This motorcycle helmet buying guide will help you choose whatever your budget and riding type

A helmet has one job and is designed to do it exactly once. But there’s dozens of different ways to accomplish this. Whether you’re hitting triple digits at the track or tackling muddy ruts in the woods, there’s an ideal helmet for you and your wallet. That last part is important. While a $1,000 carbon fiber helmet is ideal, the biggest safety dividend a helmet offers is wearing one, period. Budget motorbike helmets can offer many of the benefits and protection of expensive ones.

Laws vary from state to state, but only three states have no motorcycle helmet laws: Iowa, Illinois and New Hampshire. All reputable research and/or data show that helmets save lives and minimize brain injuries. We love freedom of choice, but we’ll live and ride longer if said choice is between the thousands of fine helmets available to every kind of rider.

Important note: once a helmet has been in any sort of accident, it’s time for a new one. The shell and liner are designed to work once. Even low-speed incidents can compromise a helmet’s integrity.  

Types of motorcycle helmets

All helmets have this in common  – a hard outer shell with an impact-absorbing liner, a chin strap and some kind of view. But after that, it all depends on you, your ride and where you’re riding.

Sportbike helmets are aerodynamic and designed to be stable at high speed and often feature high protective qualities.  

Sport-touring helmets take the sporty designs and add more creature comforts for long days in the saddle.

Helmet selection for sale

Adventure helmets incorporate a peak to protect riders from branches or debris, often with visors shielding your eyes from the sun. 

Retro helmets borrow style inspiration from the past but incorporate the latest safety tech available.

Flip-front, urban or open-face helmets offer solutions to riding with your face exposed with various levels of safety added.

Know what type of helmet you want? Jump to the relevant section below, otherwise keep reading.


How to choose the right motorbike helmet for you

Michael Neeves puts on an Arai Tour-X 4 helmet

Motorcycle helmets need to do two things: protect your head from high speed foreign objects and absorb blunt force impact. They do this via a hard outer shell that absorbs impact across its entire surface, while a deformable inner layer acts as a cushion or crumple zone. Fiberglass, polycarbonate or carbon fiber are typical materials for the outer construction, while expanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used for the inner.

There’s more. Many helmets have a multi-directional impact system (MIPS) which offers additional protection by allowing the inner lining to move independently, reducing rotational injuries. Some helmets also have an emergency quick-release system (EQRS), which allows emergency responders to withdraw the cheek pads while the helmet is still being worn, making removal easier and safer.

Three helmet ratings to consider

ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe, and is the universal requirement in Europe. It’s also a commonly used worldwide safety standard. ECE offers some of the most thorough and comprehensive safety ratings for helmets. Testing methods include impact with curbstone, as well as flat and sloping anvils. ECE testing requires batch testing before sale, meaning the helmets tested come from the same production run as store-bound helmets. This helps detect any potential manufacturing defect. An ECE-rated helmet will cover the legal bases all around the world. The most current rating standard is ECE 22.06, which recently replaced ECE 22.05 helmets in July 2023. You will usually find the ECE rating on a tag on the chin strap.

Opinions vary, but Snell ratings are widely respected and are similar to ECE ratings. Derived from the non-profit Snell Memorial foundation, Snell certification is voluntary, but is a sought-after certification for performance-minded helmets.

Snell tests whether chin straps hold fast to a rider’s head, whether face shields shatter and many G’s the shell allows during rapid deceleration. This is done with edged, flat and hemispheric anvils. Snell testing is updated every 5 years, with M2025 (for the year 2025) being the most current safety rating, updated from M2020. A Snell rating is good for 12 years and can usually be found on a sticker on the back of a helmet. 

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) mandates DOT certification for all helmets sold in the U.S.A. As such, a DOT rating certifies a helmet meets the minimum safety requirements. Testing is conducted randomly, so the most recent “DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED” rating does carry some weight. Said designation dates to 2013, to be clear.

DOT standards emphasize visibility and strength of materials, but not necessarily overall helmet design. “Skid lids” and “pudding bowl” style helmets can earn a DOT sticker, despite their lack of relative protection. At the very least, any helmet you consider buying must have a DOT sticker.

On the subject of protection, consider adding earplugs to your gear. Wind and exhaust noise at highway speed can actually damage your hearing. Even the most inexpensive earplugs offer protection.


