Helmets are the most important protective gear that every motorcyclist must wear when going for a ride. They reduce the risk of severe head and brain injuries and even prevent deaths in extreme crashes. And there is a countless variety of helmets you can buy. So, it can be a challenge to choose the right helmet. This blog will explore different types of helmets and things to remember when picking one for yourself.
Different types of helmets
There are six different types of helmets available in the market. They are as follows:
1. Full-face motorcycle helmets
Full-face helmets are the most popular helmets you will see on the roads. And rightly so, as they offer complete protection to the head, ears, neck, and jaw. They have a chin guard to protect your chin and jaw and a visor to protect your eyes and face from dust and high-speed winds.
Full-face motorcycle helmets are ideal for two-wheelers like motorcycles and scooters. They are also perfect for you if you use two-wheelers for daily commutes. You get ample protection from rain, wind, and noise. At the same, they are sturdy enough to protect your head.
2. Open-face helmets
Open-face helmets are similar to full-face motorcycle helmets minus the chin guard. So, this helmet only protects the head, ears, and eyes. But the lack of a chin guard makes lightweight headgear ideal for congested urban roads and hot weather conditions.
Although open-face helmets are not the safest, they are ideal for light gearless vehicles with lower acceleration. They are also quite popular among drivers that travel for shorter commutes as they are comfortable and offer proper safety.
3. Modular or flip-up helmets
Modular helmets are the cross between full-face and open-face helmets. They are full-face helmets with headgear, visors, and chin guards. But the chin guard is not fixed. Riders can move it up and down as per their needs. Hence, the name flip-up helmet.
Although modular helmets conveniently bring the best of two popular helmet types, they are not very comfortable. They have hinges to allow for flip-up/down movement, making them heavier than a regular full-face helmet. The moveable parts also reduce the safety of a flip-up helmet to your jaw and chin.
4. Half-shell helmets
Half-shell helmets only protect the head and forehead, which is why they are also called skull helmets. They are incredibly lightweight helmets to wear but offer bare minimum protection. Except for the skull, the helmet exposes your neck, ears, jaws, and chin to injuries in case of an accident.
Half-shell offers a better view of your surroundings than other helmets. But you only wear a half-shell helmet when you use a vehicle, like a scooter, to travel over short distances. They are unsuitable for travelling on urban roads and highways.
5. Off-road helmets
An off-road helmet is the best if you are an off-road enthusiast or have a dirt bike. They offer complete protection to the skull, forehead, chin, and jaw. In addition, the best quality off-road helmets are lightweight, even for a sturdy helmet, as they are made from carbon fibre and fibreglass.
Since they are for enthusiast off-road riders, they also have some additional features. For instance, the chin bar is more prominent and has an ergonomic design for better airflow. Also, the larger visor gives the rider a clearer view.
6. Dual-sport helmets
At first glance, it is difficult to differentiate a dual-sport helmet from an off-road helmet due to its similar angular design. But dual-sport helmets are more aerodynamic, making them ideal headgear for higher speeds.
The dual-sport helmets are designed for riders who go on regular adventures but also want a sportier helmet daily. These helmets protect your skull, forehead, ear, neck, and chin. The visor shields your eyes and faces from debris and high-speed winds.
Tips to keep in mind while choosing a helmet
Now that you know what all types of helmets are available, here are some factors to keep in mind to pick the best helmet for yourself:
1. Make sure the helmet follows the standard safety laws set by the Government. For example, in India, all compliant helmets have an ISI mark signifying the helmet is safe and ideal for use on the roads.
2. Helmets are available in different sizes to fit comfortably on a driver’s head. So, buying a helmet is the right size for you. A tight helmet can pressure your head and brain, while a too-loose helmet may come off during accidents.
3. Visor quality is also essential when choosing a helmet. Sleek and tinted visors reduce visibility and hinder your driving experience. Instead, you should get a helmet with a scratch-proof and fog-proof visor.
Final words
You must wear a helmet every time you are driving a two-wheeler. However, using the right helmet is equally important. Make sure your next helmet has a sturdy and comfortable design. Also, ensure the visor offers clear visibility and fits you perfectly for optimum safety.
28 February 2024
5 mins read
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