You will thank us for these best motorcycle helmets!
According to the NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), helmets saved nearly 1,860 lives in 2016, and this number continues to rise.
Sadly, many individuals unknowingly put their own lives, as well as others’, at risk by using counterfeit motorcycle helmets. Some may overestimate their riding abilities, while others genuinely prioritize safety but struggle to identify the best helmets amidst a sea of low-quality options.
To help you make an informed choice, we present the top 5 motorcycle helmets currently available on the market, accompanied by a detailed buying guide.
Top 5 Best Motorcycle Helmets for 2020
- ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet
- Fuel Helmets SH-FF0016 Gloss Black Large
- WOW Motorcycle Full Face Helmet Street Bike
- ILM Bluetooth Integrated Modular Flip up Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
- Triangle Matte Black Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
How Effective Are Motorcycle Helmets?
You and passenger who sits on your motorcycle must wear helmets when riding outside. It is a traffic rule.
Primarily, helmets serve as a crucial safeguard against head injuries in the event of a crash. For this reason, top-quality helmets are typically constructed from materials like thermoplastic or fiberglass, known for their resilience against abrupt and intense impacts. Simultaneously, these materials remain lightweight to alleviate pressure on the head and neck.
Secondly, motorcycle helmets prevent flying objects while you are riding at high speed.
No kidding!
Tiny things like bugs, rocks, or dust stuff can suddenly bump into your face or your eyes. Such things cause distraction which might end up to serious accidents and physical injuries.
Thirdly, the helmets keep off wind noise. Without the wind blasting in your eyes or screaming in your ears, you can ride more safely. Exciting enough, the best motorcycle helmets protect you from harsh sunlight and heavy rains.
How Much Should You Spend on A Motorcycle Helmet?
Never pay too cheap for your safety. However, there is no need to break a bank.
Motorcycle helmets can go as cheap as under $50. The most common helmets range around $100 to $200. A customized limited one can even cost up to $1000 and $2000.
How much to spend depends on your demands for that motorcycle helmet.
Features
Motorcycle helmets are not simply hoods. Basic helmets under $50 feature strong shell, comfortable cushion, full-face glass, and some more. They are enough to ensure safety while not adding extra cost.
Expensive helmets come with more thoughtful features. For example, there are chin skirts to keep you fuzzy in cold weather. Or else, the screen darkens automatically so that your eyes are more comfortable and focused.
Reasonably, helmets coming with many advanced features will be more costly.
Features
Polyester and thermoplastic are some affordable materials used to craft the shell of motorcycle helmets. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are more expensive. However, they are more lightweight and better in protecting your heads from external impacts.
Materials of the padding and foam layer also affect the price of motorcycle helmets.
Types of Helmets
We do not recommend these boring and less-protective half helmets for new riders. Instead, you can choose from the follows:
- Open-face helmets: This retro style covers three-quarters or half of your face. You can access your face if needed, for example, to adjust the glasses. However, you have to trade-off such convenience for protection.
- Full-face helmets: They cover the whole face and your jaw – super protective. Nevertheless, they might be heavy and hot in warm weather.
- Modular helmets: These adopt the two types above. There is a chin bar so that you can flip the screen up and down at will. Nonetheless, the bar weakens the whole thing, especially under an impact.
- Off-road helmets: They look cool with sun peaks and elongated chins. Though they increase the ventilation and reduce impacts on your face, off-road helmets are not good at soundproofing. They are also bulky.
- Dual-sport helmets: Expensive but worthy! These helmets combine with off-road helmets and standard full-face ones.
Customizations and Brands
Besides quality and construction, brands of helmets add extra values and costs. This makes sense. Helmets of ILM, Genetics, AGV, Mic, Fuel, Dirt Bike, etc. are the top in the market.
Moreover, if you want some personalized customizations, ready to pay more – “A lot” we might add. For example, you can carve your name onto the shell.
Best Motorcycle Helmets Reviews
ILM Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best Overall Motorcycle Helmet
This ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet sells itself.