Watch this video on how to get a helmet that fits correctly:


Adventure bike helmets

Riding a Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America in an ADV helmet

Adventure bike helmets (often called ADV helmets) resemble motocross or off-road helmets, but with added creature comforts for all-day touring. You get healthy air flow, practicality and the sun protection of MX helmets, but with linings and fitment similar to sport or touring helmets.

Adventure helmets often come with an off-road inspired peak, or bill, to keep the sun out of your eyes plus deflect branches or debris on trails. If you don’t have a windscreen, this peak creates turbulence and will strain your neck on sustained highway rides, so make sure it’s removable. 

Many adventure helmets let you choose between goggles or a visor. Goggles improve air flow and can keep you cooler, but visors are better at highway speeds. It’s always good to have options.

Check out some of the best ADV helmet options we’ve tested recently:

Price: $839.95 - $849.95
Tested by Justin Hayzelden for 3100 miles

"The Arai XD-5 is a well constructed, comfortable and versatile helmet. It brings together some of the best features of the current range, such as the RX-7’s visor system, Quantic’s logo vent and Profile V’s wider base, along with improvements of its own, to stand as a testament to the company’s commitment to safety through measured evolution.

"With the peak fitted the XD-5 is ideal for adventure touring, boasting ample room to flip the visor up and wear goggles if needs be, and with it removed makes a smart and practical alternative to a traditional full-face lid. In a previous review I said that the XD-4 could be the only lid you’ll ever need, but with its quick-change visor, improved shape and enhanced ventilation, the XD-5 takes that versatility to the next level."

Read our full Arai XD-5 review (UK name is Tour-X 5)

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Wide field of vision
  • Easy visor change
  • Excellent ventilation
  • High build quality
  • Adjustable fit

Cons

  • Cheek pads are a little too 'Velcro friendly'
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Visor
    5.0
  • Ventilation
    5.0
  • Noise
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 1,700 grammes
Construction Complex fibre laminate
Chin strap type D ring
Intercom ready Yes
Drop down sun visor No
Pinlock Yes
Interior Fully removable, moisture wicking and washable
Warranty 5 years
Safety standard ECE 22.06
  • Adaptive fit
  • Removable peak
  • Adjustable peak
  • Quick release visor
  • Fully removable and washable moisture wicking liner
  • Speaker cavities
  • Pinlock included
  • Adjustable vents
Tested by Justin Hayzelden for four months

"It’s taken seven years for the latest version of NEXX’s adventure lid to reach the shelves and I was really keen to find out if the wait for the X.WED3 had been worth it? Well, first off, fit is absolutely bang on. I take a medium and it slipped comfortably onto my noggin without any need for adjustment.

"The interior padding is soft to the touch has a plush, cushioned feel to it, with plenty of spring in the foam to keep it snugged against your head without any undue pressure. I’ve spent many a full day riding around the back roads and byways of Norfolk, and it’s barely been off my head for more than then the few minutes it takes to scarf a snack or glug some fluids. I’ve not once felt the need to remove it to give my skull a break.

"The visor mechanism deserves a special mention, in particular the way it locks in the fully open and closed positions. Springs at either side pull its locator lugs firmly into deep detents, which in the open position prevents it from shutting unexpectedly, very handy if you’re on rough terrain and want to maintain maximum airflow, and when closed it increases pressure on the weather seal, effectively rendering it watertight. Despite riding regularly in near monsoon conditions and incessant truck spray on the A47 (such are the joys of a UK spring) it hasn’t sprung a leak anywhere.

"If there’s one thing the X.WED3 is not short of, it’s ventilation. The frontal area has seven separate adjustable vents, and when you have them all open at once, you can literally feel the wind in your hair. The top three have a tendency to whistle, but the intensity varies depending on screen and riding position.

"Skye Boat Song aside, it is noticeably quiet in general use. Construction includes a rubber gasket between the EPS and outer shell designed to soak up any vibrations from turbulent air, and it certainly seems to work. The peak also has rubber mountings to prevent resonance from buffeting.
My only real issue is the weight. It tips our scales at 1.92 kg and that’s a lot of bulk to carry on your bonce. It’s biased towards the front too, causing it to pull your chin down before lift from the peak takes over. Oh, and the chin strap is way too long. This can easily get twisted and cause its padded outer sheath to bunch up under the chin.

