Since we know that not all helmets are the same, we are going to delve into the specific advantages of each helmet style, whether it be its design, ventilation, protection or other aspects.
In general, there are mainly 5 families of helmets: Full Face, Open, Motocross, Adventure and Retro. And to understand the differences between each one, we are going to break down each type of helmet on the market, explaining their benefits, objectives, characteristics and, above all, how they behave and why they are ideal for one or another type of helmet. motorbike.
Full Face Helmets
These helmets cover the entire head and offer the highest level of protection. They are perfect for high-speed motorcycles or long trips, as they provide great aerodynamics, acoustic insulation and safety. Its closed design is ideal for those looking for comprehensive protection against the elements.
Full face helmets are one of the safest and most popular types of helmets among motorcyclists, especially for those looking for complete protection. By covering the entire head, including the jaw and the back of the neck, these helmets offer maximum safety in the event of a collision.
Here are some highlights about full face helmets.
Being completely closed, full-face helmets protect not only the skull, but also the jaw, one of the most vulnerable areas in motorcycle accidents. This full coverage significantly reduces the risk of serious injury.
Designed to minimize wind resistance, full-face helmets are perfect for high-speed motorcycles. Its aerodynamic shape improves stability and reduces wind noise, which is especially beneficial for long rides or on the road.
Due to their closed design, full-face helmets offer greater sound insulation compared to other types of helmets. This not only allows for a more comfortable and less noisy driving experience, but also helps reduce fatigue on long trips.
Full face helmets come in different styles and with various features. Some include anti-scratch, anti-fog, UV-protected, and even auto-darkening visors in the sun. In addition, many modern models have adjustable ventilation, which allows you to regulate the air intake for greater comfort.
Open or Jet Helmets
Open face helmets, also known as jet helmets, are popular among users of scooters and small displacement motorcycles. They offer excellent ventilation and a wide field of vision. Although they do not cover the face, they are light and comfortable for short urban trips.
Open face helmets are a popular choice among motorcyclists who value lightness, comfort and a casual style. This type of helmet covers the top and sides of the head, leaving the face exposed, making it ideal for low-speed routes with high temperatures.
By leaving the face uncovered, open-face helmets offer a very wide field of vision. This improves the perception of the environment, which is particularly useful in urban environments, where it is necessary to pay attention to traffic and pedestrians.
With the face exposed, open face helmets allow a lot of air circulation, which is very refreshing, especially in hot climates. Although some models include visors to protect against wind and dust, their open structure ensures that the face is always well ventilated.
Some open face helmets have a classic design reminiscent of motorcycle helmets from bygone eras. They are especially popular with vintage scooter and motorcycle riders looking for nostalgic style without sacrificing comfort.
By leaving the face exposed, open face helmets offer less protection compared to full face or modular helmets. They do not protect the jaw or chin area, making them less suitable for high-speed rides or difficult terrain. However, they meet safety standards to protect the skull in case of falls.
Motocross Helmets
Designed for extreme conditions, motocross helmets are lightweight, well-ventilated and feature a visor for protection against the sun and mud. They are made to face off-road terrain and provide safety to those who practice adventure sports on the most complicated roads and circuits.
Designed specifically for off-road riding, they are the preferred choice for off-road motorcycle enthusiasts and extreme sports such as motocross and enduro. These helmets offer a combination of protection, lightness and ventilation, making them ideal for facing difficult and demanding conditions.
For starters, motocross helmets are designed to protect the head and face from impacts on uneven terrain. Although their construction is robust, they are usually lighter than other helmets to reduce fatigue during long or intense rides. In addition, they have an extension at the back and reinforcements in the chin area for additional protection.
Unlike full-face road helmets, motocross helmets include a long, adjustable visor that protects from the sun, mud, and other elements that may be thrown on the road. This visor can also reduce glare and provide some shade in bright conditions.
Since off-road activities are often physically intense, motocross helmets are designed to offer excellent ventilation. They have multiple air inlets and outlets that help keep your head cool and prevent sweat buildup.
On the other hand, motocross helmets usually have a wide opening in the eye area to allow the use of specific glasses for this type of activity. Motocross goggles not only protect your eyes from dust and debris, but also offer a clear field of vision in difficult terrain and with abrupt changes in light and shadow. Of course, they are built with high-strength materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, or polycarbonate composites.
