The Best Motorcycle Helmets
If it weren't for motorcycle helmets, a lot of us wouldn't be here. Besides saving skulls, though, motorcycle helmets have an array of other benefits and features that can vastly improve your riding experience. For example, a quality motorcycle helmet will feature a streamlined airflow so you don't get distracted by buffeting winds. Also, many options have a visor that protects your eyes and mouth from the nasty taste of flying insects. Plus, most modern helmets sport a style that can only be described as neo-futuristic. With so many features to consider, shopping for a new motorcycle helmet can be daunting. That's why we've done the research and found the best of the best.
What to Look For
In our search, we considered the style, price value, comfort, durability, and extra features of each option on the market. Our favorite is the GX11 full-face motorcycle helmet from GLX since it boasts top-notch aerodynamics, a modern style, and an immensely comfortable build. But if you want a full-face helmet with a flip-up face shield, we recommend checking out our review of the option from 1Storm below. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive in.
GLX GX11 Lightweight Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
Safety with style
Considering the caliber of this sleek option from GLX, the price may surprise you. Designed for optimal aerodynamics, this helmet’s shell provides DOT-approved impact protection, so you can stay safe and look good, too. And because it’s a full-face helmet, the GX11 can protect your neck from cold winds. But don’t mistake warmth for stuffiness. The breath guard offers plenty of airflow and room to breathe, and this thoughtful design also reduces shield fogging. Best of all, the inner microfiber lining is as comfy as could be and can even be removed for machine-washing.
Pros
- High value for the price
- Excellent impact protection
- The breath guard is removable
- The visor is distortion-free, fog-resistant, and easy to lift with riding gloves on
Cons
- The matte coating picks up greasy fingerprints pretty easily, so wear your gloves
1Storm Motorcycle Full Face Helmet
Room to breathe
Heavy-duty face shields are essential for tearing through fast winds and turbulent weather. They can also be a pain in the butt when you want some wind in your face and breathing room. That’s why we recommend this option from 1Storm, which offers the best of both worlds. Flip the face shield down when you hit the road, and it can provide supreme protection from the winds. Then, when it’s time to dismount, you can just as easily flip it up to get some fresh air without having to remove the entire helmet. It’s a dual-visor helmet, too, so your eyes are still protected even with the face shield flipped up. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a helmet based on this one nifty feature. This pick is a comfortable and powerfully protective helmet that sports one of the coolest, most futuristic styles we’ve seen.
Pros
- Available in a wide range of cool colors, styles, and sizes
- Supremely comfortable and breathable
- Easy to take on and off, and the face shield can be flipped up with gloves on
- The inner padding is machine-washable
Cons
- No “D-ring,” so you might struggle to hang it from your handlebars
ILM Bluetooth Integrated Motorcycle Helmet
Rock out on the road
Riding a motorcycle is a total vibe. So if you’ve got the extra moolah to invest in a helmet with Bluetooth speakers, go with ILM. This option sports a Bluetooth “intercom,” which means you can listen to music, make calls, and even use GPS navigation, all within the safety of your trusty helmet. In fact, this option is a favorite among the “ride or die” couples, so they can communicate with one another. It’s kind of like a walkie-talkie in your head.
Pros
- The face shield flips up and has dual visors
- Includes touch controls for answering or rejecting calls, as well as raising or lowering the volume
- The long-lasting battery can deliver 8 hours of playback on a single charge
Cons
- The battery can drain slowly in standby mode
- Pretty pricey
Triangle Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
Potentially saving lives and money
We’re generally wary of “budget-friendly” helmets, especially since human skulls deserve high-quality protection. However, this affordable option from Triangle exceeded our expectations. It provides supreme protection for your noggin and has definitely saved a life or two. In fact, the ABS shell is designed with thermoplastic technology that can handle some serious pressure. The liner is also a pleasant surprise and is comfortable even at the end of those long, all-day rides. Heck, we even like the aesthetic, with its matte black color and sleek aerodynamic shape. And combined with an anti-scratch, distortion-free visor, this budget-friendly option is the kind of helmet you can rock in style for years on end.
Pros
- Meets all the DOT safety standards
- True to size
- Durable outer shell and visor
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- The options with tinted visors are pretty dark, which lowers the visibility during night rides
YEMA Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
Ditch the stuffy headgear
With a long history of excellent designs, Yema rocks. That’s why when we were looking for an open-face helmet, we went with Yema. Not only does this option look super cool, but it also delivers cushiony comfort and high breathability on the road. And although your neck might get a bit chilly without some additional protection, the visibility offered by the open-face design is a major plus. The perfect pick for those that like to feel the wind on their face, the Yema motorcycle helmet comes with a large clear visor that flips down easily when the flying bugs start making their way into your mouth.
Pros
- True to size if you refer to the sizing chart
- The unisex design looks good on folks of all backgrounds
- The greater visibility actually enhances safety since you have a wider range of view during passes and turns without having to twist your neck too much
Cons
- It’s a cool look, but we wish there were more color options for this particular design
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “DOT-approved” mean?
“DOT” stands for the Department of Transportation in the USA. This government agency has strict safety standards when it comes to motorcycle helmets. If they decide that a particular make and model cuts the mustard, they’ll slap a “DOT-approved” certification on it. That way, consumers can quickly determine if a helmet works in a high-impact accident. After all, you don’t want to find out that your helmet is a piece of junk the hard way.
Do I legally have to wear a motorcycle helmet?
In the United States, helmet laws vary state by state, so you should check with your particular state about the legality of helmet-wearing. This goes for other countries as well. Laws vary depending on the country and locality in which you ride, so always do your research.
All that being said, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle. If you really have no regard for your own safety, do it for the other drivers on the road. Think about it like this: if you were ever in an accident with another vehicle and were critically injured, you could ruin someone’s life with guilt and trauma. Wear your darn helmet.
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