Open face helmets offer a classic look with decent protection. We review the best options and explain when they make sense.
Riding a motorcycle is fundamentally about freedom, and few things capture that feeling quite like feeling the wind against your face. Open face helmets—often referred to as three-quarter helmets—provide an unmatched sensory experience. You can smell the pine trees on a mountain road, easily converse with fellow riders at a stoplight, and enjoy a wide, unobstructed field of view.
However, picking the right headgear involves balancing this sense of freedom with practicality. You need to consider how you ride, where you ride, and what level of risk you are willing to accept. This guide will walk you through the distinct aesthetic appeal of these helmets, unpack their safety credentials, and highlight the best options available on the market today.
Style and Aesthetics
Motorcycle culture is deeply tied to personal expression. The gear you wear communicates your style just as much as the bike you ride. Open face helmets excel in this department. They draw heavily on vintage designs, echoing the golden era of motorcycling from the 1960s and 1970s.
If you ride a cafe racer, a classic cruiser, or a vintage scooter, a full-face helmet can sometimes look visually heavy or out of place. A three-quarter helmet complements the stripped-down, mechanical beauty of these machines. Manufacturers have leaned into this aesthetic, offering helmets in metallic flake finishes, matte colors, and custom pinstripe designs.
You can also easily customize the look. Many riders pair their open face helmets with vintage-inspired riding goggles or snap-on bubble shields. This modularity allows you to change your aesthetic based on your mood or the weather, giving you a versatile piece of gear that always looks incredibly cool.
Safety Considerations and Protection Levels
Style is important, but protecting your head is the primary job of any motorcycle helmet. Open face helmets cover the top, back, and sides of your head, offering significant impact absorption in those areas. High-quality options use the same advanced EPS foam liners and strong outer shells (like fiberglass or polycarbonate) found in premium full-face models.
When shopping, you must look for recognized safety certifications. A DOT (Department of Transportation) sticker is the legal minimum in the United States, but finding a helmet with an ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) or Snell certification provides an added layer of reassurance regarding impact testing.
The obvious compromise with an open face helmet is the lack of a chin bar. Statistics show that the chin and jaw areas take a significant percentage of impacts during motorcycle crashes. By choosing a three-quarter helmet, you are accepting a reduction in lower-face protection. You are also more exposed to road debris, insects, and harsh weather. Wearing high-quality eye protection, such as shatter-resistant goggles or a sturdy drop-down visor, is absolutely essential to protect your vision while riding.
When to Choose an Open Face Helmet
Because of the specific balance between comfort and protection, open face helmets are exceptionally well-suited for certain riding scenarios.
Urban Commuting and Delivery Riding
Navigating dense city traffic requires high situational awareness. The wide field of vision offered by an open face helmet allows you to check your blind spots easily. Additionally, the open design makes it much simpler to communicate with pedestrians, other drivers, or clients if you work as a courier.
Low-Speed Cruising
If your weekend plans involve a leisurely ride along a coastal highway or a slow cruise through town, the wind-in-your-face experience is highly enjoyable. At lower speeds, the risk of high-impact abrasion is reduced, and the intense wind noise that plagues open helmets at highway speeds is much less of an issue.
Hot Weather Riding
During the peak of summer, a full-face helmet can quickly feel like a sauna. Open face designs offer unparalleled ventilation. If you live in a climate with sweltering summers, switching to a three-quarter helmet can prevent overheating and keep you focused on the road ahead.
Top Picks / Recommended Options
With so many brands competing for your attention, narrowing down the best choices can be overwhelming. Here are a few standout models that offer great style, comfort, and protection.
Bell Custom 500
The Bell Custom 500 is the undisputed king of classic style. Inspired by Bell’s original 1954 design, this helmet offers a remarkably low-profile fit to prevent the dreaded “mushroom head” look. It features a fiberglass shell, comes in a massive variety of colors, and includes a five-snap pattern for attaching aftermarket shields and visors. It is DOT and ECE certified, making it a reliable and stylish choice.
Shoei J-Cruise II
If you want modern touring features wrapped in an open face design, the Shoei J-Cruise II is an engineering marvel. It lacks the vintage aesthetic of the Bell but makes up for it with supreme comfort and aerodynamics. It features an integrated drop-down sun visor, exceptional ventilation channels, and is pre-wired for seamless integration with Sena communication systems. This is the perfect choice for the daily commuter who demands premium quality.
Biltwell Bonanza
For riders on a budget who refuse to compromise on style, the Biltwell Bonanza is a fantastic option. It features a custom-shaped EPS safety shell and a hand-sewn removable liner with moisture-wicking material. The Bonanza is lightweight, extremely comfortable, and DOT approved. It is an excellent entry-level helmet for scooter riders and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
Find the Perfect Fit for Your Next Ride
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet ultimately comes down to understanding your specific needs on the road. Open face helmets will always hold a special place in motorcycle culture due to their undeniable style, excellent visibility, and the pure, unfiltered riding experience they provide.
Before making a purchase, measure your head carefully and check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. A helmet only works properly if it fits snugly against your skull. Try on a few different models, consider the type of riding you do most often, and pick a helmet that makes you excited to throw a leg over your bike.
