Atlas 4.0 is the new kid on the block with striking, if somewhat intimidating looks that really make an impression. Although a bit noisy, it comes with a smart design, clever features, sturdy construction, and a matte black finish that will turn heads when out riding wearing this helmet.
Aesthetics
Build Quality
Sizing & Comfort
Visibility
Ventilation
Reader Rating0 Votes
Funky looks
Upgraded safety
Good choice of artwork and visors
Wind noise
Matte black finish is hard to keep clean
Internal comms can’t be managed on the go
Ruroc Atlas 4.0 Full Face Helmet Image Gallery
Ruroc
As a relatively new player in a busy market, Ruroc sure know how to get your attention. From the launch event in London’s iconic Bike Shed in Shoreditch to the delivery of the helmet, everything is on point.
The event was thoughtfully designed with a great exhibition walk-through displaying various artwork available on the Atlas 4 with helmets displayed for a closer look and feel. People were milling around admiring and checking out the helmets whilst having a drink and a chat.
In the main event area, there was a stage, a bar (always an integral part of any event), shelving with many helmets and a clothing display area by EngineHawk.
Build Quality
I was excitedly awaiting the delivery of my full face helmet to test it and I wasn’t disappointed. The branding is excellent and just opening the box is an experience in itself. They are a bit like Apple used to be in the world of computers. I must admit, the look of the helmet is very aggressive and in matte black, this is only accentuated.
Each helmet comes with a clear and a dark visor, and both are Pinlock ready. The shell is quite big, and I thought I looked like a bobblehead when I tried it on. The material on the inside is plush and lovely, the helmet felt secure around my face but it felt spacious around the top and back of the head. Presumably, this is because of the use of the new safety system and it took some getting used to.
To comply with the new ECE 22.06 certification the internal padding has been redesigned, hence making the fit tighter. Padding isn’t the only thing that has been changed.
To meet the ever-stricter certification, Ruroc are the first to use the super-polymer Rheon in a motorcycle helmet. This helps to reduce the rotational impact forces which is being addressed by the manufacturers in various ways.
The whole build and feel of the helmet is of high quality and it is comforting to know they have been redesigned to achieve the new safety standard. This, however, means that the sizing has changed, too and I had to go a size up for the helmet to fit properly.
Features and Specifications
My helmet arrived with their Shockwave audio system which was super easy to install and it is cleverly hidden in the back of the helmet meaning there are no protruding bits on the outside of the shell. The sound is excellent, clear and strong which made my first ride with some heavy music a joy.
However, with the buttons being so streamlined and at the back of the helmet, I couldn’t control the volume or switch the music off whilst riding. I wouldn’t be able to accept a call and the microphone isn’t active which means you have to press the button on the back of the helmet to talk to Siri.
Nope, that is not possible whilst wearing gloves.
I didn’t get the chance to try it with another comms brand so I cannot comment on a rider to rider comms. Not being able to control the sound system whilst riding is a bit of a flaw in my opinion.
Being a long-distance rider I would have liked the option of an internal dark visor to use with the clear visor rather than having to swap the main one.
The strap is magnetic which is unusual and to be honest, not entirely sure how I feel about it. I mean, it’s ace because there is no fiddling like with the D-ring and to undo it you simply pull on the red toggle. Of course, Ruroc have done their testing and it is safe and secure but it does take some getting used to and for you mind to trust it.
The field of view is excellent for those that have good vision. Unfortunately, I wear spectacles when riding so my FOV is limited by my glasses and their frames. However, take these away and you get an amazing field of vision. The side vision is wide and you can see so much more with your peripheral vision. The visor is well designed and looking down to the dash means only a minimal head movement.
The weight of the helmet is on a heavier side to what I am used to, at 1.8kg but the weight is distributed well and you don’t feel it even after a full day’s riding.
The shape of the helmet is big, as mentioned. There is more space at the top of the head but if fits nice and snug around the face and the back of the head. This makes it for a larger shape than most helmets on the outside.
Comfort, Airflow, and Noise Management
The first couple of rides were in sunny but extremely windy weather in February with temperatures not much above zero celsius. Despite closing all the vents the helmet is great at air circulation and I can imagine how that will be great in the summer months but I didn’t exactly appreciate it in the freezing cold.
