We have seen a lot about helmets: from the type of certification they have to what type of retention systems are safe. Today, let’s dial back a bit to understand the basics of helmets — types and their best use.
You see people riding with so many types of helmets (not speaking about the little round plastic ones), and this can make one wonder which is the best helmet for them. So let’s look at all the types of helmets available in the market.
Types of motorcycle helmets
Half helmets
Half helmets are popular because they give just the right amount of protection, but still leave your face and chin open to the elements. While they meet certain safety standards, they are suitable for low-speed vehicles and not recommended at all for a motorised vehicle that can travel more than 50kmph. They offer basic protection, and despite that, they are popular with cruisers — offering the ‘wind in your face’ experience.
Full-face helmets
Full-face helmets offer the best protection in any scenario: Road or track use. They offer the highest standards of protection in any situation and are well-suited for commutes and highways. The importance of a full-face helmet cannot be stressed enough. If we were to recommend a helmet, it would be a full-face helmet with a good certification.
Modular helmets
Modular helmets are popular as they offer the protection of a full-face helmet and the convenience of a half helmet. T modular helmets are popular with adventure bike riders and sport bikes, but they lack the safety a proper full-face helmet offers, owing to the mechanism that enables the front to flip up completely.
Adventure touring helmet
Adventure touring helmets are popular with adventure motorcycle riders and those who love touring. It offers the protection from elements like a full-face helmet does, but the capability of being an off-road helmet when you decide to explore the path less taken. While they suit both worlds, they have one drawback — the helmet peak tends to catch air at highway speeds, which can get tiring.
Off-road helmet
An off-road helmet is an adventure helmet without a visor. They are lightweight and are designed to offer maximum visibility, and are paired with goggles to keep dirt and stuff away from the eyes. These helmets don’t offer maximum protection on the road and are not designed to take highway speeds, as the beak catches air. So, if one’s thinking of an off-road helmet for the road, choose an adventure helmet as it makes more sense.
