With motorcycle riding, there gear is just as crucial as the bike itself. Gloves, jackets, and glasses are common items most every rider owns, but there’s nothing more important than the motorcycle helmet. This one piece of gear saves lives on a daily basis — an undisputed fact.
While it’s true that every rider needs to own a motorcycle helmet, it may be hard for some to sift through the countless products available in order to settle on the best motorcycle helmet for their riding needs.
That’s where we come in. Below, you’ll find our top picks for a number of different motorcycle helmets, with some of the best motorcycle helmet brands on the market represented.
If you need some help with how to shop for a helmet, we’ve got you covered there as well. After our top picks, you’ll find plenty of helpful buying advice that can guide you in your purchase decisions, along with some info on sizing, helmet care, and more.
To 5 Best Motorcycle Helmet On The Market
Last update on 2022-05-18 at 04:52 PST - Details
Best Motorcycle Helmet To 5 Best Motorcycle Helmet On The Market1. MOPHOTO Bluetooth Integrated Motorcycle Helmet - Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet2. 1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet - Best Motorcycle Helmet Under $1003. Typhoon Modular Motorcycle Full Face Helmet - Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet4. Typhoon Youth Full Face Motorcycle Helmet - Best Motorcycle Helmet for KidsWhy You Should Choose Your Motorcycle Helmet CarefullyThe Different Types of Motorcycle HelmetsMotorcycle Helmet Safety RatingsFactors to Consider When Choosing a New Motorcycle HelmetWhen to Replace a Motorcycle HelmetHow to Care for a Motorcycle HelmetFinal Thoughts1. MOPHOTO Bluetooth Integrated Motorcycle Helmet - Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet
Last update on 2022-03-28 at 14:22 PST - Details
Bluetooth speaker systems are an increasingly popular feature on many new motorcycle helmets, but if the actual helmet itself isn’t well designed, there really isn’t a point.
Thankfully, the MOPHOTO Bluetooth Integrated Helmet offers the best motorcycle helmet speakers in an affordable package, without neglecting the most important parts of the helmet. The result is a lightweight, comfortable, and convenient helmet that offers an exceptional value — in addition to full Bluetooth capabilities.
The MOPHOTO Bluetooth Integrated Helmet is a modular helmet with a very sporty style, and comes in a number of different color scheme options. The chin guard can quickly flip out and out of the way, but this helmet still manages to offer a full face feel in every way.
The inner padding is very plush, and can be removed to be washed when needed. It also comes with an inner sun visor that reduces glare, eliminating the need for sunglasses. Lots of ventilation areas are spread throughout the helmet, allowing heat buildup to escape, and prevent fogging in cold weather.
The Bluetooth control is conveniently located on the left side, and allows for easy on/off, along with volume control buttons. The speakers can connect to your smartphone, and also be used for communication with other riders nearby.
Based off its combination of practicality, Bluetooth capability, and overall comfort, the MOPHOTO Bluetooth Integrated Helmet is easily our top pick not only for Bluetooth helmets, but also for the best motorcycle helmet under $200.
- Lightweight material makes for a comfortable fit
- Bluetooth system
- Great price
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Easy to get on and off
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Available in 14 different colors
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Lots of ventilation
- Flip-up visor is very convenient
- Shipping time can take several weeks
- Internal speakers cannot get very loud
- Not all colors come in all four sizes
2. 1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet - Best Motorcycle Helmet Under $100
Last update on 2022-04-11 at 15:10 PST - Details
If you’re trying to keep your helmet budget well below the $100 mark, the 1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet should be the first one you look at. This helmet does indeed give buyers a great value, but it looks, feels, and performs like a helmet that’s twice its price.
The helmet’s outer shell is made from durable thermoplastic, and comes available in 16 different color schemes. Despite the high impact resistance offered by the helmet, it still manages to keep the overall weight to a minimum, and leverages an aerodynamic design for better wind resistance.
Lots of ventilation and padding is provided on the inside of the helmet, which is bolstered by a convenient quick-latch on the chin strap that allows for quick removal. You also get a dual visor system that includes a smoked lens sun glare shield inside, which quickly retracts into the helmet with the flip of a switch on the side of the helmet.
The 1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet proves that you can get a high-quality helmet without spending an outlandish amount of money. Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry-level modular helmet, or would just like to add to your options, this helmet is a great way to do so.
Pros- Amazing value
- Dual visor design
- Retractable sun visor
- Modular flip-up visor design
- Washable padding
- Well-ventilated
- Numerous color options
- Lightweight
- Sizing runs small
- No Bluetooth
3. Typhoon Modular Motorcycle Full Face Helmet - Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet
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For those in need of the cheapest motorcycle helmet possible, that’s still DOT-approved, comfortable, and has a handful of added features, the Typhoon Modular Full Face Helmet has all you’re looking for — and you won’t pay more than $60 for it.
Despite the lower price point, this helmet certainly looks the part, with a sleek style that’s available in 9 different colors. The helmet is modular, which allows for the chin guard area to flip up and out of the way, exposing the face in a matter of seconds.
