Ask anyone what the most important piece of motorcycle gear is and you’ll be hard-pressed to hear anything other than “Helmet”.
Not only does it protect the most important part of your body, but it is also 37 percent effective in preventing the fatalities of motorcycle riders.
But a good motorcycle helmet is more than just an insurance policy for a crash, motorcycle helmets also include a list of features that improve your riding experience.
In this guide, I will walk you through some of those features, as well as a few tips to help you choose the best motorcycle helmet for your riding style and budget.
What to look for in a motorcycle helmet
Regardless of the type of helmet you choose, there are certain criteria you always want to look for in a motorcycle helmet. And this goes for all the essential motorcycle gear.
- Should be DOT, Snell, ECE certified or better
Just like it’s a requirement to have a motorcycle license, you must also have a motorcycle helmet that is at least DOT-certified. This is the DOT sticker you see on the back of most helmets – that signifies that the helmet meets the safety testing standards set forth by the Department of Transportation. And I say at least because there are a few testing standards that are better than the antiquated DOT standards. ECE certification and even Snell are considered superior to DOT when it comes to safety testing. Where DOT testing focuses on providing the most protection during the initial impact of a crash, ECE and Snell focus on those subsequent impacts as well as the rotational forces your head may endure. That can sound like a lot of technical jargon but it simply means that DOT certification is the bare minimum for a helmet to be legal, however, you should look for options like Snell and ECE since they provide a safer, more modern level of protection. Regardless of which certification you go with, the certification sticker must be visible on the back of the helmet at all times.
- Should fit your head shape, riding style, and budget
When it comes to choosing a motorcycle helmet, you also want to keep these 3 things in mind; your head shape, riding style, and budget. A motorcycle helmet can only provide protection if it is a perfect fit for your head. And this comes down to more than just the size of the helmet, it also comes down to the shape. In general, motorcycle helmets come in 3 different shapes; long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. Although intermediate oval is the most common head shape, it’s best to figure out your own head shape before choosing. Next, you need to consider a motorcycle helmet that goes along with the type of riding you do. As I will explain in the article, this will come down to more than just aesthetics. Finally, you must also decide on a budget. For a lot of us, a motorcycle helmet can be an expensive purchase. You want to make sure you are getting the most for your money.
- Should provide the features and protection you need
Motorcycle helmets come with a slew of features that accommodate different riders and different riding styles. Some helmets come with internal sun visors, integrated Bluetooth speakers, pin-lock inserts for anti-fog, and sophisticated noise dampening. When you start shopping for motorcycle helmets, have an idea of what features you want and what level of protection you need. If you plan to take your motorcycle to the track, you will need to stick to a full-face helmet with ECE certification or better. If you plan to do more long-distance trips, you may opt for a helmet with an internal visor – a feature that disqualifies this helmet from certain certifications.
- Should be from reputable manufacturers and sources
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, you can immediately notice the difference in quality between a budget product and a more premium product. This goes double if you choose to buy a motorcycle helmet from a place like Amazon or another website with less reputable brands/manufacturers. I actually recommend that you never buy a motorcycle helmet from a place like Amazon unless you are 100% sure that it is from an official and reputable manufacturer. Not only are these lesser-known brands cheaply made, but they can also have questionable safety and quality standards. There are actually a few reputable budget brands that still offer a degree of quality that you can buy from reputable stores like CycleGear.
- It should help make the rider more visible
Adding this one as a little extra side tip, a good motorcycle should help you be more visible out on the road. I know that it is easy to go with a black or dark-colored helmet, especially as you try to find your style, but a darker helmet does nothing for you when it comes to being visible on the road. And as motorcycle riders, we need all the visibility we can get.
Choose your style and type of helmet
Now that you know what to look for in a motorcycle helmet, you can start to decide on the style and type of motorcycle helmet you want.
Similar to choosing your first motorcycle, this really comes down to personal choice and what you think looks cool, but you should consider the style of riding you will do.
If you ever wondered why sport bike riders always wear full-face helmets, or why cruiser riders always wear half and quarter-shell helmets – it’s because different types of helmets offer different types of features and protection.
You should also consider the weather and conditions you will be riding in. If you are riding in the hot deserts of Arizona, I would go for a lightweight and breathable helmet. If you are riding in colder temperatures, you may choose a motorcycle helmet with more wind protection.
To help illustrate the different types of motorcycle helmets, I will go over some of their features and best uses below.
Full-face
As the name suggests, full-face helmets cover the entirety of the rider’s head and offer the most protection and safety.
They are most popular with sport bike riders but you will see all types of riders opting for a full-face helmet, regardless of the type of motorcycle they have.