"Build quality is of a high standard, and it does feel like a lot of helmet for the money, especially as it comes with goodies such as GoPro mounts and a spare smoked visor. With a five year extended warranty available, the X.WED3 is worth considering for an all round adventure touring lid – as long as you can live with the weight."

Read our full Nexx X.Wed3 review

Pros

  • Quiet with or without peak
  • Well integrated comms
  • Excellent ventilation

Cons

  • Chin strap too long
  • Ventilation ports can whistle
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Visor
    5.0
  • Ventilation
    5.0
  • Noise
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 1790g
Construction Multi-composite fibre shell
Chin strap type Double D-ring
Intercom ready Yes
Drop down sun visor Yes
Pinlock Yes (included)
Interior Soft anti-sweat and anti-allergic fabric inner lining
Shell sizes 3 (XXS-S, M-L, XL-XXXL)
Warranty Two years
Safety standard ECE 22.06
  • High-impact carbon fibre shell
  • Fast release system allows for easy removal and cleaning of the full interior
  • Soft-touch X-Mart Dry fabrics that keep the interior cool and dry
  • Synthetic leather lining with large ventilation mesh panels
  • Anti-vibration EPS helps reduce turbulent air at high speeds
  • X-Foam crash bumpers at the base of the chin and sides help absorb energy in the event of an off
  • Removable peak, with 3 levels of adjustment
  • Retractable large inner sun visor
  • Spring-loaded visor recoil system gives a perfect airtight seal
  • Pinlock insert included in the box
  • 7 air intake vents and 4 exhaust outlet
  • Double D ring strap with magnetic button closure
  • Integrated goggle strap holder
  • X-COM3 series can be fully integrated into the helmet (not included)

Sportsbike and naked helmets

Sportbike helmets are designed with aerodynamics and high speeds in mind. They’re also ideal for naked bikes without windscreens. They’ll have a large field of vision for track use with generous sight lines at the top, so you can see where you’re going, even in a racing tuck.

Many sportbike helmets are top-of-the-line flagship models, with FIM-homologated versions (certified for race use) that can cost upwards of $1000. But plenty of great options exist at lower price points, too. Graphics and design will add to price, so shop accordingly. 

Have a look at sportbike helmets we’re impressed with:

Price: $929.99 - $949.99

Tested by Michael Neeves for 14 months and 3000 miles

"Shoei’s X-15 is pricey, but worth every penny. It’s light, comfortable, superbly vented and slips through the air quietly and with complete stability, making it easy to wear for long periods, especially at track speeds. 

"I’m a medium and it fits well out of the box, but I’ve taken advantage of Shoei’s Personal Fitting Service, who’ve added extra padding for a perfect fit. It isn’t a service widely available yet but keep an eye on their website for updates.

"It also has a flawlessly applied Rich-Art paintjob. Best of all when you see Marc Marquez consistently walking away from huge crashes wearing a Shoei X-15 helmet (and the previous versions) it gives you the utmost confidence wearing it."

Read our full Shoei X-15 review (UK name is X-SPR Pro)

Pros

  • Lightweight and stable, ideal for high speeds and long distances
  • Excellent field of vision with high-quality, scratch-resistant visors
  • Superb ventilation, especially effective in hot conditions
  • Quiet compared to similar racing helmets, reducing fatigue

Cons

  • Visor can be tricky to open
  • Interior lacks the plush feel of some competitors, such as Arai helmets
  • Plastic chin vents can become misaligned and feel less durable
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Visor
    4.0
  • Ventilation
    5.0
  • Noise
    4.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 1450g
Construction Multi composite
Chin strap type Double-D ring
Intercom ready? Yes
Drop down sun visor? No
Pinlock? Yes
Interior Fully removable, adjustable and washable
Shell sizes Four shell sizes: XS - XXL
Warranty Five years
Sharp score N/A
  • Removable cheek pads for customisable fit
  • Benefits from Shoei's Personal Fitting Service for tailored padding adjustments
  • Equipped with multiple vents including double chin vents and three top head vents
  • Meets the ECE 22.06 and FIM safety standards
Tested by Ben Clarke for one year and 4000 miles

"The Bell Race Star DLX Flex is an impressive bit of kit. It’s well-designed, lightweight, comfortable and looks fantastic. It’s a true fit and forget lid, you know that you can pull it on for any journey and you’ll be well-looked after and comfortable whatever the conditions.

