WHAT TYPE OF HELMET DO YOU WEAR?

December 12, 2022
the best motorcycle helmets

A SURVEY FOR REAL RIDERS

If you Google “the best motorcycle helmets” you’ll be rewarded with over 50 million results to choose from.  Most are advertisements for helmets for sale.  The rest are for articles that are sponsored by any particular manufacturer or retailer.

We’re not selling anything here.  We want to find out what real riders are actually wearing.  The choices are endless. We’ve narrowed it down to eight individual categories.  Please choose a category and leave it in the comments below.  Include your preferred helmet brand and model if you wish.

The survey will remain open until 11:59PM on Friday, December 15, 2022.  The results of the survey will be tabulated and a follow-up feature will be published with these real world results.

1. Full Face Helmet

best full face motorcycle helmet

Any one piece, non-modular, full face design that covers the entire head.  The chin area is protected with a fixed chin guard.  Considered by professional motorcycle race competitors as the best motorcycle helmets from a safety standpoint.

2. Modular Helmet

the best motorcycle helmets

Similar in appearance and design to a full face helmet.  This helmet style features a flip up chin guard that allows the rider to open the face of the helmet.  Some feature retractable visors to maintain eye protection while the chin guard is raised.

3. ADV/Motocross Helmet

Also referred to as a dual sport helmet.  These are considered the best motorcycle helmets by ADV and motocross riders.  They feature an integral visor and are available in full face and modular varieties.

4. Open Face 3/4 Helmet

As the name implies, this style helmet covers the entire head, but leaves the face area open.  These helmets are often featured with snap on visors and face shields for more versatility.

5: DOT Approved Half Helmet

best DOT approved half helmet

Built to the same impact standards as most full face and modular helmets.  This design, however, has an abbreviated profile that covers just the top of the riders head with no cheek or chin protection.  These are the best motorcycle helmets, safety wise, in the half helmet profile.

6. DOT Shorty Helmet

Built along the same style as the DOT Approved Half Helmet but with a much smaller, minimalistic profile. Built with the minimum amount of impact resistance to still qualify for DOT compliance.

7. Novelty Helmet

how to challenge helmet laws

No DOT certification.  Minimal, if any, impact protection afforded.  Most are worn just to be regarded as “wearing a helmet” in jurisdictions that require helmet use.

8. No Helmet

the best motorcycle helmets

This is a matter of personal choice and is perfectly legal in some states and jurisdictions.  Vote for this option if your choice is to ride without a helmet.

Survey Time

In the comments below please indicate what style of helmet you choose to wear MOST OFTEN.  Feel free to state what particular brand and model you wear.  Those answers will be tabulated also.  The results of the survey will be posted during the week of December 18, 2022.  Be sure to subscribe to Roadcraft USA to be a part of future reader surveys.  We send out occasional email notifications when new features hit the blog.

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156 thoughts on “WHAT TYPE OF HELMET DO YOU WEAR?”

  42. Jeffrey Sherman

    Most often I wear a Bell Custom 500 open face. I also have a Schuberth C3 modular for bad weather. If I am just on a short ride, most likely no helmet. I do own an HJC full face, a Bell half helmet and a novelty helmet. I have all my bases covered. 🤣

    Reply
  48. Robert Van Brunt

    Modulars are the way to go- the protection of a full face but the ability to breath fresh air on breaks and even on hot days. I’ve had Nolan’s, Schuberts and Shoeis. My current Shoei NeoTech 2 helmet helmet is my favorite.

    Reply
  65. Kevin Simmons

    I wear the DOT shortie style, or Beanie helmet when I wear one. I have degenerative disc disease, and am unable to wear heavier helmets due to the pressure on the spinal nerves. My preference otherwise would be a modular helmet due to the additional protection that they offer.

    Reply
  97. Bryson McCloughen

    Modular for motorcycles, currently an AGV Carbon Sportmodular.
    Offroad, I snowmobile and wear a 509 Motocross style helmet.

    Reply

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