The most important measure to take while choosing a motorcycle helmet is the color of your helmet. For some, the color doesn’t even matter when it’s very important for proper visibility as well as aesthetics. Hence, it can affect your safety and performance as a rider.
So, when talking about the white vs. black helmet, it is important to judge between them.
White helmets are safer to use than dark or black helmets. This is because a light color provides better visibility. Also, white helmets or reflective helmets usually keep lesser heat and thus, create lesser heat stress on the brain.
Now, that doesn’t mean that white is the only color to go with. Black also has its part of excellence. there are several other things you need to understand about white and black helmets. Let’s see which one offers the most out of your investment and decide on a color!
White Vs. Black Motorcycle Helmet: Comparison Chart
We’ve considered two of our most favorite helmets that come in white and black colors. Let’s compare between them and see what goes where.
White Helmet | Black Helmet | |
Helmet | Scorpion EXO-R420 Helmet (Large) (Matte Black) | ILM Helmet Full-Face with Pinlock Compatible Clear and Tinted Visors |
Color | Matte Black | White |
Size | Large | Large |
Vehicle Service | Street Bike | Street Bike, Snowmobile, Water scooter. |
Price | $149.95 | $139.99 |
Does the Color of a Motorcycle Helmet Matter?
The color of your motorcycle helmet is very important because not only can it increase safety, but it can alter your performance. Research shows that motorcycle riders who wear helmets are 72% less likely to experience fatal injuries and 39% less likely to die from motorcycle injuries. This is a huge figure and an improvement from the reports from over the years.
Research also shows that reflective and bright-colored helmets are safer to use because other drivers can easily see them all the while. Thus, reducing the possibility of accidents while riding at night.
That established, the brighter the helmet’s color, the lesser the possibility of accidents. In fact, the primary focus isn’t just about light-colored helmets but being visible at night because that greatly determines the possibility of being rammed onto by a vehicle.
Another study by WHO shows that motorcyclists who use white helmets are 24% less likely to incur accidents than black ones. In addition, there are also several other colors of helmet asides from white and black. It’s also important we note that light-colored helmets are 19% safer than dark-colored ones. Let’s consider a few other colors.
1. Orange
The color orange typically projects safety. That’s why the usual road safety regulations use orange to announce dangers and hazards, thus grabbing people’s attention. This is because the human eye perceives the color orange as one of the brightest. As a result, orange is visible at all times, giving it a perk over white.
One of the limitations of the color orange is that it’s not compatible with every color. Therefore, making it difficult to pair such helmets with most motorbikes and clothing that aren’t orange.
2. Yellow
The color yellow is another excellent color that reflects heat effectively, but it doesn’t reflect light well. Rather than reflecting, yellow absorbs light. That makes it less visible during the night.
For a remedy, a fluorescent or neon helmet is one of the most ideal and safest. However, another limitation of the yellow helmet is that it is difficult to pair with other colors, as yellow is selective. Thus, a yellow helmet may not align well with your motorbike or most of your outfits.
3. Red
Red is another versatile color. Depending on the shade, we can classify it as a dark or light color. Glossy bright red helmets can reflect light well in the dark and are easy to spot in the night. However, matte-colored red helmets are harder to spot.
Also, red helmets absorb heat, which can be a limitation if you’re riding for a long journey.
4. Green
Like red, this color can be classified as either light-colored or dark, depending on the tone and shade. For example, one of the most visible helmets types is fluorescent green, but a dark green will be less visible at night.
One other perk of green is that it doesn’t absorb heat, just like trees deflect heat.
5. Purple
The color purple is a very selective option. It rarely pairs with other colors but is one of the unique colors. We classify it as a dark color. So, it doesn’t reflect light or is visible, but it deflects heat.
6. Blue
The blue color is another unique and versatile helmet, and dissimilar to the orange color, the various blue shades are still compatible. So, a blue helmet and blue motorbike of different shades can still match. Also, blue, like many other colors, comes in different shades and can be categorized as dark or bright, depending on the shade.
7. White
White helmets are scientifically the ideal helmet option for riding safety. It’s not only clear and visible, but it doesn’t absorb heat. Thus, creating lesser heat stress for the rider. This puts the white helmet at an advantage over dark-colored helmets, specifically the black helmet.
Some riders dislike the white helmet, as they consider the color bland and less masculine. Others who use white helmets decide to beautify it white some artistic paintings or marker art.
On the flip side, white helmets have adverse visibility in snowy seasons. Thus, although riding in snowy seasons is uncommon among riders, when it happens, putting on a white helmet on a busy road and snowy season can affect your visibility.