"The Protint reactive visor works brilliantly almost all of the time and means you never have to think about carrying a second or when you’re going to swap it. Small touches like the magnetic clasp for tidying the slack in the double-D ring strap leave you wondering why everyone doesn’t do that – and I’ll curse the next helmet I test for not having it."

Read our full Bell Race Star DLX Flex review

Pros

  • Big emphasis on safety
  • Antibacterial liner
  • Carbon shell
  • Cool designs available

Cons

  • Protint visor is good but could be better
  • Not the best ventilation I’ve experienced
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Visor
    4.0
  • Ventilation
    4.0
  • Noise
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 1560g (Large)
Construction Carbon fibre
Chinstrap Double-D ring
Intercom ready Yes
Drop-down sun visor No
Pinlock No (not needed)
Interior Flex impact liner
Shell sizes Five
Warranty Five years
Safety standard ECE 22.06
  • Flex impact liner
  • Magnetic chinstrap tidy
  • ProTint visor
  • Cool Jade lining
  • Chin, brow and top vents
  • Subtle but sporty aero wing
  • Fasthouse design

Retro helmets

Classic or vintage helmets look cool, but unfortunately come with “classic safety”. Helmet materials degrade over time and offer much less protection than modern variants. But new retro helmets let you have it both ways—classic style with cutting edge materials and safety ratings. It’s a growing category that serves the recurring popularity of vintage bikes. 

Look for old school styling, traditional livery or even hand-crafted custom models, but with modern safety standards. 

Changes in taste and passing trends mean that some retro helmets models get discontinued, meaning there’s deals to be had on existing stock. If you want the most recent safety ratings, double-check the ECE or Snell ratings.

These are the best retro helmets we’ve worn recently:

Tried and tested by Simon Relph for three years and 2,500 miles

"I bought the original back in 1983 and still have it today, even though the lining has begun to disintegrate, I just can’t bear to get rid of it. The modern-day Bell Moto 3 is almost an exact replica, with the exception of the long peak which is now opaque black, as opposed to the original which was a black tint allowing you to see through it.

A comfortable, nothrills helmet with a double D-ring chinstrap, it has a good-size aperture for pretty much any make of goggles. The eight vents in the chin piece give plenty of ventilation and the fine mesh stops any foreign bodies. The liner is soft and comfortable, but the best bit is that it’s removable and washable – perfect when you have been sweating your cobs off riding off-road all day. A thing of beauty."

Pros

  • Faithful replica but with modern updates
  • Soft and comfortable removable liner
  • Great ventilation with mesh filters
  • Oh so stylish looks and a range of colours/designs available

Cons

  • Noisy and blustery on the bike
  • No visor so you need to wear eye protection of some kind
  • No space for intercom speakers
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
Construction Composite fibreglass construction
Chinstrap type Double-D
Type Full face Retro
Warranty 5 years
  • Front chin vents with metal mesh intake
  • EPS-lined chin bar
  • Removable and washable liner
  • Secure five snap visor
Tested Ben Clarke for six months and 600 miles

"If the looks are up your street and you’re looking for something to wear predominantly in spring through to autumn, the HJC V10 is a great option. It may not have the lustre and premium feel of more expensive helmets but for the asking price, it’s a really good quality option.

"I wouldn’t feel short changed if I spent my own money on one and when you add in the warranty and the fact the Pinlock is included, it seems an even sweeter deal. I do still have my reservations about using it in very hot weather and will report back later in the year on that front."

Read our full HJC V10 review

Pros

  • Looks great
  • Retro styling
  • Intercom ready
  • Good paint finish

Cons

  • visor changes takes time
  • Feels slightly budget
  • Tight to put on and off
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Visor
    4.0
  • Ventilation
    3.0
  • Noise
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Fibreglass shell construction
Type Modern with a retro feel
Chinstrap type Chinstrap type
CE Rating ECE 22.06
Warrranty 3 years
  • Emergency release cheek pads
  • Detachable and washable interior
  • Bluetooth compatible with Smart HJC (sold separately)
  • Pinlock included

Sports-touring helmets

Taking a cue from sportbike helmets, sports-touring helmets put long-distance comfort and practicality ahead of lap times. Some feature drop-down sun visors, ratchet or seatbelt chin straps instead of double D-ring and integrated intercoms. Aero scoops might be missing, or smaller than pure sportbike lids.

