The full-face and bowl helmets are the two most common designs that avid BMX riders wear. While the full-face model covers your cheeks and jaw, offering greater protection, it has been known to hinder peripheral vision during turns and maneuvers. The full-face helmet also features an extended visor to block out the sun. The bowl helmet's fit protects the crown and front of your head as well as the base of your skull. It typically has a series of safety straps that buckle under your chin.
Function
The full-face BMX helmet is better for racing on carved-out dirt tracks, where the majority of racing falls involve two or more competitors. The mask of the full-face helmet helps protect your facial bones during collisions with other riders, and the back of the full-face helmet extends below the neck for extra protection. Skate park and street BMX riders often prefer the bowl helmet due to its lightweight design, which is more comfortable when performing freestyle tricks.
Outer Shell
The outer shell is one of the key differences between the full-face and bowl helmet models. Full-face helmets often have a harder outer shell for extra protection during high speed races. Top of the line full-face helmets feature an outer shell made from fiberglass. The outer shell of the full-face helmet may also have a carbon fiber construction. Bowl helmets generally have an outer shell made from a hard plastic known as ABS.
Foam
The internal foam of the full-face and bowl helmet functions as a cushioning device for your head. The foam of the full-face helmet, known as single impact foam, must be replaced after a significant crash or collision. According to professional BMX rider Jim Bauer, the top-rated bowl helmets have been lined with multi-impact foam so they will function properly even after multiple crashes. Both full-face helmet types feature adjustable foam pads for a custom fit.
Price
Price is another key difference between the bowl and full-face BMX helmet. High-end bowl helmets are relatively inexpensive and can cost less than $40. Due to the high-tech designs and materials used, full-face helmets come with much higher price tags. As of 2011, full-face BMX helmets can cost upward of $300.
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