Needless to say, my nose and face were a bit frozen at the end. The whole experience was one of comfort and I can imagine the good ventilation will be very much welcome in the warmer months.
There is a vent in the chin which opens and closes from the inside, one at the top of the head and two at the back, that are always open. Despite closing both, there was still a fair amount of air coming through and I didn’t think the vents closing system was very effective. There was no whistling from the wind like I’ve experienced it with some helmets but I do think this contributes to the helmet being rather noisy as you can’t stop the flow of air completely.
Naturally, because of the wind, the helmet was quite noisy however, it definitely isn’t the nosiest of the ones on the market. I always ride with earplugs and the wind noise was prevalent on top of the mountain. When I rode through the more sheltered areas, the noise drastically dropped which made the ride much more pleasant.
In my opinion, it is very much a short ride style helmet, perfectly at home in a city and for fun rides. I wouldn’t use it for long tours and it definitely won’t replace my favourite one. Whilst I do love the look of it I feel it is very masculine and I felt it was just a little too big and too aggressive for me.
If there is one area of protective gear that is constantly evolving, and generally in a good direction, it is the brain bucket, the skid lid, aka the motorcycle helmet. New materials, new technology and techniques, and new innovations in safety have all helped shape the modern riding helmet, as well as new and more stringent testing and certification methodologies.
The biggest argument, however, is which helmet is best? That is not what we’re really asking in today’s listing, but the counterpoint is that not all riding is the same. What may be the perfect helmet for track riding and racing, may fail woefully in a desert run enduro or a motocross course. And there are those that don’t care for the sport style of riding, preferring comfortable helmets that can be worn for a day-long ride between cities.
Instead, today’s question is which are the best helmets worth wearing, for any given type of riding, in 2021. To qualify, the helmet itself doesn’t have to have been released in 2021, but it should be an update or new version that carries the latest and greatest advancements in safety, technology, materials, comfort, or any combination of all four. We will also be looking at both top-of-the-line and budget options, to provide the best spread of helmets.
With that said, on to the list!
Shoei RF-1400
When you think of the best of the best, Shoei is one of the few names that should immediately pop into your head, or more directly, pop onto your head. As the name suggests, the RF-1400 is the long-awaited update from the RF-1200, itself a legendary helmet in terms of construction and rider protection, but with all the necessary upgrades expected from a modern helmet.
The new helmet is improved in a variety of ways, the least of which is a revised aerodynamic shape. This new design offers up to 4% less wind resistance and noise, making an already quiet helmet even quieter. Reworked interior padding addresses one of the few gripes with the RF-1200, that being that it was at times uncomfortably tight to pull on. A redesigned ventilation system also improves upon its predecessor, allowing for optimal airflow.
The shell of the helmet is still made with Shoei’s excellent fiberglass, aramid, and organic fiber weave. It has superb strength and elasticity and has passed both the SNELL M2020 certification and ECE 22.05 certification tests.
Sometimes when a rider is helmet shopping, they may not have the available finances to afford a $500+ helmet. This doesn’t mean, however, that they should be left with a substandard helmet or one that skips out on important rider protection. Enter, then, the ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth, released in the latter half of 2020.
The most important bit of that name is MIPS or “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.” This is a special piece inside the construction of the helmet, between the EPS foam and the liner, that allows the helmet to absorb an impact and begin rotating to dissipate energy before the liner starts to move with the shell. It only covers a few millimeters, and the time between shell and liner rotation is measured in milliseconds, but it is enough to allow the brain to slowly accelerate to the speed of the shell, instead of bashing against the inside of your skull during a tumble.
The helmet itself is made of advanced injection molded polycarbonate and is backed by multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam, the MIPS system, and then comfortable, thick padding. Ventilation is through multiple oversized intake ports and a massive chin port and is exhausted via multiple exit ports. The helmet meets or exceeds DOT, ECE 22.05, and other world standards as part of ICON’s push for their “All World Standard.”
Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid
Not everyone who rides does so on the pavement. There are many that prefer to ride trails, kick around in some dirt, or even do long, off-road adventures that often require more protection than what their street-going brethren need. For just such riders, Fly Racing has developed the Dirt Formula CC Solid helmet.
