7 Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2023: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs

by Joshua Thomas

 

Helmets are a very simple but effective tool to protect your head from the elements and the asphalt. A helmet is the best protection you can wear, so it pays to take time to choose the best motorcycle helmet for yourself.

Asides from shielding your head from an unexpected crash, a helmet improves your riding experience by shielding you from the weather, loud noise, dirt, and bugs.

All helmets are not made equal, so you need to take your time to understand the different types of helmets out there, what they are for, and which one will best fit you.

In this motorcycle helmets review, you'll get a list of the top helmet offers in the market, along with a buying guide to make it easier for you to choose.

Top Motorcycle Helmets of 2023 by Editors

Summary of 7 Best Motorcycle Helmets

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Bell 7049224 Qualifier

1. Bell 7049224 (Best Overall)

  • Lightweight and DOT-certified motorcycle helmet
  • Available in 7 sizes and over 15 colors
  • Backed by a solid 5-year manufacturer warranty
Torc T55

2. Torc T55

  • Half helmet for vintage ride lovers
  • High-quality design and DOT approved
  • Features an integrated and drop-down sun visor
Yema YM296

3. Yema YM296

  • Modern and stylish modular motorcycle helmet
  • Aerodynamic design with strong ABS shape
  • Adjustable ventilation system for your convenience
Conquer SA2015

4. Conquer SA2015

  • Snell-certified helmet for races and more
  • Made from lightweight fiberglass
  • Features maximum airflow venting
ILM JK313-MB

5. ILM JK313-MB

  • DOT-certified motorcycle helmet
  • Aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise
  • Available in many sizes and seven colors
1Storm HB-B89

6. 1Storm HB-B89

  • DOT-approved modular helmet
  • Offered at a low and attractive price
  • Includes double visors and six air vents
AHR MX

7. AHR MX

  • Lightweight off-road helmet
  • Comes with a DOT-approved safety rating
  • Ideal for ATVs, dirt-biking, and motocross

Top 7 Best Motorcycle Helmets

Top Motorcycle Helmets of 2023 by Editors
Top Motorcycle Helmets of 2023 by Editors

1. Bell 7049224 Qualifier - Best Overall

Bell 7049224 Qualifier
Bell 7049224 Qualifier
  • Style: Full face
  • Size: X-Small to XXX-Large
  • Material: ABS and Polycarbonate composite

For a top-rated motorcycle helmet that comes at a great price, this Bell Qualifier offer is hard to beat. It's made using a Polycarbonate and ABS composite, which makes it strong and lightweight.

Bell offers this helmet in seven sizes, ranging from X-Small to Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and XXX-Large. It's also available in over fifteen designs and colors to meet your preference.

This helmet also features a ClickRelease system for the shield, which makes it fast, easy, and a completely tool-free shield swap process.

For the downside, the helmet comes with a clear shield only. So, if you want the tinted shield such as in the picture, you'll have to order that optionally. The helmet is DOT-certified anyway and Bell backs it with an impressive 5-year manufacturer warranty.

Pros

  • Lightweight and DOT-certified motorcycle helmet
  • Made from an ABS/Polycarbonate design
  • Available in 7 sizes and over 15 colors
  • Backed by a solid 5-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

  • There are cheaper full-face helmets
  • Ships with clear shield. The tinted shield is optional


2. Torc T55 Adult Half Motorcycle Helmet

Torc T55
Torc T55
  • Style: Half
  • Size: X-Small to XX-Large
  • Material: ABS plastic

Not everyone loves a full-face helmet, especially fans of classic motorcycles and others who love to recreate that vintage look.

Torc offers this T55 for anyone who wants a good motorcycle helmet that reminds of the good old days. It's DOT approved and features a drop-down internal sun visor.

You can get it in any of six sizes including S-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. Torc also offers different versions with different artworks, so it's left for you to choose here.

