Full Face vs Open Face Helmet
Which helmet type is right for you in Bali? Compare safety, comfort, ventilation, and price to make the best choice.
Get Expert AdviceQuick Comparison
| Feature | Full Face | Open Face |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Rating | Excellent - Full protection | Good - No chin protection |
| Chin Protection | Yes | No |
| Airflow / Ventilation | Good (with vents) | Excellent (open design) |
| Weight | Heavier (1.2-1.6 kg) | Lighter (0.8-1.2 kg) |
| Noise Level | Quieter | Louder (wind noise) |
| Rain Protection | Full face + visor | Visor only, face exposed |
| Ease of Use | Slightly harder to put on | Easy on and off |
| Price Range | Rp 690,000 - 5,000,000 | Rp 220,000 - 1,200,000 |
| Best For | Long rides, highways, rainy season, safety-conscious riders | Short trips, hot weather, casual cruising, style-focused riders |
Full Face Helmets: Maximum Protection
A full face helmet covers your entire head, including your chin and jaw. This is critical because research shows that approximately 35% of all motorcycle crash impacts occur in the chin and jaw area. Without chin protection, a crash can cause devastating facial injuries even at low speeds.
Modern full face helmets are not the stuffy, claustrophobic boxes they used to be. Brands like KYT, NHK, and AGV have engineered sophisticated ventilation systems with multiple intake and exhaust vents that channel air across your head and face. Many riders are surprised at how comfortable a modern full face helmet is in Bali's tropical climate.
Full face helmets also offer better protection from rain, road debris, insects, and sun. During Bali's rainy season (October to March), a full face helmet with a visor is essential for comfortable riding. Even in dry season, the visor protects your eyes from dust and bugs on rural roads.
Best Full Face Helmets for Bali
Open Face Helmets: Comfort and Style
Open face helmets (also called 3/4 helmets) protect the top, sides, and back of your head but leave your face open. They are extremely popular in Bali for several good reasons: they are lighter, offer better airflow, and have that classic retro look that pairs perfectly with a Bali scooter.
For casual riding around Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud at typical Bali speeds (30-50 km/h), an open face helmet is a practical choice. The trade-off in chin protection is offset by the significantly better comfort and visibility. Many riders also prefer open face helmets because they make it easier to communicate, drink water at traffic lights, and generally feel more connected to the Bali experience.
Our retro collection is particularly popular with tourists. Available in over 20 colors from Rp 330,000, these stylish open face helmets are SNI certified and look fantastic in photos. They are also much cheaper than full face options, making them ideal if you are choosing to buy instead of rent.
Popular Open Face / Retro Helmets
Our Recommendation
Choose Full Face If...
- You are riding on highways or long distances
- Safety is your top priority
- You are riding during rainy season
- You ride a sport bike or larger motorcycle
- You are staying in Bali for a month or more
Top pick: KYT TT Course (Rp 1,700,000)
Choose Open Face If...
- You are doing casual scooter rides around town
- Maximum airflow is important to you
- You want a stylish retro look
- You are on a tight budget
- You are visiting Bali for 1-2 weeks
Top pick: Retro Sport Chrome Silver (Rp 390,000)
Not sure which to pick? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose based on your riding style and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which helmet type is safer - full face or open face?
Full face helmets are significantly safer. Studies show that approximately 35% of all motorcycle crash impacts hit the chin area, which is only protected by full face helmets. A full face helmet protects your entire head, face, and chin, while an open face helmet leaves your jaw, chin, and lower face exposed.
Is an open face helmet legal in Bali?
Yes. Both full face and open face helmets are legal in Bali as long as they are SNI certified and worn with the chin strap fastened. Half-shell helmets (that only cover the top of the head) are technically SNI-certifiable but offer much less protection.
Which helmet type is better for Bali heat?
Open face helmets naturally provide more airflow to your face. However, modern full face helmets from brands like KYT, NHK, and AGV have advanced ventilation systems that channel air through the helmet very effectively. Many riders find that a well-ventilated full face helmet is comfortable even in Bali's tropical climate.
What about modular / flip-up helmets?
Modular helmets offer the best of both worlds - you can ride with the chin bar up (like an open face) at low speeds or when stopped, and flip it down (like a full face) for highway riding or rain. They tend to be slightly heavier and more expensive than dedicated full face or open face helmets.
Which type do most tourists choose in Bali?
For short-stay tourists doing casual scooter rides, retro open face helmets are the most popular choice due to their style and comfort. For longer stays, experienced riders, or those doing longer trips outside tourist areas, full face helmets are preferred for the added protection.
How much do full face and open face helmets cost in Bali?
Open face / retro helmets start from Rp 220,000 ($14 USD) for budget options and Rp 330,000-390,000 for stylish retro models. Full face helmets range from Rp 690,000 to Rp 5,000,000+ for premium branded models from KYT, NHK, or AGV. All available with free delivery across Bali.
Found Your Perfect Helmet?
Full face or open face - we have both. Free delivery across all Bali. Order via WhatsApp.
Order on WhatsApp