In most states riding without a motorcycle helmet is illegal. Honestly, we also think you should never ride without a cap. Because if you can read this sentence, that’s thanks to your brain: the most crucial tool you own. A brain makes life enjoyable! And full face motorcycle helmets protect your precious cargo.

　　That said, there are a lot of moto helmets to choose from. Your decision-making about helmets should be a lot easier with this guide. We did the hard part by testing more than a dozen full face helmets to winnow down the winners.

　　Pulling on these hard hats, we rode in a range of weather from rain pelts to baking sun and everything in-between. With these safety accessories, we motored in slow and fast conditions, because armor that keeps you cool at highway speeds might be miserably hot on a slow, unpaved two-track session.

　　As with skis or mountain bikes, there’s no single helmet thats perfect for all conditions. Our aim with this guide was to find sweet-spot lids that are versatile. Among the categories, we prioritized the adventure (a.k.a. ADV) category, which is capable in various conditions.

　　To understand the finer points of a helmets construction, details, safety, and subcategories, eyeball our ourcomprehensive buying guide,FAQ, andcomparison chart lower in the article. Otherwise, scroll through our choice picks for full face motorcycle helmets.

　　The Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2024 Best Overall Motorcycle Helmet: Bell Race Star DLX Flex Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet: AGV K6S Quietest Modular Motorcycle Helmet: Schuberth C5 Most Comfortable Motorcycle Helmet: Shoei Neotec 3 Best Adventure-Specific Motorcycle Helmet: KLIM Krios Pro Best Overall Motorcycle Helmet Bell Race Star DLX Flex Specs Type Upright conventional Materials Carbon fiber shell, multi-density impact liner Weight 3.57 lbs. Safety Rating ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified

　　Pros Very quiet Photochromic visor Five shell sizes Cons No specific communication system Visor isn’t Pinlock compatible Michael Frank For more than a year we’ve tested the Bell Race Star DLX Flex ($820), which continues to be our happy-place lid for overall comfort and long rides. The helmet’s padding is incorporated with magnets, and they’re the easiest to remove of any helmet we’ve tested. If you’ve been on the road for dozens of hours sweating into a container, removing the pads and giving ’em a wash feels like a million bucks. The magnetic attachment system from Bell makes maintenance far easier than snap-in setups.

　　While this helmet is not as svelte as the AGV K6S, it’s no heavyweight, either. For longer trips, a lower weight counts. We also like the Panovision ProTint Photochromic visor. The lens automatically darkens when you’re under direct sunlight, and the lens clears if the sky becomes cloudy or rainy. Meaning, you don’t need to pull over and fish out eye shades, which is a major bonus. One demerit is that the visor isn’t Pinlock compatible, so you don’t get the benefits of that defogging system.

　　Small controls are in place for the brow and chin exit and jaw vents, which are easy to actuate. The aeration system works superbly, so this helmet can help cool you down when the road is roasting. Also, the pads are dual-density. While the fit is snug, the helmet never feels too tight, and that close fit makes this the quietest helmet we have tested. 

　　The Bell Race Star DLX Flex is design for a more upright rider position. We really dig it for all-day rides, as well as a mix of fast ADV sections — on dirt roads that aren’t ultra-technical — and long pulses of curvy pavement. This superior lid is back-roads comfy, smooth on highways, and very quiet. Without doubt, this low-turbulence design is great for big days in the saddle. 

　　$920 at Amazoncheck price at bellhelmets Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet AGV K6S Specs Type Upright conventional Materials Carbon fiber shell, heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers, multi-density EPS foam Weight 3.02 lbs. Safety Rating ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified

　　Pros Pinlock visor compatible Extra lightweight Super wide, 190-degree field-of-view for better visibility Four shell sizes Cons Not the best breather No integrated sun-shield Michael Frank Launched in 2024, the AGV K6S ($550) is a stellar upgrade of the K6, one of the most protective and functional options that comes in at a slightly lower price point. The upgraded helmet now has a spoiler on the back, which is a shield that adds protection for occiput in case of a backward collision.