Keep in mind that half helmets are not the best for speeding or dirt-biking, but if you love cruising with a vintage bike, then there's no better helmet to get.

Pros

  • Half helmet for vintage ride lovers
  • High-quality design and DOT approved
  • Features an integrated and drop-down sun visor
  • Removable and washable inner padding

Cons

  • Half helmets are not ideal for speeding
  • You can get cheaper motorcycle helmets

3. Yema YM296 Motorcycle Helmet

Yema YM296
Yema YM296
  • Style: Modular
  • Size: Small, Medium, Large
  • Material: ABS plastic

Yema is a large Chinese maker of a range of helmets and this offer is one of the best motorcycle helmets for those who want the flexibility that a modular helmet offers.

It comes with a clear outer visor and a tinted inner one for the sun. Switching off the inner visor is also possible and easy. You get inner liners and pads as well, so the helmet is as comfortable as possible.

In addition to its aerodynamic design, Yema also includes an adjustable ventilation system, so you can adjust the airflow inside exactly the way you want it.

One downside is that the helmet is only available in Small, Medium, and Large, but you get a tough ABS shell, a reinforced chin strap, and a quick-release buckle.

Pros

  • Modern and stylish modular motorcycle helmet
  • Aerodynamic design with strong ABS shape
  • Adjustable ventilation system for your convenience
  • Features an outer visor and an internal sun visor

Cons

  • You only get three size options
  • The manufacturer provides no warranty information


4. Conquer SA2015 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Conquer SA2015
Conquer SA2015
  • Style: Full face
  • Size: S to XL
  • Material: Fiberglass

This Conquer SA2015 helmet offers you the very best. It lets you enjoy the features of top-brand helmets and a still reasonable price.

Made using lightweight fiberglass for the shell, it's also Snell-certified and this makes it one of the safest motorcycle helmets out there and gives you the confidence that you need for those high-speed and rough rides.

You also get a padded, fire-retardant interior, maximum airflow venting, and a Kevlar chin strap. Conquer makes it in a range of sizes from Small to X-Large.

The major issue here is its price because you can get cheaper helmets. For its defense though, those cheaper helmets aren't Snell-certified like this one.

Pros

  • Snell-certified helmet for races and more
  • Made from lightweight fiberglass
  • Available in sizes from Small to X-Large
  • Features maximum airflow venting

Cons

  • It comes with a rather short warranty
  • You can get much cheaper offers


5. ILM JK313-MB Motorcycle Helmet

ILM JK313-MB
ILM JK313-MB
  • Style: Full face
  • Size: Small to X-Large
  • Material: ABS

For those on the lookout for the best motorcycle helmet for the money, this offer from ILM might do the trick because it comes at a great price and includes two visors and a winter neck scarf.

You get a helmet with a streamlined design and a lightweight and durable ABS shell. ILM makes it in different sizes from Small to X-Large, and in seven colors including black, red, and yellow.

The outer shell features an ABS plastic construction and the helmet is DOT-certified. You can also remove the cheek pads and helmet liner easily for washing.

Remember anyway, that the previous helmet features a fiberglass shell, which is superior to this ABS plastic used here. But, if you're not into high speeds, then you'll agree that this helmet's price makes a good argument.

Pros

  • Quality motorcycle helmet with DOT rating
  • Aerodynamic design reduces drag and noise
  • Available in four sizes and seven colors
  • The package includes two visors and a neck scarf

Cons

  • You can get safer helmets
  • The company provides no warranty information


6. 1Storm HB-B89 Motorcycle Helmet

1Storm HB-B89
1Storm HB-B89
  • Style: Modular
  • Size: Small to X-Large
  • Material: Thermoplastic

The most interesting part of this offer is that it's available in 16 different colors and artwork designs, so you can easily pick a design that best suits you from black to red and arrow-red, etc.

There are four sizes available from Small, to Medium, Large, and X-Large, and they all feature a glossy UV-protective finish and washable internal padding.

