Of course, riding a motorcycle is thrilling and dangerous but that’s why we ride right? Just because riding a motorcycle is badass doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear a helmet so I created this guide to help you find the best one.

What is the best motorcycle helmet? Here are 3 quality helmets to check out:

1. HJC CL-17
2. Shoei Qwest
3. Shark Evoline 3

I’m putting forth my best effort to give you in-depth research on some of the best helmets beginner riders can buy online. Even seasoned riders can vouch for the quality of the helmets presented here.

Some of the more luxurious helmets are expensive, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality because of your budget. You can get quality helmets at an affordable price. You just have to search, which is what I have done for you in this post. Overall safety is your number one priority. You will find all of these helmets have a high DOT, ECE, and Snell rating.

Make Sure Your Helmet Fits

One of the first things to do before buying a helmet is to make sure it fits your head properly. Wearing the right size could mean life or death if you get into an accident.

If you don’t know how to measure the circumference of your head then consult our helmet sizing guide. This will give step-by-step instructions.

Once you get your measurement, consult our helmet size chart that shows corresponding helmet sizes based on the circumference measurement of your head. Be mindful of your head shape so you buy a helmet that can cover your whole face.

Lastly, make sure it is comfortable and cannot easily rotate around your head. This means it is too loose and will need a smaller size.

Types of Motorcycle Helmets

If you are new to the motorcycle world then you can easily get overwhelmed by the number of different motorcycle helmets you can buy. How do you know which type of motorcycle helmet to buy? Here are a few factors to consider before you purchase your first helmet.

What Are You Using Your Motorcycle For?

If you commute to work on your motorcycle to work then you need a helmet that will keep you safe and balanced while providing a wide peripheral of vision. Your ideal helmet would be a minimal design that is strong enough to keep you protected in case of an accident.

You also want a face shield to keep your face protected from road debris and bugs. Since you will be wearing it every day, ventilation is another key feature to keep in mind. Therefore a full-face helmet will best suit your needs. You will learn more about full-face motorcycle helmets later in this section.

What Type of Terrain Do You Travel On?

If you do a lot of off-road riding then you should really consider a motor cross helmet. These are more geared towards riding on dirt or gravel. If you are driving on a normal road then a full-face or modular helmet will suffice. You will read more about modular helmets later in this section.

How Much Visibility Do You Want?

If you need to be able to see everything in front of you and behind you then you need a motorcycle helmet with good visibility. Some helmets include rearview mirrors. Open-face motorcycle helmets are excellent for maximum visibility and enjoying the wind in your face.

Which Type Is Best For You?

To make things easier to help you make a more informed decision, let’s take a look at the different types of motorcycle helmets that you can wear. I have broken down the most popular types of motorcycle helmets along with my favorite by type.

Full Face / Touring Motorcycle Helmet

The full face motorcycle helmet is one of the most popular choices for those who ride every day. They cover your entire face, back of your head, and also protect your chin.

They feature a transparent visor that is usually tinted. You can swivel the face shield up to expose your face if desired.

These types of helmets combine safety, style, and convenience making them some of the most protective helmets you can buy online. Some riders don’t like the feeling of isolation they get when wearing this type of helmet.

Full face helmets are typically expensive so make sure you start saving money now. I highly recommend the Shoei RF 1200 if you want a quality helmet that provides full protection.

Modular Helmet

If you are looking for versatility, then get a modular motorcycle helmet. These have been trending with many riders across the world.

This type of helmet consists of a hybrid design that is a cross between an open face and full face helmet. Basic models feature a flippable chin bar. Higher end models enable you to flip back the entire face of the helmet. It is also known as a convertible helmet and flip-face.

The advantage of this helmet allows you to remove it from your head in order to eat food, drink a beverage, or talk to someone. This is also one of the best types of motorcycle helmets for people who wear glasses. Check out the Shark Evoline 3, which is by far one of the best modular helmets on the market for motorcycle riding.

Half / Shorty Motorcycle Helmet

This is the minimalist motorcycle helmet. Also known as a “Shorty”, this style does not have a lower section. It basically forms a bowl around the upper portions of your head.

