Best Half-Shell Motorcycle Helmet: Products and Reviews

Deciding on a motorcycle helmet can be a troublesome task.

There are so many styles available to us as riders. It isn’t as simple as popping on any old helmet over your skull and climbing on your favourite two-wheeler.

Half-shell helmets are becoming increasingly popular for their minimalist design and open-face shell. Riders that enjoy the long open roads with a fresh breeze on their faces typically love these helmets

Unfortunately, there are so many different half-shell designs and brands out there that it becomes difficult to decide on which one is best suited for you.

Yes, all half-shell helmets are aesthetically pleasing, sadly you can’t base your decision on looks alone.

You must consider more when deciding on a motorcycle helmet. There are aspects such as comfortability, breathability, safety, and style to consider.

Thankfully, modern-day half-shell helmets ensure that all three of these aspects are met to the highest degree.

In this article, you’ll find the safest and best-looking half-shell motorcycle helmets on the market.

With our list, you can make the best-informed decision when purchasing a new half-shell helmet.

So, strap in as we explore the dynamics of the famous half-shell helmet.

What This Article Covers:

What Is a Half-shell Motorcycle Helmet?

best half face motorcycle helmet

Half-shell helmets cover only the top of the head. They leave your face open to enjoy the cool summer breeze as you conquer those roads.

Typically, half-shell motorcycle helmets come without a face shield or cover.

Many riders prefer this helmet style to traditional helmets because of their increased ventilation and trendy appearance. The view you get when wearing a half-shell helmet is unmatched as there’s no visor to obstruct it.

If you’re concerned about eye protection, you can always add accessories such as sunglasses.

Is It Safe to Use a Half-Shell Helmet?

Generally, half-shell helmets are incredibly safe to wear. Most of them are DOT, and ECE rated. This rating means they’ve passed standard safety regulations.

While the helmet leaves the front of your face exposed, it makes up for protection in other areas.

No matter the type of helmet, you should always exercise caution and wear additional protective clothing to ensure that you are entirely safe.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Half-Shell Helmet?

There are many benefits associated with wearing a half-shell helmet, including:

Unrivalled Style

Half-shell helmets are one of the go-to helmets for many motorcyclists. They are trendy and come in various colours and styles.

Unmatched View

Are you tired of a bulky helmet obscuring your view? Get a half-shell helmet.

They provide you with a complete view of your surroundings. Not only do you enjoy the best scenery, but they also keep you aware of what’s on the road.

You can turn your head 180 degrees without any obstructions, seeing dangers long before they become an issue.

best motorcycle half helmet

Excellent Ventilation

If ventilation is an issue, you’ll love a half-shell helmet.

These helmets have impressive ventilation systems which constantly cool you during rides under the summer sun.

Comfortable Convenience

Half-shell helmets give you that desired retro look you’re looking for with excellent comfort and convenience.

You don’t have to undo any straps or take off the helmet to converse with someone or if you want to sip water during a stop.

There is no feeling of claustrophobia or suffocation because of its open-face design and breathability.

Fantastic Longevity

Chances are that you use your motorcycle for everyday travel, which means you will need a helmet well suited for daily travel.

Thankfully, this is the entire purpose of half-shell helmets. They were specifically designed to make travelling on the go a lot easier.

You’ll find that most of these helmets have removable EPS liners that can be easily washed.

Since they’re made from durable polycarbonate, half-shell helmets can withstand the rigours of the road.

What Is the Cost of a Half-Shell Helmet?

Half-shell helmets are generally cheaper than traditional full-face helmets. Since they require fewer materials during manufacturing they can save you a couple of bucks.

However, this isn’t always the case.

The price of half-shell helmets depends on various factors, such as the brand and additional features.

Quality half-shell helmets typically cost between $80 and $130. In contrast, other brands with muzzle pieces can cost up to $350.

Half-shell helmets aren’t the best budget motorcycle helmets available, however, they bring the perfect balance of style, comfort, and safety.

The Best Half-Shell Motorcycle Helmets on the Market

Now that you know there’s more to a half-shell helmet than just appearance, let’s get into the list of the top-rated half-shell motorcycle helmets available.

If you’re looking for any other half-shell motorcycle helmets, visit Moto1.

We have a variety of the best open-face motorcycle helmets in New Zealand. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect helmet for you, your ride, and the open roads.

Bell Scout Air Helmet: Best Entry-level Helmet

The Bell Scout Air is one of the best entry-level half-shell motorcycles on the market. It features a minimalist design and a lightweight shell. This helmet weighs only 900 grams.

In fact, the light weight makes it an excellent choice for beginners that aren’t used to wearing a helmet.

