Motorcycle Helmets protect the head in the event of an accident. They can keep bugs out of your face at higher speeds. They can even promote a business or an item. Which helmet is best then? There are four types of motorcycle helmets.

The first group of motorcycle helmets is full face motorcycle helmets. As the name suggests, the full face motorcycle helmets cover the entire head with the back covering the base of the skull and the fronts of the motorcycle helmets covering the chin. These motorcycle helmets may have an open cut out that allows the portion of the motorcycle helmets that cover the eyes and nose to be raised and lowered. This allows for the wearer to increase air circulation when not actually driving or riding. These are obviously the safest types of motorcycle helmets, but not everyone likes these motorcycle helmets due to the increased heat and reported decrease in ability to hear.

The next type of motorcycle helmets are the off road or motocross helmets. These are much like the full face in that they cover the head completely. The only difference is that these motorcycle helmets have elongated chins and visors. They also have chin bars. These types of motorcycle helmets have an open face so that the wearer has better visibility on tracks.

The third type of motorcycle helmets are the open faced helmets. These also cover the back of the head, but do not have the chin cover or face shield. Some do have extended visors to assist in blocking sunlight for better visibility. The main issue with this type of helmet is the lack of protection against the elements, including insects. Many riders with these types of motorcycle helmets were goggles or sunglasses to supplement the lack of protection in the face area.

The final type of motorcycle helmets are the half helmet or shorty. It looks the same in the front as the open faced helmet, but has the lack of protection at the back of the head. These types of motorcycle helmets offer the least protection because they lack protection in both the front and the back. They do however meet requirements of laws. These are most likely to twist or shift or even come off completely during an accident.

Motorcycle helmets come in four different types, but they also come in many different colors. One of the most popular colors is black, however, a white or bright helmet is most recommended as it makes the rider more visible to other motorists.

There are other types of motorcycle helmets that are legally not helmets but give the appearance of helmets. These are not approved by the DOT because they have virtually little to no protective properties. These do not have the impact absorbing liner that is vital to protect the brain and skull against an impact. A helmet should protect above all else.