1Storm makes the helmets using Thermoplastic, and while this is probably not the toughest helmet material around, it provides a high level of safety and gives the helmet a DOT approval. The price is also low and attractive.

Pros

  • Modular helmet with an easy flip-front design
  • Features a clear outer visor and tinted inner visor
  • Comes with removable and washable inner paddings
  • Available in 16 different colors and artworks

Cons

  • You can get helmets made from tougher materials
  • The earlier modular helmet is more stylish


7. AHR MX Motorcycle Helmet

AHR MX
AHR MX
  • Style: Off-road
  • Size: Medium, Large, & X-Large
  • Material: ABS plastic

For off-road lovers, this offer from AHR helmets offers a high-quality and affordable helmet to offer all the safety that you need. It's DOT-approved and available in three sizes.

The helmet features a lightweight ABS shell with a comfortable inner liner that's also breathable and helps the ventilation system to deliver enough air inside and make it one of the best motorcycle helmets in the market.

Issues with this helmet include its availability in only a boring gray color, plus the lack of visor in the package, which means that you'll need a pair of goggles before riding with it.

The helmet looks cool, however, and it's easy to keep clean. This offer is for the Large version, which fits head circumferences from 23.2 to 23.6 inches.

Pros

  • Lightweight off-road helmet
  • Comes with a DOT-approved safety rating
  • Ideal for ATVs, dirt-biking, and motocross
  • Available in three sizes from Medium to X-Large

Cons

  • It doesn't include a visor, so you need goggles
  • Comes in only one color

How to Buy the Best Motorcycle Helmets

How To Buy The Best Motorcycle Helmets
How To Buy The Best Motorcycle Helmets

First of all, you need to understand that a helmet is not just a helmet. So you should place safety at the top of your list when choosing a helmet because this is the best value that you can get.

Of course, there are lots of other considerations asides from safety, such as style, comfort, and price. Just remember that safety is the most important of them all.

Following is a list of the factors you should look out for when choosing your helmet.

1. Protection Features

Asides from making you look cool, a helmet's major job is to protect your head from possible impacts, so you must choose one that does that well.

There are many certification agencies, including the DOT (Department of Transportation) in the US and the European ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) certifications.

Although any helmet that has any of these two approvals is safe and road legal, you can go the extra mile and choose a SNELL-certified helmet if you want the very best and the price isn't an issue.

2. Style

There are so many helmet styles and each one comes with its advantages and disadvantages. So, while a particular style might offer you more protection, it might do that at the cost of freedom, and vice versa.

Following is a list of the different helmet styles and a closer look at what they each have to offer.

Full-face Helmets. This type of helmet is the most popular because it provides a high level of protection. It covers the entire head and provides a movable visor, which covers the face and the eyes when closed.

Full-face helmets protect you from the weather, reduce noise levels, making your ride more pleasant, and they offer better aerodynamics as well, for fast riders.

Open-face Helmets. With an open-face helmet, you get a design that nearly covers the face like a full-face helmet, except that it lacks a face and chin protection.

This type of helmets offer you more freedom and let you see more of your environment. They are popular with cruisers and slow-pace scooter riders, as well as those who find full-face styles claustrophobic.

Modular Helmets. A modular or flip-front helmet is a full-face helmet that lets you flip the entire front to partly turn it into an open-face helmet.

This allows you, for instance, to ride with it as a full-face helmet but not need to take it off at the petrol station. Keep in mind, however, that most modular helmets are only certified for riding as a full-face helmet and not in an open position.

Half Helmets. These are similar to open-face helmets, except that they cover even less of the head. In simple terms, half helmets just cover the upper part of the head around the brain.

Half helmets are popular among vintage riders and cruisers, and they give that old-school but unique and cool look.

Off-road Helmets. Off-road or motocross helmets almost cover the entire face like full-face helmets but they often come without a visor, needing you to use goggles.

