Open face helmets, while providing some protection, are generally considered to be less safe compared to full-face helmets. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Lack of chin protection: One of the main safety concerns with open face helmets is the absence of chin protection. In the event of a crash or impact, the exposed chin is vulnerable to direct contact with the ground, objects, or other vehicles. This leaves a critical area of the face at higher risk of injury.
  2. Reduced face and jaw protection: Full-face helmets provide comprehensive coverage for the entire face, including the jaw area. This protection is crucial in preventing facial injuries, particularly fractures and severe impact-related trauma. Open face helmets, on the other hand, leave the face and jaw more exposed, increasing the risk of injury in those areas.
  3. Limited eye protection: Open face helmets typically lack a face shield or visor, leaving the rider’s eyes vulnerable to debris, wind, insects, and other hazards. This can impair vision and increase the risk of eye injuries. In contrast, full-face helmets often feature a built-in shield or allow for the attachment of protective visors or goggles, providing superior eye protection.
  4. Impact dispersal and energy absorption: Full-face helmets are designed to evenly distribute the force of impact over a larger area, thereby reducing the concentration of energy on a specific point. This helps in absorbing and dissipating the impact energy, providing better overall protection. Open face helmets, due to their design, cannot offer the same level of impact dispersal and energy absorption, increasing the likelihood of injury.

In general, full-face helmets are considered to provide the highest level of protection and are recommended for optimal safety during various motorcycling and other high-impact activities.