The CC in the name stands for Carbon Composite, which is an interwoven shell of carbon fiber, DuPont Kevlar, and fiberglass, creating a super-strong but elastic shell that also has penetration resistance. This is extremely important when riding in areas where there are branches, sharp rocks, and the like. This is backed by a new style of EPS, known as “Conehead EPS,” which literally uses cones of EPS on the innermost layers to progressively absorb initial impact energy, slowing the head down before it comes in contact with the full multi-layer EPS.
Also helping absorb impact energy, especially low speed falls and drops, is what Fly Racing dubs “Impact Energy Cells,” made of RHEON impact rubber. These cells line the entirety of the inside of the helmet, and are specially shaped and designed to absorb both linear and rotational energy that would not otherwise be absorbed by the shell or EPS during a low-speed crash.
The Dirt Formula CC Solid exceeds all certification tests for DOT and ECE 22.05
Off-road riding, especially enduro and long adventure trails, can get quite tiring and also requires great visibility to see the branches, roots, rocks, and puddles you need to go through. The Bell MX-9 was famous for being a lightweight, protective, and affordable helmet that addressed all the needs of off-road riders. So it’s reassuring to know that Bell has updated their best off-road helmet with new safety features.
As discussed earlier in this list, MIPS is a safety system designed to mitigate rotational impact energy on the head and brain, and if there is one area of riding that has the highest likelihood of rotational impact, it’s off-roading. Adding it to one of the top-rated off-road helmets of all time only reinforces that this is a helmet that should be on your head.
Made of lightweight polycarbonate, and fully lined (including the chin bar!) with dual-density, multi-layer EPS, the MX-9 MIPS easily passes all DOT and ECE 22.05 testing requirements. In fact, the MX-9 MIPS is one step below Bell’s competition helmet for professional motocross and supercross racers, and the trickle-down of safety advancements to an affordable budget helmet is very nice to see!
There are some manufacturers that will state that they have the best, latest, and greatest safety innovations in their helmets that turn out to either be gimmicks or adaptations of other manufacturers’ ideas. And then there are those manufacturers that actually develop and design those ideas. AGV is one such manufacturer, and the Italian gear company blew the modular helmet category away in late 2020 with the Sportmodular Carbon Solid.
As the name suggests, this helmet has a 100% carbon fiber shell. The interior design, EPS foam layout, and protection quality were all modeled on the AGV Pista GP-RR MotoGP racing helmet, and as such, the Sportmodular is lined and padded in only the best, highest quality materials. It also sports a full carbon fiber, metal-reinforced chin bar that raises on strong hinges and has a top position lock.
An internal sun-shield in the crown is included, sitting behind a race-grade visor, what AGV calls their GT3 visor with pinlock functionality. Ventilation is multi-channel and multi-intake, allowing the rider to choose where and how they want ventilation. The AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid is one of the few modular helmets that is rated for use with the chin bar raised and locked, as well as down and locked. It passes all ECE 22.05 and DOT tests without issue.
When you pick a modular helmet, you honestly want to make sure you are getting the best protection possible, with the strongest chinbar locking mechanism possible. There are hundreds of helmets that are less expensive than the RPHA 90S that could be listed as budget modular, yet they all have their flaws and issues. This is why our budget pick sneaks in under $500, but it still relatively expensive.
The RPHA 90S is the most recent update of the RPHA 90, a top-rated modular for many years past. HJC, for the 90S, has created a new shell material called PIM Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus), which is made of carbon fiber interwoven with carbon-glass hybrid fabric. This allows for very dependable strength, elasticity, and penetration resistance.
The interior is lined with 3D engineered EPS and is then covered with HJC’s Multi-Cool lined padding. An integrated sun visor comes as standard, and the visor is the same as used on HJC’s racing helmets, model HJ-29, and comes fitted with an anti-fog pinlock insert. The RPHA 90S also received an excellent rating in our own review of it and is for sure a helmet that belongs on your head.
It really doesn’t seem to matter who steps up to the plate to try to dislodge Arai from the top step of the ADV and rally touring ladder, the XD-4 is quite literally here to stay. It has been the top helmet for ADV for multiple years, through multiple variations, and the latest version of the XD-4 is just another example of always evolving and moving in a positive, safer direction.
Made of Arai’s legendarily strong fiberglass weave, the XD-4 is lightweight and extremely resilient to the rigors of ADV touring. Multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam lines the entire interior of the helmet, including the chin bar. The interior padding and liners are customizable, with 5mm peel-away thickness adjustments in the cheeks and temples. The cheek pads are also designed using Arai’s Facial Contour Support (FCS) design, which braces everything from the jaw up to the occipital bones with thick, supportive padding.
