Differences Between a Full-Face, Modular and Open Face Helmet

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different shapes and styles of two-wheeler helmets? The answer is simple. Every rider is unique, and so are their riding preferences.  

Let’s understand the difference between three of the most common helmet designs that are available on shelves today.  

1. Full Face Helmets

The basic staple of every two-wheeler rider — full face helmets are among the most popular helmet designs, and for good reasons. Full face helmets are sturdy, and it covers the entire head and chin area. The biggest advantage of a full-face helmet is that these are very common and versatile for all kinds or rides. Full face helmets are available across a wide range of shapes, sizes and designs that will surely meet your need.   

How to identify: Check for the chin cover, if it’s fixed in place it’s a full-face helmet. The only moving part in a full face helmet is the visor.  

2. Open Face Helmets

Open face helmets allow you to enjoy the freedom of riding a two-wheeler. This design allows for enhanced airflow, which keeps the face and head cooler in warm weather. Open face helmets have longer visors which adds weather protection when you need it. If you prefer wearing motorcycling goggles or sunglasses, this design is the right fit for your style. 

Open face helmets offer good weather protection and are suitable for use in rainy conditions too because it allows for better airflow which prevents fogging. If you need even better weather protection, opt for an open face helmet.  

How to identify: Open face helmets do not have chin cover. The front visor articulates up and down, apart from that, the front side is completely open.  

3. Modular (Flip-Up & Flip-Off) Helmets 

In terms of design and features, modular helmets sit perfectly in the middle of open face helmets and full face helmets. These are preferred by commuters who also love the occasional long weekend trip. It comes with all the safety features of a full face helmet and has the airy comfort of an open face helmet.  

How to identify: As the name suggests, modular helmets have a special mechanism that allows the front section to be lifted upwards or completely removed according to riding needs.   

In addition to the very common helmet designs, there are also other types such as sporting helmet and off-road helmet which come with special features and styles which not only suit the unique requirement of a specific type of riding but if you prefer these can also be also great choices for daily commutes. You may also see more hybrid designs that mix several features of the helmet types mentioned above to create specialty designs for very specific purposes such as rally races or moto-cross racing.  

What’s your riding style? Do these helmet types meet your riding expectations and requirements? Share your experiences, and also let us know if we missed any particular helmet type that you want to know.  

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