Motorcycle helmets come in various shapes and styles to cater to different riders. A common approach to understanding helmets is classifying them according to their types. These categories include full-face, race, modular, open face, and off-road helmets, which are varied based on the style of their outer shells.
Different types of motorcycles often align with specific helmet choices to suit riders of those riding styles. With many riding styles and a broad range of helmet options, determining the ideal helmet for your needs is challenging. To guide you in making the right decision, consider the following points to help you identify the helmet type that suits you best.
Purpose and Use of Motorcycle Helmets
Are you seeking a helmet for daily commuting, track racing, or long journeys? The purpose you have in mind leads to the type of helmet that best suits your needs. Your level of experience as a rider also plays an important role. Are you a beginner rider or do you have years of riding under your belt?
For those just starting, it's important to note that you can invest in an entry-level helmet to be on your way. Understanding your basic needs and distinguishing them from nice-to-have features will help you a lot. We'll further explore this in the following sections, offering you tips and tricks in finding the right helmet for you.
Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Motorcycle helmets contain many types, each designed for specific purposes and riding styles. It is important to familiarize yourself with the various helmet types. Different kinds of helmets can be split into four main groups. This makes it easier for bike riders to pick the right one.
Full-Face Helmets
Full-face helmets provide full coverage by protecting the entire face, ensuring the best protection. The chin bar protects the chin and jaw, while a visor shields the rider's nose and eyes. These helmets offer the best protection, making them mandatory as race helmets for track riding due to their safety advantages.
Renowned brands such as AGV, Airoh, Bell, HJC, Nolan, Schuberth, Scorpion, Shark, Shoei, and X-Lite are well-known players in offering top-tier full-face helmets, making their reputation solid within the riding community.
Modular Helmets
Modular helmets, or flip-up helmets, balance a full-face helmet and an open face design. These helmets feature a flip-up chin bar adjustable to open and closed positions.
Importantly, modular helmets function as full-face helmets. This is because it allows riders to ride with the chin bar in the open position, resembling an open face helmet. A modular helmet with a P/J certification is a great choice for riding with an open chin bar in certain countries.
Respected brands like Schuberth, Shoei, Scorpion, Roof, Nolan, Shark, AGV, and HJC are renowned for producing high-quality modular helmets that fullfill to the needs of safety-focussed riders.
Open Face Helmets
Open face helmets, also called Jet helmets, offer the most liberating motorcycle experience. But it is important to note that this freedom comes at the cost of reduced protection.
Due to the absence of a front face shield, these helmets offer minimal coverage. While this design allows good air circulation and ventilation, the exposed face area reduces safety.
Well-known brands that make high-quality open face helmets include Shark, Arai, Bell, HJC, LS2, Nolan, Roof, AGV, and Scorpion.
Off-Road Helmets
Off-road helmets are versatile options for both on- and off-road riding. When used on regular roads, these helmets behave like full-face helmets. They offer the functionality of full-face helmets for everyday road use but also feature an additional peak designed to protect the rider's eyes from dirt and debris when riding off-road. This peak can be easily removed and reattached as needed, making these helmets suited for different riding environments.
These helmets allow riders to remove the visor and wear goggles. This design choice allows airflow, making off-road helmets particularly good in terms of ventilation. Brands such as Klim, Nolan, Arai, Scorpion, Shoei and Airoh are well-known in this category.
Helmet Features to Consider
Understanding helmet features is important because each part directly affects safety and comfort. Materials, weight, visor design, noise levels, ventilation, and fit collectively determine a helmet's effectiveness in protecting and boosting the rider's experience. You can watch our video guide to understand the different features to consider while choosing the perfect type of motorcycle helmet.
Additionally, certain features can add value to your helmet experience, including:
- Wind tunnel testing
- The number of certifications the helmet possesses
- Prepared for a communication system
- Prepared for a hydration system
- The type of helmet closure (Micrometric, Double-D, or Fid-lock)
- The presence of an Emergency Quick Release
Wind tunnel testing and getting certifications can lead to an increase in the production cost of a helmet. In Europe, there is a requirement for an ECE certification. In the United States, DOT certification is required.
Independent organizations like SNELL also provide additional validation, typically associated with higher-priced helmets. A FIM certification is necessary for those planning to race on a track, often found in more expensive racing helmet models. If you are considering group riding, a helmet prepared for a communication system is needed.
Furthermore, an important aspect is whether a helmet is glasses friendly. If you wear glasses or plan to wear sunglasses while riding, seeking a helmet with EPS inner shell preparation for glasses is a wise choice. This feature ensures the best comfort and proper fit for those who require eyewear during their rides.
Buying Your Ultimate Motorcycle Helmet at Champion Helmets
At Champion Helmets, we road-test most helmets in our motorcycle helmet video reviews. Our team of experts is ready to give personalized advice through our online chat. You can also contact us at info@championhelmets.com. We let our customers enjoy secure shopping and real-time inventory updates for a great shopping experience.
Thanks to our global shipping, riders can access top-brand motorcycle gear. Watch our video guide to learn more about choosing the perfect type of motorcycle helmet. This video will guide you through each step of buying your ideal helmet that matches your unique riding style.
Before purchasing a helmet, it's important to try it on to ensure a proper fit. A well-fitting helmet is crucial for optimum safety and comfort while riding. You can also check out our guide on choosing the right helmet size for a perfect fit.
Discover our wide selection and choose the ultimate mix of safety and style in your motorcycle gear. It's time to treat yourself to the gear you deserve.