They are for dirt-riding, often have a sun-visor, are more lightweight, offer more chin protection, and more ventilation than full-face helmets. The downside is that they are also less sound-proof and so, not ideal for highways.

Dual-sport Helmets. These helmets fall between full-face and off-road helmets and are therefore perfect for those who do dirt-biking and additionally travel the highways.

They are well ventilated, come with sun-visors, and well sound-proofed, making them functional both on- and off-road.

3. Fit & Comfort

You'll also need to consider how much comfort is important to you. Most of the popular brand helmets offer a high level of comfort, so you can either go for them or take a closer look at less known brands.

4. Price

You need to understand that a helmet's price depends on many factors, such as its materials' quality, the brand name, certifications, and any extras.

It's left for you here to decide on how much you're willing to spend. Just keep in mind that a good helmet must either pass the American DOT or European ECE certification and if you've got more money, then a SNELL certification.

Motorcycle Helmet Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some of the most frequently asked questions about helmets and helmet use. The list isn't extensive but it can be helpful.

When should I Replace My Motorcycle Helmet?

Ans: You should replace your helmet once it is older than three to five years old, shows one or more cracks on the outer shell, or once you've been in a crash, even if you can't see any defects.

How Do I Know If A Helmet Will Fit Me?

Ans: The best way to know if it fits is to try it on, but that's only possible if you're in a physical shop. On the net, however, you'll need to measure your head's circumference at its fullest part. This is usually around the forehead and just above the ears.

Following is an estimate of helmet sizes. A size S measures 21.5 to 22 inches, M measures 22.3 to 22.7 inches, 23 to 23.5 is L, 23.7 to 24.3 is XL, and XXL measures 24.7 to 25 inches.

How Can I Test A Motorcycle Helmet?

Ans: You need to test your helmet from time to time to make sure that it's still able to protect you because age, wear, and other factors can cut down on a helmet's safety level. Always check its purchase date and replace after five years. Also check for scratches, dents, and any other signs of damage, including on the straps and the visor.

Buy on Walmart

GLX GX11 Compact Lightweight Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Extra Tinted - Walmart Link

ILM Motorcycle Dual Visor Flip up Modular Full Face Helmet DOT 6 Colors (XL, Matte Black) - Walmart Link

1STORM Motorcycle Bike Full FACE Helmet Mechanic MATT Black - Tinted Visor - Walmart Link

1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet Flip up Dual Visor Sun Shield: HB89 Glossy - Walmart Link

TRIANGLE Motorcycle Helmets Full Face "Graffiti Cross" Street Bike [DOT] (Large, Matte - Walmart Link

ILM Half Helmet Motorcycle Open Face Sun Visor Quick Release Buckle DOT Approved Cycling - Walmart Link

ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf + 2 Visors - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

GLX GX11 Compact Lightweight Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Extra Tinted - eBay Link

ILM Motorcycle Dual Visor Flip up Modular Full Face Helmet DOT 6 Colors (XL, Matte Black) - eBay Link

1STORM Motorcycle Bike Full FACE Helmet Mechanic MATT Black - Tinted Visor - eBay Link

1Storm Motorcycle Modular Full Face Helmet Flip up Dual Visor Sun Shield: HB89 Glossy - eBay Link

TRIANGLE Motorcycle Helmets Full Face "Graffiti Cross" Street Bike [DOT] (Large, Matte - eBay Link

ILM Half Helmet Motorcycle Open Face Sun Visor Quick Release Buckle DOT Approved Cycling - eBay Link

ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf + 2 Visors - eBay Link

Conclusion for Motorcycle Helmet Buyers

We've reached the end of this motorcycle helmets review and you've seen all the impressive and best offers in the market, including the classic and the more modern and trendy designs.

We are all different and have different needs, so you need to choose the helmet that best fits your personality, your bike, or your lifestyle.

Sources

  1. Types of Motorcycle Helmets - FortNine
  2. What are the Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets? - Motorcycle ID

About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

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