　　Fortunately for us, AGV put the K6S through the European Union’s rigorous ECE 22.06 standard. The design passed that safety hurdle and the K6 — a model we already loved — already carried a five-star rating from SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme), an agency based in the U.K. SHARP tests are more stringent than those from the United States DOT (Department of Transportation): Each helmet goes through 32 impact tests.

　　Beyond safety standards, we loved that this lid is super lightweight. If you ride daily, you know how much weight matters. Adding grams to your neck can lead to fatigue. While battling a load on a bike, your neck and shoulders can get fried. Even Formula 1 drivers are often in the gym to strengthen muscles that handle the g-force of rapid deceleration and acceleration. Wearing a lighter helmet can help prevent exhaustion throughout your day. Also, the K6S is nearly as quiet as the Bell Race Star Flex, in part thanks to an integrated wind spoiler at the chin. Inside, the helmet is pretty cushy with multi-density layers of pads that are ultra-smooth against skin, as well as sound dampening.

　　After testing the O.G. K6 for more than a year, we found that the subtle metal anchors for the visor are really important. With a detent system, the visor gradually pops open and sits at several angles. The visor firmly stayed at each level with zero vibration. We slightly popped the visor open on slower-paced rides on hot days for airflow. Although the K6S has brow vents and slits below the visor, the design is not the best breather. The upside? This super aerodynamic helmet cuts down on turbulence for highway rides. Only the Bell Race Star DLX Flex rivals the K6S as our favorite Interstate cruiser choice.

　　You’ll also be happy that the AGV K6S comes in four shell sizes, so you can find the best fit.

　　$550 at Amazoncheck price at agv Quietest Modular Motorcycle Helmet Schuberth C5 Specs Type Modular with a hinge chin bar, upright conventional Materials Fiberglass shell, carbon fiber reinforcements, EPS foam interior Weight 3.8 lbs. Safety Rating ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified

　　Pros Pinlock visor compatible (and included) Super quiet thanks to the chin and neckroll spoiler Built-in communication system with boost antenna and speakers Internal sun shield Cons Visor detents could be better Only two shell sizes Bit stuffy in hot weather Michael Frank Like the bulk of Schuberths, the Schuberth C5 ($769) is beautifully quiet. We credit the shape: It’s a super aerodynamic lid. The chin bar has nearly no gaps between the bar and shell, preventing wind invasion. Beneath the chin bar, a tucked-in spoiler sits under the jaw, which seals out air. When helmets are noisier, it’s typically because air funnels in from below and spools around. Not the C5.

　　During test laps, we dug the modular control. We could flip up the chin bar to drink or catch fresh air. The switch to pop the helmet open is easy to locate with a gloved hand, because it’s at the lower rim, so you can’t mistake it for a vent control. When we buzzed around rocks and humps on an off-road ride, the extra wide and tall visor paid serious dividends. We could quickly spy obstacles in front of the moto. The Shoei Neotec 3 has slightly firmer detents for its visor. Even though the C5 shield is great, if you want to ride with it slightly open, you’ll see the vibration. Thankfully, the C5 visor includes an anti-fog Pinlock insert, which firmly locks shut.

　　As for cooling off, the C5 does okay. The helmet has a dual-position chin vent and top vent. There’s a mouth vent and a large exit port behind the spoiler. When we blasted around in this lid on hot midsummer days, the helmet provided pretty good air conditioning with all the ports wide open. But at slow speeds, there wasn’t adequate channeling for airflow, in our experience. 

　　Still, this cap is more of a touring helmet, and the kicker is how quiet it is. When you’re stopped or cruising slow, modular designs easily open in front, which is convenient. Typically, modulars are also noisy. The Schuberth C5 defies that flaw. No other modular we’ve tested is quieter and it’s nearly as silent as the Bell Race Star DLX Flex. Like the Shoei Neotec 3, the C5 comes pre-wired for a communication setup. The helmet is already wired with a boosting antenna and speakers for Schuberth’s SC2 System (sold separately). The setup also uses Sena Technology, so you can communicate with other nearby users without pairing each headset.

