An open face helmet leaves your face and jaw exposed while protecting the top and back of your head

An open face helmet covers the crown, sides, and back of your head but has no chin bar or face shield. Your face, jaw, and chin are completely visible and unprotected. The helmet sits like a half-shell, with the front edge typically stopping at your eyebrows or slightly above.

This design is different from a full face helmet, which wraps around your entire head and includes a protective chin piece and usually a face shield. Open face helmets are also different from half helmets, which cover even less — typically just the top of the head. Open face helmets offer more protection than half helmets because they extend lower on the sides and back, but they leave your face vulnerable in a crash.

Key Takeaways

  • Open face helmets protect your head, scalp, and the back of your skull, but your entire face and jaw remain exposed in a crash.
  • They cost less than full face helmets and offer better visibility and airflow, which appeals to riders who prioritize comfort on shorter trips.
  • In a frontal collision or slide, your face absorbs impact directly — road rash, broken jaw, and facial fractures are common injuries even at moderate speeds.
  • Most states do not require a specific helmet type, only that you wear one; check your state law, as a few states have no helmet requirement at all.
  • Proper fit means the helmet sits level on your head, does not rock side to side, and the chin strap is snug enough that you cannot pull the helmet off.

How an open face helmet protects your head differently than a full face helmet

An open face helmet protects the areas it covers very well. The hard outer shell and foam liner absorb and spread the force of impact across a wider area, reducing the energy that reaches your skull. The back and sides of your head — where many serious injuries occur in motorcycle crashes — get solid protection.

The trade-off is your face. In a crash, your face hits the pavement, the other vehicle, or debris first. Road rash (abrasion of skin) happens at any speed; broken facial bones, jaw fractures, and eye injuries are common even at speeds as low as 30 miles per hour. A full face helmet prevents this by putting a hard shell between your face and the impact. An open face helmet cannot.

Some riders choose open face helmets for shorter, slower rides in good weather, accepting the trade-off. Others wear them for the better peripheral vision and easier communication. The protection difference is real, but the choice depends on your riding habits and how much risk you are willing to accept.

What to look for when choosing an open face helmet

Start with DOT certification. In the United States, the Department of Transportation sets minimum safety standards. A DOT-certified helmet has passed impact tests and material durability tests. Look for the DOT sticker on the back of the helmet. Some helmets also carry ECE certification (European standard), which is often considered more rigorous, though both are legitimate safety markers.

Next, check the shell material. Polycarbonate is affordable and durable. Fiberglass is lighter and dissipates heat better. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest but costs significantly more. The material matters less than the overall construction — a well-made polycarbonate helmet outperforms a poorly made carbon fiber one.

Look at the foam liner thickness. Thicker foam (usually 1.5 to 2 inches) absorbs more energy. Check whether the liner is removable and washable, since you will be wearing it against your head. A good ventilation system — vents at the front and back — keeps you cooler on longer rides and reduces fogging if you add a face shield later.

Finally, consider the weight. A lighter helmet reduces neck strain on long rides. Most open face helmets weigh between 3 and 4 pounds; anything significantly heavier may cause fatigue.

How to get the right fit

Fit is more important than brand or price. A helmet that does not fit properly will shift during a crash, reducing protection where you need it most. Start by measuring your head with a soft tape measure around the widest part — usually just above your eyebrows and around the back of your skull. Write down the measurement in inches or centimeters and compare it to the manufacturer's size chart.

When you try on a helmet, it should feel snug all the way around — not painfully tight, but with no gaps between your head and the foam. Rock the helmet side to side and front to back. It should move with your head, not slide independently. If it rocks or shifts, try the next size.

Fasten the chin strap and tighten it so you can fit one finger under it comfortably. Try to pull the helmet off your head. It should not come off. If it does, the strap is too loose. The helmet should sit level on your head, not tilted forward or back.

Wear the helmet for at least 15 to 20 minutes before buying if possible. Pressure points that feel fine at first can become painful after a ride. If a spot bothers you after 20 minutes, that helmet is not the right fit for you.

State laws and helmet requirements

Most states require riders to wear a helmet, but the type of helmet is usually not specified in law. You can legally wear an open face helmet in these states as long as you are wearing a helmet. A few states — including Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire — have no mandatory helmet law for riders over a certain age, typically 18 or 21. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact requirement where you ride.

Some states do specify that a helmet must have a chin strap and meet DOT standards, which an open face helmet can do. A very small number of states require a full face helmet or a helmet with a face shield, but this is rare. If you ride in multiple states, follow the most restrictive rule to stay safe and legal.

Maintenance and care to keep your helmet safe

Clean the outer shell regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents, which can damage the shell material. Dry it with a soft cloth. Do not use a pressure washer or submerge the helmet.

Inspect the foam liner for cracks or compression. If you have crashed, even at low speed, replace the helmet. The foam is designed to crush on impact and loses its protective ability after a crash, even if the shell looks fine. Do not try to repair it.

Store the helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV light degrades the shell material over time. Keep it in a helmet bag or on a shelf, not hanging from the chin strap, which can stretch and weaken the attachment points.

Replace your helmet every three to five years even if you have not crashed. The foam degrades with age and exposure to heat and humidity, reducing its ability to absorb impact.

Open face versus full face: when each makes sense

An open face helmet makes sense if you ride short distances at moderate speeds in good weather and value comfort and visibility over maximum protection. Many cruiser and touring riders choose open face helmets for this reason. The better airflow keeps you cooler, and the wider field of vision helps with awareness in traffic.

A full face helmet is the better choice if you ride at highway speeds, in rain, or for long distances. The chin bar protects your jaw and lower face in a frontal crash — one of the most common crash types. The face shield protects your eyes from wind, rain, and insects. If you ride a sport bike or spend significant time on the highway, a full face helmet offers substantially better protection.

Some riders own both and choose based on the ride. That is a reasonable approach if budget allows. If you can only buy one helmet, consider where and how you ride most often, and choose the type that matches your actual riding patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a face shield to an open face helmet?

Some open face helmets have mounting points for an aftermarket face shield, but not all. Check with the manufacturer before buying if you think you might want to add one later. Even with a shield, the chin and jaw remain exposed, so you would still have less protection than a full face helmet.

Do open face helmets fog up?

Open face helmets do not have a face shield, so fogging is not an issue. If you add an aftermarket shield, fogging can happen in cold or humid conditions. Anti-fog coatings and ventilation help, but a full face helmet with a vented shield is better designed to manage this problem.

What is the difference between an open face helmet and a half helmet?

A half helmet covers only the top of your head and offers minimal side and back protection. An open face helmet extends down the sides and back of your skull, providing significantly more coverage and protection. Half helmets are lighter and cooler but offer less safety.

How much should I expect to spend on an open face helmet?

DOT-certified open face helmets range from around $80 to $400 depending on brand, materials, and features. A solid mid-range helmet in the $150 to $250 range offers good protection and durability. More expensive does not always mean better protection — fit and DOT certification matter more than price.

What should I do if my open face helmet gets damaged but still looks okay?

If you have crashed, replace the helmet regardless of how it looks. The foam inside absorbs impact and loses its protective ability even if the outer shell is undamaged. A helmet that has been in a crash cannot protect you the same way twice. If the shell is cracked or the liner is visibly compressed, replace it when ready.