Open-face helmets are for those who value freedom and convenience above maximum protection. For those who want the best of both worlds there are convertible helmets that go one step further than flip-front helmets, hiding that chin bar for a sleeker style.
Popular with riders of retro styled bikes, urban scooter riders, and even some adventurers, open-face helmets are popular among a significant number of bikers, however in the UK you’ll find a lot more full-face helmets on sale thanks to the weather, and the larger bikes we tend to ride here. Let’s check some of the best ones out for UK riders.
Bell Helmets - The Original 1954 Classic Open Face
We covered Bell helmets a little while ago, and they’ve got a bunch of open-face helmets to choose from – starting with budget models that cover the basics, and range-topping carbon fibre and convertible models to clash modern materials and design with classic style. The Custom 500 and Scout Air are the basis of this range, while the Riot adds a flip-down visor to make the helmet more British weather friendly. The Bell Broozer goes one step beyond just adding in a flip-visor, by integrating a fully-removable chin bar. With the chin bar attached it looks unlike any other full-face, and without it looks just like a classic open-face. The best of both worlds!
Arai Helmets
Arai are a brand synonymous with some of the safest helmets around. Sitting pretty in the premium end of the market, the SZ-R VAS helmet packs same tech that makes their other helmets so good – enhanced airflow, customisable fit and the Variable Axis System that appears in the top-of-the-line RX-7V, that improves the odds of the helmet ‘glancing off’ during an impact, rather than stopping dead. The globular shape of Arai helmets is key to this aim, with their open-face model aping that same design.
Shoei Helmets
Shoei, another big name in excellent helmet safety, also have an open-face helmet in their line-up, in the form of the J.O.; an unpretentious helmet that looks to do the basics properly. It utilises the AIM shell that’s a trademark of Shoei’s helmets for its ability to deform under impact to reduce force transfer and integrates a flip-down visor. You’re also able to swap out the head lining and cheek pads for different sizes – a potentially crucial unique selling point against other open-face helmets. The flip-down visor is also adjustable, meaning you can avoid jamming it onto your nose too. For those with a head that doesn’t fit the others in this list, the Shoei is well worth checking out!
Shark Helmets - Ingenious Flip-Front Design
Shark have gone one step further in blurring the line between full-face and open-face; their EVO-ES and EVO-GT look like full-face helmets by default, but the chin bar can swing all the way around to the back of the helmet, leaving you with an open-face helmet. Seriously natty stuff, and brings a bit of extra protection should you need it, either for a spirited ride or when it’s bucketing down with rain. It won’t match dedicated open-face helmets for style, but for flexibility it’s truly hard to beat – for the British biker where it’s blazing sunshine one minute, then torrential rain the next, this could be ideal if you’re looking for a little extra freedom.
Caberg Helmets
Finally, rounding off the list, the Caberg Ghost offers another unique spin on the classic open-face. This packs an unusual configuration with goggles that are attached to a mechanism on the sides of the helmet, with the option of a lower mask to boost weather protection to a level rivalling a full-face. This means you can ride in four different configurations depending on how much weather protection you want, and flip up the goggles/mask if you want a proper breeze. It also looks like little else out there with the mask attached, in a good way!
If you need some expert advice, then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. If you’re a bit far from our shop in Stevenage, you can check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365-day period – see our returns page for more details.