The Shorty lacks any type of face or eye protection. You will probably end up purchasing motorcycle goggles to supplement this helmet. If you are fixated on buying a shorty helmet, get the Bell Rogue, which features chin protection that most half helmets don’t.

Openface Helmet

If you only want your face exposed and nothing else, grab an open face motorcycle helmet. This type of helmet covers about three quarters of your head.

Open face helmets protect your cheeks, ears, top of the head, and back of the head. There is no chin bar or face shield so you are exposed to weather elements, debris, and bugs.

You can supplement this type of helmet with a snap-on visor or sunglasses. I’d recommend getting the LS2 Beyond Unisex helmet because it has a drop-down face shield for ultimate convenience and protection.

High Visibility Motorcycle Helmet

Sometimes it can be difficult to see riders on the road, especially during bad weather and nighttime. Therefore, high-visibility helmets have become increasingly popular and stylish.

Typically, neon yellow and orange are the best colors to buy for this type of helmet. The color is not only a fashion statement but more importantly a safety feature for other drivers to see you. The Reevu MSX1 is one of the best hi-vis helmets to get online. It has rearview technology and looks amazing.

Need A Specific Motorcycle Helmet?

Sometimes we have certain requirements that need to be met. If you are looking for a specific type of helmet to best fit your needs, you need to dig a little deeper. To help you with your search, I have uncovered some of the more common types of helmets you may be looking for.

Best Motorcycle Helmet For Females

Ladies, if you love your face then get the Vega Helmets AT2, which features a super comfortable fit and excellent ventilation so you don’t too hot while riding. The helmet is very light and does a great job of protecting your entire face. The stylish design and pink finish is perfect to let onlookers know that a woman can ride too!

Best Motorcycle Helmet For Kids

Taking your children for a ride with you? Make sure they strap on one of these LS2 Helmets before putting them on the saddle. Your kids will love how cool they look wearing this. It is a very strong helmet that will certainly keep them safe and allow them to breathe comfortably.

Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet

Can’t leave home without your tunes? If you like listening to music while riding then you need a helmet that can connect to your music. The Bilt Techno 2.0 is perfect for letting you listen to your tunes while cruising the open road.

Best Motorcycle Helmet For People That Wear Glasses

As I mentioned earlier, if you wear glasses then you need a helmet that can accomodate them. Therefor you want either a modular helmet or a full face helmet that is big enough for you to wear your glasses comfortably. I recommend the LS2 Metro, which gives you the room and flexibility needed for wearing glasses.

Best Motorcycle Helmet For Touring

Want a touring helmet that won’t let you down? Get the Icon Raiden Variant. This will exceed all of your expectations and then some.

Best Noise Reducing Motorcycle Helmet

The wind noise and miscellaneous sounds can be annoying while riding. If such noise bothers you and complete silence is necessary to focus while riding, get the Schuberth C3 Pro. This help will block out the sound and keep your head quiet.

Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet

Want a helmet that is lighter than a feather? Try the NEXX XR1R that is made of carbon. It is one of the lightest motorcycle helmets available for sale in the market. It will feel like you are riding with nothing on your head!

Best Motorcycle Helmet For Hot Weather

If you only ride during the summer or live in a warm climate then you need a helmet that will keep you cool. Wearing a shorty helmet, such as the Bell Rogue, is the best way to stay cool. It does not cover your face so you can welcome the breeze instead of feeling stuffy and sweaty.

What’s Your Budget?

Purchasing your first motorcycle can be expensive but can you really put a price on protecting your own head? I know money can be an issue so I have broken down the price ranges into three categories and provided my top recommendation. This should help to give you an idea of what look for.

Cheap Motorcycle Helmets

If you want a decent but affordable motorcycle helmet like the Bell Qualifier, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $50 up to $150 per helmet. Of course the less you pay the less you get. Usually, helmets with less protection are less expensive.

Medium Priced

For mid-tier priced motorcycle helmets you can spend anywhere between $200 and $400 per helmet. These types of helmets typically fit better and are made of a better quality material without any extras. For those on a budget, the HJC CL-17 would be a good helmet to purchase in this price range.