The helmet comes with a dual visor system, with an inner sun glare visor that can retract up and into the helmet by using the switch on the side. It also offers plenty of ventilation, and a removable & washable liner — just like all of the upper-tier helmets.
The chin strap utilizes a standard D-ring system, and the helmet’s front shield provides an effective and sealed barrier that protects wearers from weather, dirt, bugs, debris, and other things in the air.
Riders looking to get the most helmet for lowest amount of money will be very satisfied with what the Typhoon Modular Full Face Helmet has to offer.
- Adjustable ventilation
- Low price
- Wide view
- Wind noise is not optimal
- May fog up in colder weather
- Small seems to be the only size available currently
4. Typhoon Youth Full Face Motorcycle Helmet - Best Motorcycle Helmet for Kids
Last update on 2022-05-18 at 04:52 PST - Details
When it comes to buying a motorcycle helmet for kids, there should never be a compromise on quality. The Typhoon Youth Full Face Motorcycle Helmet provides a fairly-priced full face helmet option that prioritizes safety and comfort above all else.
This lightweight helmet is constructed using rugged thermoplastic on the outside, and comes in several kid-friendly designs for both boys and girls. It’s a true full face helmet in every way, utilizing a one-piece design that includes a high amount of ventilation.
The helmet comes with a clear visor on the outside that can be flipped up and out of the way, or easily removed if desired. There are also a number of different visors made by Typhoon that you can switch out, including mirrored and tinted finishes.
The interior is layered with plenty of plush padding that ensures a tight and secure fit, while also providing a comfortable amount of cushioning. The liner itself can be removed and washed when needed.
Overall, the Typhoon Youth Full Face Motorcycle Helmet provides peace of mind to parents, while offering comfort, style, and of course the necessary amount of safety and protection you should seek with any kids helmet. This should be your first choice of helmet for any kid aged 3 to 13.
- Includes helmet bag
- Plenty of soft padding
- Is actually a kids-sized helmet
- Very lightweight
- Several colors to choose from
- Comes with free gloves
- Removable visor
- Sizing is difficult
- Gloves may not match helmet
- Chin strap design is mediocre
Why You Should Choose Your Motorcycle Helmet Carefully
Like we mentioned earlier, the motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of gear you can own, and should be considered as an extension of the bike itself. Anytime you ride your motorcycle, your helmet should be on you. They should be seen as essentially one in the same.
Due to the importance of the helmet, and the fact that it may one day save your life, it’s crucial that you don’t merely settle on a helmet, or use one that may not be the right size or fit for you. This is not something you should treat flippantly, or assume that any helmet will do the job.
Safety is obviously the most important aspect of the helmet, but you also need to pay attention to the fit, comfort, functionality, and also lesser important things like the style, added features, and so on.
By choosing the right helmet, you can ensure that it not only performs as it should, but also has a comfortable feel, fits like it’s supposed to, and is suitable for the type of riding conditions you’ll encounter the most.
The Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets
We’ve expanded more on different motorcycle types here, {link to pillar article} but below is a quick summary of each type.
Full Face Motorcycle Helmets
Full face helmets cover the entirety of your head and face, which includes your chin area. These offer the most coverage, and thus the highest level of safety. The entire helmet is one piece, aside from the face shield that can flip up or be removed if needed.
Full face helmets are the safest because they provide a full barrier of protection. This helps to shield you not only from any impacts to the head and face area, but also weather conditions, dirt and debris, and whatever else may be out in the air. They also provide a barrier from wind noise, and also prevent wind from chafing your face at high speeds.
Dome Motorcycle Helmet
Dome helmets are also known as skull helmets, and have the lowest level of safety and protection. These helmets cover only the top portion of the head above the eyes, and extend to the back, similar to what you’d see on a standard snowboard helmet or skateboard helmet. They may also have a small visor on top for better wind deflection.
Although some may be initially drawn to dome helmets due to not having anything over their face, they are not recommended due to the poor amount of protection, and complete lack of facial coverage. They are a bare minimum type of helmet in every regard.
Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
Open face helmets are basically a mix of full face and dome helmets. These helmets cover the top and sides of the head and face, leaving the mouth and jaw areas exposed. This can be seen as a compromise between having more coverage, but less obstruction on the face.
Even though open face helmets don’t offer a full level of protection across the whole face, many of them still come equipped with full face clear shields to deflect wind and debris.
Modular Motorcycle Helmets
Modular helmets are a subtype of full face helmets, but have a versatile design that allows the bottom chin portion to be flipped up and out of the way, instantly making it an open face helmet in some regards.
These are an increasingly popular type of helmet, offering a similar level of protection you get with a full face helmet, but with the convenience of being able to do things like eat, talk, and drink without having to take the entire helmet off.
Off Road/Motocross Helmets
As the name implies, these helmets are best for use on off road motorcycles. They have a full face build, but don’t have a face shield, so the rider can use goggles or glasses instead, and receive the added ventilation.
These helmets are usually very lightweight, and have extended visors and chin guards for added protection from impact.
Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmets
Dual sport helmets can be best described as a mix between full face and off road helmets. They have an exterior shape that’s more similar to an off road helmet, with a more rugged shape, but still have a face guard in place.
