Just started riding and looking for the best option to keep yourself protected on the road? Talking about the safety during motorcycle riding helmet is always your first companion. A good helmet for a motorcycle saves you from not only road mishaps but also keeps your head and face from different environmental elements.
In a recent biker survey carried out by some officials during the Sturgis Rally 2024, Around 37% of bikers wear helmets in summer to keep their faces safe from the UV rays, while 63% purely wear them for safety reasons.
Life is the most Precious Gift from the God, and taking good care of yourself is the best way to live life, whether you are riding or traveling somewhere, always Equip yourself with safety gear. You can also check these shocking facts according the famous website Forbes, from 2015 to 2023 in the United States, it was reported that in 2021 alone, 2,251 motorcycle accident fatalities involved riders who were not wearing helmets.
Â
Â
Â
The Above chart discusses the shocking facts, and the situation will be worse when the helmet law is repealed. One of the officers from the State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. also told about it that Whenever they’ve repealed a helmet law, (there are) similar increases in the accidents and brain injury. One thing every biker should Consider is wearing a helmet is the ethical Responsibility to keep yourself while riding, whether it’s mandatory or not in your State LAW. The more amazing fact is that Only 18 states in the United States and Washington D.C. support universal helmet laws.
So, what should we do in this Victorian Situation? Should we stop wearing helmets? For this Biker universe Come up with the most Researched and latest facts about the types of motorcycle helmets with the Additional guide to enhance your safety and comfort on the road.
Types of motorcycle helmets
Do you believe riding without a helmet is not appropriate and helmet-conscious? Learn about which motorcycle helmets are best for your face type and riding style.
Motorcycle riders have six major styles of motorcycle helmets.
- Full-Face Helmets (Traditional helmets)Â .
- Â Modular Helmets (Convertible and flip-up Helmets).
- Open Face Helmets (3/4 Helmets).
- Half Helmets (Cover head like Bucket)
- Off-road helmets - motocross or racing helmets
- Dual-sport helmets - crossover, ADV, hybrid helmets
Full Face helmets (traditional helmets)
Full face helmets are in the highest demand, and bikers just love them because of their protective ability. They cover your entire head and chin, providing you with the best safety compared to other types. They are great for all kinds of rides: you can use them to ride either short or long distances.
Full-face helmets are designed to be functional and comfortable. They have integrated visors to shield your eyes from the wind and dust, and airflow mechanisms to keep you cool during riding. They are known for durability; in most instances, they are manufactured from hard-wearing material that can resist an impact. Most full-face helmets are DOT-approved; which keeps you at ease.
Design and benefits to full-face helmets:
The design of a full-face helmet focuses on providing maximum safety without compromising comfort. The Unique aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance, while the interior is padded for a snug comfortable fit. Protection during an accident, noise reduction, comfort-this is what a biker gets when riding his motorcycle with a full-face helmet. That is why this equipment is indispensable for a serious rider.
Modular Helmets (Convertible and Flip-Up Helmets):
The modular helmet goes by a variety of different names, which include flip-up helmets and adjustable helmets. That said, a modular helmet would be the best in combining safety, comfort, and flexibility. They shall provide full-face protection like any regular helmet and the freedom similar to an open-face design. With one simple lift of the chin bar, you can easily switch from a full-face helmet to an open face helmet. This makes it just perfect for users who prefer staying safe while having some freedom.
Design and Benefits of the Modular Helmets:
According to a recent report in the motorcycle magazine, 60% of the Gen Z want to wear modular helmets for motorcycle riding. One of the essential aspects of modular helmets is adjustability. The flip-up system will help you raise the front part of the helmet to allow air to stream in and keep you in a better conversation without having to remove the helmet all the way. This design comes in handy for bikers who commonly operate on and off their bikes, or sometimes need to talk with other individuals. While this helmet is closed, it fully covers your face with strong materials for protection. You have more options since you can use an open face helmet when you feel that you are not in a hazardous situation and a full-face helmet when you feel that you are in danger. A modular helmet is ideal for bikers who seek the best of both worlds.
Open Face Helmets (3/4 Helmets):
Open face helmets pretty much are for comfort and freedom. They are actually called 3/4 helmets because they don't cover the whole face like full-face helmets but actually do a pretty good job of protecting the top, back, and sides of the head. People who ride bikes just love this particular style because they feel the wind against their face and can communicate with other people without them having to take their helmet off.
