Different Types Of Helmets

Full Face, Flip Up or Open Face Helmet?

Are you going for a full-face helmet, flip up helmet, or open face helmet? We explain the differences in our handy video.

What is a Full Face Helmet?

Full face helmets are closed helmets that provide extra protection to the head by means of a solid chin section. Because the shell is made from one single area this type of helmet offers the best protection from falls or collisions. Many full face helmets have a built-in sun visor, removable inner lining and extensive ventilation. A full face helmet is also perfect for the installation of a Bluetooth communication system.

Benefits Full Face Helmets

• Fully covers the face and head
• Best protection
• Less cold in the winter
• Quiet
• Most aerodynamically

Disadvantages Full Face Helmets

• Less large field of view
• Hot in summer
• Does not always fit in scooter
• Can give people a claustrophobic and isolated feeling

Types of Full Face Helmets

Full face helmets are available in a lot of different price ranges varying from a few tens to thausands of euros. The difference lies in de material of the outer shell, finish, comfort and safety. In the more expensive segment full face helmets are often wind tunnel tested. Sporting helmets are often provided with aerodynamic slots and various spoilers in order to keep the head stable at higher speeds.

For each type of motor the placement of the spoilers is also different. On a naked bike you have after all a different posture than on a racing bike. Touring helmets are primarily focussed to cause as little noise as possible, therefore they are usually provided with almost none protrusions.

What is a Flip Up Helmet?

A flip up helmet is an open helmet and full face helmet in one. With a flip up helmet you are able to flip it open by simply using the chin guard which is attached to a hinge construction. The handy thing is that you can transform your full face helmet into an open face helmet with just one simple hand movement. A flip up helmet is also ideal for the installation of a Bluetooth headset.

Benefits Flip Up Helmets

• 2 helmets in 1
• Easy to open during a break or a fuel-up
• Easier to communicate than with a full face helmet
• More protection then a Open Face helmet

Disadvantages Flip Up Helmets

• Relatively heavy
• Less quiet then a Full Face helmet
• Less compact

Types of Flip Up Helmets

Flip up helmets are widely used by touring riders who regulary switch between speed and therefore would like to open their helmet. For most flip up helmets you just flip up the chin guard. Disadvantage is that you have a big wind deflector on top of your helmet, which is annoying at higher speeds.

A modular helmet is also a type of flip up helmet. Of this you can just click the chin guard off the helmet en put in your pocket or purse.

Note that not every flip up helmet has a so called double homologation or P/J approval. This double homologation means that a helmet is approved for use as a open face helmet as a full face helmet. If a helmet doesn't have such approval you can not drive with an unfolded chin guard. 

What is an Open Face Helmet?

Open face helmets are as the name does appear open helmets, which have no fixed chin guard at the front. Open face helmets may be provided with a visor, but some do not. At a sight you can be sure that this provides your entire face protection or just the eyes.

Something like that also applies to the helmet shell; by some open face helmets the helmet shell runs down to the jaw line; such type of open face helmets offers more protection to the side of the head and has less tendency to tip sideways. Other open face helmets fall just up to the ears, this offers less protection, but looks somewhat smoother. At higher speeds, the helmet has the quality to lift a bit from the head.

Benefits Open Face Helmets

• Good visibility
• Less hot in summer
• Fits easy in scooter
• Many (hip) variants

Disadvantages Open Face Helmets

• Less protection
• Cold in winter
• More noise
• Not really designed for riding at high speed

Types of Open Face Helmets

Within open face helmets there are a number of seperate species, such as retro helmets and fashion helmets. Retro helmets are modern helmets with an old-fashioned look. These helmets are especially worn on older engines such as choppers and cafe-racers. Fashion helmets are beautifully designed helmets that much (color-matched) by (motor) scooters are worn. A fashion helmet is often a real fashion accessory.

What is a Cross Helmet?

Cross helmets are primarely used in motocross. Two outstanding features of a cross helmet are the protruding chin guard and the so-called peak. The chin guard provides the right protection but also sufficient oxygen. The valve or peak is designed to protect the face from dirt clods and stones. A cross helmet is not equipped with a visor but there is an opening large enough to wear cross glasses.

Benefits Cross Helmets

• Light
• Comprehensive ventilation
• Breathing space

Disadvantages Cross Helmets

• No visor
• Less suitable for everyday use
• Less comfort

Types of Cross Helmets

A typical cross helmet is not intended for everyday use, but if it has an ECE approval you are allowed to carry it on public roads. Between a cross helmet and a full face helmet there is a so called enduro helmet. This helmet has the appearance of a cross helmet but is fitted with a visor (sometimes a sun visor) and is more comfortable than a pure cross helmet. Enduro helmets are commonly worn by (semi offroad) motorbikes like the BMW GS (Adventure) or Yamaha XTZ.

Advantages of a good helmet

Motorcycle helmets are most of all important for the protection of the rider, but they also offer other advantages such as comfort and convenience. A good helmet will have an aerodynamic shape, which keeps the helmet stable at high speeds and prevents the wind from yanking at your head while riding. Not a single helmet will feel the same, every helmet has its own fit and shape. At FortaMoto you'll find a complete range of motorcycle helmets.