These types of helmets are best for riders who may go from off road riding to road riding on the same ride or occasion.
Motorcycle Helmet Safety Ratings
Safety ratings are used on motorcycle helmets in order to convey their effectiveness in several different areas, mainly in terms of impact absorption, resistance to penetration from foreign objects, ability to stay on in high winds and/or impact, and level of peripheral vision.
In the U.S., all motorcycle helmets must meet a certain level of requirements set by the Department of Transportation, which are then designated as “DOT-approved.” When you see the DOT sticker or emblem, you can be assured it’s met the requirements needed to keep you safe.
There are two other common safety ratings systems often seen represented on motorcycle helmets: ECE22.05 (European Union standards,) and Snell (M2015,) a third-party rating system set forth by a non-profit established in honor of Pete Snell — a race car driver who died after sustaining head injuries in a race.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Motorcycle Helmet
There are a number of aspects at play when shopping for your next motorcycle helmet. There are the most important ones you need to consider beforehand.
Type of Motorcycle
The type of motorcycle you ride will have a great influence over the characteristics of the helmet you’ll need. For instance, if you’re riding an off road bike, you’re going to want a helmet that offers the proper amount of ventilation and protection.
On the other hand, if you’re riding a touring motorcycle, you’ll want a helmet that offers a lot of sound insulation from wind noise, aerodynamics, and an added amount of ventilation for the longer rides ahead.
Experience Level
If you’re just getting into riding a motorcycle, you don’t necessarily have to go out there and buy the most expensive helmet available, or one that has a bunch of features you may not even need. Safety and comfort are key, you can always upgrade later when your skill level increases, and you’re riding more often — and for longer.
In contrast, advanced riders will typically want to look for upper-tier products that offer more features and convenience.
Type and Length of Riding
The use of your motorcycle should have a big influence on the helmet’s features and characteristics.
For example, if you plan on riding your motorcycle on a daily basis for commuting, it’s a good idea to prioritize helmets that allow you to easily swap out face shields for different weather and conditions. Riders who only ride on the weekends for leisure may be more concerned with aesthetics and and extra features.
Climate and Time of the Year
Your climate type and weather should weigh heavily on your helmet choice. This is where aspects such as ventilation amount, face shields, and aerodynamics can really come into play. Riders in hot climates should aim for helmets that are light in weight, and have extra ventilation to stay cool, while riders in cool climates should opt for helmets with anti-fog face shields.
Of course, many people live in areas where the weather goes through plenty of changes during the season. In some cases, it may be best to own a helmet for hot weather, and a second helmet for the colder seasons.
Budget
Your overall budget is obviously going to be at play with any helmet purchasing decision. While higher priced helmets tend to be better overall in terms of quality, don’t assume you have to spend a lot to get an adequate helmet that is still comfortable.
If you have a smaller budget, try to look for helmets that focus on the essentials, rather than flashy extra features.
Motorcycle Helmet Sizing
Motorcycle helmets are usually measured in inches or centimeters around the forehead, at the largest circumference area.
You can measure your sizing by wrapping measuring tape around your head, just above where your eyebrows are. Record the amount, and now you have your size.
This chart is a good point of reference to start with:
If your head measurement size is between the numbers listed, try going with the smaller size first. After receiving your helmet, put it on and wear it a few times around the house, allowing it to conform to your head.
After you’ve worn it for a few minutes, check for the following:
- Cheek pads that fit snugly on your cheeks, without feeling like they are pressing into your face.
- No gaps between your temples and the helmet’s brow pads.
- With full face helmets, the face shield should not be touching your face or chin.
- You should be able to see comfortable to each side, with no vision obstructed.
- Once you’ve taken off the helmet, there should be no soreness or lasting redness.
If your helmet meets these requirements, it has the proper fit, and you can now wear it when riding.
Please note: Some manufacturers may use their own sizing chart in regards to what they define as small, medium, large, and so on. Make sure you always double-check their sizing charts when comparing your measurements to it.
When to Replace a Motorcycle Helmet
Although it would be nice to simply buy a motorcycle helmet and never worry about replacing it down the road, this is definitely not the case.
There are a number of different scenarios and situations when a helmet should be replaced. The most obvious scenario is after a crash, but some others can include accidentally dropping the helmet onto a hard surface, components wearing down, and wear & tear inside the helmet on the padding.
If you’ve noticed issues anywhere inside or outside the helmet, or you’re worried that its structural integrity may have been compromised, it’s best to just go ahead and replace it.
How to Care for a Motorcycle Helmet
- Follow manu. Instruc
- Mild soaps
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Wash liners gently
- Windex shield
Final Thoughts
We hope you now have a much better idea on how to choose your next motorcycle helmet, and which aspects you should prioritize when searching for the ideal helmet for your needs. Regardless of whichever helmet you ultimately go with, always remember to wear it every time you ride, and always replace it when you think it may be damaged.
By purchasing the right motorcycle helmet, you can ensure that you’re not only safe and protected each time you’re in the saddle, but also entirely comfortable, and thus fully able to get the most out of each ride.
Stay safe out there!
Resources:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Motorcycle Legal Foundation
U.S. Department of Transportation