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Beanie motorcycle helmets, also known as Crazy Al’s helmets, are among the smallest DOT-approved motorcycle helmets available.
For motorcycle enthusiasts who prefer the look and feel of a lightweight, low-profile helmet, the beanie helmet is the perfect option.
Comparison of the Best Beanie Motorcycle Helmets
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How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet
Given that they are such an important piece of safety equipment, choosing the right motorcycle helmet may seem like an overwhelming decision. However, the truth is you can find the perfect helmet for your needs if you take the time to consider the following features:
Safety Ratings
The United States Department of Transportation sets a minimum standard for protection for helmets. By purchasing a DOT-approved helmet, you know that you are choosing a helmet that will protect your head.
Photo credit: youtube.com
Choose a Helmet That Fits Properly
How well a helmet fits an individual’s head will play a major role in the outcome of an accident. Ill-fitting helmets are unsafe, as they can fall off and slide out of position during collisions. Find a helmet that is available in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that will fit securely.
Prioritize Comfort and Air Circulation
You should consider how comfortable a helmet is before you buy it. While style and appearance are worth taking into consideration, comfort is key. If your helmet is overly hot, uncomfortable, and annoying, it will make your entire riding experience far less enjoyable. Look for helmets with soft interior liners, padding, and good airflow.
Review of the Best Beanie Motorcycle Helmets
If you are in the market for a beanie motorcycle helmet, we can help. Below you will find reviews for some of the best beanie motorcycle helmets on the market today.
Best Overall:
Vega Helmets 7817-055
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
Thanks to a durable outer shell and a thick, high density, fully vented EPS liner, this stylish helmet meets and even exceeds the United States DOT FMVSS 218 safety regulations.
Weight
At just 3.04 lbs, this helmet will not weigh your head down or cause neck strain.
Comfort and Fit
Due to their unique size adjustment dial system, Vega Helmets can ensure wearers will have a secure, safe, and comfortable fit that meets the exact dimensions of their head.
Style
Thanks to its low-profile, beanie-style design, this helmet has a great, minimalist look. It is also available in eight unique colors and patterns, including a subtle black and grey American flag design.
Visibility
A drop-down sun shield protects the wearer’s eyes from the sun, bugs, wind, and debris without interfering with their visibility
Review
Despite its small size and low profile, this is a surprisingly durable motorcycle helmet. The inner padding displaces impact energy, which protects the wearer’s head in the event of an accident. Thanks to a moisture-wicking liner, a padded quick-release chinstrap, and channeled EPS for increased air circulation, this is also an incredibly comfortable helmet. Those that like the look of a beanie helmet but still want something that fits well and feels comfortable will appreciate this option.
Bottom Line
Due to its low profile and the fact that it is a half helmet, it does not cover the wearer’s face, and its overall weight is incredibly light. If you like beanie helmets, you will not regret choosing this option from Vega Helmets.
Runner-up:
Daytona D1-BNS
![Daytona Helmets Half Skull Cap Motorcycle Helmet – DOT Approved [Dull Black] [2XL]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415vb-txr5L.jpg)
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
The helmet meets and exceeds the minimum safety requirements of the Department of Transportation.
Weight
At just 1.75 lbs, this helmet is comfortable even during the longest rides.
Comfort and Fit
Daytona Helmets offers this beanie helmet in a wide variety of sizes. Their straightforward sizing guide makes sure buyers can find the perfect fit. They even considered those with wider heads by offering wider sizes.
Style
The helmet itself adheres to a classic beanie style, so it is great for those that want a straightforward helmet without any extra design frills.
Visibility
The helmet has an open-faced design, meaning the rider’s visibility is not impacted by the helmet in any way. With that said, wearers might want to consider investing in a good pair of goggles or sunglasses to prevent wind, dust, and sunlight from interfering with their vision.
Review
Using lightweight and durable materials, as well as a low-profile minimalist design, Daytona Helmets was able to create one of the lightest DOT-approved helmets on the market. Not only does it meet DOT safety standards, but Daytona Helmets also subjected the helmet to its rigorous testing process to ensure it offers a safe level of protection for wearers. For those looking for a rugged and safe beanie-style helmet, this is a great option.
Bottom Line
With its straightforward, no-frills design, this is the perfect beanie helmet for those that just want something safe, simple, and lightweight. With that said, it is also available in 12 unique colors, so buyers will have no problem finding a helmet that matches their style.
Best for the Money:
ILM 205V
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
It has DOT approval and is both legal and safe for road use.