Design and Benefits of Open Face Helmets (3/4 Helmets):
The Open face helmets are designed to be light, comfortable, and offer great visibility. Without a chin bar, airflow is better to keep you cool on hot rides. There are types that let you wear your own goggles or ones that come with visors to protect your eyes from the sun and dirt. The Open face helmets make it easier to see, let more air flow through, and make riding more comfortable. It's safe to wear these type of helmet when riding or any other time you want to enjoy the wind therapy of open roads.
Half Helmets (Cover Head Like a Bucket):
You learnt about the different motorcycle helmet types but this one is quite funny but also a dot approved these helmets mostly come in a funky style and punk styles. The half helmet, also occasionally referred to as the "bucket" helmet, serves primarily to protect the top of your head. This style is quite popular among riders who seek something light and low-profile but gives them more freedom and a clear view. When you wear a half hat, you will be able to see the road with most of the airflow and the least amount of interference.
Design and Benefits of the Half Helmets (Cover Head Like a Bucket):
The thing which make these motorcycle helmet types more useful is its design. Half helmets are easy and small, and they only cover the top of your head. Usually, a chin strap holds them in place, and they may have some padding or a simple inner liner for comfort throughout your journey. Some types come with visors or face shields that can be taken off to protect your eyes from environmental factors like sun and dirt particles.
One of the good things about half helmets is that they are light, easy to carry, and let you hear and see things better. They are a great choice for bikers who like short trips, going around cities, or just want a helmet that protects them well while still letting them enjoy riding outside.
Off-Road Helmets (Motocross or Racing Helmets):
Off-road helmets were designed for just those challenges in off-road riding. From rougher terrains and dirt tracks down to steep hills, this helmet model offers protection and features for high-intensity rides. They are designed to endure the worst impacts while providing the most possible ventilation to keep riders cool during heavy physical exertion.
Design and advantages of an off-road helmet: Known as Motocross or Racing.
As we all know that Off-road helmets are made for rough situations and rough tracks. A chin bar that is wider and a sun peak (visor) keep dirt particles, and sunshine out of your eyes. Thanks to its light structure and newly developed ventilation technologies, you will remain relaxed even with the most extreme rides. Many types of goggles for eye protection and eyewear will suit.
The off-road type of helmets keeps you safe from an accident or road mishap, dust particles stay away from you, and improve airflow to keep you away from heating up. Off-road, motocross, and dirt bike racers have to avail the services of these types of motorcycle helmets while performing safely and successfully in rough circumstances.
Dual-Sport Helmets (Crossover, ADV, Hybrid Helmets):
If you like to ride both on and off the road, a dual-sport helmet is a good choice. These helmets combine the best parts of full-face and off-road helmets, making them useful for many types of riding. Whether you're riding on the highway or exploring rough, hilly terrain, dual-sport helmets offer a good mix of versatility, comfort, and protection.
Design and Advantages Dual-Sport Helmets: Crossover, ADV, Hybrid Helmets
These dual-sport helmets are pretty big in terms of flexibility in their making. They sport visors, much like those of off-road ones, which can either be removed or replaced, and face shields similar to full-face helmets that protect you considerably from the weather.
Many times, the chin bar is bigger, hence offering greater safety off-road. Commonly, the helmets have a number of air vents that keep you cool during hard rides since ventilation is so important in these.
The dual-sport helmet will be ideal for bikers seeking just one helmet able to handle various types of roads and tracks or riding styles. They can serve to keep you safe and comfortable on both the road and trail.
Other famous types of motorcycle helmets:
Adventure Helmets:
Another form of dual-sport helmets but thing differentiate these helmets are the features for long-distance touring.
Retro Helmets (Novelty Helmets):
Designed with a vintage look, these helmets often biker nostalgia styles from past decades while also have modern safety features to keep bikers safe.
Custom Helmets:
These are helmets with personalized touches, featuring unique designs or paint jobs or sticker relevant to the clubs.
In the end biker universe believe that every biker should choose Safest and that helmet which is exactly matches with your needs and riding style.
What are the basic necessary things that the safest motorcycle helmet has?
