A motorcycle helmet is one of the most crucial pieces of motorcycle equipment that any cyclist will buy. High-quality motorcycle helmets can keep you cool and increase aerodynamics while also protecting your head in the case of an accident.
Most helmet manufacturers provide helmets to fit all head shapes and sizes, so you have a lot of alternatives when it comes to your next purchase.
For your convenience, our review team has compiled a list of the top motorcycle helmets on the market. In our buyers guide at the end of this study, we’ll break down our best selections for different types of helmets, as well as discuss the benefits of each.
Best Full Face: Shoei RF-1400
Shoei helmets are known for their sophisticated aerodynamics, and the RF-1400 follows suit. Shoei tested it in its world-famous wind tunnels to see if it could minimise both lift and drag at high speeds for better bike control.
The Vortex Generators on the sides of the face shield of the RF-1400 reduce wind turbulence and create a wind and waterproof seal, while still allowing in essential road sounds.
The RF-1400 can intake enormous amounts of air for optimal cooling thanks to its forehead vent in the centre. Its larger exhaust exit vent uses negative pressure to quickly remove hot air.
The Dual-Layer Multi-Density EPS liner and Multi-Ply Matrix Aim+ shell provide crucial protection in the event of an emergency, and the Emergency Quick Release System can evacuate the helmet from the rider if necessary.
Key Features
- Price: $476.99
- Vortex generators that reduce noise
- Cheek and ear pads are removable.
- Ventilation on two levels
- Shield and Base Plate System CWR-F2
- Aim+ Multi-Ply Matrix Shell
- Liner: Dual-Layer Multi-Density EPS
- Quick-Release System in Case of Emergency
- Interior 3D Max-Dry System
What Customers Are Saying
Customers on Amazon love the RF-1400, giving it a 4.7 out of 5 star rating. This is based on more than 200 reviews, with around 84 percent of them being 5-star ratings.
Many customers think the RF-1400’s ventilation system is one of the greatest for noise reduction and that it is one of the best helmets on the market. One of the few criticisms of this helmet is that it feels small at first, but it adjusts to the rider’s head size after a short period of time.
Best Modular: Shoei Neotec II
The simplicity of a two-in-one design is difficult to top, and the Shoei Neotec II delivers great quality. The fog-resistant Pinlock Evo system and internal sun shield increase visibility, while the three-position upper ventilation system encourages dynamic cooling.
The Neotec II boasts a novel top air outlet design that combines with its deflecting chin bar to reduce wind noise, in addition to its streamlined shape and shell-integrated spoiler.
This is a modular helmet that can be flipped up into an open face design while yet maintaining full facial protection. The Multi-Ply Matrix AIM shell and Multi-Piece EPS lining, which provide best-in-class safety, are another feature that our review crew appreciates.
Key Features
- Price: $749.99
- Interior lining is removable and washable.
- Chin strap with micro-ratchet
- AIM shell with a multi-ply matrix
- EPS Multi-Piece Liner
- Upper vent with three positions
- Base Plate and Shield System CNS-3
- Chin bar with Aero Deflector
- Locking system with a 360-degree pivot
- Face shield with flip-up chin bar
- Compatible with Bluetooth® devices
What Customers Are Saying
The Shoei Neotec II has over 300 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Almost 95% of all ratings are four stars or higher, with only 4% being one star.
Customers frequently comment on how quiet this helmet is, especially in high-wind conditions. Because of the supporting cheek padding, many consumers think this helmet is more comfortable than others they’ve had. Some consumers have complained that this helmet is too restrictive for people with oval-shaped heads.
Best Dual Sport: AGV AX9
The lightweight structure of the AGV AX9 helmet does not compromise safety, whether you’re riding on the streets or on rural roads. The Carbon-Aramid-Fiberglass shell provides weather protection, while the premium interior is water-resistant and pleasant, so you won’t have to worry about perspiration harming your helmet.
The aerodynamics of this helmet are well-suited for high-speed travel, as they resist wind drag, which adds extra noise. In comparison to prior AGV models, the AX9 incorporates an adjustable chin guard port for improved airflow.
The AX9’s visor may be removed, allowing riders to wear their own glasses or goggles.
Key Features
- Price: $549.95
- Peak that can be adjusted
- Visor with anti-scratch coating
- Interiors that can be removed and washed
- EPS with a four-density
- Chin guard that can be adjusted
- There are two extractor vents in the back.
- Fabric cheek pads by Ritmo
What Customers Are Saying
On Amazon, there are only a few reviews for the AGV AX9, with only one 5-star rating. Google reviews, on the other hand, give this product a 4.5 out of 5 rating, suggesting a good degree of consumer satisfaction.
Users appreciate the pinlock visor and the fact that this helmet is available in a XXXL size. However, several reviewers have noted that this helmet appears to run small, which may be bothersome for some but useful for those with narrow heads.
Best Open Face: Bell Mag-9
The Bell Mag-9 has an adjustable front, like other open face helmets, that can be worn in seven different settings. As a result, it can be worn in the rider’s vision with or without a face protection or visor. The Mag-9’s Velocity Flow ventilation system, which cools the rider and reduces sweating, is unaffected by the visor.
For a customised fit, this helmet boasts a polycarbonate shell and moisture-wicking EPS foam interior. The Mag-9 can be combined with a Sena or Card Bluetooth communication device for individuals who want to listen to music or make phone calls while riding.
Key Features
- Price: $199.95
- Ventilation system using Velocity Flow
- Shell made of polycarbonate
- Compatible with the Bluetooth system
- Sun visor that can be lowered
- Interior made of EPS foam
What Customers Are Saying
Over 370 consumers have given reviews on Amazon for the Bell Mag-9, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Approximately 85% of the ratings are 4 stars or better.
