The Five Best Full Face Motorcycle Helmets Money Can Buy

The open road might be thrilling, but it can be dangerous too. To get the thrills without the spills, you’ll need to invest in hardware that’s up to the challenge. When it comes to safety, there’s nothing like a full-face helmet. But while there’s no end of lids on the market, not all of them make the grade. If you want to keep yourself safe, comfortable, and protected, don’t miss our round-up of the five best full-face motorcycle helmets money can buy.

5. AGV Corsa R Motorcycle Helmet

Named by motorbikewriter.com as one of the best full-face motorcycle helmets of 2021, the AGV Corsa R offers superb protection at a very reasonable price. AGV is widely recognized for the quality of its hardware, and while the AGV Corsa R might not have all the bells and whistles of its flagship Pista range, it still delivers a ton of goodies. With a shell consisting of a combination of carbon fiber and aramid and a liner made from multi-density EPS, this is a durable, tough helmet that’s built to take knocks. Yet for all its hardiness, it’s remarkably lightweight, weighing in at just 3.45 lbs. Internally, there’s a clutch of features designed to offer outstanding comfort, including an intelligent integrated ventilation system for enhanced airflow, removable cheek pads, a reversible helmet liner, and adjustable vents. If you’re looking for something that offers outstanding protection at a very affordable price point, it’s a sound option.

4. HJC CL-MAX 3 Full Face Flip-Up Motorcycle Helmet

As Outside Pursuits notes, HJC has a reputation for producing good quality, budget-friendly helmets that offer excellent protection without breaking the bank. In that, the HJC CL-MAX 3 Full Face Flip-Up Motorcycle Helmet is no exception. Straddling the divide between a premium and an entry-level model, it gives an impressive amount of protection at a superb price. DOT approved and packed with advanced features like a lightweight polycarbonate chinbar, an “ACS” advanced channeling ventilation system, Bluetooth capability, and a tool-free shield swap system, it doesn’t scrimp on the detail. Weighing in at 5.2 pounds, it’s not necessarily the most lightweight option around, but it’s not so heavy as to weigh you down. Its chief attraction is its patented ventilation/cooling design, which offers excellent airflow and improves significantly on previous versions. Like all HJC hardware, it’s been tested thoroughly for aerodynamics, ventilation, and noise, guaranteeing expert protection and full peace of mind. There are cheaper HJC helmets around, but few that offer quite so much bang for your buck.

3. Shoei GT-Air II Helmet

Johnburrcycles.com has ranked the Shoei GT-Air II Helmet as one of the best full face helmets around. There’s little wondering why. It’s not necessarily the cheapest helmet on the market, but what you get for your money more than makes up for the expense. Designed as a step up from the (already good) Shoei GT-Air helmet, the Shoei GT-Air II features an aerodynamically designed shell equipped with a Pinlock visor and several vents for improved airflow. Made from Advanced Integrated Mix (a composite of carbon, resin, and fiberglass), it’s designed to withstand knocks without weighing you down in the process. The shield is anti-scratch and fog-resistant – if you like to wear sunglasses as you ride, you won’t need to worry about scratching the surface. As an added bonus, it comes with an integrated SRL 2 Bluetooth Communication System by Sena, 3-D Max-Dry interior, and a drop-down internal sun visor for outstanding coverage. If you’ve already tried the original version of the Shoei GT-Air, you’ll know it can be loud at times – it’s no different here, which might cause a minor grievance with some riders. The chin strap isn’t as comfortable as some of the other options on the market either. But when you weigh the downsides against the upsides, it still stands up as one of the highest quality helmets around, and one that’s certainly worth that big price tag it comes with.

2. Simpson Ghost Bandit

If you’re in the market for a tough helmet with a ton of attitude, look no further than the Simpson Ghost Bandit. DOT and ECE certified, it offers the perfect balance of style and performance. Not all helmets look good, but the Simpson Ghost Bandit is a beauty, boasting the kind of design that’s as sure to turn heads as it is to protect them. The tough but lightweight composite shell comes with top and rear vents to improve airflow. Removable air dams help cut back on noise (although be warned – if you’re traveling at speed, it can still get pretty noisy). An integrated speaker and microphone pockets enhance usability. A drop-down sun visor, tool-free shield removal, first-class ventilation, and a removable anti-bacterial liner don’t go amiss. If you routinely travel at 60 mph plus, you might find the noise annoying. If you don’t, or if you don’t mind a bit of noise when it comes hand in hand with so many perks, it’s a great helmet.

1. Bell Qualifier

As badasshelmetstore.com notes, Bel is one of the most popular helmet manufacturing companies around, with a history that dates all the way back to 1954 and a reputation for balancing expert performance with affordable prices. Each and every piece of hardware they produce goes through vigorous safety checks and quality control measures, ensuring you never have to worry about splashing the cash on something that looks nice but doesn’t live up to its promise. The Bell Qualifier is a cracker: featuring a patented ClickReleaseTM feature to allow riders to switch visors with the minimum of fuss; an ergonomic chin bar that combines the usability of an open-faced helmet with the practicality of a full-faced one; numerous safety features; a chin vent to reduce fogging; removable and washable interior padding for enhanced hygiene; a padded liner to reduce irritation; a light but durable polycarbonate shell; dynamic flow technology to improve ventilation, and NutraFog IITM to enhance scratch resistance, prevent fogging and deflect UV rays, this is a helmet that ticks all the boxes and then some. If all that wasn’t enough, it comes at a very agreeable price. Despite being advertised as a no-frills helmet, it has more than enough features to keep even the most experienced rider happy, including the advantage of a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s affordable, practicable and without question, one of the very best helmets on the market today.