As the bikers always say, "Never travel without it!" Exactly what is this "it" they are referring to? "It" is the ever so popular protective headgear, the helmet. To motorcyclist, nothing is as dependable as a helmet. Helmet styles are available in a wide variety. Whether it be a full face, classic open face helmet, a half helmet, or even an open face retro DOT helmet, they all serve the same purpose. The primary goal of the helmet is protecting the motorcyclist's head in case of an accident. Not only does the helmet protect the head, ears, eyes, and nose, but it's also vital for proper ventilation and protection from the elements.

Is a helmet truly necessary? Accidents happen. One motorcyclist may be the safest on the road, but that doesn't mean that John or Jane Doe in the other lane is just as safe. A motorcycle helmet can prevent, or at least reduce, injury during accidents. If motorcyclists are efficiently protected, especially in the head/face area, fatal accidents can be prevented. Impacts to the skull or face can ultimately become injuries to the brain, and that combination can equal a fatality. Even though a full-face helmet provides more coverage, a classic open face helmet can provide essential protection. A classic open face helmet in a crash, compared to nothing, could be the difference between life and death. An open face retro DOT helmet conforming to safety standards, yet retro-stylish enough to rewind to the good times, gives the best of both worlds to the reminiscent rider. Different helmet styles exist to suit different biker's needs. One biker may be partial to a particular style, but whatever the preference, the presence of a helmet is what's truly important.

A classic open face helmet serves the purpose of protection as it covers the skull's base and back, although compared to a full-face, the former is more limited than the latter without the chin armor protection. The open face helmet, even one that comes with a face shield or visor, is somewhat at a disadvantage in offering protection from the wind, dust, insects, and other stray foreign objects. Some riders complement the classic open face helmet with goggles or sunglasses or nose and mouth guards.

There are riders, however, who prefer the classic open face helmet over other types as this offers protection without the constricting feeling of the full-face helmet and the inadequate feeling of a shorty. The open face helmet is comfortable and airy enough and can be fastened securely to guarantee protection, unlike a shorty which can easily shift or come undone in an accident. Even an open face retro DOT helmet can do the job, notwithstanding the retro colors and styles, as long as the DOT standard is adhered to.

To ride into the open wind on a sports motorcycle or a cruiser is one of the cherished enjoyments motorcyclists look forward to in every ride. Some will even say that if the rider cannot feel the wind on his face, it does not feel like riding a motorcycle at all. A rider thus opts for a classic open face helmet so that he can feel the rush of the wind on his face without the restriction of a face shield or a chin guard. Riding motorcycles after all, as they say, should be a breezily enjoyable and free-flowing experience!