The latest update includes a slightly retuned shell shape, to better direct airflow into the vents to cool off the rider. New passive exhausts on the top-rear of the head also help pull heat and moisture out via a multi-step exhaust design, to keep the rider as cool as possible even in the hottest temperatures. The latest version of the Arai XD-4 is one of the few ADV helmets to receive the SNELL M2020 certification and is also one of the few approved helmets listed for the 2022 Dakar Rally.
The choice for the best helmet for track days, supersports riding, and powersports racing was a tough decision. However, we have to give Shoei the nod with this updated X-14 helmet. Developed in celebration of Shoei’s long term partnership with racing legend Marc Marquez (one of the greatest riders to throw a leg over a MotoGP bike) the X-14 has received something of much-needed update. This started with a new variation of the Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell material known as AIM+, which added elastic organic fibers into the weave to enhance lightness, rigidity, flex, and resilience.
That shell is specifically shaped to cut through the air as cleanly as possible, reducing overall drag on a rider’s head. Dual-density, multi-layer EPS foam covers the entirety of the interior, including a reinforced chin bar section. Shoei’s CAD-designed 3D Max-Dry interior system of pads and liners allows for the rider to customize the angle the helmet sits on the head, as well as the thickness of the padding, to ensure the optimal fit that won’t wobble, move, or slip during racing.
Ventilation is through the massive top vent, as well as the crown vents just above the visor. A chin vent is also integrated, which has a special channeling system in the EPS to direct air down the cheek pads and exhaust out the bottom rear of the helmet. Exhausts are all positioned either directly before or after the three spoilers on the rear of the helmet, which gives added stability to the helmet when cornering hard, with the head ducked down near the clip-ons.
The latest Shoei X-14 update passes the SNELL M2020 certification test, as well as achieves the rarest certification, that of FIM Homologation, the most stringent testing currently available.
If the price of the Shoei X-14 makes you wince and sends your wallet screaming for the hills, then rest assured that there is a budget track day helmet for you. Scorpion, the company that always seems to find the best price-to-performance balance for their gear, has a very highly reviewed and rated helmet for you in the EXO-R1 Air.
Using what they term as Ultra-TCT, the shell is made up of interwoven fiberglass, aramid, and poly-resin fibers. This is lined with multi-density, multi-layer EPS, with channels cut into it specifically for maximum ventilation and cooling. This ventilation comes in the form of a ram-air top vent and a standard chin vent. Four exhaust ports behind the rear spoiler quite literally suck the heated air out of the helmet using the venturi effect.
The padding and liner inside the helmet uses Scorpions AirFit system and KwikWik cloth. The AirFit system allows the rider to inflate small bladders in the cheek pads, which contour to the face to keep the helmet in place at speed. KwikWik is a very absorbent lining fabric that is akin to a shammy, and soaks up sweat at an astounding rate, to either be evaporated out via the exhausts or, with the removable liners, washed and cleaned by hand.
The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air achieves DOT, ECE 22.05, SNELL M2020, and FIM Homologation certifications (FIM only for the small shell size).
This was my first experience with a Scorpion Helmet and I was impressed. The EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine is a premium offering from Scorpion, and they did not hold back on the features. I love the Carbon look, and the carbon fiber shell translates into a lightweight lid. This helmet has it all going on!
Aesthetics
Build Quality
Sizing & Comfort
Visibility
Ventilation
Very Light at only 1,383 grams
AirFit® custom inflation system
Comm-Ready speaker pockets
Excellent visibility through the visor
FMVSS 218 DOT approved and ECE 2205 certified
Three shell sizes
Integrated SpeedView® Sun Visor
Shipped with additional pinlock visor and pinlock inserts
5-Year Warranty
Excellent price for this level of helmet
Visor lock hard to operate, and even worse with gloves on
Sunvisor slider action is fussy
I am not a fan of Double D ring straps, give me my ratcheting quick release!
Where to Buy
I was really looking forward to the delivery of the Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine full face helmet, knowing that this lid is one of Scorpion’s premium offerings. Peeling open the box I knew things were about to get really happy, sometimes you can just tell. The protective bag is extra thick and cushioned. Surrounding the helmet, I found an additional pinlock visor in a nice protective sleeve, and what is this? Pinlock inserts actually included?
