Your Guide to the Best Motorcycle Helmet for You
From Full Face to Flip Up
Zakia Ashraf
Motorcycle helmets are not just accessories; they are vital pieces of safety equipment that protect riders in the event of an accident. With various types of helmets available, each designed to offer different levels of protection, comfort, and style, it’s important to understand their functions and features to make an informed choice. This comprehensive guide will delve into the different types of motorcycle helmets, their purposes, and offer in-depth advice on selecting the right helmet for you.
The Importance of Motorcycle Helmets
Motorcycle helmets serve a crucial role in protecting your head during a crash. They are designed to absorb and dissipate the impact energy that would otherwise be transmitted directly to your skull and brain. This impact absorption is achieved through a combination of the helmet’s outer shell and its inner foam liner, which works together to cushion and spread the force of an impact.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Full Face Helmets
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Complete Protection: High degree of safety by covering your entire head, face, and chin. | Heat and Comfort: Can feel warmer and more restrictive, particularly in hot weather. |
| Aerodynamic Design: Minimize wind resistance and improve ride stability. | Weight: They can be heavier than other helmet types. |
| Integrated Features: May include features such as built-in sun visors, communication systems, and advanced ventilation. |
Full face helmets are the most protective type of helmet available. They cover your entire head, including the face and chin, offering the highest level of protection against impacts and debris. These helmets are commonly used by riders who prioritise maximum safety, especially those who undertake high-speed rides or long journeys.
Open Face Helmets
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Comfort: Greater sense of freedom and better airflow, ideal for hot weather. | Reduced Protection: Less protection for the face and chin |
| Improved Visibility: Wider field of vision and easier communication | Exposure: Increased exposure to wind, debris, and insects can be uncomfortable or distracting. |
| Classic Look: Often favoured for their retro or classic style. |
Open face helmets, also known as three-quarter helmets, provide coverage for the top, back, and sides of your head but leave your face exposed. They are favoured for their comfort and freedom of movement, making them a popular choice for casual riders and those in warmer climates.
Flip Up Helmets
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Versatility: Can be used as both an open face and full face helmet, providing adaptability for different riding conditions | Weight: Generally heavier due to the additional mechanisms |
| Convenience: Ideal for commuting and touring, allowing for easy interaction and communication without removing the helmet | Potential Weak Points: The flip mechanism can be a potential point of failure or compromise in impact situations |
| Built-In Features: Often includes drop-down sun visors and advanced ventilation systems |
Flip up helmets, or modular helmets, offer the best of both worlds. They feature a chin bar that can be lifted, allowing you to use the helmet as an open face helmet when needed and close it for full face protection. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for riders who need flexibility.
Choosing the Right Helmet for You
Selecting the right motorcycle helmet involves more than just picking a style that looks good. It's crucial to consider several factors to ensure you get a helmet that offers optimal safety, comfort, and functionality. These certifications indicate that the helmet has passed extensive safety tests and offers reliable protection.
When choosing a motorcycle helmet, always check for safety certifications. Helmets should meet established safety standards such as:
DOT (Department of Transportation): Ensures the helmet meets basic safety requirements for crash protection.
EC / CE (Economic Commission): Provides rigorous testing and certification for helmet safety.
Snell: An independent organization that conducts more stringent tests than DOT or ECE, often used for high-performance helmets.
Whether you prefer the comprehensive protection of a full face helmet, the comfort of an open face design, or the versatility of a flip up helmet, it’s essential to choose a helmet that ensures safety, comfort, and functionality. At Spada, we offer a diverse range of helmets to suit every rider’s needs.
Explore the Spada selection of CE certified motorcycle helmets to find the perfect helmet that fits your style and keeps you safe on the road.