Different Types of Helmets - Explained!

It is hard to argue that a helmet is probably the most important safety gear item while riding a bike. As per survey results, in 2015, helmets were responsible for saving the lives of almost 1800 motorcyclists. The trend continued as in 2018, helmets reportedly saved 1900+ lives. The numbers could have been more significant had other people had also worn a good-quality, sturdy helmet. Therefore, It is always essential to wear a helmet while riding. Here is a detailed guide on - The Different Types of Helmets- Explained!

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FULL-FACE HELMETS

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As the name suggests, this kind of helmet provides full-face protection. It covers the majority of the area around the head as well as the neck. This is known to be the safest kind of helmet that can be purchased by bikers and motorcyclists. Coming to the style quotient, full-face helmets are considered to be quite versatile among the riders, i.e., this helmet goes well with any motorcycle you own. You can opt for a full-face helmet variant featuring a chin bar that goes well with your riding position.  

OPEN-FACE/3/4^th HELMETS

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These 3/4^th Helmets are completely open from the front, meaning they cover the top back of your head as well as both sides. This helmet leaves your face completely exposed and out in the open. This is generally preferred by riders who wish to feel the wind on their face while riding. Therefore, this kind of helmet weighs very little. The absence of the chin bar significantly minimizes the safety quotient of this helmet. Some of these helmets come with either partial or full-face visors. This protects your eyes from dust and debris while riding.

MODULAR/ FLIP-UP HELMETS

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Flip-Up helmets are a mixture of a full-face helmet and a helmet that covers only 3/4ths of your face. The name of this helmet comes from the fact that you can flip both the chin bar as well as the visor to open up the helmet's front. These come equipped with an eye-protecting visor and sometimes include an additional visor for enhanced protection. Due to its structure, it is majorly used by tourers and adventurers.

HALF HELMETS

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This kind of helmet only protects the upper part of your head completely. They also partially protect the area from the rider's forehead to their brows. The remaining part of the face is left completely exposed, which to say the least, is quite dangerous. The airflow these helmets provide is unmatched, but the lack of protection is problematic. For these, minimal upgrades like Bluetooth speakers can be implemented.

OFF-ROAD HELMETS

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The name is perfect because off-road helmets are built for riders who embark on off-road journeys. This is not the best option for city and highway usage as the design and form factor are not the most comfortable. These helmets do not necessarily offer protection for your eyes, which is why off-roading enthusiasts should always wear goggles or protective glasses while riding. Wearing them will prevent dust and debris from entering your eyes.

If you are new to the biking world, choosing the right helmet can be a daunting task. There are quite a lot of options to choose from which is why it is impossible to avoid confusion.