Oh, you are winning me over Scorpion.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Features
A feature-packed helmet: 95%
Being a premium Scorpion helmet I was expecting it to be the latest in helmet technology and the EXO-ST1400 delivered.
Taking me all the way back to my Reebok Pump days, the EXO-ST1400 has inflatable cheek pads for a custom fit. With a squishy ball tucked into the lower front center of the facemask, a couple of pumps quickly filled the cheek pads for a secure fit. Next to the pump is a push-button release for quick deflation. As much as I want to call it a gimmick, it worked flawlessly to lock the helmet into a perfect fit on my head.
The Kwikwick® III liner is soft and held up very well against my not-so-soft beard, thanks to decent ventilation it remained dry and cool on my head, with only a few hot sweaty spots forming near my ears where the airflow tends to be weakest. Fully removable, washable, and replaceable, the liner stayed fresh feeling and smelling after roughly 10 hours of hot riding.
The liner design also incorporates what Scorpion calls KwikFit® 3D, basically it is intelligent and comfortable spacing for your eyeglasses. I tried with my sunglasses and it certainly made it a non-issue to take the glasses on and off.
Scorpion has done a great job with their visor materials, I found the optics to be first-rate through my full field of view. With both the integrated sun visor and the clear visor down, the view was free from annoying internal reflections and distortion. Thoughtfully Scorpion not only provides the pinlock visor in the box but also the inserts.
No top-end helmet would be complete without some thought going into accommodations for a communication system. Scorpion provides space enough for 40mm speakers and the neck roll and liner are easy to work with, making the installation of a UClear Motion 6 system quick and painless.
Resin-infused TCT-U™ 3K carbon fiber shell. 3-Shell sizes for a precision fit
CAD-refined aerodynamics for a smoother, quieter, and more stable ride.
Aero-tuned ventilation via adjustable dual ram-air intakes, and spoiler integrated exhaust.
AirFit® inflation adjustment system.
Fully removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick® III interior absorbs and dissipates odor and humidity.
Comm-Ready speaker pockets.
KwikFit® 3D sculpted cheek pads accommodate eyeglasses.
SpeedView® sun visor features 95% UV-A & UV-B protection
EverClear™ no-fog treated face shield with integrated center locking mechanism.
Additional Clear Pinlock® MaxVision shield and Pinlock® anti-fog insert included
EllipTec™ II ratchet system featuring a preset “City Position.”
Included breath deflector and aero skirt. (chin curtain)
DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified / ECE Approved
5-Year Warranty
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Construction
Carbon Fiber Shell, Luxurious Liner, Quality Look And Feel: 90%
The EXO-ST1400 utilizes a carbon fiber composite shell. When bound with plastic polymer resin, layers of carbon fiber material creates a composite that is extremely strong, durable, and lightweight. Carbon composites offer higher strength-to-weight ratios when compared to traditional fiberglass or polycarbonate injected helmet shells.
Coming in at a scant 1,383 grams (3.05 lbs), is an impressive feat considering all that Scorpion has packed into the EXO-ST1400. The outer shell shape has what Scorpion describes as “CAD-refined aerodynamics”, and I found the helmet very stable with no lift or any other strange characteristics at speed. Scorpion’s design philosophy is to offer helmets that are equally functional as they are visually appealing.
Scorpion makes the EXO-ST1400 in 3 shell sizes and is DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified / ECE Approved.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Fit & Comfort
Multiple Shell options, accurate sizing, and general comfort: 90%
The EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine is an intermediate oval helmet, I found the sizing chart to be close. I have a 23.75” head, and I ordered the XL. The Scorpion size chart shows that I should have ordered a Large, but I found the XL to be my correct fit. Over time the padding may settle further, but this is where the Air Fit system will refine the fit and keep the lid secure.
The EXO-ST1400 has a well-formed neck roll and combined with the chin curtain, helped to block out wind noise and keep drafts from creeping up on me. I quite liked the fully removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick® III liner. Comfortable against your skin, it also wicks away sweat very effectively to keep you feeling cool and dry even during intensive use in hot conditions. The fabric looked none the worse for wear from my rough beard, after multiple times on and off my head.
