1/2 Shell Helmets

Half-Face Motorcycle Helmets: Top Picks for Smart Riders

There is a reason why a half-face motorcycle helmet is the first thing that is picked by so many riders. It just feels right. No chin bar enclosing you, no visor fog in a warm afternoon, just you and your bike and the open road. Renegade Classics built this collection of motorcycle half helmets because riders will not sacrifice the comfort of their motorcycles to ensure safety. 

Each of these helmets is a DOT-certified helmet, well-designed, and prepared to handle the type of riding you actually engage in. Find your fit and get back to what matters.

What Is a Half Face Motorcycle Helmet?

A half face motorcycle helmet, also called a half shell motorcycle helmet or beanie helmets, covers the top, back, and sides of your head while leaving your face completely open. No chin bar, no built-in face shield, and none of that closed-in feeling that makes full-face helmets uncomfortable on long summer rides.

These helmets are lightweight, compact, and breathable by design. Whether you ride a cruiser, a chopper, or just want a low profile motorcycle helmet that does not fight you in the heat, a half helmet, also called a skull cap helmet, is built to deliver exactly that.

What Makes a Good Half Shell Motorcycle Helmets?

Not every 1/2 motorcycle helmets are build the same. When you are comparing options, here is what you actually want to look at:

Shell Construction: The outer shell is made of ABS or polycarbonate which is hard and resistant to impact without additional weight. 

Interior Padding: This is a moisture-wicking removable liner which makes longer rides comfortable, and afterwards easy to clean up after a hot day.

Retention System: Our biker half helmets are equipped with a Nylon Y-Strap Retention System which is fitted with a sliding adjuster to do a perfect and secure fit. The one-finger release lever of the Quick Release Lock leaves you in and out in seconds.

Ventilation: Shell profile is something more than most riders know. A properly crafted half motorcycle helmet directs air, which is a natural flow that reduces drag and enables a reduction of heat build-up on a longer stretch.

Fitting: Your helmet should fit comfortably without feeling tight. We have the complete collection for both men and women. Order only after checking the sizing chart.

DOT Certification: What It Means for You

Not all the helmets that are sold to be worn on motorcycles would actually be of actual standards in terms of safety. FMVSS 218 certification helmet has been produced to federal impact absorption, penetration resistance, and retention system strength standards. The three are the factors that make a helmet prove useful in a crash or not, and it does not appear on a shelf.

All half face motorcycle helmets in this line comply with the requirements of DOT FMVSS 218. You should always ensure that an item containing the DOT label is on the back of any helmet you purchase. Novelty helmets may appear the same but never undergo certification and are not road-legal in most states. To have a better understanding of what real certification is in action, you can take a closer look at our motorcycle half helmets DOT-approved collection.

Half Face or Full Face: Which One Is The Best?

Full-face helmets have full covering such as chin and jaw. You can afford the additional coverage in case you are doing high-speed highway legs or track days. However, when you are on top of a cruiser, a chopper, or simply do not want to feel as in a fishbowl in July, a cruiser half helmets will be the logical choice.

The honest trade-off is that motorcycle half-shell helmets leave your chin and jaw exposed in a frontal impact, and you will feel more road debris at speed without a windscreen. That is not a reason to avoid them, it is a reason to understand them. Riders aware of their risk tolerance benefit greatly from a quality half-face helmet.

Pros & Cons of Half Helmets for Motorcycle Riders

Pros

• Much lighter than full-face models, you can feel that as soon as you pick it up.

• High-quality airflow and ventilation, particularly for warm riding.

• Better vision and no chin bar to make your vision narrow.

• Quick release retention system- Fast on/off.

• Comes to be worn with goggles, face masks, and sunglasses.

• Sized to fit a wide range of head shapes for both men and women

Cons

• Reduced chin, jaw and face protection during a head on collision.

• The face and neck below are uncovered to elements and debris.

• Faster wind noise without windscreen.

• Not designed to be used in sport, track or high-performance riding.

Who Should Be Wearing a Half Face Helmet?

Cruiser and chopper riders are the natural home for a biker half helmet. The low profile design, the straight lines and the open face helmets are suitable to the style of riding as well as the look of it - it simply fits there.

City riders appreciate the quick on-and-off convenience and the sense of openness during frequent stops. A low-profile helmet is far easier to handle than a full-face model when you’re putting it on and taking it off every few blocks.

A half motorcycle helmet will be comfortable and practical to riders on weekends, who are not riding at extreme speeds, and want to go on a Sunday morning run, or to take a leisurely ride around town.

The ventilation will be the best enthusiasm of warm-climate riders. At high temperatures the difference in breathability between a half-shell motorcycle helmet and the full-face lid is unavoidable.

For riders looking to complete the classic biker look, Chopper helmets give low-profile style, secure DOT-certified fit, comfort, and ventilation.

The Reason Riders Have Chosen Renegade Classics

At Renegade Classics, we build half helmets motorcycle riders can actually rely on, not gear that looks good in photos and lets you down on a three-hour highway run. The retention system in every motorcycle half-shell helmet we sell is engineered to stay put at speed. The liner manages heat rather than trapping it. And the DOT certification on every helmet in this collection is genuine, not a novelty sticker on a decorative shell.

We size our helmets to fit men and women across varying head shapes because good riding gear should work for the rider, not the other way around. Check the entire product range, consult the size chart and contact our customer support in case you need any advice regarding customization or certification prior to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are half-face motorcycle helmets good?

Half-face motorcycle helmets suit cruiser rides, city commuting, and warm climates, giving airflow and light comfort but less protection than full-face helmets.

Is a half helmet street-legal?

Yes, it is legal in the majority of states of the United States of America, as long as it meets the DOT FMVSS 218 certification standards. Helmet laws vary by state, so it’s important to check your local regulations. Find the DOT label on the back of the helmet.

Is it possible to wear a half-face helmet on a motorbike?

Absolutely. Half-face helmets are constructed with the purpose of riding a motorcycle. However, they protect the top and sides of the head but leave the face and chin exposed, so safety coverage is lower than that of full-face helmets.

What is the difference between half and full-face helmets?

Half-face helmets cover the head and ears, full-face helmets protect the entire head, including face and chin.