The helmet not only meets but also exceeds all essential requirements set by DOT Safety Standards and FMVSS-218.
The former standard applies to helmets available in the U.S market, ensuring they meet minimum performance criteria for head protection in the event of a crash. The latter covers aspects like the structural integrity of the chin strap and the penetration resistance of helmets designed for on-road motorcycles.
Crafted from durable ABS Shell, this material is known for its resistance to breaking and melting, even under extreme temperatures. This ensures that the helmet offers superior protection compared to traditional models. Furthermore, it weighs just 2.98 lbs, adding to its comfort and wearability.
The full-face aerodynamic design is an additional advantage. This comprehensive coverage minimizes drag and provides added protection for your face in case of an accident.
Recognizing that some riders may not prefer full-face helmets due to concerns about heat and fit, the ILM Full Face addresses these issues with removable internal lining pads and a quick-release buckle for added comfort.
However, a potential drawback lies in the included visors. At times, they may not provide the level of air-tightness as advertised, leading to wind, fog, and unwanted noise inside the helmet.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compatible with safety rules
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Comfortable design
- Accessories like winter scarf and visors
Cons:
- Possible air-leak visors
It is not that all ILM Full Face helmets feature poorly-crafted visors. So, if you find any air leak, call the seller and require an exchange. All in all, this is still the best motorcycle helmet in terms of quality and price.
Fuel Helmets SH-FF0016 – Best Comfortable Full Face Helmet
Here comes another full-face motorcycle helmet that meets DOT FMVSS No.218 standards – Fuel Helmets SH-FF0016.
Despite looking a bit bulky, this helmet turns out to be lightweight and comfortable. The shell is made of light and built-to-last thermoplastic material. It is even coated with sleek and UV-clear paint.
Not to mention, there are two vented diffusers on the top of the helmets so that air can flow in and out without causing any noise.
Besides the shell, the strap also has a smart design.
The shield is easy to lock and release. Meanwhile, the D-ring closure is helpful to keep the chin strap fitting snugly. This protects your face from harsh wind and keeps the helmet from slipping back on riding.
The cheek pads and visors are removable. Hence, you can make use of this motorcycle helmet as an electric motorcycle (scooter.) Really functional!
The removable visor, again, is a troublemaker. We find this part the most vulnerable part of almost all motorcycle helmets.
Back to the Fuel Helmets SH-FF0016, its visors are reported to be unscrewed after a while. Hence, you had better get it checked frequently.
Pros:
- Lightweight and protective shell
- Breathable and comfortable design
- Responsive shield and strap
- Free accessories
Cons:
- A bit pricey at the feature list
- Loosen visors
If you want a comfortable and safe motorcycle helmet, this Fuel helmet is qualified beyond the expectation.
WOW Motorcycle Full Face Helmet – Best Helmet for Women
Size is very important when it comes to the best motorcycle helmets. Choose a perfectly fit one; otherwise, the helmet might fall back suddenly and cause disastrous accidents.
Unfortunately, female riders always find it hard to pick a suitable helmet since those available in the market often feature big sizes for men!
We introduce the WOW Motorcycle Full Face Helmet here.
This helmet comes with a flexible medium to large sizes for both male and female riders. Moreover, there is a bunch of color options to choose, from matte black to pink flower.
And of course, the helmet is DOT-approved! It will protect your head from any crash or flying objects.
The WOW Motorcycle Full Face Helmet is lightweight and comfortable as well. The whole aerodynamic hood is built in the durable thermoplastic alloy, along with a glossy UV-protective finish.
The internal padding and interior cushion are removable to offer extra comfort and easy cleaning.
Another good news, the helmet is a bang for your buck. However, the face shield is a big limitation. Its coloring schemes are really dark. We do not recommend using this helmet in the evening. Or, you had better remove the shield.
Pros:
- Rich in sizes and colors
- Durable and protective shell
- Removable interior parts
- Surprisingly affordable
Cons:
- Dark face shield
- Easy-to-pop-off goggling parts
In general, this helmet is a good choice for those having a small head round. Moreover, make sure you do not have to ride in the evening, the shield is not clear enough.