I installed the UClear Motion 6 communication system with a 40mm speaker and the fit into the provided locations was spot on. Routing of the wiring was simple and removal and replacement of the liner was an intuitive process. With speakers in place, there was no added pressure around the side of my head, the location and space provided were well thought out.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Visor & Vision
Great optics and a nice field of view, not a fan of the visor lock: 85%
The eye port design is large and has great site lines. The EXO-ST1400 has a no-fog EverClear™ internal SpeedView® sun visor that provides 95% UV-A & UV-B protection. Optically it is distortion-free and very nice to look through.
The outer EverClear™ no-fog treated face shield also has excellent distortion-free optics and comes fitted with Scorpions EllipTec™ II ratchet system. This 2-axis movement pulls the shield firmly into the eye-port gasket for a strong seal, while a preset “City Position” adjustment provides added airflow for stop-and-go city riding.
This ratchet system is one of my few complaints about the EXO-ST1400. The overall motion isn’t at the level of a Schuberth or Shoei, and when I compare the cost savings I can forgive that, what I cannot get past is the lock system on the visor. Meant to be a one-handed affair, I found this little latch to be a constant struggle. With gloves on or off, it just refused to easily release. I tried my thumb under it and a finger, the force required to get it to release was very frustrating. I would push the chin bar up my face while fighting to get it to open up. A small issue that proved a regular annoyance.
Scorpion includes a Pinlock Maxvision Face Shield and the pinlock insert, which is something I love and was surprised to find on a sub $500 helmet. Well done Scorpion. They also offer 5 different tints for the outer Everclear No-Fog face shield.
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Ventilation
Nice airflow and low fogging: 85%
Overall ventilation was well designed with dual ram-air intakes, and a spoiler exhaust. The vent controls offer two steps for intake volume and did a good job at regulating the airflow without adding additional noise.
The front port did a great job keeping the airflow moving in front of my face without ever having that dry my eyes out feeling. Both the brow and chin ports when closed are whistle-free even at higher speeds (tested for journalistic integrity of course.)
Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Noise Management
Quieter than many helmets: 85%.
The design of the EXO-ST1400 is certainly more sport-minded, so out I went on my 2016 KTM SuperDuke GT. When it comes to really test the quietness of a helmet, I love my Duke. KTM fitted the SuperDuke GT with a small windscreen that does a passable job of keeping the wind load off my chest, but in doing so creates a significant amount of turbulence around my neck.
The Scorpion design really impressed me with the ability of the EXO-ST1400 to provide a good seal around my neck, while still funnelling the air with no feelings of helmet lift. Head turns side to side felt great and free of buffeting, and the lightweight overall meant little stress on my neck.
I have always preferred to ride with earbuds connected to the communication system, but in this helmet, I had installed a UClear Motion 6 with speakers. The EXO-ST1400 without any hearing protection was quiet enough to allow music and phone calls to be heard clearly. I can’t call this Scorpion helmet the quietest I have ever ridden with, but it does a great job suppressing the whistles and leaks, and overall was a pleasure to ride wear.
Verdict
I am impressed Scorpion. I like the styling, the features, the fit, and the weight. Optically it was great to look through.
I am not sure if the AirFit system is a big deal, but it works exactly as intended, and I have a feeling that after one season of riding it would be more noticeable for the ability to maintain a good fit.
I like that the pinlock visor and insert both came in the box. I always use the chin curtain, I like the added wind protection. Scorpion also provides a breath deflector, and I would for sure use it when the temperatures drop back into the visor fog-up zone. Again all thoughtful inclusions from Scorpion.
The latch on the face shield is my only real gripe. Simply put, I think it is a poor design. Pushing up on the latch is meant to pull back the catch mechanism, but what happens is you increase the pressure of the catch against its stop. The result is your kind of work against yourself and it means the release is always compromised and frustrating to open.
When it is closed and secure, it seals well and performs properly, so this frustration is not nearly important enough to prevent my recommending this otherwise excellent helmet.
Priced on Revzilla at $429.95, this for me is a solid buy.
Pros
Very Light at only 1,383 grams
AirFit® custom inflation system
Comm-Ready speaker pockets
Excellent visibility through the visor
FMVSS 218 DOT approved and ECE 2205 certified
Three shell sizes
Integrated SpeedView® Sun Visor
Shipped with additional pinlock visor and pinlock inserts
5-Year Warranty
Excellent price for this level of helmet
Cons
Visor lock hard to operate, and even worse with gloves on
Sunvisor slider action is fussy
I am not a fan of Double D ring straps, give me my ratcheting quick release!