Higher End Motorcycle Helmets

For the best motorcycle helmets, you have to be willing to pay. You will find the majority of luxury helmets with all of the bells and whistles to be listed at a price over $500. A great example is the  NEXX XR1R motorcycle helmet if you want something that is comfortable, looks good, and will last a long time.

Which Brand?

As you can tell, different brands are more expensive than others. The more expensive brands have a better reputation and better products overall. They stand by their high safety ratings and use high-quality material to manufacture their helmets.

What are the best motorcycle helmet brands? Here is a quick list that you should consider when purchasing a helmet:

• HJC Helmets
• Shoei Helmets
• Arai Helmets

Design Features To Consider

While you are searching for your ideal helmet, there are a few design features to keep in mind that some of the best helmets have in common. The following should act as a quick checklist to help make sure you are buying a quality helmet.

• Safety
• Design
• Shell Material
• Head Shape
• Size
• Ventilation
• Padding
• Visor
• Graphics
• Accessories

Many of us are guilty to simply choosing helmet by the style and aesthetics instead of focusing on the proper fit, style, comfort, and protection. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when searching for your first helmet.

Let’s start by taking a look at safety ratings, which is by far one of the most important features of a helmet.

Safety

Your first priority is to research the safety ratings of the motorcycle helmet you are interested in buying. Helmets typically go through a variety of different tests and need to meet a standard of safety requirements provided by DOT, Snell, and ECE.

Design

The design of the helmet encompasses a few different items. First, you want to make sure it is comfortable and durable. Obviously, no one wants a helmet that will fall apart upon impact.

Aerodynamics is another feature to consider if you are riding your bike for speed.  Also, the overall appearance should make you feel good and look good.

Shell & Liner Materials

You should know the type of material the exterior of your helmet is made out of. One of the strongest and most commonly used materials for the outer shell on higher end helmet models is carbon fiber.

The liner of a motorcycle helmet is typically made of Polypropylene foam or polystyrene. The thickness of the liner does not impact the overall performance of the helmet.

Head Shape, Size, and Weight

When fitting your head for the perfect size motorcycle helmet you should consider the shape. Is your head round or oval? This factor will slightly influence the type of helmet you should buy.

Some motorcycle helmets fit better for certain head shapes. However, most helmets can be adjusted accordingly. The most important takeaway here is to make sure your helmet feels comfortable. You can review the helmet size chart to help determine your size.

Weight

Something you may not have thought of is the weight of the helmet. Wearing a heavy motorcycle helmet can be stressful on your neck and become uncomfortable. I recommend purchasing a lighter one like the Nexx XR1R, which only weighs 2.5 lbs!

Ventilation

Do you get hot and sweaty easily? Having proper ventilation in your helmet can make a huge difference. Venting will keep you cool and prevent you from sweating in your helmet.

When you sweat into the liner of your helmet, over time it can start to form an unpleasant stink if you do not consistently clean it. A helmet with more airflow will not only keep you cool but help prevent heavy sweating and enable you to breathe easier.

Padding

The amount of padding you want in your help is based on personal preference. Some like a very tight and snug fit so welcome more padding to keep their head protected. Others enjoy a loose fit with more airflow and therefore purchase helmets with minimal padding.

Visors

You need to be able to see adequately in order to ride your motorcycle. Having a clean, transparent visor is essential for your peripheral vision. Visors also play a key role in protecting your face from weather, debris, and bugs. An ideal visor allows maximal visibility and durable face protection.

Graphics

Graphics on your helmet are cool to have but not necessary. I actually prefer a minimal design. However, other enjoy sleek, cool designs on their helmet. If you buy a helmet without graphics, you can search for services that will customize it.

Features and Accessories

You can add accessories to your helmet if you want to fully customize it based on your riding needs. You can purchase riding goggles if you don’t have a full-face helmet. You can also buy alternative visors if you are not happy with the original one included with your helmet.

Motorcycle Helmet Reviews – Top 3

Now that you know what features to consider before buying your first helmet, I have provided the my 3 favorite and best motorcycle helmets for sale that you can get online. These are by far the safest and best performing motorcycle helmets that riders absolutely love.

