Should You Wear a Full Face Motorcycle Helmet?

When it comes to motorcycle safety, one of the most critical decisions a rider can make is choosing the right helmet. Among the various types available, full face motorcycle helmets are often considered the gold standard for protection. But is this type of helmet the best choice for you? In this blog post, we'll delve into the benefits and potential drawbacks of full face motorcycle helmets to help you make an informed decision.

The Importance of Helmet Safety

Before diving into the specifics of full face motorcycle helmets, it's essential to understand why helmet safety is so crucial. According to numerous studies, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and provide a protective barrier between your head and any potential hazards.

What is a Full Face Motorcycle Helmet?

A full face motorcycle helmet covers your entire head, including your chin and jaw. It features a solid chin bar and a visor that can be lifted or lowered as needed. This design offers comprehensive protection compared to other types like open-face or half helmets.

Key Features

• Chin Bar: Provides additional protection for your lower face.
• Visor: Shields your eyes from wind, debris, and UV rays.
• Padding: Offers comfort and additional impact absorption.
• Ventilation: Ensures airflow to keep you cool during rides.

Benefits of Full Face Motorcycle Helmets

Superior Protection

The most significant advantage of full face motorcycle helmets is their superior level of protection. The solid construction ensures that all parts of your head are covered, reducing the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident. The chin bar specifically protects one of the most vulnerable areas—the lower face—which is often exposed in other types of helmets.

Enhanced Comfort

Modern full face motorcycle helmets come with advanced padding materials that not only provide comfort but also improve fit. Many models also feature adjustable ventilation systems that allow riders to control airflow, making long rides more comfortable even in varying weather conditions.

Noise Reduction

Riding at high speeds can be noisy due to wind turbulence. Full face motorcycle helmets offer better noise insulation compared to open-face or half helmets. This reduction in noise can make for a more pleasant riding experience and reduce fatigue over long distances.

Aerodynamics

Full face motorcycle helmets are designed with aerodynamics in mind. Their streamlined shape reduces wind resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce strain on your neck during high-speed rides.

Potential Drawbacks

Weight

One common concern about full face motorcycle helmets is their weight. While they tend to be heavier than other types due to their comprehensive construction, advancements in materials like carbon fibre have made modern versions lighter without compromising on safety.

Limited Peripheral Vision

Some riders feel that full face motorcycle helmets restrict their peripheral vision compared to open-face models. However, many high-quality options come with wide visors designed to minimise this issue while still providing excellent protection.

Heat Buildup

In hot weather conditions, wearing a full face helmet can sometimes lead to heat buildup inside the helmet. However, as mentioned earlier, many modern designs include advanced ventilation systems that help mitigate this problem by allowing better airflow.

Choosing the Right Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

When selecting a full face motorcycle helmet, consider factors such as fit, material quality, ventilation options, and additional features like anti-fog visors or Bluetooth compatibility for communication systems.

Fitment

A well-fitting helmet should be snug but not overly tight. It should sit level on your head without tilting forward or backward. Most manufacturers offer sizing guides based on head circumference measurements; use these guides for an accurate fit.

Material Quality

Look for helmets made from high-quality materials like polycarbonate composites or carbon fibre for optimal durability and impact resistance.

Ventilation Options

Ensure that the helmet has adequate ventilation ports that can be adjusted according to weather conditions for maximum comfort during rides.

Is a Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Right for You?

Ultimately, whether you should wear a full face motorcycle helmet depends on your personal preferences and riding needs. If maximum protection is your top priority—and it should be—then investing in a high-quality full face helmet is undoubtedly worth it. While there may be some minor drawbacks such as weight or heat buildup during hot weather conditions, these issues are often outweighed by the significant benefits offered by these helmets in terms of safety and comfort.

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.