Weight
At just 2.55 lbs, this is another lightweight helmet option for those that do not want to suffer from neck and shoulder strain while they ride.
Comfort and Fit
ILM’s unique venting system ensures constant air circulation. The padding is grooved, so the hot air at the top of the head is vented, which is great for those that enjoy riding on hot summer days.
Style
The helmet adheres to a classic beanie style. It has a smooth exterior surface, which helps with wind resistance and gives it a minimalist style. It is available in three color options, including a patriot American flag design.
Visibility
It comes with a fully integrated, drop-down sun visor, which is both removable and replaceable.
Review
We liked that this helmet is perfectly safe but still keeps the weight down. A durable and lightweight ABS shell gives this helmet the impact-resistant qualities necessary to make it a suitable helmet for motorcycle riders. The visor is a bonus and works well at protecting the user’s eyes from oncoming wind and debris. While the lens is not incredible, it is still a useful option to have.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a beanie-style motorcycle helmet that will keep your head safe and comfortable, this is an excellent choice. We like that the designers considered ventilation when they designed it, which is not always the case with the smaller helmet styles.
Best Small Beanie Helmet:
Dream Apparel SOA Beanie
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
The helmet uses a hard exterior shell and absorbent interior padding to protect the wearer. However, it is worth noting that it does not have DOT approval, so it might not be legal or safe to wear on the road.
Weight
At just 1.4 lbs, this is just about the lightest helmet you will find. The small dimensions and lightweight materials combine to offer a helmet that is barely noticeable to the wearer.
Comfort and Fit
An adjustable chin strap and sizing options ensure the buyer can find a version of the helmet that meets their exact sizing needs. Soft padding on the interior also makes sure the wearer remains comfortable.
Style
It follows an extremely low-profile design and classic cruiser helmet styling.
Visibility
Due to its open-faced design, users will have full visibility while wearing this helmet. Again, you should consider wearing it with a set of goggles or sunglasses with UV protection if you plan on wearing it on sunny days.
Review
Following the helmet style popularized by the Sons of Anarchy television series, buyers will be impressed with how sleek and simple this helmet is. However, it is worth stressing that this helmet does not meet DOT safety standards, so it should not be used to keep your head safe. If you are looking for a stylish helmet you can use for decorative and novelty purposes, it is a great choice; however, for those looking for practical head protection, you should look elsewhere.
Bottom Line
This is a nice-looking helmet, but it is not safe to use on the roads. We chose it because it captures the style of a beanie motorcycle helmet perfectly, but it is not a practical choice for riding.
Best Micro Slim Beanie Helmet:
Micro DOT - TN 666
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
As their name suggests, all of Micro DOT’s helmets are as small as possible while still meeting all DOT safety standards.
Weight
At just 1.72 lbs, this helmet is comfortable to wear during both long and short rides.
Comfort and Fit
Micro DOT offers their helmet in many size options, so it is easy to find a helmet that will fit snugly and securely. The interior encourages air circulation, so users will not have to worry about overheating during summer rides.
Style
This is an extremely low-profile helmet, so wearers will enjoy the way it avoids the dreaded mushroom look you can get with some of the larger half helmets. While color options are limited to either matte or gloss black, these simple colors give the helmet a classic look.
Visibility
The open-face design leaves the user with completely open visibility. You will not have to worry about the helmet blocking your vision, especially if the chin strap is pulled tight and secure.
Review
This helmet uses a lightweight and durable outer shell to keep the wearer safe. On the other hand, the low-profile design and half-helmet style keep the weight down and gives it a casual look that many motorcycle enthusiasts prefer. The low profile design also keeps wind resistance to a minimum, ensuring a more comfortable ride. Overall, this is a great option for those that want something small, safe, and stylish.
Bottom Line
This helmet combines a small profile with an impressive safety rating. It is comfortable and will not cause the wearer to feel overheated. If you like the look of a beanie-style motorcycle helmet, this is a great option.
Best Crazy Al’s Beanie Helmet:
CRAZY AL'S SOA INSPIRED
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
Despite its low-profile and minimalist design, this helmet meets and exceeds DOT safety standards.
Weight
The lightweight fiberglass exterior and the high-density yet lightweight interior padding make sure that this helmet is safe to use on the road while still being incredibly light. At just 1.66 lbs, you can see why this is such a popular choice for those that enjoy long-distance cruising.
