Our picks are based on helmets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price. Part-1 of this article helmet prices range from $159.00 to $1,749.00.
HJC i10, price $159.00, where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. The HJC i10 returns to the recommended list because of three main factors. The first is that the helmet is well under $200, and for that price it is an absolutely ludicrous bargain. This helmet should, realistically, be in the $300+ range, but HJC has steadfastly kept it down at $160 to make sure that all who want the helmet can buy it. The second main factor is that this helmet is the result of thousands of hours of research, design, testing, and real-world data gained from MotoGP and WorldSBK HJC helmets. The result is an amazingly aggressive, yet sleek helmet with a high-quality composite shell and race-grade EPS lining and padding inside. The third reason is that despite the price, in all shell sizes bar 3XL, the HJC i10 is fully SNELL M2020 rated, and to this day is the least expensive helmet to carry that rating. SNELL rated helmets are needed to attend many track days around North America, and they must be able to withstand impact forces at race speeds. This helmet meets those criteria. This helmet, as long as it remains on the market, is an absolute bargain and deserves to be on the helmet shelf of any sport rider.
Scorpion EXO-T520, price $199.00, where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles. Part of the company’s well-known “trickle down” effect, the T520 incorporates all the best parts of the top-tier EXO-R1 and EXO-ST1400 helmets, but at an affordable price for most riders. The shell shape is an aggressive but smooth swoop, feeding the aterederodynamically tuned top ventilation ram-air intakes. The visor includes the Ellip-Tec II ratchet pull system from the higher end helmets, which pulls the visor back into the visor port gasket when fully closed. The helmet also features the innovative AirFit system from the EXO-R1 Air models, which ensure a tight but comfortable fit for every ride. The Scorpion EXO-T520 is DOT and ECE 22.05 certified.
LS2 Arrow EVO, price $279.00 ($449 for Carbon version), where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. The Arrow EVO is the most recent full-face helmet from the Spanish helmet maker LS2. The interesting thing about the helmet is that it has the specs and performance of a mid-range, but sneaks into the entry level range in terms of pricing. The shell is made from HPFC (High-Performance Fiberglass Composite), keeping the shell strong but light. This is backed by multi-layer, multi-density EPS foam, over which laser cut and motorsports-oriented pads and lining sit. The biggest feature of the Arrow EVO is its very aerodynamic shape, reducing noise while also preventing buffeting of your head in windy conditions. The LS2 Arrow EVO carries a full DOT and ECE 22.05 certification.
HJC RPHA70, price $282.00 ($439.00 for Carbon version) where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. The RPHA70 is HJC’s latest offering in the mid-range segment, and it definitely punches above its weight (and price). It brings a lot of value, with an included anti-fog insert, an integrated sunshade, and excellent ventilation. It’s hard to beat a combination like that.
AGV K6, price $349.00 – $549.00 where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. The AGV K6 is a force to be reckoned with, by virtue of its carbon fiber construction in the sub-$500 price range, as well as having DOT and ECE certification. This helmet, despite its wickedly rigid construction, weighs in at just 2.95 lb. That’s lighter than some of the best open-faced helmets available.
Nexx X.WST2, price $399.00 ($499 for Carbon version) where to buy: RevZilla / Amazon. A lot of helmets out there on the market are aimed at sports riders, retro and neo-retro riders, ADV riders, and the like. For the longest time, no one seemed to be focusing on the sport touring rider, and Nexx decided to fix that with the X Wild Street Touring 2, or X.WST2 for short. A true mid-range helmet, the shell of the X.WST2 is made of interwoven fiberglass, organic 3D fibers, aramid, and carbon fiber, which makes the helmet extremely resilient. The shell, while having what seem to be sharp angles, has been tuned to keep your head as stable as possible in the airflow while riding, and preventing lift or dip on the helmet. A fully removable padding and liner system helps air out the helmet after a ride. As the helmet is meant for sport touring, a drop-down sun visor behind the main visor is included. The Nexx X.WST2 helmet carries DOT certification.
Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon, price $549 where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. Scorpion USA released the EXO-R1 Air helmet as a street-going homologation version of their EXO-R1 GP MotoGP and WorldSBK competition helmets. These helmets received rave reviews and very little, if anything, was found to be wrong with them, unless you got extremely nitpick-y. The EXO-R1 Air Carbon takes the same design of the EXO-R1 and replaces the fiberglass and aramid weave with full 3K carbon fiber weave construction. This is the same grade carbon fiber specification that is used in aircraft manufacturing, so it is extremely strong, yet flexible enough to dissipate some impact force all on its own. The helmet combines that with a very quiet shell shape that literally cuts the air more than ramming into it, and one of the largest visors you can get on the market today. The ventilation system, while simple, is extremely effective, and the AirFit inflatable cheek pad system ensures you have a tight but comfortable fit, every ride. The R1 Air Carbon carries DOT and ECE 22.05 certifications.
Shoei RF1400, price $579 where to buy: Motodracing.com/ RevZilla /J&P Cycles / Amazon. The RF1400 is the follow up to the highly rated and well-loved RF1200. Shoei really did their homework when designing the RF1400, and it has improved aerodynamics and a quieter experience. Part of this is down to shaping the air travelling around the helmet, and part of it is with reworking the shell and EPS lining. The biggest change in terms of noise are the ventilation cover sliders, which are much more aerodynamic than the ones on the previous helmet. This cuts down on any chances of interference whistling, as air will flow over the new sliders instead of being forced into a vortex that would create high pitched noise. On top of it all, the RF1400 has full SNELL M2020 certification and a superb UK SHARP 4-star rating.
Arai Quantum-X, price $657-$719 where to buy: RevZilla / Amazon. Constructed using the latest in carbon-fiber technology and developed through extensive wind tunnel and track testing, the Race Star’s design features a superlight 3K Carbon Shell, Raceview ergonomics for unmatched visibility, and the three-layer Flex Impact Liner to manage slow, mid, and high energy impacts. The Panavision viewport provides excellent visibility even in a full tucked position, and the photochromatic visor will automatically adjust to changing light conditions. This is the pinnacle of Bell helmets, the full trim package with every option they offer. Well worth the dollars for the level of function and safety provided.
Arai Signet-X, price $699 where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. For years now, the Arai Signet-X (or QV-Pro in the EU) has been one of the, if not the, top rated long-oval helmet. End of story. With the helmet still maintaining its excellent handmade fiberglass and aramid weave shell. The helmet has a slightly redone layering of the EPS (adding slightly more temple protection), but otherwise it has not changed all that much since its original release. The Signet-X has full SNELL M2020 and M2020b certification and is one of the very few full-face helmets to receive a perfect 5 star score from UK SHARP labs.
Bell Race Star Flex DLX RSD The Zone, price $782 where to buy: RevZilla / Amazon. Constructed using the latest in carbon-fiber technology and developed through extensive wind tunnel and track testing, the Race Star’s design features a superlight 3K Carbon Shell, Raceview ergonomics for unmatched visibility, and the three-layer Flex Impact Liner to manage slow, mid, and high energy impacts. The Panavision viewport provides excellent visibility even in a full tucked position, and the photochromatic visor will automatically adjust to changing light conditions. This is the pinnacle of Bell helmets, the full trim package with every option they offer. Well worth the dollars for the level of function and safety provided.
The AGV Pista GP RR Futuro Forgiato price $1,381 – $1,925 where to buy: RevZilla / J&P Cycles / Amazon. An exact replica of helmets worn by world championship racers. It meets stringent FIM Racing Homologation standards and provides the highest level of protection, even against glancing impacts that can cause rotational motion. The forged carbon fiber shell comes in 4 shell sizes to provide optimum fit at any size. Everything about this lid is meant to provide optimum performance at high speed in a full tuck. The finely tuned shape is aggressive but retains excellent sightlines out and is quite stable even in buffeting air. It does not get any better for the rider seeking the ultimate performance, pedigree, and style.
