Which Helmet Should You Wear When Riding Your Motorcycle? - MTC Minute
Which Helmet Should You Wear When Riding Your Motorcycle?
Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, but it's also important to prioritize safety. Choosing the right helmet is a crucial part of keeping yourself protected on the road. With so many different types of helmets available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here's a breakdown of the different helmet options and which ones we recommend.
Safety Ratings
Before diving into the different helmet options, it's important to understand safety ratings. The minimum requirement for helmets varies by country, but in the United States, DOT is the minimum requirement. In Europe and many other places, ECE is the minimum requirement. Other countries have their own regulations, and private testing bodies like SNELL exist. Our recommendation is to choose an ECE helmet at the time of this writing.
Half Helmet
While a half helmet is better than nothing, it's important to understand its limitations. A half helmet only covers the top of your head and does not protect your face or chin. Additionally, most half helmets do not come with a visor or integrated face shield, so it's important to wear eye protection. We do not recommend wearing a half helmet.
3/4 Helmet
A 3/4 helmet covers a bit more of your head than a half helmet, including the base of your skull. However, it still doesn't protect your face or chin. As with a half helmet, we do not recommend wearing a 3/4 helmet.
Modular Helmet
A modular helmet is a 3/4 helmet that can convert into a full-face helmet and vice versa. This is a good option for riders who want the flexibility to switch between configurations. However, it's important to note that a modular helmet is not as sturdy as a full-face helmet when it's in the open position. We recommend using the full-face configuration when riding your motorcycle.
Full Face Helmet
A full-face helmet is our top recommendation for riders. A full-face helmet covers your entire head, including your chin and face, providing the most protection in the event of an accident. Most full-face helmets come with a visor or integrated face shield, protecting your eyes from debris and wind. While full-face helmets can be claustrophobic and may not provide a lot of airflow, we believe the added protection is worth the discomfort.
In conclusion, choosing the right helmet is an important part of motorcycle safety. While there are several types of helmets available, we recommend choosing a full-face helmet for the most comprehensive protection. Stay safe on the road!