Motorcycle helmets are the single most important piece of safety equipment for riders on the road. They protect you not only from a crash but also from the elements and other road hazards. There are several types of different helmets that offer varying amounts of safety. The safest is the full-face helmet, which offers protection all around your head. The modular helmet is similar but with a hinging chin piece that can affect its safety. A 3/4 helmet is still a good option but does not offer quite as much impact protection. And finally, a 1/2 helmet offers the least amount of protection and really should be paired with other eye protective equipment to be safe. Whichever helmet you choose, remember that apart from safety equipment, being alert and focused on the road will help you reach your destination safely.
Motorcycle Helmets: Safest Options For You on the Road
Full Face Helmet
The safest type of motorcycle helmet is a full-face helmet. This type of helmet provides full protection for your entire head and chin. In fact, the chin bar is what makes it safer than other helmets. In crashes, studies show that the chin often takes a lot of the impact. The chin bar offers a layer of protection for you and adds to the overall safety of this type of helmet. Full face helmets should have good ventilation so that you stay cool and prevent the visor from fogging up. Newer models of full-face helmets offer features like Bluetooth speakers and adjustable tinting visors.
Modular Helmet
The modular motorcycle helmet is similar to the full face helmet but slightly less safe. It is also called a flip-up helmet because the visor and chin strap flip up and out of the way. This allows you to have the facial area open, but it does decrease the overall safety. It also makes this type of helmet heavier than a full-face helmet, because the hinge feature increases the weight.
3/4 Helmet
Three-quarter motorcycle helmets are also called open-faced helmets and offer less protection than either modular or full-face helmets. The reason being that they do not have a chin bar, leaving the bottom part of your face exposed. They do offer protection for the top and sides of your head, as well as the back of your skull. 3/4 helmets usually have a partial or full-face visor to protect your eyes. They weigh slightly less than full-face helmets, but not significantly so.
1/2 Helmet
1/2 type motorcycles helmets offer the least amount of protection for riders. These helmets cover the top of your head, sides, part of the back of your head, and your forehead down to about your eyebrows. However, they do not protect any of your face or chin. They don’t usually come with visors, so you’ll want to pair them with protective eyewear like motorcycle goggles. Since these are the smallest and lightest helmets they do not usually come with additional features like Bluetooth speakers.
Motorcycles can be a great way to travel on the road. However, they do have their dangers. Equipping yourself with the best safety equipment will keep you safer on the road, and that starts with your helmet. The full-face helmet offers you the most protection, followed by the modular, then 3/4, then 1/2 helmet. In addition to crash impact, helmets protect you from the elements while you ride. Rain and hail can be painful on your face at high speeds. In addition, small rocks or debris kicked up by other vehicles can hit you. Full helmets can offer protection from that as well. Whichever type of helmet you decide to purchase, make sure that you shop at a reputable store and get a helmet that is the correct fit for your head.