modular helmets offer a compromise between the two, with a full-face shield that can be flipped up when you don’t need it.

Ultimately, it’s important to choose a helmet that is comfortable and fits well, as this will help to ensure that you actually wear it when you’re out on the trails or on the road.