8. Black
When it comes to visibility, especially at night, black offers the least amount of protection to the rider. Black doesn’t reflect light, doesn’t make you stand out or be noticeable in the crowd. Nor does it absorb heat to keep your head cool.
However, the best thing about black helmets is the aesthetics it offers, especially with a black outfit. If you’re less concerned about high visibility and want to suit the best with your black outfit, a black helmet will complete it.
White Vs. Black Helmet – Which One Is Better?
Both the white and black helmets are among the most famous options of helmet choices for motorcycle riders. However, they both have several benefits and limitations, making them quite hard to choose from. So, before we talk about white vs. black motorcycle helmets, let’s consider them separately and identify the better option.
About White Motorcycle Helmet
White motorcycle helmets are comparatively the safest while riding. This is because motorcycles are not like other vehicles. They are much smaller and less visible at night, making them more difficult to spot at night while riding. Thus, riders need to wear bright outfits and helmets, preferably reflective ones, and white is one of the brightest colors in existence.
As earlier stated, the study has shown that riders who wear white helmets are 24% less likely to have accidents. The white helmet is more visible at night and reflects light, putting the white helmet ahead of its black counterpart.
Also, as the sun rises to its highest brightness, so does its temperature. However, the color white reflects light rather than absorbing it. Therefore, white helmets also reflect heat. This makes white helmets cause less heat stress on the brain while riding under high temperatures for a prolonged time.
About Black Motorcycle Helmet
Black helmets are, by far, the most popular helmet choice for motorbike riders. This is because the color black matches virtually every color. Even when combined with a mixture of two or more colors, black still does the job. This makes it easier for riders to wear black helmets with several other outfits and bike color variations.
Howbeit black doesn’t reflect light or heat. Instead, it absorbs both heat and light. That said, black helmets are not an ideal option for helmets to wear at night. As a remedy, riders who wear black helmets should alternatively:
- Ride a bright-colored motorbike.
- Keep the headlights powered on at day- and night-time.
- Wear fluorescent or reflective riding gear.
White Vs. Black Motorcycle Helmet: Which One Should You Choose?
Visibility
If you need to choose between the white vs. black helmet, we recommend you go for the white helmet. White helmets are reflective and provide clearer visibility during the day and night. Also, while the black helmet is the most widely adopted helmet among motorcyclists worldwide, it’s not safe for riding at night.
Basically, helmets protect the head and regions around the neck from fatal injuries. Consequently, studies show that motorcycle helmets have proven to be as protective as they were predicted to reduce severe wounds in accidents. Now, head wounds aren’t the only injuries prevented when wearing a helmet.
Riders can also use their helmets to their advantage by wearing bright, fluorescent, or reflective helmets. Thus, if you seek a good helmet to purchase, we recommend you go for a good motorcycle helmet for visibility for both day and night rides.
Why is this so?
Because conspicuousness is a priority when talking about riding your motorcycle or having motorcycle gear to work with. Good gear should be conspicuous both in the day and night time. One study we’ve cited in this article shows they considered the lack of conspicuity of motorbikes and their riders to be related to motorcycle accidents and death.
Temperature
Now, for temperatures, black objects are usually hotter than light-colored objects. Is this the same for motorcycle helmets? Absolutely. On the surface of the helmet, a black helmet can be 20°F hotter than a white one.
Whereas there is proper padding and ventilation, and while riding, you won’t feel the heat as much as you may think. It’s not the same when you’re at the traffic stop. Usually, on sunny days, putting on a black helmet can give you the worst experience, especially when you’re at a traffic stoplight.
Thus, we advise you to go for a light-colored motorcycle helmet, preferably a white one.
Safety
Also, if you’re among the class of riders who’d not want a white helmet but love a safer helmet, then go for bright-colored helmets. These kinds of helmets radiate light or are fluorescent or reflective. This way, you are sure that oncoming vehicles will not ram into you at night. Also, ensure that the helmet color you choose doesn’t absorb heat.
Typically, most colors are in light and dark shades, so we recommend you go for bright-colored helmets to avoid accidents.
Conclusion
The white vs. black helmet topic has been an argument for decades now. Several riders prefer to use a black helmet for its high versatility and the masculine theme it gives. In addition, the black helmet is the most wide-adopted globally. However, black helmets absorb light and heat, causing lower visibility at night and higher heat stress on a sunny day.
In contrast, the white helmet reflects light and heat. Thus they are more conspicuous, reflective and cause lesser heat stress for riders. That said, if you prioritize style over safety, then the black helmet is your go-to option. But if you value your overall safety while riding in all weather, then stick to the white helmet.