　　$784 at Amazoncheck price at schuberth Most Comfortable Motorcycle Helmet Shoei Neotec 3 Specs Type Modular with a hinge chin bar, upright conventional Materials Multi-ply matrix of fiberglass, organic and glass fibers, and synthetic resin plus an EPS liner Weight 4.15 lbs. Safety Rating DOT certified

　　Pros Pinlock visor compatible (and included) Internal sun shield Insanely comfortable, cushy interior Nearly as quiet as the Schuberth Excellent, easily removable cheek pads Cons Not ECE 22.06 certified Somewhat porky Michael Frank While the Shoei Neotec 3 ($900) doesn’t get an ECE 22.06 rating, it’s still exceptionally safe. The UK’s SHARP rating agency, an independent testing body, gives this construction five out of five stars, which is telling in our book.

　　As for function, the Neotec 3 is nearly as quiet as the Schuberth C5 modular, and we think it’s comfier. The design has very cushy internal padding, especially the cheek pads. Excellent venting helps to reduce fogging up, even at low speeds, but doesn’t whistle at 60mph. We love the convenience of lifting up the bottom half of a modular helmet, so we can take a swig of water or chat with buddies. But usually, air leaks lead to howls on the highway, which we didn’t experience with the Neotec 3.

　　Shoei should get props for the meaty controls. We could easily find the center detent to raise the visor or pop the lock to raise the chin bar. Both the chin and top vent controls also slid with ease, even on a cold highway ride while wearing oversized winter mitts.

　　For communication, the brand included the routing for their in-house SRL3 cables and speakers, which uses the Sena protocol technology. That way, you can seamlessly talk with pals who ride with Sena comms in their own helmets without needing to pair the devices. The SRL3 setup is a separate purchase, though.

　　One factor is that this Shoei is a hair heavier than the Schuberth C5. However, the Neotec 3 comes in three shell sizes, while the Schuberth is available in two. Again, the Shoei Neotec 3 is massively comfortable. Mile after mile, we found ourselves marveling at the cushy fit and the aerodynamics that quelled the wind. For daily shreds, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find a better choice.

　　$900 at Amazoncheck price at shoei Best Adventure-Specific Motorcycle Helmet KLIM Krios Pro Specs Type Upright conventional, ADV-specific Materials Koroyd and carbon construction Weight 3.4 lbs. Safety Rating ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified

　　Pros Pinlock visor compatible (and included) Very light for an ADV lid Excellent venting at speed Quick-release visor, plus included photochromic transition visor Fidlock clasp Cons Only two shell sizes Stuffy at a slower pace Michael Frank ADV helmets with a peak that shades your eyes and a spoiler can be a bit fat. The KLIM Krios Pro ($750) breaks the odds: This moto shield is insanely lightweight, especially for all the features packed in. We credit the Koroyd, an inaugural moto technology previously used in bicycle helmets. The material uniformly equalizes force in a crash like the crumple zone of a car, where the accordion dissipates force by spreading the energy.

　　Koroyd is composed of thousands of tiny tubes, so it’s mostly air. At speed, we noticed the Krios Pro is exceptionally well vented. Even though the brow venting is minimal, we felt the airflow over our dome as we rode. Unfortunately, the minimal forehead slit meant this bean saver got toasty when we were pawing around an off-road track in first gear. To help, the large mouth port adds suction and prevents fogging.

　　We love the brilliant, no-tools design to remove the peak and visor. Just twist the dual locks on either temple and unthread the top screw. Then you can remove or adjust the angle of the eye shade. Once the anchors are popped, you can even yank the visor off to pair the lid with goggles. Or swap out the clear lens for the bonus photochromic one, which darkens in sunlight and brightens in shade. Dual-sport riders that move between forested dirt track and pavement will especially appreciate a photochromic option. Or if you want a quieter helmet that still protects your eyes, lose the peak and keep the lens attached. 

