Are Half Helmets Safe?
It is a pleasure to ride a motorcycle, and every rider wants a comfortable motorcycle ride. Imagine riding a motorcycle without a helmet on a highway. Your face is directly in contact with the fresh air as you enjoy the view. You may feel comfortable, but what about the protection of your head and brain.
Several safety gears are available to keep the head safe from fatal road accidents, and helmets are arguably the most essential of them all. There are six different types of motorcycle helmets, among which half helmets, 3-4 helmets, and full-face helmets are the most common.
If you want to ride with more freedom, a half helmet is best. It keeps your head cool and offers sufficient protection to your head, leaving your face exposed. So are half helmets safe?
The purpose of this article is to show you how half helmets differ from other types of helmets. In addition, you will learn how safe half helmets are and when you should wear them.
Are Half Helmets Safe?
Different riders have different opinions about this question, so it is very debatable. I was out riding with my fellow riders last month, and we discussed this topic. Some of my friends say the rider’s experience determines motorcycle safety.
Perhaps they are true, but only to a certain extent. Almost everyone agrees that an experienced rider can control the bike better than a new, inexperienced rider. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that an experienced rider will never be involved in a crash.
Consequently, a motorcycle helmet is a must, but not all helmets serve the same purpose. Half helmets offer less protection than full-face helmets. Here is a comparison of half helmets and full-face helmets that will help you better understand this fact.
Full Face Helmets vs Half Helmets
Half helmets and full-face helmets are entirely opposites. Half helmets are designed for comfortable rides with freedom, while full-face helmets offer maximum protection. The following is a comparison of the two types of motorcycle helmets.
- Half helmets cover only the top of your head, leaving your face exposed, whereas full-face helmets cover your head and face completely, therefore providing greater protection.
- Half helmets are more ventilated than full-face helmets
- Half helmets are usually lighter than full-face motorcycle helmets
- Half helmets lack a face shield to keep dust and debris away from the rider, but full-face helmets do have one
You now know that the two helmets are entirely different from one another. As safety is the primary concern of every rider, it is advisable to avoid motorcycle half helmets.
When You Should Avoid Half Helmets
It ultimately depends on your personal preference, which kind of helmet you should wear while riding a motorcycle. However, there are certain circumstances when you should avoid half motorcycle helmets.
- You can wear a half helmet for cruising occasionally, but if you plan to ride at high speeds, then choose full-face helmets instead.
- Inexperienced riders should avoid wearing half helmets due to their low level of protection.
- It’s fine to wear a half helmet for short-distance rides, but I don’t recommend it for longer rides in heavy traffic.
- Half helmets do not offer any protection during rainy weather, so you should not wear them in wet conditions.
- Avoid riding in dust or smoke with a half helmet because there is no face protection in a half helmet to avoid face injuries.
- The design of a half helmet makes it ideal for hot weather because it allows maximum airflow.
Final Verdict
Taking a cool ride or riding safely is your choice now. No one can prevent road accidents, so safety should be your number one priority.
What is the answer to the question Are Motorcycle Helmets Safe? Definitely not. In my garage, I have both a half helmet and a full-face helmet. Depending on the type of ride, I used them interchangeably. So, if you can afford it, you may also purchase both motorcycle helmets.