Being a favorite amongst sport bike riders and a requirement for most tracks, full-face helmets also come with a slew of safety features that put them ahead of the competition when it comes to protection.
The only real caveats are the fact that they hold the most heat and can easily fog up depending on how much of a mouth breather you are. They can also take some getting used to at first, especially if you have hair like Fabio.
Pros
- Provide the most advanced protection and safety features
- Aerodynamics and comfort for riding at speed
- Optional features like Bluetooth and drop-down visors
- Better protection from wind and weather
Cons
- Limited ventilation
- Slightly more “inconvenient”
- Can be more expensive
Suits
Full-face helmets suit all types of riders but seem to accommodate sport bike and sport-touring riders best. The safety and aerodynamics provide the best experience for this style of riding but are a great option for all riders.
Modular
Modular helmets are close cousins to full-face helmets except they have a cool trick, they flip up.
Similar to full-face, modular helmets cover the entirety of the rider’s head with the option to flip the chin bar up with the visor.
This is actually really convenient because it allows the rider more access to their face, whether they need to smoke a cigarette, take a drink, or speak more clearly to a friend.
Most modular helmets are made to ride with the visor and chin bar down, but this is a great option for riders who want a balance between the protection of a full face and the accessibility of some of the other types of helmets.
Unfortunately, having the hinge that allows the chin bar to flip up also removes this helmet as an option for most motorcycle tracks – since the helmet is no longer one piece, and can no longer pass the necessary testing.
Pros
- Similar protection to standard full-face helmets
- Versatile and convenient
- Similar features to standard full-face helmets
Cons
- It can be heavier than your average full-face helmet
- Typically more expensive than other options
- Cannot be used on most tracks
Suits
Due to their versatility, modular helmets will suit most riders but are best suited for sport-touring and ADV riders.
Open-face
As the name suggests, open-face helmets cover the majority of the head but leave the face area open.
Similar to modular helmets, this offers a level of accessibility but you also lose a level of protection.
Having the face area open leaves you susceptible to the wind and anything flying up at you from the environment but you also get a lot of ventilation.
I see a lot of cruiser and standard riders using these types of helmets, as they usually have a windshield or a pair of goggles on to add that layer of protection back.
Pros
- Great accessibility
- Great ventilation
- Cool aesthetic
Cons
- Limited protection during falls
- Limited protection from the wind and environment
Suits
Open-face helmets tend to suit people who ride cruisers or similar-style motorcycles where the windshield provides protection from the elements. They also fit the aesthetic of cafe racers and standard motorcycle riders who opt to wear goggles in addition to this type of helmet.
Half-shell
Half-shell helmets are exactly as described, as they only cover the top half of the head from the forehead to the mid-back of the head.
What they lack in protection they more than make up for with the “cool factor”, as they offer an aesthetic popular with cruiser riders and similar.
As you can guess, these offer so much accessibility you could see 360 degrees if you had the extra eyes.
Unfortunately, they also offer the least protection – so much so that it’s a wonder they are still DOT-certified.
Pros
- Most accessibility and visibility
- Most ventilation
- Lightweight and aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- The least protection you can legally have
- No protection from wind and noise
Suits
As I mentioned earlier, half-shell helmets tend to suit cruiser riders and others looking to maximize aesthetic over protection.
Off-road
Off-road helmets are a niche style of helmet that best suits riders who are spending most of their time offroad and in the dirt.
Due to the physical demands of riding offroad, you will find that these helmets are extremely lightweight and offer great visibility.
They also come with a host of features that aid the rider, like; a sun peak visor, elongated chin bars, and space for riders to wear goggles.
Unfortunately, they offer the worst protection and riding experience when you are riding on the road. The sun peak can catch wind like a sail and the lack of wind protection will eventually exhaust you.
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Lightweight and great visibility
Cons
- Limited protection on the road
- Bulky compared to other options
- Best suited for offroad use only
Suits
Off-road helmets best suit riders who will be spending most of their time off-road and on trails.
Dual-sport
Dual-sport helmets offer a mix between an off-road helmet and a full-face.
They offer similar features to off-road helmets but dialed back to better accommodate on-road riding.
Pros
- Great airflow
- Versatile
Cons
- Can be bulkier compared to standard full-face helmets
- More expensive
Suits
Dual-sport helmets suit dual-sport and ADV riders who plan to take their bike on and off-road.
Review your budget
Before we get too far, it’s always a good idea to review your budget.
Not only to help you get the most bang for your buck but also to help you avoid some of the mistakes some riders may make when they decide to buy a helmet.
Just like most things, the price of a helmet will vary depending on the quality, materials, design, and features.
It will also depend on the type of helmet you buy and even the manufacturer.
If you are on a more strict budget, you may need to stay away from certain styles and helmets with a slew of features.