#3 – Shark Evoline 3

The Shark Evoline 3 is bar far one of the best modular motorcycle helmets available online. It consists of a hybrid design that enables you to move both the chin strap and visor.

The Evoline 3 is aerodynamic so you can reach top speeds with little wind resistance. This helmet will keep you very dry and cool.

The improved technology of this helmet reduces sound and ensures maximum comfort. A cool add-on feature is the capability to connect Bluetooth so you can listen to music or talk on the phone.

This is a quality helmet that you will certainly not regret buying. You can read more about the Shark Evoline 3 in my detailed review.

#2 – Shoei Qwest

If you buy a Shoei helmet then you are always getting good quality. The Shoei Qwest model is another top performer in its class.

The overall design is durable. You will definitely feel protected wearing this amazing motorcycle helmet.

The full-face design reduces noise entering the helmet, which means a quieter ride for you. The vents in the helmet provide adequate airflow so you can remain cool. Not only is it safe but it is more comfortable than your pillow. Check out my detailed review on the Shoei Qwest helmet.

#1 – HJC CL-17

The HJC motorcycle helmet uses high-quality polycarbonate composite material for the shell. It is super lightweight so it feels like you are riding with nothing on.

You will love the scratch-resistant face shield and UV protection for your eyes. The visor can easily be removed as well if need be.

The safety ratings for this helmet scored very well as some of the big players in the market but is only a fraction of the price. If you want an affordable helmet that prides itself in quality then this is the one for you. Read my review on the HJC CL-17 to get more information about this helmet before you buy.

Benefits of a Motorcycle Helmet

If you are going to ride your motorcycle frequently, you will need to invest in a helmet. I know it feels amazing to have the wind blowing through your hair but there are many advantages to wearing a motorcycle helmet. Not only is it the law in some states but it will protect your head in accidents. For those less experienced riders, I would highly suggest buying a helmet.

Here is a list of benefits as to why you should wear your helmet:

Protection From Road Rash

Accidents on a motorcycle can be nasty, especially if you get stuck on another vehicle and get dragged along for the ride. When your body gets dragged on pavement it can literally rip your skin off and tear limbs.

Wearing a helmet will protect your face from getting torn off. If your face is important to you then it would be best to wear a full-face helmet.

Protection from Bugs & Debris

You don’t realize the amount of insects and random debris on the road when you are driving a car because you are protected by a windshield. Much like a windshield, a helmet will keep the bugs out of your eyes and stop debris from hitting your face.

Prevents Head Injuries & Trauma

When you get in a motorcycle accident your body tends to get thrown around and bounced. Your neck is not strong enough to brace your head for impact when traveling at high speeds. Wearing a helmet will provide the padding needed to keep your head intact and brain properly working.

Protection From Cold Weather

If you ride in colder climates, wearing a helmet will prevent your face from freezing. I’m not a fan of windchill. Riding a motorcycle at 60 mph in the winter definitely feels like frostbite on your face. Wear a helmet to stay warm.

Protects Sensitive Eyes

Most helmets have some type of tint on the lens, which acts like sunglasses. This feature will help protect your eyes from the sun. It also helps your eyes adjust to weird lighting or bright lights you may encounter on the road.

Listen To Music

Bluetooth helmets enable you the opportunity to listen to music clearly while you ride. When traveling at high speeds it can be difficult to hear the music clearly from speakers on your bike. A bluetooth helmet will will block out wind noise while simultaneously transmitting your favorite tunes.

Cool Style

Most helmets these days look cool. They are dark and mysterious. You will receive a lot of attention when wearing a helmet. You can also customize your own to show off your personality.

Final Words

You don’t have to get one of the helmets I recommended but it might be a good start to take a look at a few of these if it is your first time. You need to make sure you get a helmet that fits your head so make sure you know how to measure the circumference of your head. Many of these helmet models come in different sizes so be cognizant to choose the correct size.

Remember, you want a helmet that will fit your style of riding, keep you safe, and make you feel comfortable. It’s all about you!