Despite the fact that the majority of reviews are excellent, a recurring theme among negative reviews is that the helmet runs small and that riders should size up for the optimum fit. Aside from that, the Mag-9’s cushioning has gotten a lot of attention in evaluations.
Best Half Helmet: ScorpionExo Covert
The ScorpionExo Covert features a three-in-one design that allows motorcyclists to change their helmet’s fit. The removable front mask and sleeve, as well as the retractable tinted anti-fog sun visor, give superb optional protection.
In the case of an accident, the Covert incorporates a polycarbonate shell with dual-density EPS foam that disperses energy absorption.
On chilly days, the Covert’s aero-tuned ventilation system encourages improved cooling while also retaining heat. It has a soft foam liner that is breathable and has a scratch-resistant matte coating for a balanced feel.
Key Features
- The price is $214.95.
- Three-in-one concept
- Sun visor that can be retracted
- Front mask that can be removed
- Shell made of polycarbonate
- EPS foam with two densities
- The finish is matte.
What Customers Are Saying
The ScorpionExo Covert helmet has over 1,700 reviews on Amazon, with 75% of them being 5-star reviews. It is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on average.
Customers believe this is an excellent low-cost alternative to more expensive high-end solutions. It’s also one of the lightest helmets they’ve ever worn, according to them. Some consumers have complained that the Covert does not effectively block wind noise.
Best Motorcycle Helmets Buyers Guide
The most significant component of a motorcycle helmet is its safety, which is why you should get one that is DOT certified. Aside from certificates, obtaining a helmet that fits your head properly is essential. You should also think about comfort and visibility.
Because it is such an important piece of riding gear, you may want to test out a few different types of motorcycle helmets before deciding on the ideal one for your head shape and riding style.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
There are six standard types of motorcycle helmets:
Full face helmets provide the most protection around the head and neck. They’re usually regarded as the safest motorcycle helmets. The chin bar, which adds critical safety, is one of the most distinguishing elements of these helmets. Full-face motorcycle helmets, on the other hand, tend to be heavier than other helmets as a result of this.
Modular (flip-up): These helmets are similar in design to full face helmets, but they are heavier due to additional hinge mechanisms, which diminishes their safety marginally. Modular helmets are suitable for riders that need to sit upright when riding, such as tourers and cruisers.
3/4 helmets, often known as open face helmets, cover the top and rear of the rider’s head but leave the face uncovered. Due to the lack of a chin bar, they provide much less front protection than full face or modular helmets. Many of them include visors to shield riders’ eyes from the elements and road debris.
Half-helmets protect only the top of the rider’s head and a portion of their forehead. Because of their open design, these helmets are far less safe than other helmets, despite their excellent airflow and visibility. Most don’t come with visors, so riders must use goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes.
Off-road: These helmets are made for riding dirt bikes and street bikes on roads, tracks, and other types of varied terrain. Riders must wear goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes because they do not have visors. Off-road helmets, on the other hand, have longer chin bars for improved airflow and fall protection.
Dual-sport helmets combine the features of full-face and off-road helmets. They have a bigger visor for eye protection than full face helmets, and they can be used with goggles as well. Chin bars on dual-sport helmets are not as far out as those on off-road helmets, however they are still visible. These helmets are perfect for riding on a variety of terrains.
Motorcycle Helmet Safety Certifications
Motorcycle helmets must be tested for sufficient safety requirements by a variety of organisations before being certified for mass manufacturing. Before a helmet can be sold for on-road use, it must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
It must pass impact absorption, penetration resistance, and retention tests, as well as provide a minimum of 105 degrees of visibility from the helmet’s midline and no surface projections more than 5.0 millimetres.
A predetermined benchmark is also used by the Snell Foundation to determine how well a helmet works. Manufacturers can submit their helmets to them for testing that is more stringent than that of the DOT because they are a private nonprofit. Snell will also test previously certified helmets on a regular basis to ensure continuous compliance.
Before you buy a helmet, be sure it’s at least DOT approved. Although a Snell certification is an excellent predictor of helmet safety, it is not required. An ECE certification, which is the European equivalent of the DOT and a credible safety badge, may also be found on your helmet.
Comfort
When riding, a motorcycle helmet should fit firmly on your head, as a loose-fitting helmet provides inadequate protection. To aid in the creation of a correct fit, many motorcycle helmets contain detachable or changeable cushions.
Other helmets are made to fit particular head shapes, such as oval versus round. Make sure your helmet fits properly on your head before going for a ride.
A decent helmet should also provide excellent climate management to avoid overheating or excessive cooling, both of which can be distracting when riding. Helmets with moisture-wicking fabrics will keep your head dry, as will helmets with enough ventilation.
Before you ride, make sure the weight of your helmet is comfortable. Most riders can wear a helmet weighing 5.0 pounds or less without feeling uncomfortable, but anything heavier can cause neck pain.
Visibility
When wearing a motorcycle helmet, visibility is critical. It is critical that a sun visor does not fog readily, whether owing to an anti-fog visor or enough ventilation.
Some helmet designs also provide more visibility at the expense of safety. A half-helmet, for example, only protects the top half of a rider’s head but provides far better visibility than a full-face or dual-sport helmet. Before purchasing a new helmet, determine what level of vision you require.
Our Review Standards
Our crew looked at aspects including user ratings, costs, superlatives, and Prime shipping eligibility when choosing the five motorcycle helmets in our evaluation from Amazon and Advance Auto Parts.