8 Best Motorcycle Helmets

Riding a motorcycle is more than just the miles or the destination. It’s also about the riding experience, and with that comes safety. Not all motorcycle helmets are created equal. All helmets have a hard outer shell with an impact-absorbing liner, a chin strap, and some kind of view, ensuring basic safety features are met.

Each helmet has its specific purpose and merits as well as its drawbacks. By evaluating the helmet’s design, safety, comfort, and even price, we came up with 8 of the best motorcycle helmets in the market today. Look at the best full face helmets, modular helmets, adventure, or even open face helmets you can ride with today. Motorcycle helmets need to protect your head from high speed foreign objects and absorb blunt force impact, making safety a top priority.

1. Shoei Solid Neotec 2 Modular Motorcycle Helmet

There’s no helmet like the Shoei Solid Neotec 2 Modular Helmet. It’s the best modular motorcycle helmet on the market, perfect for various settings. Whether you’re coasting an open road or riding off-road, this motorcycle helmet will keep you comfortable and protected at all times.

The Shoei Neotec line consists of many helmets that surpass the usual standards. Known for its premium shell material and aerodynamic design, it is a helmet designed for riders who value safety ratings, comfort, and good quality gear. Fiberglass, polycarbonate, or carbon fiber are typical materials for the outer construction of helmets, ensuring durability and protection.

Compared to its predecessor, the Neotec 2 features a wider field of vision, improved chin bar aerodynamics, and an internal sun visor. The wind noise reduction system works well with its Sena SRL Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System, giving you a quiet helmet for long rides.

With a lighter weight shell and excellent ventilation, this helmet fits well in hot or cool weather conditions. Plus, the removable liners and cheek pads make it easy to maintain a comfortable fit. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used for the inner lining of motorcycle helmets, providing effective impact absorption.

2. Bell Qualifier DLX

While it’s easier to include an expensive Bell helmet on this list, we prefer to provide a variety of choices, including those modestly priced. One of the first that comes to mind is the Bell Qualifier DLX. The Bell Qualifier DLX is among the best looking helmets motorcycle enthusiasts can grab on a budget. At less than $250, this helmet balances affordability with important key features like comfort, visor clarity, and DOT certification.

Among its many features include the Transitions Photochromic face shield. A common among Qualifier DLX helmets, this face shield turns dim in the presence of UV light.

Despite the overcast, it will remain dark, so you’ll surely get optimal protection and high viability even under the blazing sun. To up its game, this helmet’s Click Release technology makes setting the shield way easier as well.

While not the quietest helmet for track days, it still offers a comfortable fit and flexibility to install communication systems. For riders looking for their first helmet, the DLX provides good ventilation, protection, and style without breaking the bank.

3. HJC i90 Modular Helmet

It only takes a few words to describe the HJC i90 Modular Helmet: the best motorcycle helmet on a budget. Built by HJC, a brand trusted for decades, this helmet provides excellent value for money.

Made from polycarbonate shell material, it offers DOT certification protection for everyday riding. The drop down sun visor with single-button release, moisture-wicking liner, and good ventilation system make it practical for long rides.

Glasses wearers will appreciate the custom fit and interior liner design, which accommodates prescription eyewear. For a budget new helmet, the i90 proves you don’t need more expensive helmets to get good quality features.

4. Arai XD4

The Arai XD4 is one of the most respected full face helmets in the industry, perfect for adventure touring. Arai’s helmets are known for their Snell ratings, intermediate oval head shape fit, and superior safety ratings. Adventure bike helmets often come with an off-road inspired peak to keep the sun out of your eyes, adding to their functionality.

This dual-sport helmet provides maximum airflow through its advanced vents, giving riders clear visibility even in challenging weather conditions. Its fiberglass composite shell and unique flex impact liner provide additional protection during impacts.

With a chin bar and visor designed to reduce glare, plus a removable liner system for cleaning, this helmet offers both safety and style. It’s not the cheapest, but as with all Arai helmets, you pay for unmatched protection and riding experience.

5. Sena Outrush Bluetooth Modular Helmet

If communication is at the top of your priority, then the Sena Outrush Bluetooth Modular Helmet comes with great features you’ll love. Sena, by far, ceases to amaze despite being on the more affordable scale. With value for money, it’s a stylish choice for all purposes. We dare say that the Sena Bluetooth system is one of the best motorcycle helmet speakers yet. Modular helmets are popular for their ease of communication and compatibility with flip-up features, making them a versatile choice for riders.