The motorcycle helmet primary role is to keep you safe on the road. While with the span of the time it evolved in many things like addition of comfortable liner to enhance comfort plus modern vents for better airflow Bluetooth feature to enjoy calling and music while on the go at the end modern UV Protected visors and High Resistant Carbon fiber body.
When we discuss the basic necessary things that the safest motorcycle helmet.
There are five things listed below:
- Outer Shell to enhance Resistance
- Impact Absorbing Liner (Absorb Impact)
- Comfort Padding (Enhance Comfort)
- Retention System (Chin Strap) for fastening.
- Vents (For Breathability)
Outer Shell to Enhance Resistance:
The outer shell is the very first line of defense a helmet has, and it was designed to guard against collisions and crashes. In the case of an impact or traffic accident, this is made from robust materials to dissipate force, such as Kevlar, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), fiberglass composite, or polycarbonate, hence reducing the chances of head injuries. This layer needs to be very powerful to keep you safe on every excursion.
Impact Absorbing Liner:
Underneath the casing, there is a liner that usually comprises multi-density foam, EPS foam, or EPP. This liner absorbs energy from impacts and mishaps, hence reducing the force reaching your head, much like a second skin. The inner armor of the helmet will guard your head in an impact.
Comfort Padding to Enhance Comfort:
The soft padding inside this helmet forms to your head whenever you put on the helmet and cinch down for proper fitting. Not only does this make it very comfortable, but it also helps keep the helmet in position during the ride. This will be sure to keep comfort and safety while riding.
Retention System (Chin Strap) for Fastening:
The chin strap is part of the system that retains the helmet in place on your head. The strap can be adjusted for proper fit of the helmet, in both a ride and at the time of an accident. It should be fastened on correctly to enable the helmet to protect you.
Vents for Breathability:
Vents, or strategic openings in the helmet, can allow air to circulate and keep you cool and comfortable during the longer rides. Sufficient airflow prevents overheating and condensation of the visor, hence a clear view. Well-designed vents are going to enable you to go further and keep your eyes up the road.
What are the safety standards for the different motorcycle helmet types?
Wearing motorcycle helmets that come from a trusted brand of durable materials and proper certification gives you a peace of mind while riding. Different countries have different regulations and certifications while in the USA DOT approved helmet is considered to be most safe and approved by Department of transport in America.
While there are three main Certification:
ECE 22.05/22.06 (Economic Commission for Europe):
The ECE 22.05/22.06 standards are one of the most widely accepted rules for helmet safety. They are approved in more than 50 countries. As part of these standards, strict tests are done on things like impact resistance, the quality of the visor, the effectiveness of the retention system, and the field of view. The most recent version, ECE 22.06, adds even stricter tests.
SNELL M2020:
In the United States, the SNELL M2020 standard is a license that people can choose to get or not. It goes further than other standards' basic requirements by focusing on stricter testing methods. Some of these tests are rotational forces, multiple impacts at different places on the helmet, and the integrity of the chin bar.
DOT (Department of Transportation, USA):
In the United States, everyone who wears a helmet has to follow the DOT norm. It sets the minimum standards for the performance that a retention system should have in respect to functionality, impact absorption capacity, and also the penetration resistance. Helmets that are certified by the DOT shall have passed tests simulating real collisions. It ensures they offer primitive, reliable protection.
How to find the perfect size Helmet or How to find your motorcycle helmet size:
For safety and comfort, getting the right size motorbike helmet is very important. If your helmet is too loose, it could move or fall off during a crash. If it's too tight, it could be uncomfortable and distract you. You can check the complete detailed blog about How to Pick the Right Size of helmet here.
Final Words:
We hope so we cover enough knowledge for your informed choice like we cover 6 basic type of helmets and other more popular helmets. Describe their detail which helmet is suitable for you and fulfil your riding needs. Whether you want a helmet for warmer weather or for winter may be new biker or veteran you can get complete information about the safest helmets.
The Next step is to purchase the helmets, Biker Universe is the best American Biker clothing and accessories brand cherished by millions of bikers, our expert biker staff is there to help you to choose the perfect helmet between the types of motorcycle helmets available in the market for the bikers. So, ride safe, ride hard, and enjoy Riding with heart.
Â
Â
