Motorcycle riders know how important it is to wear a helmet while riding. But with all the different types of helmets on the market, which one should you choose? This blog will tell you all about the various types of motorcycle helmets, their benefits and disadvantages, and how to go about choosing which one suits you best.
So whether it’s your first time buying a motorcycle helmet or you’re just looking for what’s new in this helpful headwear niche, take a look at our little roundup! You might be surprised at what we found out.
Helmet Types
There are three types of motorcycle helmets in the market today, each with pros and cons in its own right. Here’s what you need to know about them:
A. Full-Face Helmets (Or Facemasks)
These are the most popular helmets because they give maximum protection to the face, head, ears, and even neck. That’s because it covers the entire head, save for a bit of space around the chin area. This feature makes them useful if you want to wear glasses while riding because it can be accommodated by having an opening for your eyes.
Advantages:
1. It keeps the face and heads warm. Facemasks also provide sun protection.
2. Provides better hearing because of an ear skirt that can be adjusted or removed if needed to stay cool while riding.
3. It is the only type that can accommodate a visor for added eye protection from the sun and other external elements such as dust, insects, and icy wind. Some helmets even come with a built-in visor, making them easy to use in foggy conditions. The visor can be easily raised or lowered by lifting a lever on the side of your helmet.
4. It has an easy-to-access side-release buckle that allows the rider to remove the helmet in case of an accident quickly.
Disadvantages:
1. It is heavier than open-face and half-helmets, and it is more challenging to wear winter head protection.
B. Open Face Helmets (Or 3/4 Helmets)
This type can also be used for motorcycling, although not popular among new riders because its design risks injuries on the mouth or chin area if a collision occurs. The chin part of the helmet only covers from ear to ear, while some helmets have facemasks that can be lowered when needed.
Advantages:
1. It weighs less than a full helmet, so they are ideal for summer or hot weather use.
2. Can accommodate sunglasses and goggles. Riders can keep an eye on their surroundings easily. They have a large field of view which is an advantage in traffic situations. Goggles can be worn during cold weather to protect the face from icy winds.
Disadvantages:
1. It cannot protect the head against injuries if a collision occurs.
2. If there is a fire, it can melt faster than other helmets because of its lower protection.
C. Half Helmet (Or Shorty)
These are also known as “shorties” or “half helmets” and only cover the top and back of the head and the ears. New riders who want to experience motorcycling can wear them but are not yet ready to invest in a more oversized, more protective helmet. It is also lighter than a full-face helmet, so it’s great for summer use.
Advantages:
It is cheaper than a full helmet, which means it’s excellent as a spare or as an additional helmet for another rider in your family.
Disadvantages:
They can’t protect your face and head against collisions and injuries. If you ride a sportbike, this type of helmet is not recommended because strong winds can easily blow it off while you’re speeding down the highway.
They don’t provide helmets for colder weather, and if there’s a fire, it can melt quickly because of its limited protection. They don’t accommodate sunglasses or goggles either.
Buying Guide
Here are some factors that you should consider while buying a helmet.
1. Your age
This is a significant factor because first-time riders should always be given a good helmet for their age group. A youth helmet, for example, would be ideal for a 15-year-old. Adult size fits best on someone over 18 as they grow older as their head will get bigger as they get older.
2. Your budget
There are many choices of helmets available in the market today, ranging from as low as P10,000 to as high as P1,500,000, depending on the brand and its features and benefits. But it’s also true that some brands have a good reputation and their products are considered to be of better quality than other brands that offer similar prices.
3. Helmet size
While most helmets have a sizing range of XS to XL, it’s a good idea to get a size that fits correctly around your head. If not, you will have a hard time wearing your helmet, and it can even injure you or fall off while riding. Helmet sizing ranges from 20-23 inches, depending on the brand and its design.
4. Helmet weight
Lightweight helmets are usually made from polycarbonate or fiberglass materials, while full-face helmets are generally made from more expensive carbon fiber materials. That’s because carbon fiber is more robust and absorbs the impact of a collision better than other materials.
5. Helmet shape
Another essential factor to consider while buying a motorcycle helmet is the shape of the helmet. The most common types include cruiser, open face, and half helmets.
6. Helmet protective material
Today, most helmets are made from hard materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar, or reinforced plastic (called ABS). In contrast, others such as carbon fiber and tempered glass are more expensive and provide better protection. Choose a helmet for your budget and make sure that it is made from a good quality material that is strong enough to withstand the impact of an accident.
7. Helmet color
There are three primary colors for motorcycle helmets: black, white, and gray. Here’s a rule of thumb: If you’re riding in scorching weather, choose a darker color like black or dark green. If you’re riding in cold weather, choose lighter colors like white or gray or even yellow, which would give you more visible during nighttime trips.
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Conclusion
Your helmet is one of the most important accessories you have to consider when riding a motorbike. It’s not just an accessory. It can save your life. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time rider or have been riding for years; it is recommended to have a good helmet that fits your head size perfectly.