Its shell ensures compliance with DOT standards, and the built-in drop down sun visor offers clear sight in bright or foggy conditions. The cheek pads and liner provide a comfortable fit while keeping you cool with good ventilation.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 8 hours of talk time. For long rides, the Sena Outrush provides not only safety but also convenience. It’s a stylish choice for riders who want both features and function.

6. O’Neal Sierra II Helmet

The O’Neal Sierra II Helmet surely packs a punch for a budget helmet. With the great selection of budget adventure helmets, this may be the best yet. Aside from style and budget, this helmet also goes above and beyond with its overall design and quality.

Every single edge on this helmet deliberately gives off a dashing appeal. One of its neat features is the folding visor on the inside.

To provide optimal protection from the sun during a day ride, it easily retracts and comes almost unnoticed. With this, the field of view wouldn’t be a problem for this adventure touring helmet. It also keeps debris, insect, dirt, or even distracting winds. Overall, it’s safe to say that this helmet is one of the coolest motorcycle helmets ever made.

7. Klim TK1200 Illumino Hi-Viz Helmet

From the company that manufactured the world’s first Grand Touring helmet, Klim remains a leader in the industry. In fact, through the years, it only provides consumers with improved tech that comes with its helmets. The Klim TK1200 helmet upholds the brand’s heritage and its commitment to innovation. Ruroc’s ATLAS series motorcycle helmets are recognized for their aggressive aesthetics and distinctive graphics, appealing to riders who value both style and performance.

With its entire carbon fiber shell, this helmet makes space for luxury features without putting on the weight. It’s lightweight with the intent to keep your head on the ride rather than the helmet itself!

As for the ventilation, it’s safe to say that Klim doesn’t sacrifice that as well. It easily wicks away heat and moisture, given its smart ventilation system. Long rides will ultimately be easy and breezy.

If you’re getting into an adventure, you’ll most likely experience shifting weather conditions. It may be the harsh sunrays or nighttime fog. The bottom line is that this helmet can weather them all. With its transition face shield and Pinlock lens, one can only have unobstructed vision sun up or down. However, it’s probably one of the most expensive on our list, but you’ll surely get your money’s worth with this one.

8. Fly Racing Dirt Formula

Going for an off-road adventure? Consider having the Fly Racing Dirt Formula accompany you on your trip. At around $650, it’s a lot to unpack, but it’s safe to say that no one does dirt bike helmets better than Fly Racing.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice the full 12k carbon fiber outer shell of the helmet. That makes it lightweight at only 2 pounds, 13 ounces. All this while exciting the DOT and ECE standards for motorcycle helmets.

Furthermore, the impact energy cells of the helmet, powered by the brand’s proprietary RHEON technology, absorb forces better. This is in the case of low-speed linear and rotational impacts. Plus, the helmet also displays a progressive response to high-speed impacts.

The ventilation on this helmet also proves to be top-notch. It certainly is perfect for any dirt bike adventure you’re up to. While most Fly Racing helmets come with a more affordable price tag, the Dirt Formula is on the other end of the range. You can find more affordable choices in Fly Racing’s catalog, but the Dirt Formula is a force to be reckoned with.

Best Motorcycle Helmet Guide & FAQs

What Makes A Good Motorcycle Helmet

When looking for a new helmet, riders often consider style, comfort, and budget. But the most important factor is always safety. The best helmet will combine DOT certification or Snell ratings, good quality shell material, liner systems, and features like drop down sun visor, removable liners, and chin bar stability. DOT certification mandates minimum safety requirements for motorcycle helmets sold in the USA, ensuring they meet specific material visibility and strength standards.

Safety

This is the very reason people wear helmets. It minimizes the damage caused by a crash. If for any unfortunate reason, you’re not wearing a helmet and then encounter a crash, you’re most likely to reach the end of the line due to a brain injury. Safety is the first thing you must always question about the helmet. Don’t put your money on poorly designed motorcycle helmets. Always put your safety first.

