“Never leave home without it” as the bikers always say when it comes to helmets. No other protective headgear is as popular to motorcyclists as the reliable helmet whether it is a full face, a classic open face helmet, a half helmet, or even an open face retro DOT helmet. A helmet lives for one major purpose: motorcycle safety in terms of protecting the biker’s head in case of an accident. In addition, the helmet also provides ear protection, eye and nose protection, and even proper ventilation and protection from the elements.

Why should we use a helmet in the first place? A helmet will certainly reduce injuries during accidents if it cannot prevent them entirely. Most of the fatal accidents can be easily avoided if the motorcyclists protect themselves particularly in the face or head area. During accidents, the impacts or skull injuries may cause injuries to the brain and result in death. Many people are not aware of the fact that a classic open face helmet can give better protection than the full-face helmet and save a life from death in a crash. The reminiscent rider may prefer an open face retro Dot helmet, which is made to safety standards. It is stylish and gives protection as well. However, Snell or DOT standards consider that a classic open face helmet is much better for the biker.

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!