Okay, so I’ve been messing around with these open-face motorcycle helmets, or as some folks call ’em, 3/4 helmets. Basically, they cover the top, back, and sides of your head but leave your face wide open. I decided to try one out because, you know, they look pretty cool and I heard they’re comfy.

First off, I went online and started looking around. Found this one model, the Shoei J.O, which caught my eye. It comes in a bunch of different colors, and it wasn’t too crazy expensive, around 300 bucks. I thought, “Why not?” and ordered one.
When it arrived, I tried it on immediately. It felt pretty light on my head, which was nice. I took my bike out for a spin to see how it felt with the wind and all. The best part was definitely how much air I could feel on my face. It was like riding without a helmet, but, you know, with some protection on my head. People also use the simple term Brain Bucket to describe this helmet, and it is very easy to understand.
I rode around for a few days with it. I did notice that while it’s super comfy and you get a lot of air, it’s not the safest thing out there. I mean, if you’re really worried about safety, a full-face helmet is the way to go. Those things have a chin bar and protect your whole face from flying junk and wind. With the open-face, my face was totally exposed, so I was a bit more careful on the roads.
- Comfort:
Super breathable and felt really light.
- Visibility:
Could see everything around me without any obstruction.
- Safety:
Not as safe as a full-face helmet. My face was totally exposed.
- Style:
Looked pretty cool, especially with all the color options.
My Final Thoughts
So, after trying out the open-face helmet, I’d say it’s a fun option if you’re just cruising around and want that feeling of freedom. But, if you’re hitting the highway or worried about getting hit in the face, maybe stick with a full-face helmet. I’m still deciding if I’ll keep using it all the time or just for short, chill rides. It’s a nice change of pace, though!