Classic Open Face Helmet - Against The Wind

By John Daniele
The bikers always say that you should never leave your home without a helmet. Helmet is the most popular headgear protective to motorcyclists as it is very reliable immaterial of the type of helmet. There are so mainly four types of helmets namely full face helmet, half helmet, classic open face helmet and open face retro DOT helmet. The main purpose of the helmet is to provide motorcycle safety to the rider by protecting the biker's head in case of an accident. Moreover, the helmet gives protection to the biker's nose, eyes and ears. In addition, it provides proper ventilation and protects from the elements.

Is a helmet truly necessary? Accidents happen. One motorcyclist may be the safest on the road, but that doesn't mean that John or Jane Doe in the other lane is just as safe. A motorcycle helmet can prevent, or at least reduce, injury during accidents. If motorcyclists are efficiently protected, especially in the head/face area, fatal accidents can be prevented. Impacts to the skull or face can ultimately become injuries to the brain, and that combination can equal a fatality. Even though a full-face helmet provides more coverage, a classic open face helmet can provide essential protection. A classic open face helmet in a crash, compared to nothing, could be the difference between life and death. An open face retro DOT helmet conforming to safety standards, yet retro-stylish enough to rewind to the good times, gives the best of both worlds to the reminiscent rider. Different helmet styles exist to suit different biker's needs. One biker may be partial to a particular style, but whatever the preference, the presence of a helmet is what's truly important.

The purpose of a classic open faced helmet is to protect as it covers the skull's base and back. When compared to a full-face, the classic is more limited without the chin armor protection. Even an open face helmet that comes with a face shield or visor, is somewhat at a disadvantage. It offers limited or non-existent protection from the natural elements such as wind, dust, insects, and other stray foreign objects that might be bouncing or flying about. Some riders choose to implement additional safety options with their classic open face helmets including goggles, sunglasses, or nose and mouth guards.

There are riders, however, who prefer the classic open face helmet over other types as this offers protection without the constricting feeling of the full-face helmet and the inadequate feeling of a shorty. The open face helmet is comfortable and airy enough and can be fastened securely to guarantee protection, unlike a shorty which can easily shift or come undone in an accident. Even an open face retro DOT helmet can do the job, notwithstanding the retro colors and styles, as long as the DOT standard is adhered to.

Riding down the open road with the wind draping the body's every curve on a sports motorcycle or a cruiser is part of the reward motorcyclists seek when they hop onto their bikes. Doesn't that sound relaxing? Without the feel of the wind on the face, some say the feeling of riding a motorcycle disappears. Those who share that opinion, opt for the classic open face helmet and they don't lose the rush of the wind on their face. After all, riding motorcycles as they say, should be an exhilarating and free-flowing experience!