Ask ten riders whether they prefer a full face or an open face helmet and you will get ten confident answers. Most of them are about comfort. Very few are about what happens to your face if you come off at speed. Here is a clear, honest comparison so you can choose with your eyes open.
Both styles are legal in India as long as they carry the ISI mark. Both have a place. They are just not equal in protection, and that matters more than the look.
Short answer
- If you ride on highways, in rain, in dust or at any real speed, choose full face.
- If your riding is only slow, short city trips, an open face can work, but you give up chin and face protection.
- Whatever you choose, it must fit properly and carry the ISI mark.
What is a full face helmet?
A full face helmet wraps your whole head, including a solid chin bar and a visor that closes over your face. Your only openings are the vents.
The chin bar is the important part. In crash studies, the chin and lower face are among the most commonly hit areas, and an open face helmet leaves that area bare. A full face helmet also keeps out wind, rain, dust, insects and the odd flying pebble, and it is usually quieter at speed.
- Strengths: the most protection, a quieter ride, weather cover, a built in sun visor on many models.
- Trade offs: it feels warmer on a hot day, it is a little heavier, and it is harder to take on and off in a hurry.
Browse our full face helmets.
What is an open face helmet?
An open face helmet, often called a three quarter helmet, covers the top, back and sides of your head and leaves your face open. Some have a short peak, a flip down visor or a pair of goggles to protect your eyes.
- Strengths: light, airy, easy to put on and take off, and comfortable for slow riding in warm weather.
- Trade offs: no chin protection, more wind noise, and nothing between your face and flying debris unless you add a visor or glasses. Rain also hits your face directly.
Browse our open face helmets.
Side by side
| What matters | Full face | Open face |
|---|---|---|
| Face and chin protection | Full coverage | None |
| Wind noise at speed | Lower | Higher |
| Rain, dust and insects | Kept out | Hit your face |
| Airflow on a hot day | Good with vents, still warmer | Best |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Ease of use | Slower on and off | Quick on and off |
| Best for | Highway, touring, daily commutes in traffic | Slow, short city rides |
Which one suits how you ride?
The daily commuter
You ride in traffic, with trucks, buses and sudden braking all round you. Full face. The chin bar and visor are worth it, and a vented model keeps the heat manageable.
The highway tourer
Hours at speed, wind, rain and bugs. Full face, ideally with a good visor, an anti fog option and room for an intercom.
The weekend city rider
Short, slow trips on warm days. An open face can feel nice, but a full face is still the safer choice if the route ever includes a flyover or ring road.
The pillion
Your passenger needs a properly fitted, ISI certified helmet too, with the same logic: more coverage means more protection.
Three myths worth dropping
- "A full face helmet is too hot." A modern full face with good vents and a removable liner is comfortable on most Indian days. A hot helmet you wear beats a cool one you skip.
- "I can see better in an open face." Full face helmets are designed with wide eyeports, and the difference in side vision is small for most riders.
- "Open face is fine because I ride slowly." Most crashes involve a car, a pothole or a skid, not a long run up in speed. The chin takes the hit at any speed.
Pro tip
If you like the open feel, look at flip up (modular) helmets. They have a chin bar that lifts at a stop and locks down for riding, so you get the cover of a full face with some of the convenience of an open face. Check each model's own notes on how it is certified to be used.
Features worth checking before you buy
- Visor: scratch resistant and anti fog, with a way to add a pin lock insert if you ride in wet weather.
- Strap: a double D ring or a ratchet buckle that is easy to use with gloves.
- Liner: removable and washable. You will thank yourself after a monsoon.
- Vents: adjustable vents at the chin and top.
- Intercom space: a recess for speakers is handy if you plan to add one later.
- Fit: the best helmet is the one that fits your head. Our guide to choosing the right helmet size shows you how.
Frequently asked questions
Is an open face helmet legal in India?
Yes, provided it carries the ISI mark and fits properly. Legal does not mean equal in protection, though.
Is a flip up helmet as safe as a full face?
The hinge adds weight and a moving part, so a fixed full face shell is usually the more rigid design. A good flip up is still far better than an open face for protection.
Can I wear glasses in a full face helmet?
Usually yes. Try the helmet on with your glasses, and look for models that mention room for them.
Will a full face helmet make me too hot in summer?
It runs warmer than an open face, but vents, a light liner and a lighter colour make a big difference. Take your helmet off at stops rather than leaving it on in the sun.
Which helmet is better for a pillion?
The same logic applies: choose the one with the most coverage that fits them well. A loose or flimsy helmet is a risk whoever is wearing it.
Ready to choose?
See our full face helmets and open face helmets, and message us on WhatsApp if you want help matching a helmet to your riding.