The Four Types of Motorcycle Helmet

We’ve all seen it: distracted drivers not checking blind spots, not signaling, and not paying attention. As motorcyclists, these drivers put us at incredible risk. It’s an unfortunate reality that motorcycle accidents can be especially dangerous, and if you’re not wearing a helmet, you’re risking severe injury or death. Take a tip from the experts at Rommel Harley-Davidson® in Smyrna: protect yourself with one of the many types of helmets listed below. Let our team help you find the right fit and style to fit your needs.

Half Helmets

A half helmet is the minimum of head protection on the road. These helmets cover only the top half of your skull, and not much else, however they have their share of advantages. Half helmets are light, so they don’t get as uncomfortable after extended wear. These helmets are also the coolest compared to more comprehensive helmets, so they make a great choice for summer. One thing that riders should keep in mind when picking out a half helmet is face protection. Because half helmets don’t always come with eye protection, and rarely face protection, it’s a good idea to pick up a set of riding goggles or  glasses, and perhaps a facemask to keep your mouth and nose protected. 

Full Face Helmets

A full face helmet is the most protection you can get in motorcycle headgear. These helmets surround your entire head, including the chin bar out front. Full face helmets come with full visors that slide into place and provide outstanding protection against the wind and bugs. The flip side to the protection you get from a full face helmet is the weight and size of the helmet. After a long ride a full face helmet may begin to strain your back and neck, and unless you’re in motion the vents don’t allow for much air circulation so you can get warm in a hurry.

Three-Quarter Helmets

A three quarter, or open face helmet, is a balanced piece of headgear that has many of the advantages of a full and half helmet in one. These helmets have more protection than a half helmet, and often include detachable or retractable visors to protect your eyes and nose. They also don’t obstruct your mouth like a full face helmet and have some natural ventilation so you may be more comfortable wearing one of these for a longer ride, however they’re still heavier than their half helmet counterparts. 

Modular Helmets

A modular helmet  is a fusion of the convenience of a three-quarter helmet and some of the protection of a full face helmet. These helmets look like any other full face helmet from a distance, but when you get close you can notice that the chin bar is jointed so that it can lift out of the rider’s way, providing a way to cool off or have a chat at rest stops. One note on modular helmets: The chin bar isn’t as strong as a full face helmet, so you shouldn’t count on the same level of protection in an accident.

Don’t put your life in the hands of drivers who are too busy texting to watch their surroundings. Protect yourself with a properly fitted helmet from Rommel Harley-Davidson®.  We’re here to serve and help protect the motorcycle communities of Smyrna, Dover, MIddletown, and Milford, Delaware. A good helmet is the single best piece of protective equipment you can wear while on your bike.