　　Oversized controls for ventilation at the mouth port is a major bonus. You might recognize the Fidlock chin clasp from ski helmets. The magnetic clasp easily snaps shut, which is especially handy while wearing gloves. If you have a Sena Bluetooth kit already, then you’re in luck, because the Krios Pro is designed to be compatible with the system.

　　Drawbacks? Peaked lids will always be a little noisier than their smoother counterparts. While the KLIM Krios Pro has a dual-position option for its peak, finding the ideal angle for shielding your eyes while not having air pressure at higher speeds is a bit tough. That said, this ultralightweight design diminished fatigue while steering off-kilter rocks and gritty trails as well as blasting down the Interstate. 

　　$750 at Amazoncheck price at krios

　　The KLIM Krios Pro has a dual-position option for its peak; (photo/Michael Frank) Motorcycle Helmets Comparison Chart Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Type, Materials, Weight, Safety Rating.

　　Motorcycle helmet shields provide eye and face protection from debris, wind, rain, and if its tinted, protection from UV light; (photo/Michael Frank) How We Tested Motorcycle Helmets Our lead GearJunkie tester for motorcycle helmets, writer Michael Frank, has ridden motos for decades. These days, Frank prefers slow, windy backroads and double-track over Interstate rides. For this guide, he and a crew of friends tested a range of full-face motorcycle helmets on pavement, off-road, and some trail. The bulk of these helmets were tested for more than a year across seasons and conditions. The goal was to evaluate each helmet for comfort, noise, usability (like the visor and vents), and breathability.

　　We considered weight without sacrificing safety. While they cost more, we looked for protective options with the United Kingdom SHARP five-star standard or the ECE 22.06 certification. We also sought relatively lightweight options, and we dug hard to find those. Heavier helmets are more exhausting to wear. Then we looked for models that were aerodynamically tested, which usually leads to a more quiet design. While some options were booted, were happy with the helmets that made the cut.

　　Why You Should Trust Us In field tests with the ADV and modular lids, we rode at a variety of speeds to measure comfort, especially when riding slow and working hard in off-road terrain. For street-focused helmets, we maneuvered through in-town traffic and at fast highway speeds to see how the lids performed while we were broiling at a stoplight and in freezing temps while bombing a night run for a pint of ice cream.

　　Throughout our personal experience, we determined the best helmets for street commuters but also hunted for the most versatile models. Because helmets are expensive, we chased down options that let you swap a lens or a shield quickly, ditch or add a peak, and that vent very well at both slow and high speeds.

　　We also hunted for helmets with built-in communication options via the manufacturer or that have pre-built ear pockets to add speakers, so that you can add your choice Bluetooth system. (Note: We didn’t specifically test each integration option, because that’s an entirely different evaluation. But we did make sure the integration existed because we’ve tested helmets in the past without room to add speakers.)

　　Further, we found helmets with relatively easily removable pads, which helps with wiring comms and maintenance. Our top options have removable liners that are washable and have funk-fighting treatment to reduce bacterial growth caused by sweating into your lid.

　　The KLIM Krios Pro is an ADV-specific moto helmet with versatile features; (photo/Michael Frank) Modular Motorcycle Helmet Modular motorcycle helmets include a hinge chin bar, like on the Schuberth C5 and Shoei Neotec 3. That means you can swing that chin piece up and out of the way. The design is handy for taking a swig of water while you’re gassing up or chatting with a buddy about the next section of road.

　　Riding a modular helmet with the chin bar up is possible but not advisable. First, the weight of that component in the open position will tax your neck and shoulders: It feels like you’re balancing a small pan on top of your head. Second, exposing the front of your face is not good safety protocol.

　　Modulars are particularly handy for ADV riders because you can quickly open the front to assess technical sections of trail.

　　Upright Conventional Motorcycle Helmet Upright conventional motorcycle helmets are meant for riders who either are on street bikes, baggers, or ADV machines. This shape overlaps with the modular helmets, and all of the Moto helmets we tested fit in this category.