When you’re out riding, you’ll want nothing less than the best gear available. Even if you prefer the wind on your face or an unobstructed view, there’s no denying that there’s nothing safer than a full-face helmet.
There’s no shortage of decent lids available on the market, but they are plenty of substandard helmets still being sold. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve got a list of some of the best full-face helmets you can currently buy, across the full budget spectrum.
Before we jump in and take a look, it’s worth noting how we came to these conclusions.
Firstly, there’s no such thing as a perfect helmet. What works for one rider won’t work for another. Some riders can’t ride with too much wind noise, while others don’t mind it. Some riders wear eyeglasses and need a helmet that accommodates them, while others might have other priorities.
For us, a good helmet is one that is safe, keeps distracting wind noise to the minimum, won’t put too much strain on your neck, and won’t bankrupt you if you invest. Of course, all of the helmets we list are at least DOT certified, generally receive favourable reviews, and try to keep the noise to the minimum where possible! As for the financials, well, the best gear is always the gear you can afford.
The Bell Qualifier has long been one of our favorite budget-friendly full-face helmets. It’s cheap and is an unashamedly “no-frills” lid, but while it lacks in top-end features, it doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to your safety. It’s DOT-approved, has an aerodynamic polycarbonate shell, with ample interior padding, and a D-ring closure strap.
It’s often described as a no-frills helmet, but the Qualifier does have some premium features. These include a removable anti-bacterial liner, contoured padding, adjustable ventilation, ClickRelease tool-free shield swapping technology, an anti-fog visor as standard, and integrated speaker pockets. It even has a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Just know that this is an entry-level helmet for entry-level riding. If you’re planning on undertaking some advanced maneuvers at speed, we recommend that you buy a more appropriate helmet. At high speeds, the Qualifier can get noisy, and in some cases, the visor can lift. However, for something cheap and affordable that you can wear for riding around town, it’s a great value lid.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, quiet, and safety-conscious helmet with great airflow, then the Shoei RF-SR is worth looking at. Shoei is one of the leading names in the motorcycle helmet game, with a proven track record for excellence. The RF-SF continues that trend: it’s a durable helmet that surpasses DOT and SNELL M2015 requirements. Plus, it’s full of top-tier features and functions too.
Handmade in Japan, these helmets feature tough dual-layer EPS liners encased in an aerodynamic shell for optimum impact absorption. The RF-SR is small and lightweight, taking the strain away from your neck and shoulders, and making for a less turbulent ride.
An advanced spring-loaded CWR-1 shield protects the eyes and keeps wind egress and noise to an absolute minimum. Emergency Quick Release System technology, comfort padding, breath guards, and a chin curtain, are all included as standard.
Take note that this helmet is optimized for upright riding rather than bunched-up sport riding. At high-speed, the noise level will become noticeably louder!
The Simpson Ghost Bandit is a full-face helmet with an attention-grabbing design, top-level features, and a great safety record. It’s DOT and ECE certified with a tough yet lightweight composite shell, but it has a design that’s chock full of attitude. It offers the perfect balance of protection and style, without compromising either of the two.
Now, you should never buy a helmet solely based on how good it looks. That’s a fact. This one just happens to look great and tick all the right boxes. It features a removable anti-bacterial liner, a drop-down sun visor, tool-free shield removal, and serious ventilation.
The dual chin vents are adjustable and work with the top and rear vents to promote airflow. There are removable air dams to help cut-down noise, but we do have to say that this helmet can get noisy at high speed. It’s a shame because this helmet has it all—it even has integrated speaker and microphone pockets, which is something that should be standard these days but isn’t. If the price was lower, or the noise problem wasn’t so bad at 60+ mph, this would be one of the best helmets out there.
HJC’s helmets are often included in these kinds of lists because of their cheaper, budget-friendly models. This time, we’ve decided to include the RPHA 70 ST Carbon series. It’s not a budget helmet, but it’s also not a premium model either. For a mid-range helmet, it offers great value for money and impressive protection. Naturally, it’s DOT-approved and features many advanced safety features.
