Safest Motorcycle Helmets – 2021 Complete Review

Few things are more thrilling than exploring the freedom of the open road on your motorcycle. While we tend to focus on the fun and excitement of riding a motorcycle, riding comes with a great deal of responsibility. 

There is always an element of danger that comes with the territory, and it’s up to you to be vigilant and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to stay safe when you ride. The most critical piece of safety equipment for any motorcyclist will always be a helmet. But, with so many types and styles on the market, how can you be sure you’re making a safe choice? 

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the safest motorcycle helmets on the market now. We’ll also cover everything you need to know to make the best and safest choice for you. 

Comparison of the Best Safest Motorcycle Helmets

How Should a Motorcycle Helmet Fit For Safety?

A secure fit is the most crucial aspect of selecting a motorcycle helmet. 

Start by taking a rough measurement of the circumference of your head. Use a measuring tape and measure around your head just above your eyebrows. Then, take a look at the size charts provided by different manufacturers to get a rough idea of which size helmet you wear from each brand. 

A properly fitting helmet will have no gaps at any point in the helmet, but it shouldn’t be too tight, either. When you try and rotate your helmet while it’s on your head, your cheeks should move with it. If the helmet can move freely, or if it slips when you rotate it, it’s a poor fit, and you should size down. 

How Does a Motorcycle Helmet Work to Protect You? 

All motorcycle helmets work in two ways to help protect a rider in the event of a crash. 

First, the helmet's hard outer shell helps to disperse the impact of the crash over a larger surface area than if your head was unprotected. Without a helmet, the crash impact is concentrated in the area where your head makes contact with another surface, resulting in catastrophic injury. But with a helmet, that impact is dispersed across the surface of the helmet instead of the point of impact. 

A helmet also works to protect you by prolonging the duration of impact using protective foam. By extending the impact by fractions of a second, you reduce the peak force that the impact generates, allowing your head to absorb less energy. 

Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards

Several different organizations evaluate motorcycle helmets' safety and effectiveness, and they can be helpful as you search for the safest helmet. Let’s take a closer look at these organizations and the certifications they provide to better understand what they mean. 

What Does DOT Stand For On Motorcycle Helmets?

DOT refers to the Department of Transportation. As it pertains to motorcycles, DOT certification refers to FMVSS218, which is the technical certification given to a helmet when it meets specific safety criteria. 

DOT certification is conducted by the manufacturer in their labs, and it’s easier to pass than the credentials provided by the Snell Foundation. 

What is Snell Rating For Motorcycle Helmets?

Named for race car driver Pete Snell, the Snell Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides safety testing for motorsport safety gear. Their testing criteria are stringent, and it’s the most demanding certification for safety equipment manufacturers to achieve. 

Review of the Safest Motorcycle Helmets

Now that you’re armed with some vital knowledge, let’s take a closer look at some of the safest motorcycle helmets on the market. 

How Long Are Motorcycle Helmets Good For?

One of the most important (and often overlooked) safety considerations is when a helmet should be replaced. Like all other safety equipment, motorcycle helmets degrade over time and must be replaced. As a general rule, a quality helmet will last for five years before it needs to be replaced.

To maximize your helmet’s lifespan, avoid placing heavy objects inside your helmet or hanging it for prolonged periods. If the foam inside becomes crushed or deformed, it will affect the integrity of the helmet. 

Helmets that have been damaged by a crash or fall should be replaced immediately, as damage to the helmet’s outer shell or inner padding can compromise its effectiveness. Be sure to regularly inspect your helmet for loose padding, cracks, or other signs of damage. As soon as a helmet becomes damaged, its safety characteristics are compromised, and it must be replaced.

What Features Make a Motorcycle Helmet Safe? 

When shopping for a new helmet, several features signal that the helmet is exceptionally safe. Here’s what you should consider. 

Safety Certifications

Safety certifications are critical, and they signal to riders that the helmet is designed and manufactured to exacting standards for safety and integrity. Accreditation from the Snell Foundation is the most comprehensive, so look towards a helmet that scores high marks on Snell’s tests if safety is your primary concern. 

Polystyrene Impact Layer

Polystyrene (better known as Styrofoam) is the material of choice for impact absorption and safety. This layer is always covered with an additional layer of foam designed primarily for comfort, but the polystyrene layer bears the brunt of the impact and helps to keep you safe in the event of a crash. 

Fiber-Reinforced Shell

The rigid outer shell of a helmet is another critical safety feature. Most helmets feature a polycarbonate outer layer, and some take it a step farther with carbon fiber reinforcements that are woven into the shell. This reinforcement helps to provide more excellent impact resistance and is a signal that the helmet is exceptionally safe.

Safest Motorcycle Helmet Types 

Motorcycle helmets come in several different styles, each designed for different types of riding. Of course, some are safer than others. Here are the types of helmets to look for to maximize how safe they are. 

