Motorcycle Helmet Styles

Shopping for a motorcycle helmet can be as challenging as shopping for the bike itself. Wearing a helmet reduces the chances of fatality and brain injuries for riders involved in accidents. Helmets improve as engineers develop materials that can absorb more force while feeling softer. Explore the helmet options and establish some parameters, such as price, level of protection and face style, before selecting a helmet. A motorcycle supply shop can provide advice regarding proper fit and might allow you take a helmet for a test drive.

Full-Face Helmets

• Full-face helmets offer the most complete coverage of a motorcyclist's head, providing the best protection both from injury in an accident as well as environmental factors while riding. Some riders believe so much coverage results in a bulky, uncomfortable helmet, and others believe having full face coverage with a properly fitting helmet is more comfortable than any other style. You may have a full-face helmet fitted properly at a motorcycle gear shop. Full-face helmets usually have a movable face shield, which protects your eyes from wind and bugs while riding without having to wear protective goggles.

Open-Face Helmets

• Open-face helmets, also called 3/4 helmets, are second to full-face helmets in terms of protection. These usually have a movable face shield, but lack protection for the chin and lower face. An open-face helmet without a face shield requires the use of goggles to protect your eyes. Sunglasses or eyeglasses may not remain secure while riding and may not withstand the impact of debris from the road.

Half Helmets

• A half helmet, or "shorty," is a shell for the top half of the head. It provides no protection for the face or neck and is not recommended by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, although some are allowed by the state departments of transportation nationwide. Half helmets may come off in an accident, so it is important to test its retention system.