Getting a new helmet for the summer and wondered if a white one is really cooler than a black one. Is there a difference? It'll be a half helmet and I'll be riding in the desert southwest.

 

In theory a white helmet would be cooler than a black one.

In reality you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.

 

That's kinda what I thought. Everybody else notice that?

 

I don't know about a temperature difference, but a white helmet will be seen by cagerseasier than a black one.

 

If you want to get technical the best colour to reflect heat would be a silver helmet and as to being seen I ride with headlamp (Can not be turned off on European Harleys)( and passing lamps on and if they cannot see that they won't see a helmet no matter what colour unless its flourescent

 

Yes. My headlight won't turn off either. And I ride during the day with the high beam on. As for a silver helmet, that would match one of my two tone colors.

 

The shock absorbing compound inside your helmet is the same stuff that insulates your refrigerator. It's effective enough that a person can not distinguish the difference between wearing a black helmet and wearing a white helmet.

 

I read that a helmet is packed with polystyrene and various liners, color wont make a difference for inside heat, esp with a half helmet and most of the studies say a white one is more visable.

 

I have a Luxury Blue Pearl one that matches my Sportster, but then I am sooooooo trendy

 

I have an HJC half helmet and an Icon FF helmet and both are flat black. I like them both. However for safety reasons I've thought of going to flat white next time do make me just a lil more visible, especially from behind or from angles where the headlite doesnt give me much help to cagers depending on their view. I've definitely noticed guys in white helmets really seem to stand otu more than guys dressed in dark or all black. I live in the desert southwest too, so heat is a consideration and I'd bet a white helmet is just a few degrees cooler, it would just about have to be. My helmets are always vented too, I make sure of that feature.