Motocross helmets are exposed to mud, dust and humidity, so their inner liners are usually removable and washable. This makes it easier to clean and maintain, which helps to prolong its useful life and maintain a hygienic environment.
Adventure or Dual Sport helmets
These helmets are a combination of full face and motocross models. They offer good aerodynamics and protection, but also have features that make them suitable for off-road adventures. They are perfect for those who enjoy mixed road and trail routes.
Adventure helmets, also known as Dual Sport, are a versatile option designed to combine the best features of full face helmets and MX helmets. These helmets are made to meet the needs of riders who enjoy a mix of on-road and off-road riding, making them the perfect choice for those seeking adventure on mixed routes.
This type of helmet combines elements of full-face helmets, such as full protection and visor, with features of motocross helmets, such as visor and improved ventilation. This design allows for a seamless transition between highway and dirt roads, offering the best of both worlds.
A distinctive feature of Adventure helmets is the adjustable visor, similar to that of motocross helmets. This visor is useful for protecting you from the sun and road debris when going off-road, but its aerodynamics are optimized so that it does not interfere with high-speed highway driving.
Unlike motocross helmets, Adventure helmets come with an integrated visor that is ideal for road riding. Additionally, most of these helmets allow you to flip up the visor and use motocross goggles when tackling dusty terrain, greatly maximizing their versatility.
Like motocross helmets, they have strategically placed air inlets and outlets that help keep your head cool during long rides, whether on the road or off-road routes.
As it could not be otherwise, these helmets are made with resistant materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or polycarbonate, which allows them to be durable without adding unnecessary weight. Here, the balance between lightness and resistance is key.
These types of helmets are designed for long hours, so many models offer additional details such as high-quality padding, integrated Bluetooth communication systems, and options to adjust ventilation according to the user’s preferences.
Retro Helmets
Thanks to their nostalgic style, retro helmets combine classic aesthetics with modern materials and technologies. They are ideal for vintage or classic motorcycles, and for those looking for a unique look without sacrificing protection. Although their design evokes decades past, they are equipped with the latest advances in safety.
Retro helmets are a popular choice among motorcyclists looking for a classic, nostalgic style without giving up modern safety. Inspired by helmet designs from decades past, these helmets combine vintage aesthetics with updated materials and technology. They are especially appreciated by lovers of vintage motorcycles, cafe racers and customs, as they perfectly complement their style.
Retro helmets evoke the aesthetics of helmets from the 60s and 70s, with rounded shapes and finishes reminiscent of bygone eras. They are usually found in solid colors, minimalist graphics or with details inspired by classic designs. This makes them an excellent option for those looking for a helmet that complements the look of a classic or custom motorcycle.
Although their appearance is classic, retro helmets are made with modern materials that meet the most current safety standards. Materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or polycarbonate are usually used, which provide resistance without compromising lightness. This allows users to enjoy a safe helmet with a timeless design.
Today’s retro helmets are designed to be much more comfortable than their predecessors. They come with soft internal padding, removable and washable linings, and some versions even include adjustable ventilation, which improves the wearing experience without losing the vintage touch.
Many retro helmets are open type, allowing for great ventilation and an unrestricted field of vision. Some models also include retractable or detachable visors that offer protection from wind, insects, and dust. For those who prefer an even more classic look, there are retro helmets without a visor, which can be combined with aviator style glasses or motocross glasses for an extra touch of authenticity.
Finally, on the market you can find retro helmets in various styles: from the typical jet helmets (open) to full-face helmets with a vintage appearance. There are also options with details such as leather trim, matte finishes and metallic paints. Of course, everything is little to satisfy different tastes and style preferences.
Finally, although designed with a nostalgic touch, these helmets meet the strictest modern safety regulations, offering good protection for city riding or relaxed rides. However, it is important to note that retro helmets, especially open-face models, do not offer the same level of protection as a full-face helmet.
In conclusion, each of these helmet styles has its particularities, and choosing the right one will depend on the type of motorcycle, the riding environment and the personal preferences of each rider.