When it comes to open-face helmets, going with a three-quarter helmet is the way to go. Half helmets are great for certain purposes, but a three-quarter open-face helmet is going to give you better protection. I also think these helmets look better than half helmets, so they have that going for them, too.
If you want maximum protection, you buy a full-face, but I totally get the appeal of an open-face lid. These helmets expose you to the elements a little more and allow you to feel the wind on your face. Also, visibility is excellent and they’re extremely lightweight. With all that said, there are a lot of crappy open-face helmets out there, so I’ve rounded up the five best so you don’t have to hunt them down.
Bell Custom 500
The Bell Custom 500 is the helmet that’s based on the lid that started everything for the company. The Custom 500 has a classic look, but it’s really a very modern helmet. The simple design keeps the price down, it provides good protection.
The helmet features a shell that comes in five sizes and an EPS inner liner that comes in five sizes, this keeps the helmet smaller on your head and avoids that dreaded bobblehead look. The helmet also comes with a five-snap pattern for aftermarket shields and visors, a padded chin strap with double D-ring closure, multi-density EPS, a five-year warranty and DOT approval.
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LS2 Spitfire Helmet
The LS2 Spitfire is a more modern take on the open face helmet, but it does that with the same overall, classic shape as the Bell Custom 500. The helmet comes with some really nice features that set it apart from the competition.
The LS2 Spitfire Helmet offers a lightweight shell, built-in drop-down inner sun shield, comfort padding inside the helmet, a hypoallergenic and breathable material liner, and 3D laser cut interior. The interior is removable and washable and there’s a quick-release chinstrap. The helmet is DOT approved.
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Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon / Buy on Revzilla
Arai Classic-V Helmet
The Arai Classic-V Helmet, as you might be able to tell from the name, is a classical style helmet that looks a lot like the Bell Custom 500. This helmet is a lot more expensive and will be more luxurious than the Bell product. Arai would likely claim that it’s a safer helmet than the Bell, but I hesitate to believe that. That said, this helmet is a seriously good open-face helmet, though a bit expensive.
The helmet features Arai’s PB-cLc shell, faux leather edge trim, hidden interior ventilation to keep you comfortable, a one-piece multi-density EPS, and a five snap pattern for aftermarket face shields and visors. There’s also a goggle strap holder, an anti-microbial interior that’s partially removable and washable. The helmet is Snell M2015 rated and DOT approved.
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Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon / Buy on Revzilla
Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet
Shoei makes great full-face lids, and the helmet company doesn’t stop there. The Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet is one of the best open-face lids the company has ever made. It’s an update on the original J-Cruise and it is better than ever.
The helmet features an Advanced Matrix Shell that comes in four different sizes, multipiece EPS inner liner, a removable shield, removable and washable interior, padded chin strap with quick-release, built-in sun shield, and five-layer construction cheek pads. The helmet also comes DOT approved.
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BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.
Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon / Buy on Revzilla
Arai Ram-X Helmet
Going head-to-head with the Shoei J-Cruise II is the Arai Ram-X Helmet. This lid is a giant leap forward from the company’s previous top-quality open-face helmet, the XC. The Ram-X has the features and protection to give the Shoei a run for its money. However, I find this to be a darn ugly helmet.
The helmet comes with Arai’s Super Fiber Laminate shell with a new compound. The helmet also features the Corsair X ventilation scheme. The interior is removable and washable, and so are the cheek pads which can be removed for different sizes fo you can customize the fit. The helmet also comes with an exterior VAS-Z Pro Shade shield. The helmet is Snell and DOT approved.
Shopping Now? We Recommend:
BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.
Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon / Buy on Revzilla