Tested by Ben Clarke for 3 years, 10,000 miles

"This Arai Contour-X looks on the face of it like a pretty normal helmet. The design looks good but is nothing to write home about and there's a new forehead vent combined with the Arai badge but other than that it looks quite unremarkable.

"Where things get interesting, though, is with the ECE marking on the back (said no one ever but bear with me). That's because the Contour-X was the first helmet to meet the new and updated ECE 22.06 safety regulation for helmets.

"At 1600g (large shell size) it's not the lightest helmet out there but this isn't noticeable when you're wearing it. The new ventilation system works really well and keeps you cool even when it's roasting hot. I've used the Contour-X on the road and track and it's really quiet, even at very high speeds. At $889.95, it's not cheap."

Read what other MCN testers have to say in our full Arai Contour-X review (UK name is Quantic)

Pros

  • Modern, low-profile design suitable for sports touring
  • Exceptional fit and comfort from the first wear
  • Features a variety of venting options for increased airflow
  • Quiet performance, especially in sporty riding positions
  • Built-in recesses for speakers and flat areas for device fitment
  • Effective nose and chin visors
  • Comes with a Pinlock anti-fog insert and silicone for visor maintenance
  • Hand-built in Japan with a high-quality finish

Cons

  • Brow vent may produce wind noise in upright positions
  • High price point compared to others on the list
  • Visor can be tricky to open with thick gloves
  • The shell is slightly heavier compared to older models
  • Arai don't add anything seen as a 'concession to safety' so no drop-down sun visor, for example
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Visor
    5.0
  • Ventilation
    5.0
  • Noise
    5.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 1600g
Construction Peripherally Belted e-Complex Laminate
Chin strap type Double D-ring
Intercom ready? Yes
Drop down sun visor? No
Pinlock? Yes
Interior Replaceable brushed nylon liner material
Shell sizes XS-XL
Warranty 7 years from date of manufacture, 5 from purchase
Sharp score N/A
  • Sliding chin and Arai logo brow vents
  • Three-way vent switch in spoiler
  • Emergency release system
  • Wide range of colours and designs

Flip-front helmets

Flip-front or modular helmets are popular with riding instructors and police who need to speak with people while wearing a helmet. A button releases the chin bar and allows you to flip open the front of the helmet.

Recently, many flip-front helmets let you ride with them either open or closed. You get the cooling comfort of an open face in town and the safety of a full-face when you hit the highway. Flip-front helmets are also popular with touring riders for ease of communication with passengers or buying snacks at gas stations without taking the helmet off.

Their downside is that they’re larger and heavier than traditional full-face helmets due to the hinge mechanism, though they’re improving every year. They usually feature more basic color and design options.

Here are some flip-front helmets we really liked:

Price: $549.99 - $564.99
Tested by Ali Silcox for 3 months/2000 miles - "I would strongly recommend this lid, if you are looking for a good quality, comfortable and feature packed flip-front. Flip-front lids are great for touring, and I’ve worn loads over the year. I headed out on a 1600 mile round trip for the first wear of this lid, that is the confidence I had in the brand and I wasn’t disappointed. Padding is soft and plush, it shows no signs of wear plus it’s retained the new helmet smell, even after sweating, getting stuck in torrential rain and riding for ten hours a day.

This has all the practical elements that I’ve come to expect. The drop-down sun-visor is easy to operate, via a lever on the left underside of the helmet and the visor is sufficiently tinted to be of use. There’s a Pinlock anti-fog insert, which is essential for year-round riding."

Read our full HJC RPHA 91 review

Pros

  • Comfortable from the off
  • Good ventilation

Cons

  • Quite pricey
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight Unknown
Construction Carbon-aramid hybrid and natural fibre shell
Chin strap type Quick release
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Warranty 5 years
Safety Standard ECE 22.06
  • Flip-front helmet with full front-to-back airflow
  • Pinlock anti-fog insert
  • Anti-scratch coated visor
  • Drop-down sun visor
  • Glasses grooves
  • Removable and washable interior
  • Quick release closure
Tested by Gareth Evans for 12 months/5,000 miles - "This is a high-quality, feature-rich lid with plenty to recommend it as an ownership proposition, including a brilliant comms system integration and the five-year warranty. It isn’t perfect; I’d like slightly higher quality-feeling materials for the money, but overall I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

The marketing bumpf does claim superior aerodynamic properties for this lid, and they claim it’s very quiet, but in fairness this is borne out by my experience. It’s a quiet helmet at most speeds, and clearly the design features a number of attributes aimed at smoothing airflow. As you’d expect for a lid with integrated communications systems, they perform flawlessly, with perfect sound quality for listening to music or using the phone."