Comfort and Fit
It has a snug fit, so users barely notice they are wearing it after a while. They offer a simple sizing guide, so buyers will know which size they need to purchase. The interior padding is limited but soft enough that the helmet will not irritate.
Style
As the name suggests, this helmet follows the classic Crazy Al’s styling popularized by the show Sons of Anarchy
Visibility
This is another open-face helmet, so users will not have to worry about any obstruction to their vision. Having a completely open peripheral vision is great for those that like to ride as part of a group.
Review
We liked that the manufacturers chose to use high-end materials to ensure that this beanie-style motorcycle helmet will protect the wearer without sacrificing style and comfort. It uses a lightweight and extremely durable fiberglass material for the outer surface, which gives the helmet incredible impact-resistance. It’s minimalist and simplistic design has a casual look, perfect for those that prefer their riding apparel to look understated.
Bottom Line
This helmet looks great, but it offers more than just looks. The fiberglass exterior gives it incredible strength, while a soft interior makes sure that wearers enjoy a comfortable riding experience.
Best Carbon Fiber Beanie Helmet:
Voss 888CF
PROS
CONS
Durability and Protection
The helmet meets and exceeds all DOT safety standards, so it is legal for road use throughout the United States.
Weight
Given that it is a beanie-style half helmet, users will not have to worry about the weight of this helmet bothering them during long rides. In total, it weighs just 1.9 lbs.
Comfort and Fit
A removable and washable ‘Kool Komfort’ microfiber liner ensures wearers will not suffer from head irritation during long rides. The liner is detachable and easy to clean, which keeps it feeling fresh for much longer.
Style
The carbon fiber weaving combined with the beanie-style exterior shape gives this helmet a unique style that is both eye-catching and sophisticated.
Visibility
It comes with a drop-down sun visor, which is useful during sunny riding conditions. If the user prefers, they can flip the visor up and enjoy a completely unobstructed view.
Review
We were impressed by the decision to use carbon fiber on such a small motorcycle helmet. Usually, with smaller helmets, like beanie-style helmets, the manufacturer will choose a plastic exterior. However, carbon fiber is an extremely durable and lightweight material, so this helmet keeps wearers safe while ensuring it doesn't strain the neck and shoulder muscles. If you are looking for a high-end beanie-style motorcycle helmet, look no further.
Bottom Line
The hand-woven carbon-fiber exterior and lightweight interior padding keep the overall weight down and give it an eye-catching look. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a lightweight helmet that still offers safety and plenty of styles.
What Size Motorcycle Helmet Do I Need?
Choosing the correct helmet size will depend on the dimensions of your head. In most cases, motorcycle helmets are available in the same sizing options you find for baseball hats.
How to Measure Your Head For a Beanie Helmet
As you would for any motorcycle helmet, take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around your head. Do so just above the ears. Most helmet manufacturers will provide sizing guides that match up to these circumference measurements.
Photo credit: typhoonhelmets.com
Types of Motorcycle Helmets Perfect for Beanies
Motorcycle helmets can be broken down into several categories:
Full Face Helmets
Offer full protection for the rider’s head, face, and chin
Open Face Helmets
The face is left open, so the wearer is more comfortable and has greater visibility
Dual Sport Helmets
They are designed for both on and off-road purposes. They are usually lighter than a typical full-face helmet and give the rider the ability to wear goggles or a face shield
Beanie Helmets
Beanie helmets have a low-profile and open-faced design. They are designed to be as small as possible.
You can wear all of these helmets with a beanie-style hat, just make sure you choose a size that can safely accommodate it. Safety should always be your number one priority when buying and wearing a motorcycle helmet, as it is the most important piece of safety equipment you will wear.
Photo credit: DigitalSpy.com
Conclusion
If you prefer minimalism and want the lightest helmet possible, consider a beanie-style motorcycle helmet. Any of the options we discussed above would be a great choice, so make sure you choose one that fits properly.
People Also Ask
How Tight Should a Helmet be When Wearing a Beanie?
A helmet should be tight enough to stay in place no matter how much you move your head. This is true whether you are wearing a beanie underneath or not.
Is it Safe to Wear a Beanie and a Helmet Together?
Yes, as long as the beanie does not interfere with how securely the helmet is held in place.
Are These Beanie Helmets DOT Approved?
On our list, every helmet except for one is DOT approved. Always check for DOT approval before you purchase a helmet.
How Low Does a Beanie Helmet Fit?
That will depend on the particular design, but on average, a beanie helmet will come to just above the eyebrow line and will usually sit about an inch above the wearer’s head.