But don’t let that discourage you, you can easily find quality motorcycle helmets on a budget. Motorcycle stores like CycleGear even have their own budget brands that they offer.
Regardless, there is one rule when it comes to saving money on a motorcycle helmet…
Never buy a used motorcycle helmet!
Instead, there are multiple other ways you can save money on a motorcycle helmet. In addition to buying a reputable but budget brand, you can also look for discounts, sales, closeouts, and online deals.
Determine your head shape and size
Once you decide on your style and budget, you should also think about your head shape and size.
This is actually one of the most important steps when choosing a motorcycle helmet because it plays such a huge role in how comfortable a helmet is.
Most motorcycle helmets come in 3 shapes;
- Intermediate Oval – this is the most common
- Round Oval
- Long Oval
Just as important as choosing the right size, you must also choose the right head shape for you.
Choosing a motorcycle helmet with the wrong shape will create a lot of pressure on your head, which can severely impact your comfort on the bike.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can find out your head shape. You can use a tailor’s tape measure, a cell phone camera, or a friend’s help.
Even if you know your head shape, it’s still a good idea to try on a few different helmet shapes to make sure you have the right fit.
The size of your helmet will also play a huge role in how comfortable the helmet feels on your head.
A lot of the budget brands will use the same size shells for multiple helmet sizes. This can lead to having a bulky or heavy helmet – and while this doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, it can actually cause a lot of discomfort during rides, as the wind and heavy helmet do a number on your neck muscles.
Helmet shapes and sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is best to try helmets on before buying. Or at least buy one with a good return policy.
Visit your local motorcycle store to get in-person advice
Once you have an idea of the style of helmet you want and the shape of your head, it’s time to visit your nearest motorcycle store.
This is actually a step I recommend anytime you buy your essential motorcycle gear.
And don’t sweat it if you don’t have a Cyclegear nearby, this also applies to most motorcycle dealerships, as they will have helmets and gear for sale too.
Even in today’s age where you can buy just about anything online, it is well worth it to visit your local motorcycle store.
Visiting your local motorcycle store before buying a motorcycle helmet gives you the benefits of;
- Asking questions before buying
- Getting expert advice and recommendations
- Getting feedback on fit and shape
- Allowing you to try on different helmets
When I bought my first motorcycle helmet, I didn’t do any of this. I just walked into the store, avoided all the staff, and bought the cheapest helmet I could find that seemed to fit. Turns out, that helmet was way too big and bulky – which made it a pain to ride with. It wasn’t long until I upgraded, but what a waste of $100+.
Instead of doing what I did, have one of the staff help you pick out a motorcycle helmet that fits your criteria and budget.
They will also be able to explain a lot of the features and things to look for when choosing a helmet.
What to do if you don’t have a nearby motorcycle store or dealership
Unfortunately, some riders don’t have a nearby motorcycle store or dealership where they can try on helmets and speak to staff.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t find a good helmet.
If you don’t have a nearby motorcycle store or dealership, you can easily order a helmet from an online store like CycleGear or Revzilla.
But before you order a helmet online, review one of these two websites for a video and review on that particular helmet. Revzilla and Cyclegear have videos reviewing most of their helmets, where they go into detail on the fit, style, features, and value.
You should also make sure you order a helmet from a store with a good return/replacement policy in case the helmet doesn’t fit or come like how you expected.
Try on the helmet
Whether you choose to buy a helmet from an online store or in person, it’s a no-brainer that you should try the helmet on before you commit to buying it.
And when you’re trying on a motorcycle helmet, you’re looking for two things; fit and comfort.
Fit
As I mentioned before, fit is the most important factor since it determines how much protection and comfort a helmet provides.
Here is how to know if a helmet is a good or bad fit:
- It should fit the shape and crown of your head with no pressure points
- It should not block your vision
- It should not feel too tight to put on or wear
- It should be snug enough to move slightly when you open and close your jaw
- It should not be too tight where it touches your lips or chin
- It should be snug enough to turn your neck when you move the chin bar from side to side
Again, visiting a motorcycle store or dealership where you can get staff help is the best option for figuring out fit.
Comfort
Comfort can play a huge role in your experience with a helmet as well.
And this comes down to a lot more than just the fit of the helmet.
Some helmets may fit perfectly but still feel too bulky or heavy, which will be exaggerated once you’re out there riding on the road.
An uncomfortable helmet can also create hot spots or pressure points over time if it’s too tight in the cheek, chin, or crown areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, just all motorcycle gear, there are a few steps to picking a motorcycle helmet;
- Know what to look for
- Choose your Style and Budget
- Determine your head shape and size
- And visit your local motorcycle store to try on helmets