Are Full Face Helmets the Safest?

When it comes to motorcycle safety, one of the most critical pieces of gear is undoubtedly the helmet. Among the various types available, full face motorcycle helmets are often touted as the safest option. But is this reputation justified? In this blog post, we will delve into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of full face motorcycle helmets to determine whether they truly offer superior protection.

What Are Full Face Motorcycle Helmets?

Full face motorcycle helmets are designed to cover the entire head and face, providing a high level of protection. They feature a solid chin bar and a visor that can be flipped up or down. This type of helmet is commonly used by sportbike riders but is also popular among touring and commuting motorcyclists.

Key Features

1. Complete Coverage: Full face helmets cover the entire head, including the chin and jaw area.
2. Visor: A clear or tinted visor protects your eyes from wind, debris, and sunlight.
3. Ventilation: Modern full face helmets come with advanced ventilation systems to keep you cool.
4. Padding: High-quality padding ensures comfort and additional impact protection.

The Safety Benefits of Full Face Motorcycle Helmets

Comprehensive Protection

One of the most significant advantages of full face motorcycle helmets is their ability to provide comprehensive protection. Unlike open-face or half-helmets, which leave parts of your face exposed, full face helmets shield your entire head from impact.

Impact Resistance

Full face motorcycle helmets are engineered to distribute impact forces evenly across their surface. This reduces the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident. The solid chin bar offers additional protection for your jaw and teeth—areas that are particularly vulnerable in crashes.

Eye Protection

The integrated visor on a full face helmet serves multiple purposes:

• It shields your eyes from wind and debris.
• It can be tinted to protect against harmful UV rays.
• It reduces glare from oncoming headlights during night rides.

Noise Reduction

Another often-overlooked benefit is noise reduction. Full face motorcycle helmets provide better insulation against wind noise compared to other types. This not only makes for a more comfortable ride but also helps you stay focused on the road.

Potential Drawbacks

While full face motorcycle helmets offer numerous safety benefits, they are not without their downsides.

Weight

Full face helmets tend to be heavier than other types due to their comprehensive design. This added weight can cause neck fatigue during long rides.

Heat Buildup

Despite advanced ventilation systems, some riders find full face helmets too hot for summer riding conditions. However, newer models with improved airflow designs are addressing this issue effectively.

Limited Peripheral Vision

Although modern visors are designed to offer a wide field of view, some riders feel that full face motorcycle helmets limit their peripheral vision compared to open-face options.

Comparing Other Helmet Types

To understand whether full face motorcycle helmets are indeed the safest option, it's essential to compare them with other types available on the market:

Open-Face Helmets (3/4 Helmets)

Open-face helmets cover your head but leave your facial area exposed:

• Pros: Lighter weight and better airflow.
• Cons: Less protection for your jaw and teeth; no integrated visor for eye protection.

Half Helmets

Half helmets cover only the top part of your head:

• Pros: Extremely lightweight; maximum airflow.
• Cons: Minimal protection; leaves most of your head exposed in case of an accident.

Modular Helmets (Flip-Up)

Modular helmets combine features from both full-face and open-face designs:

• Pros: Versatility; can switch between open-face and full-face configurations.
• Cons: Heavier than both open-face and traditional full-face options; potential weak points at hinge areas.

Are Full Face Motorcycle Helmets the Safest?

After weighing all factors—comprehensive coverage, impact resistance, eye protection, noise reduction—it's clear that full face motorcycle helmets offer superior safety compared to other types available on the market. While they do have some drawbacks like added weight and potential heat buildup, advancements in materials and design continue to mitigate these issues effectively.

For those prioritising maximum safety while riding their motorcycles, investing in a high-quality full face helmet is undoubtedly a wise decision. Whether you're commuting through city streets or embarking on long-distance tours, wearing a full face helmet provides unparalleled peace of mind knowing you're well-protected against potential hazards on the road.

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear

Check out our full range of motorcycle helmets, including full face motorcycle helmets, open face motorcycle helmets, flip front motorcycle helmets, off road motorcycle helmets and childrens motorcycle helmets, available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000 and we will be more than happy to help.