　　The Schuberth C5, AGV K6S, Bell Race Star DLX Flex, Shoei Neotec 3 and KLIM Krios Pro are all aero-tested for riding while sitting upright.

　　The shell is the outermost layer of the helmet and is often made of polycarbonate, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, which is strong and light; (photo/Michael Frank) Adventure (ADV) Motorcycle Helmet ADV-specific full-face motorcycle helmets, like the KLIM Krios Pro, are more versatile because you can remove the peak and visor. Youre basically getting several designs in a single package. Sans peak, the helmet is less turbulent on the highway. Ditching the visor/face shield lets you wear goggles, which are nice for technical off-road rides.

　　Typically ADV-specific designs have a wider opening, so riders have increased visibility for obstacles when theyre standing on the footpegs. That way, you can carefully scope out rocks and undulations before picking your line.

　　Shell Sizes and Fit Shell sizes matter. Manufacturers often tailor the same shell to different head circumferences. Often that means the smaller size is internally stuffed with more insulation to make up for the difference. That can be a slightly uncomfortable ratio for a smaller person, because the wider circumference results in a larger draft.

　　Ideally, a full face motorcycle helmet offers a close fit. There should be zero wiggle when you pull one on, but you shouldnt feel like youre being smooshed.When you slide on the helmet, the interior should have a little bit of give. You also shouldnt feel the firm backer or hard shell.

　　Full-face motorcycle helmet visors are made of clear or tinted plastic; (photo/Michael Frank) Cooling and Ventilation Inside a helmet, you can often see grooves across the interior, which channel air over top of your cranium. We quickly spotted channels inside the KLIM Krios Pro, plus the Koroyd material, which looks like the circular ends of side-by-side straws. A well-designed helmets can vent with minimal turbulence.

　　Massive ports are not necessarily needed for cooling. The type of riding you do will influence the size and quantity of vents.

　　On the KLIM Krios Pro, for instance, there’s an oversized mouth port. If you’re riding the Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR), moving slow and off-road, you will need larger openings to breathe while working hard.

　　If the bulk of your riding is on open road and you’re going fast, you will want smaller vents.The Bell Race Star DLX Flex has smaller ports at the mouth, brow, and top of the helmet. At a higher speed, this helmet isn’t screaming with airflow that would deafen you. But thanks to the number of vents, the helmet is plenty cool for highway rides.

　　As far as breathability and aeration goes, there’s no single helmet that’s perfect for all kinds of riding. MX riders typically ride with a helmet that has a peak and broad face opening for goggles, which also allows max cooling. But that type of helmet on the highway would roar with wind. A touring rider might choose the Schuberth C5, because they want the advantage of a modular design without the noise, but that lid is not cool enough for slow-duty ADV routes.

　　Get the full face motorcycle helmet thats built to cool you off for 80% of the riding you do, and you’ll be happy.

　　A mouth vent is situated in the lower half of a full face motorcycle helmet; (photo/Michael Frank) Vision The size of the visor or lens is proportional to the helmet’s intended use.

　　Youll want a larger visor (from top to bottom) for off-road riding, because you need to see obstacles directly in front of you while you’re standing on the footpegs.

　　Ideally, the lid you pick for the street has a wider field-of-view. That way, you can spot a car in your blind spot or see approaching cross traffic without needing to swivel your head too far.

　　Across various helmets, the benchmark for keeping a visor de-fogged is a technical insert called Pinlock. The Schuberth C5, AGV K6S, Shoei Neotec 3 and KLIM Krios Pro (but not the Bell Race Star DLX Flex) use this attachment, which you place inside of the visor to prevent fogging.

　　Pinlock is pretty unique because the insert creates an airtight space between the inside of the visor and your eyes. This means fogging is prevented via a thermal barrier, the same way a dual-layer ski goggle works. Pinlock inserts are treated to absorb moisture if its humid inside the helmet, like when you’re riding in the rain, and then release it back into the atmosphere when the humidity level drops. For instance, when you duck out of that storm, pop the visor, and stroll into an air-conditioned mini-mart for coffee.

