It’s hard to believe that you can walk into a sports shop and find children's football team branded helmets for sale.
But that’s what happens when brands get clever about appealing to the young.
Yes, football and baseball team logos are available on helmets for kids who are getting their first taste of team sports and you can even find the “cool” branded helmet all whilst preparing to pass through the youth to high school scene and onto college.
The truth is finding the perfect helmet for you is simple. But now helmet choice is something that many people struggle with and with that in mind, I tried to make things simple for you.
Here's what I did…
I wanted to show you the exact helmets that are available on the market today and how they all differ from one another. I also wanted to show you how each helmet changes, both practically and in appearance, as you go through the various price brackets.
And finally, I wanted to sort the good helmets from the bad, highlighting each made available today.
Fair enough?
So, what I have done below is tried to show you the helmet variations you will find across price ranges and how the helmets look as you cycle up the price brackets.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| AGV K-3 SV Unisex-Adult Full-Face-Helmet-Style Bulega Helmet | Best Overall |  |
| Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet Matte Black Medium | Budget Pick |  |
| HJC 980-613 IS-MAX II Modular Motorcycle Helmet | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. AGV K-3 SV Unisex-Adult Full-Face-Helmet-Style Bulega Helmet
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Good venting
- Aerodynamic design
Cons:
- Noisy
- Expensive
The AGV K-3 is a lightweight helmet at 2.7 pounds. It has an aerodynamic design to cut down on wind drag and lift and has a polycarbonate outer shell. The retention system is quick release. It has an internal sun shield and internal padding that all remove quickly for washing.
There are eight aerodynamic air vents in the shell. The air passes through an internal air duct and out through a rear vent.
The K-3 has an aerodynamic design and eye port to cut down on wind drag and lift. It is as quiet as they come. There is padding in the liner to reduce noise even more and the removable visor cuts wind glare. This is a helmet designed for sports riding.
2. AGV K-3 SV Unisex-Adult Full-Face-Helmet-Style Bulega Helmet
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Good venting
- Aerodynamic design
Cons:
- Noisy
- Expensive
The AGV K-3 is a lightweight helmet at 2.7 pounds. It has an aerodynamic design to cut down on wind drag and lift and has a polycarbonate outer shell. The retention system is quick release. It has an internal sun shield and internal padding that all remove quickly for washing.
There are eight aerodynamic air vents in the shell. The air passes through an internal air duct and out through a rear vent.
The K-3 has an aerodynamic design and eye port to cut down on wind drag and lift. It is as quiet as they come. There is padding in the liner to reduce noise even more and the removable visor cuts wind glare. This is a helmet designed for sports riding.
3. Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet Matte Black Medium
Pros:
- Cheekpads are secure and comfortable
- Advanced fan system for a rider’s comfort
- A built-in microphone for communication systems or cellphones
- Perfect for cruising
- A unique look that is great for Darth Vader/stormtrooper cosplayers
- Will be comfortable for most head sizes
- An affordable price tag for a great helmet
Cons:
- Heavier than others
- Visor tends to fog up making it difficult to see during the coldest of days
The Bell Qualifier is a great helmet for someone who is new to motorcycling, or for a seasoned rider that likes to tour.
A cool feature on this visor is that it is hinged, which allows the rider to open it up like a car windshield. The visor is made from a durable polycarbonate material that is light, yet sturdy.
It is also equipped with an anti-fog coating to prevent the visor from fogging up due to temperature extremes.
4. HJC 980-613 IS-MAX II Modular Motorcycle Helmet
Pros:
- Modular
- Lightweight
Price Range: $$$
The HJC 980-613 motorcycle helmet is another excellent helmet that has set the standard when it comes to protection, comfort and outstanding fit. The helmet comes in sizes small to extra-large and two different colors of black and white. The white is only available in sizes medium to large.
The HJC IS-MAX II motorcycle helmet has received numerous rave reviews from professional reviewers as well as private customers that have used the helmet. The ’IS’ stands for Intelligent Symbiosis where it was created together with an institute in Italy.
5. Shark unisex-adult full-face style Skwal Instinct Matte Black White Silver Helmet
Pros:
- There is a large face shield to protect your eyes from the wind.
- There is a built-in sun-visor for protection against the sun.
- There is carbon fiber reinforcement in the helmet that adds strength and stability.
- There is a quick release visor, so you can easily detach it.
- It has a removable breath guard.
- There is a chin curtain for extra protection against the cold.
- It is made from durable material so that it can last for long periods of time without damage.
- You can adjust the height of the helmet.
- The helmet is incredibly lightweight.
- It includes an extra visor.
Some owners have found the helmet carries a strong chemical smell when you first buy it. Unfortunately, this smell does not go away easily.
The shape and size of a helmet is something that you should consider. Every helmet will fit differently. Finding one that has the right size is essential if you want to find maximum comfort while you are wearing it.
6. HJC CL-17 Striker Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Pros:
- Well designed and streamlined
- Decent airflow
- Full face protection and strong build quality
Cons:
- Not DOT Approved
- Cheaper than some models
This is a great helmet for the experienced rider who doesn’t want to deal with the complexity of a modular helmet. HJC offers several sleek and understated designs. The Striker has all of the options you need without any of the excess you don’t. The Striker is DOT approved, ECE 22.05 certified, and fits more comfortably than you might expect. The Striker feels very stable and secure with its hybrid composite/ASP/fiberglass chinbar and cheek pads, dual-density liner, and quick-release snap buckle harness.