Full Face Helmets

Considered the safest helmets on the market, helmets with a full face shield provide the greatest protection from small hazards such as insects, wind, and road debris while also offering the utmost in impact protection in the event of a crash. A full-face helmet is always an appropriate choice for any type of riding. 

Modular Helmets

Very similar to a full-face helmet, a modular helmet allows you to flip up the visor or chin bar if you’d rather ride with the wind in your face or if you’re speaking with someone, drinking, or eating. These helmets feature a full chin bar for 360° protection, and when the visor is down, they provide equal protection as a full-face helmet. 

Dual Sport Helmets

Dual sport models are a wise choice for riders who like to spend time on the road as well as off of it. These helmets are designed for track and off-road applications while still providing the comprehensive impact resistance you need in a street helmet. Dual sport helmets also feature a chin bar, making them a wise choice for practically any application. 

Safety Comparison Overview

Are you confused by the different types of helmets and certifications out there? Read on as we unpack some of the most common comparisons people are interested in when searching for the perfect motorcycle helmet. 

ECE vs Snell

Both ECE and Snell are certification bodies that certify different helmets and safety equipment meet specific safety criteria. 

ECE is a European certification, and it’s very comprehensive. However, motorcycle accidents in Europe are usually quite different from crashes in America. In Europe, crashes tend to occur at much lower speeds. While the ECE certification is very comprehensive, ECE certified equipment might not be as protective as gear which bears other certifications. 

The Snell Foundation is another certification body, and they’re considered the most comprehensive governing body. Helmets that receive high scores on Snell’s tests are generally the safest and most impact resistant choices on the market. 

Snell vs DOT

The Snell Foundation and DOT both offer certifications for American motorcycle safety equipment. There are a few key differences as far as how they certify equipment. 

Unlike Snell (and also ECE), the equipment can be certified as meeting DOT’s safety standards by the manufacturer. The manufacturer is in charge of testing and reporting results to the DOT to achieve certification. For certification by the Snell Foundation, manufacturers must send their equipment to an independent lab where professionals certify it. 

Certification from Snell is the most comprehensive American motorcycle safety certification, and it’s considered to be a more prestigious certification than the DOT. 

Modular Helmet vs Full Face Safety

Both modular and full-face helmets are a wise choice for safety-minded riders, and they share many similarities. 

Both helmets offer comprehensive protection for your entire head, and they also both have a shield to protect against road debris, bugs, and wind.

With a full-face helmet, the visor is fixed to the body of the helmet. With modular helmets, the visor and sometimes the chin bar is hinged and can be moved up and out of the way. This feature is useful for times when you’d like to ride with the wind in your face or if you’re eating, drinking, or speaking to someone while wearing your helmet. 

HJC vs Shoei 

Both HJC and Shoei are two of the premier manufacturers of motorcycle safety equipment. 

Shoei is considered to be the industry standard when it comes to motorcycle helmets. Ask most riders, and they’ll tell you that Shoei models offer the best protection, venting, and comfort of any manufacturer. All these features and benefits come at a price, as Shoei helmets tend to be the most expensive on the market. 

HJC is another exceptionally popular option. What they lack in the premium features that Shoei possesses, they make up for with a much more attractive price. When comparing the two, ask yourself what’s more important to you, a top of the line product or a lower price. 

Conclusion 

When it comes to riding, a helmet that offers comprehensive safety is the most essential piece of equipment you’ll ever buy. Always purchase the safest helmet you can afford, and ensure that the helmet you choose fits perfectly and offers the comfort you’ll need for long rides. 

Are Half Helmets Safe?

Half helmets do offer some degree of protection against the hazards of riding a motorcycle. But, these helmets don’t offer protection for your eyes or the lower portion of your face. While half helmets are much better than no helmet, they aren’t as protective as full-face or hybrid styles.

Are Shoei Helmets Worth the Money?

Shoei helmets are among the most popular options on the market for plenty of practical reasons. These helmets offer the utmost safety and plenty of premium features to improve visibility, comfort, and every other aspect of wearing a helmet. If you’re willing to fit one within your budget, Shoei helmets are definitely worth the money.

How Do I Check My DOT Safety Rating?

If your helmet meets DOT standards, it will carry a sticker or logo on the helmet's back to indicate that the helmet meets or exceeds the necessary standards for DOT approval. 

What Are Helmets Made Of?

Motorcycle helmets are made from a variety of materials. The outer shell is typically made from polypropylene or from a plastic material infused with carbon fiber for added protection. Inside, polystyrene is the material of choice for the protective inner layer, and then additional foams are added to provide comfort and a custom fit.

How to Tell if a Helmet is Snell Approved

Motorcycle helmets approved under the Snell Foundation will carry a tag or other mark on the inside of the helmet. Tags are typically clearly marked and easy to find. If you don’t see a tag from Snell, the helmet hasn’t been submitted for certification.