Read our full Schuberth E2 review

Pros

  • Loads of features
  • Comfortable
  • Prepared for impressive comms system
  • Five-year warranty

Cons

  • Quality of some materials leaves a little to be desired
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Visor
    5.0
  • Ventilation
    5.0
  • Noise
    5.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Weight 1695g (or 1850g with comms system)
Construction Composite
Chin strap type Quick release
Intercom ready? Yes
Drop down sun visor? Yes
Pinlock? Yes
Interior Removable
Shell sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Warranty Five-year
Safety standard ECE 22.06

Urban helmets

If you don’t ride highway miles or have a large displacement motorcycle, open-face or jet helmets are an acceptable alternative to full-face helmets. While they don’t offer protection to your jaw line, they are better than wearing nothing at all. Scooter riders are notorious for “riding commando”, so any helmet usage is highly encouraged on their part.

American cruiser riders often prefer open face helmets as well, as they satisfy the base legal requirements in states with helmet laws, meaning most states. They’re very comfortable in hot weather, but the downside is obvious. Accident safety is a science, but to state the obvious, you generally fall forward in the direction of your face.


How do I choose the right size motorbike helmet?

A correct fit is crucial. Too loose and it could come off in an accident. Too tight and it will quickly become an uncomfortable distraction, affecting concentration and giving you a headache. A helmet should be just snug, moving with your head without discomfort.

You can measure your head above the ears and around the forehead to get a correct size, usually measured in centimeters. But the best way is to shop in person and try some on. There’s a healthy range of shell sizes to suit different size heads, as well as liners and cheek pads to achieve a full custom fit. The ideal motorcycle helmet is one you love wearing.

FAQ’S

What’s the best type of strap?

There are three main types—double D-ring, ratchet clasp or a car seatbelt style clip and catch. All meet the required safety standards, so ultimately it’s personal preference.

A double D-ring is the classic, time-tested strap. With no moving parts, it’s simple and remains the standard at top levels of bike sport. 

A ratchet clasp is similar to the double D-ring. You tighten it to suit every time, but some find the clasp simpler to undo. 

The seat belt type has to be adjusted to fit once, involving some trial and error. But when figured out, you just “click it” and press a button to release.

What’s the right strap fit? 

Make sure you can slip two fingers between the strap and your jaw. Any more and you’ll restrict breathing or blood flow. Any less and your helmet might not stay on if (and when) you go down.

Which helmets are rated by MCN?

MCN’s expert road testers have a wealth of experience in testing every aspect of motorcycle kits and have put a huge variety of helmets through their paces. Here’s our pick from each category – you can find more options plus in-depth reviews by clicking on the relevant links.


How MCN tested these helmets

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

We’ve worn these tested helmets for hundreds or thousands of miles on MCN test bikes and we ride in all weathers and conditions, too. We’ll never recommend a helmet we wouldn’t put our own head in!

If you can’t see a review against a helmet on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These helmets will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more about our kit testing, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

About the testers

Justin Hayzelden – MCN’s Products Editor and resident bike kit guru, Justin has covered hundreds of thousands of miles on two wheels both at work and in his personal life. In this page, he tested the Arai Tour-X 5 and Nexx X.Wed3 adventure helmets.

Michael Neeves – MCN Chief Road Tester, ‘Neevesy’ has ridden almost every new bike for more than a decade on multiple continents. He needs kit he can trust to do the the job – whatever the conditions. For this page he tested the Shoei X-SPR Pro.

Ben Clarke – Deputy Head of Digital, Ben has worked at MCN since 2018 testing bikes and kit every opportunity he gets. For this page he tested a Bell Race Star DLX Flex, Shoei Ex-Zero, Arai Quantic and HJC V10.

Gareth Evans – Head of Digital, Gareth made the switch from four wheels to two in 2019 and has never looked back (apart from when he’s racing classic cars…). For this page he tested the Shoei NXR2.

Saffron Wilson – Staff Writer, Saffron covers thousands of miles in all weathers getting the latest news and features for the paper. For this page she tested a Shoei J-O.


Our scores explained

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

  • 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
  • 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
  • 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
  • 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.