　　The tradeoff? Pinlock inserts are delicate, so only rinse the surface with soap and water and let them air dry.

　　The peak of a motorcycle helmet extends over the top of the face — like the bill or brim of a hat — to help block sunlight, rain, mud, vegetation, or other debris; (photo/Michael Frank) Safety and ECE 22.06 Standards The new 2024 European Union (EU) safety standards for motorcycle helmets are a mega upgrade and arrived after 20 years with the prior regulations. Look for a full-face motorcycle helmet that passes the fresh, more stringent rules. Youll see the tag: 2024 ECE 22.06.ECE stands forEconomic Commission for Europe.

　　Now, the EU tests every single helmet model in each size. The impact tests include the visor, chin bar, and other components. For modular lids, like the Schuberth C5, the EU makes sure that the chin bar stays shut during multiple crash and deformation tests. That way, we know that the helmet remains protective in a hazardous event.

　　Helmets are put in a device where 630 Newtons (141 pounds) of pressure is applied from either side and front to back. The helmet cannot move more than 1.5 inches (40mm).

　　The EU also tests ventilation and audio. A helmet that blocks out too much sound won’t pass, because you need to be able to hear your surroundings to be safe on a motorcycle. The protocols include testing peripheral vision. Visors need to have a photochromic option, like the KLIM Krios Pro and the Bell Race Star DLX Flex. Those photochromic lenses need to be able to pass through enough light so that riders can safely see turn signals, brake lights, and stoplights, for instance.

　　For those visor tests? Examiners fire a steel ball at the shield at 180mph, in order to emulate a rock being kicked up from a tire. We wouldnt want debris to pierce the face protection layer.

　　You can also look for a motorcycle helmet with the U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) seal on the back. Meaning, those designs comply with the federal standards for motorcycle helmets.

　　We looked for moto helmets with approvals from the DOT and the EU.

　　The helmet liner sits against your heat inside the helmet shell, and is usually both soft and shock-absorbing; (photo/Michael Frank) FAQ Does my motorcycle helmet fit right?  A full face motorcycle helmet needs to be snug. The lining and padding of motorcycle helmets compresses over time. Ideally, the helmet wont move much even without the chin strap buckled. You shouldn’t be able to slide your fingers in and around the padding at the forehead.

　　Measure your head with a soft tape measure around your forehead, just above the ears and around the back of your head. That measurement should correspond with the correct lid on the manufacturer’s size chart.

　　Brands make helmets with varying densities of pads. If you’re on the cusp of medium and large, for instance, you can use a thinner pad to fit that medium or use a thicker pad to fit in the large.

　　A foam neck roll sits at the base of a motorcycle helmet near the neck, which helps keep wind noise at bay; (photo/Michael Frank) What’s the best motorcycle helmet shell material? Typically, the shells of motorcycle helmets are made out of a glass composite, carbon, Kevlar, or a combination of these materials. The biggest distinction regarding material is going to be weight.

　　Carbon fiber helmets are usually lighter. As a result they can be pricier. But the carbon fiber AGV K6S we tested is more affordable compared to our other top picks.

　　Full face motorcycle helmets in the $200-$300 range tend to be made of heavier materials. That doesn’t default to lower degree of protection or safety. Though, there is a linear relationship between safety and cost, and thats typically true for weight and cost, too.

　　What’s the safest style of motorcycle helmet? Without question, a full-face motorcycle helmet is safer than a half-shell. Full-face motorcycle helmets are also safer than helmets with open ports for goggles. Goggle lenses aren’t as hard or impenetrable as a visor shield, because they need to deform to fit snugly against your face.

　　Modular helmets should be no less safe than a full-face motorcycle helmet that is fixed and non-modular. Though, usually having a hinge mechanism adds some bulk to the design, so modular options are going to be heavier than a straight full-face model.

　　A sun shield is also called an internal sun visor or internal drop-down visor, which can be lowered and raised by the motorcyclist; (photo/Michael Frank)

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