The helmet uses P.I.M Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus) technology which uses a blend of carbon fiber and carbon-glass hybrid fabric for the outer shell. On the inside, the RPHA features an anti-bacterial moisture-wicking liner with removable cheek and crown pads. The HJ-26 anti-fog shield can be swapped without tools, and a separate tinted sun-shield is also included.
Ventilation is good on this HJC< with intake and exhaust vents and a rear vent switch. Unfortunately, this helmet can get loud when you’re gunning it. For most riders, this won’t be a problem, but if you plan on taking advantage of the HJC’s speaker pockets take note of the sound issue.
The wind noise is a negative point, but the overall quality of this helmet for the price cancels it out.
AGV is widely regarded as one of the best helmet manufacturers in the game, and the Italian brand’s Corsa R helmet is one of their best. Ideal for street riders and track racers alike, the Corsa R is professional-grade hardware. Though it’s a step-down from the brand’s flagship Pista range, the Corsa offers many of the same features in a more affordable package.
Built using a combination of carbon fiber and aramid, with a tough multi-density EPS liner, the Corsa R can withstand shock and impacts, but without weighing heavily on your head. It’s lightweight, weighing 3.45 lbs, but packs heavyweight features.
Inside, there’s an intelligent integrated ventilation system to promote airflow, adjustable vents, removable cheek pads, and a reversible helmet liner. The face shield makes a perfect seal with the helmet, and it’s locked in place with a dual-purpose locking system. It’s not a noisy helmet, but it does have a negative point: replacement visors can be quite expensive!
The Bell Star was an instant icon when it first arrived on the scene. Now, we have the updated version of that classic lid, but this time with added MIPS. MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a special layer in a helmet between the shell and the EPS liner that reduces impact and rotational forces from damaging the brain. What could make the Bell Star even better? Having MIPS installed, that’s what.
Aside from the MIPS, the Bell Star uses a Tri-matrix composite shell made from Aramid, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Inside, it features an advanced X-Static silver liner that provides top-level odor and bacteria protection. What we love about this helmet is that it’s eyewear friendly, with small recesses in the interior foam that can accommodate the arms of eyeglasses.
It can also accommodate communication devices thanks to the integrated speaker pockets and uses an advanced Panovision face shield with Class 1 optics. It also exceeds SNELL M2015 and DOT requirements.
Take care when ordering one of these though. Sizing it correctly can be difficult, and they have been known to be tight on larger heads.
Nolan’s N87 helmet is a DOT certified lid that has been in the game for a while now, but their MotoGP edition elevates the helmet to a new level. Made from a tough polycarbonate shell, the N87 features an ultra-wide Pinlock-ready face shield, an inner sun shield, Clima-comfort inner liner, and washable contoured cheek pads.
It’s comfortable to wear and easy to operate thanks to Nolan’s Microlock straps. There’s plenty of ventilation too, and with the added AirBooster technology, it rarely fogs up. However, it can get a little noisy when you’re traveling at high speed.
The drop-down sun visor, though rated with 400UV protection, is the only real negative. The deployment and retraction mechanism could be better. Also, the helmet is set up to accommodate Nolan’s N-Com communication system, but it may not accommodate devices from other brands. If communication is important, check that your device fits before pulling the trigger.
Otherwise, this is a comfortable and innovative helmet at an affordable price point.
The Arai Corsair X is a premium helmet that comes in a variety of finishes, with varying price tags. The standard Corsair X is remarkably affordable considering the level of engineering and technology involved. Made from Arai’s proprietary PB SNC2, a blend of resin and synthetic fibers, the shell is strong and tough, and designed to protect against direct impacts as well as “glancing” impacts too.
To do this, Arai uses a design that redirects energy rather than absorbs it. It’s one of many advanced features in this full-face helmet. On the inside, the helmet has an Eco-Pure Liner for antibacterial and comfort purposes, advanced ventilation for optimized airflow, peel away padding that can be removed in an emergency, and speaker pockets.
The face shield is an anti-fog VAS MAX Vision unit, held in place using a Variable Axis System powered shield pivot. It also included a special shield latch that prevents unexpected opening and keeps noise penetration to a minimum. The VAS system is one of the best features of this helmet, making for intuitive face shield operation when riding.
Unfortunately, it does have a high price tag, even more so if you invest in a race-replica paint job. But, if you can afford it, it’s one of the best tools for the job.
