Motorcycle Half Helmets

Want to feel like you're not wearing a helmet at all?

At MotorcycleHelmetCritic.com we understand certain motorcycle riders, especially cruiser and chopper riders, feel that a full face helmet doesn't portray the desired image or provide the desired riding experience. Essentially a full face helmet doesn't provide the 'wind in your face' feeling of freedom that riding is all about. We continually acknowledge that riding a motorcycle is a statement, and we understand that the complete statement, including the helmet is important. A half helmet represents freedom, more so than any other helmet option. For those considering a half helmet we have looked into the advantages and disadvantages, and all other important considerations in the helmet decision process, and summarized the information for you below.

N30 Outlaw Half Helmet Nolan N30 Outlaw Half Helmet. Polycarbonate shell. Fully removable and washable liner on snaps and tabs. Sanitized antimicrobial hypoallergenic interior. Lexan face shield protected from UVA and UVB offering UV 400 protection. Adjustable quick release retention system. Velour lined removeable neck curtain. DOT certified

Functional Advantages & Disadvantages

Without trying to tell you what kind of helmet you should wear, lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of the motorcycle half helmets style.

Advantages

• Weight
  Due to their smaller surface area and simplicity you can expect motorcycle half helmets to be lighter than three quarter and full face helmets.
• Peripheral Vision
  The half helmet does not obstruct your peripheral vision like full face helmets and to a lesser extent three quater helmets can. Your vision when riding with a half helmet can be the same as if you were riding with no helmet at all.
• Hearing
  It is generally easier to communicate with the people around you or hear traffic with a half helmet. Exceptions occur if you have a decent communication system inside your full face helmet. Unfortunately greater hearing at slow speeds trades off with higher wind noise at faster speeds; wind noise can be unpleasant, and even damaging to your ears unless you wear adequate ear protection.
• Air flow
  With a decent half helmet you can expect the most air flow to your head offered by motorcycle helmets, keeping your head cool in warm temperatures. However this airflow cannot be controlled so you should note the wind chill disadvantage we mention below.

Disadvantages

• Protection
  This disadvantage is significant and should not be treated lightly. Your face, chin, the sides and the back of your head can all be exposed in a half helmet, depending on the particular model. The level of protection offered by a half helmet is significantly lower than that offered by a full face helmet. To this extent you will not find a half helmet which has Snell safety approval.
• Wind Chill
  A half helmet offers very little protection from the cold. While the airflow may be an advantage in warmer temperatures, when it gets cold a half helmet can be unpleasantly cold and will require you to wear other clothing to keep warm (ie. Balaclava).
• Eye Protection
  We have already covered protection issues above which are vitally important if you are involved in an accident. Here we are concerned with general riding comfort; a half helmet (assuming it does not have a visor/shield) offers no eye protection from wind strain, rain, bugs or general debris. When wearing a half helmet you will need to wear goggles or glasses to overcome this unless the helmet has a visor (shield).

Half Helmet Style

You will find motorcycle half helmets in chrome, carbon fiber, leather, with air brushed graphics or a matte finish. Essentially whatever external finish you want, it's available. And if its not, you can get it custom made - half helmets represent the biggest market in custom helmet making.

Half helmets can also vary in their design, you will find different levels of quality - some with DOT approval and some without (avoid these). Some have air vents in them (good for warmer temperatures). They come in 'German', 'Skull Cap', 'Old School' and other styles, so your bound to find something that will reflect your desired image projection.

A-4 Real Flame Half Helmet AGV A-4 Real Flame Half Helmet. DOT certified. Uniquely shaped injection-molded painted HIR-TH shell features a stylish slim visor. Liner is plush and comfortable. Double D-ring secures chin strap. Medium helmet weighs 1 lb. 15 oz. Click 'Buy' for more information or to purchase this helmet.

Selecting and Purchasing

1. Check any motorcycle half helmets you are considering for DOT approval, if it is not approved - find something else.
2. Does it have air vents that satisfy your requirements?
3. Check that the strap is comfortable. Straps on motorcycle half helmets are a lot more important than on a full face helmet as they play a larger role in keeping the helmet on your head at all times - not just during an accident. This contrasts the full and three quater helmet styles which have a larger surface area for your head to fit snugly within, hence less need for a strap.
4. Does it fit you properly? A helmet should not wobble when you shake your head, but rather move with your head. For more information on helmet sizing and fit see our motorbike helmet page.