ILM Bluetooth Integrated Modular Flip up – Best Premium Full Face Helmet
Yes, this ILM Flip Up Modular helmet is the advanced version of the ILM Full Face helmet.
The helmet incorporates all the fundamental features of its standard counterpart, but it also boasts premium additions like Bluetooth integration, customizable vents, a microfiber liner, touch control, and much more.
While it comes at a significantly higher price point compared to the ILM Full Face, it proves to be a worthwhile investment.
To start, this helmet not only meets but surpasses DOT Safety Standards, complies with ECE regulations, and fulfills DSP Noise Requirements at High Speeds.
Constructed with an EPS shell, plush interiors, adjustable vents, and microfiber liner padding, it’s designed for durability and comfort. The chin bar’s versatility to flip up or down allows it to function as both an open-face and full-face helmet, enhancing breathability and overall wearability.
The integration of Bluetooth 3.0 and lithium batteries is a standout feature. This enables seamless connectivity with your phone, MP3 player, and GPS audio navigation system, allowing you to receive calls while on the go.
However, we advise utilizing the Bluetooth function only for urgent calls or situations, as your primary focus should remain on the road.
While the features are undeniably impressive, it’s important to note that the helmet comes with a substantial price tag, and you may need some time to become accustomed to the Bluetooth operations.
Pros:
- Reliable and lightweight construction
- Comfortable design
- Flip-up modular chin bar
- Advanced Bluetooth connection
- Durable battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Time-consuming operation
Consider carefully whether you need the costly Bluetooth feature. For example, if you are a delivery employee who needs to receive frequent calls on the way, this helmet is worth your investment.
Triangle Matte Black Full Face Lightweight – Best Budget Helmet
At a glance, this Triangle Full Face helmet looks quite similar to the ILM Full Face helmet. Doesn’t it?
In fact, features and quality of this hood are nearly as good as those of the ILM. However, you can save some dollars with this model.
Foremost, the Trigger helmet is also made of ABS materials with advanced thermoplastic tech. As a result, it is both durable and lightweight of 3.1 lbs. Say goodbye to neck strain even you are riding for hours.
Next, the safety of Trigger motorcycle helmets is certified by DOT FMVSS No.218 and the ACT Labs approval. In addition, the Multi-density EPS anti-bacterial Liner is tested to fit comfortably and maximize the absorption of the impact force.
However, the helmet has troubles with visors like other affordable products. Accordingly, the visors are easy to crack and loosen after a while of use.
Pros:
- Cheapest
- Durable and lightweight ABS shell
- Certified with safety regulations
- Removable padding and fitting chin strap
Cons:
- Crackable visors
- Wrong sizing
Although the helmet is surprisingly good at its price category (under $50), do not expect Triangle Matte Black Full Face helmet to be brilliantly-crafted. In contrast, components might pop off sometimes.
What Is The Best Brand of Helmets for Motorcycle?
The ILM is the most reliable brand for the best motorcycle helmets. This makes sense since we introduce two ILM products out of five helmets, right?
The brand provides motorcycle helmets of various classes from affordable to premium ones. Whether it is cheap or expensive, the helmet all meets DOT Safety Standard (you can check the DOT label at the back of the hood.)
More exciting, ILM keeps investing R&D in introducing new advanced features. Take the ILM Flip Up Modular for example.
What Is The Lifespan of a Motorcycle Helmet?
The best motorcycle helmets can be built to last for a decade as long as you ride carefully enough.
However, it is recommended to replace your helmets every five years for the longest period. A premium ILM helmet might look like new if you use it in the right way. Nonetheless, both inside and outside materials can deteriorate a lot.
Final Thought
Are the Best motorcycle helmets necessary?
Well, never take the motorcycle out for a ride unless you already learn safety rules and riding education, as well as you are wearing the best motorcycle helmet.
The passenger must, too!
In case you buy the helmet as a gift for your lovely friends or relatives, you should even pay more attention. Our reviews we give above give you a reliable shortcut to the top in the market.