Comfort

With this comes head size and fit. Wearing a helmet can take a toll not only on your overall experience but also on your safety. Since they’re worn for an extensive period, an ergonomic design is a must. It must always fit the shape of your head, including prescription glasses, if possible. A helmet can’t be too loose or tight; it must be the right snug fit. If you’re uncomfortable with your helmet, it’s best to replace it. Once you find the perfect size, you’ll surely enjoy your ride.

With comfort also comes ventilation. Proper ventilation doesn’t only ensure high visibility but also an easy ride. The right helmet won’t be as hot and will minimize or even generally eliminate sweating.

Visibility

A helmet must never get in the way of your vision. Say you have a safety helmet on, but its poor visibility causes you to crash. It overall defeats its purpose. Always wear a helmet that provides a clear view of the road ahead. Check if they have features such as visors and shields. If you can shell out a few more dollars for these features, do so. You’ll thank yourself later when you encounter low-visibility situations such as fog, extreme sunlight, or even a swarm of insects.

Design

Every motorcycle rider wants to look cool wearing a helmet. That’s why design and aesthetics are important when picking a helmet. From color to the very angles on its exterior. While it’s not exactly the first thing you should check, it indeed is the first people will see. Besides, it will make you feel more confident during your rides. If customization is on your mind, research what should and shouldn’t be done to your helmet. Customization options for helmets are available from brands like Blaze Artworks, which offers custom paint jobs to match your style.

Price

Price is almost always what makes or breaks a helmet purchase. Many people would resort to cheaper helmets just for the sake of having one. However, a lot of cheap helmets don’t have the safety capacity luxury helmets have. It’s understandable if you’re working on a budget but as this list proves, there are some affordable motorcycle helmets that provide enough protection to the wearer. Research is always the key to these problems. Ensure you’re getting your money’s worth with all its features and nitpicks.

With that, if you can afford a helmet with a warranty, get one. In the long run, this can be great for you and your pocket. It also adds to the value of your helmet. You’ll thank yourself if you ever encounter any problems with your helmet along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do motorcycle helmets last?

An easy answer for this is that you must replace your helmet after every crash. A helmet can only take some much impact before it gets damaged. Every helmet has a foam lining inside that slows down or reduces the impact of a crash’s force. This foam, however, classifies as a one-off material. It means it will no longer be as effective once you encounter subsequent collisions. Many motorcycle helmets feature a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) which reduces rotational injuries, further enhancing safety.

However, if you go on for a while without a crash, replace it every 5 to 7 years. With this regular replacement comes tech updates you can only get from purchasing new motorcycle helmets. It should also be known that body fluids such as sweat and natural oils from the body can speed up the deterioration process of your helmet.

Always make it a habit to check the quality of your helmet and be mindful whenever you wear it to know whether or not it’s time to change it yet. When all else fails, consider checking and recording any date the manufacturer suggests.

Q: Does dropping a helmet ruin it?

No, it doesn’t. It’s out of the question. You will, at some point, drop your helmet. Short-distance drops won’t affect your helmet, but with a little force, they could damage its exterior paint. Helmets are designed to take more impact than just occasional drops.

Q: Which is better: regular helmets or track helmets?

There’s no black-or-white answer for this. It always depends on the helmet’s purpose or the intent of your ride. There are suitable motorcycle helmets for every ride, such as off-road, racing, or street cruising. Track helmets have an aerodynamic design perfect for racing or off-road adventures. For street cruising, regular helmets would work best. They come with good ventilation for long rides, day in and out.

Q: Half-Face or Full-Face Helmets?

While half-face motorcycle helmets are stylish, full-face motorcycle helmets still provide optimum protection. The only upside of having a half-face helmet rests on its aesthetic and ventilation system. Keep in mind, however, that they’re not as effective in giving protection as full-face helmets. So, if you want to have the wind against your face on your rides, a half-face helmet may suit you. However, if you’re off to long trips and will most likely encounter weather changes, you’ll thank yourself for wearing full-face motorcycle helmets.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best helmet means balancing protection, style, and budget. Whether you prefer full face, open face, or modular helmets, there’s a helmet designed for every rider and every bike.

From more expensive helmets like Shoei and Arai to budget-friendly HJC and O’Neal, there’s a huge variety of options to suit your personal preference, head shape, and riding experience.

Always prioritize safety ratings, DOT certification, and excellent ventilation. The best motorcycle helmets will not only protect your head at high speeds but also enhance your overall riding experience.

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