The Striker has a UV-resistant, optically correct polycarbonate shield with excellent optics and a quick free-play for light weight opening and closing.
The Striker’s ventilation is average compared to its competitors. There are five vents in the chinbar and a removable (and replaceable) top vent. The Striker does not have a brow vent but does offer a chin curtain for additional cold-weather protection.
7. Arai Corsair X Rea Full Face Helmet
Key Features:
This helmet offers a full facemask and has a unique aerodynamic shape without compromising on protection or ventilation. It comes with a free Pinlock anti-fog visor foam seal and a free Pinlock NVG tinted shield.
Many of the Arai-brand helmets rank extremely highly on this countdown of the top-rated motorcycle helmets for women. But my favorite of all is the Arai Corsair X Rea, a helmet that isn't just stylish but also features incredible technology.
8. SHOEI GT-AIR PENDULUM TC-5 MED
Pros:
- It keeps your head cool
- It is very comfortable
- It is helmet that has a perfect fit
This product is great to use in a variety of riding conditions. It keeps you safe and sound when you are riding. It will not break your bank but it will give you a great quality too. The helmet is designed with remarkable quality and elegance.
It provides you with a good airflow all the time when you are using it.
The SHOEI GT-AIR PENDULUM TC-5 MEDIUM helmet is very comfortable to use. It’s a product that will fit your head perfectly. You can use it for a long time without feeling any discomfort or any pain.
9. Nolan Unisex Adult N44 EVO Flat Black Modular Helmet NE45270330101
Pros:
- UV Resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy To Wear
- Easy To Clean
Cons:
- Helmet Bag Not Included
- Must Buy An Anti-Fog Lens
- Descending Visor Not Engaged When Closed
- Unstylish
This helmet meets U.S. safety standards and is DOT certified. It is light in weight and is perforated with ventilation holes.
It is suitable for motorcyclists and has been tested and meets worldwide safety regulatory standards, and it is UV protected.
The Nolan N44 EVO is particularly suitable for motorcyclists as it has provision for the installation of an intercom system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who makes the best motorcycle helmets?
Despite the recent tightening of safety laws, motorcycle fatalities in the United States have declined only slightly (to 4,502 in 2013 down from 4,612 in 2012). As long as there are motorcyclists on the road, the need for motorcycles helmets will remain critical.
Motorcycle accidents in the United States are at an all-time high, with the average wearing a helmet at 20 percent. This percentage has risen since data collection began, in part due to the increased popularity of the sport, the introduction of new safety features, and the increased awareness of helmet laws.
While no helmet can make motorcycling safe, quality helmets can translate to more life-saving accidents and fewer serious injuries. Due to the nature of the sport, motorcyclists can’t wear many kinds of helmets. They must be lightweight, feature a snug but comfortable fit, and be easily adaptable to different head sizes, from extra-small to extra-large.
Which brand is best for helmet?
There are numerous brands in the market each offering different benefits to their customer. Some brands provide a side open helmet a better than most others.
Georgeous helmet, It looks almost futuristic, very stylish and excellent price.
The most common brands are Shoei, Ciro, Arai, Scorpion, Acerbis, Simpson, HJC, Shark, Joe Rocket, Tour Master, Bell, LS2, Icon, Nolan and many other brands.
Some brands are lightweight, molded, fully vented or open face helmets. Most helmets brand can be a high quality helmet.
Who makes the best full face motorcycle helmets?
Innovative full face helmet options in the Shark Evoline Carbon Motorcycle Helmet:
The Shark Evoline Carbon Helmet is the signature full face helmet for Shark helmets, and it continues to deliver on every level.
The Evoline Carbon is an ultra lightweight carbon fiber helmet that is DOT certified. The carbon fiber shells are extremely strong, more so than composite shells. The ventilation system is very effective as it is a venturi designed intake and exhaust system.
The liner of the helmet is also breathable and comfortable, even during prolonged impact. The new Shield Replacement System (SRS) has an improved shield mechanism designed for great vision and ease of use.
The visor is an easy to use Pinlock visor which is the best way to block fog and eliminate the need to change out the shield. The Evoline Carbon helmet delivers on the promise of the best quality in a lightweight helmet.
What is the best brand for motorcycle gear?
There are hundreds of different brands of motorcycle gear, with many different styles, safety features, and features. You could get overwhelmed by the wide range. To help you find out which brand is the best for you, we have done a thorough review of all the best brands.
While many people just want to buy the cheapest gear on the market, higher quality gear can tend to take longer to outdate and might also last longer. It is widely accepted that quality gear should last at least 7-10 years if it is taken care of properly.
Conclusion
In researching for this comparison, we found that only a few brands provide the durability, protection, and safety that is out there. Using our list of the best brands along with our reviews, you should be able to find a top contender to help keep you safe. The best brands will use better materials and build quality to create a helmet that is able to pass the toughest certifications and ranks as the best. We also ranked the best by even weight rankings giving you a better idea of how each helmet will feel on your head.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| AGV K-3 SV Unisex-Adult Full-Face-Helmet-Style Bulega Helmet | Best Overall | |
| Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet Matte Black Medium | Budget Pick | |
| HJC 980-613 IS-MAX II Modular Motorcycle Helmet | Upgrade Pick | |