Different Kinds of Motorcycle Helmets
Written by FrankMedley on August 7, 2008 – 5:29 am -For those who have just purchased their first motorcycle, or who have only recently decided to wear a helmet, it can seem as if there are thousands of different kinds of motorcycle helmets. There are different types of helmets, so once you have settled on the style to pick, then there are colors, designs, features. What should you get?
This is a guide to the different kinds of open face motorcycle helmets. What type you should get is a personal decision, but factors that are likely to come up include price, safety concerns, and your personal style. The first helmet you get may not be the one you end up with either. Peoples taste and desires change over time and this may happen several times before you finally figure out what type of helmet is perfect for you.
If you’re looking for a classic helmet, then you may like the beanie, or pudding hat helmet style. These are recognizable from the first and second world war. They offer limited protection, and look pretty cool. This helmet seems to be worn mainly by chopper riders who want the absolute most freedom available while they ride.
But they do only offer minimal protection, and even then, only to the top of your head. They also do not block any wind or rain from your face, which leaves you open to being stuck. Adding a pair of goggles or riding glasses to this combo can greatly increase the comfort factor by protecting your eyes while riding.
If you like the look of the beanie, but would like more protection, you may like the half helmet. It covers part of your ears and the side of your head, as well as the top. It is also designed with peripheral vision in mind.
This kind of motorcycle helmet does have similar disadvantages to the beanie. It does not offer adequate noise protection, and also does not protect your face while you’re riding, or in the case of a fall or crash.
The helmet choice to go from an open face helmet to a full face helmet is a big one. They are two very different types of helmet and provide two very different riding experiences. The open face helmet does provide more access to nature and to the riding experience where the full face helmet provides a much higher level of safety.
If you’re most interested in safety, your kind of motorcycle helmet is definitely a full face helmet. This will protect your entire head, face, and chin, as well as covering your ears. It also keeps weather and other objects out of your face.
There are some drawbacks to this model of helmet. Covered ears can make it difficult for you to hear. You must also completely remove your helmet if you would like to take a picture, drink or eat.
When you finally make the ultimate decision and order your helmet, remember you are not locked in to this helmet for life. You can always decide to change your helmet style down the road and eventually will might even have two helmets. One for piddling around town and then another for longer road trips.
Many riders also have a helmet for Summer that is an open face so they can enjoy the weather but then have a full face for Winter, so when it is cold they don’t experience the elements too much.
So you have finally made up your mind, you really want a full face helmet, then point your browser over to Splat Hat. Don’t fret, if you decided to get a open face helmet your still in luck. They even have a great selection of off road helmets for you motocross guys.