Its feather-light design feels as if you aren’t wearing anything on your head. However, it’s still equipped with a full array of safety features.

These essential safety features will keep new bikers safe while they learn how to conquer the roads on their first motorcycle.

The Bell Scout Air boasts a design with a signature retro look. Don’t let the old-school aesthetics fool you, though. It comes jam-packed with modern technology, perfect for those who want to take a little trip back in time and rock up in style.

For example, you can quickly and easily remove the inner EPS liner. The removable liner makes it easy to wash and keeps your helmet fresh and clean.

Riders with glasses can also enjoy the Bell Scout Air. It has enough room for accessories such as earbuds and eyewear.

So what happens if you do want a face shield? Good news, the Bell Scout Air is incredibly versatility. It allows you to easily attach a face shield at any point if you feel like covering up.

Finally, there are the insulated noise flaps. They effectively reduce noise, making your rides extra quiet. It is a retro helmet with a hint of modern style.

M2R Half Helmet: Amazing Low-profile Helmet

The M2R half helmet is one of the best low-profile motorcycle helmets.

The M2R’s design is somewhat similar to the popular Bell Scout Air. It is also one of the basic types of half helmets available.

But don’t be fooled by its looks. The M2R is still packed full of impressive features that’ll make your next ride a joy.

For instance, the M2R boasts a shell that’s moulded using acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene (ABS). All of these materials work together to give this half-shell helmet integrity. Your head will be protected, even when you take a tumble.

It’s not all about safety though. The M2R comes with fantastic ventilation and comfort.

The inner liner is well-ventilated. It’ll keep you cool with its impressive sweat-wicking technology. It also features a quick-release chin strap to make removing the helmet easier.

Should you require more headspace, you can quickly remove the cheek pads. By doing this you can create some extra facial room and increase your comfort.

Like most half-0shell helmets, the M2R comes with ear flaps that aid in noise reduction. It doesn’t block out all sounds, so you can still hear things like honks or horns.

If you are looking for a low-key helmet with a minimalistic design, then the M2R half helmet is what you’re looking for.

Scorpion EXO Combat Helmet: Unique And Stylish

The Scorpion Combat is one of the best, unique half-shell helmets you can purchase.

Some riders consider it one of the best open-face motorcycle helmets on the market because of its unique design.

Unlike most half-shell helmets, the Scorpion Combat comes with a modern modular design. Read this guide if you don’t know what modular motorcycle helmets are.

A modular helmet lets you quickly and easily switch from a half-shell to a full-shell helmet.

This adaptability makes the Scorpion Combat an excellent choice for all types of weather. It also has several excellent materials within the inner lining that regulates the temperature in your helmet.

This conversion helmet is perfect for all rides and offers the best safety and style.

The Scorpion Exo Combat has an integrated drop-down visor that can easily be removed to create your desired half-shell helmet.

These helmets offer increased levels of safety than your traditional half-shell helmets of their advanced polycarbonate shells. They give their wearer an aggressive-looking appearance, which most helmet seekers want.

LS2 OF599 Spitfire: Ultimate Protection

If you’re looking for increased protection, look no further than the LS2 Spitfire. Its ABS thermoplastic polymer material puts this helmet at the top regarding safety.

The LS2 Spitfire features an incredible retro look with modern-day features. Some of those notable helmet features include:

An internal sun visor that can easily be retracted: You can keep the nasty sun out of your eyes, improving the comfort, quality, and safety of your ride.
A chin strap: Improve your protection with this easy-to-use chin strap that guarantees a snug-fitting helmet.
A large, hidden vent for increased ventilation: Riders can enjoy plenty of fresh air even with the visor down to keep air flowing.

The fabric liner in the LS2 helmet helps prevent a build-up of moisture and is easily removable when you want to clean it.

If you like the Bell Scout Air, you’ll also love the LS2 Spitfire.

Sena Savage: A Classic Homage

With a similar design to the Bell Scout Air, the Sena Savage pays homage to classic half-shell helmets. It has a classic metal rock look with modern technology housed inside its interior.

The interior shell is fitted with a Bluetooth speaker for communication and entertainment during rides. This classic helmet also has a built-in FM radio, so you can stay updated on traffic and news while riding through the city.

Regarding safety, the Savage shell is made using protective and lightweight fibreglass. The helmet is also DOT and ECE-approved, so it’s been put through the wringer to ensure that you’re kept safe while you’re riding.

The Sena Savage has an adjustable visor that you can change and fit to suit your needs. For low speeds, you can attach a shallow peak to keep your field of view open. At higher speeds, the deeper peak will keep the helmet from rattling around on your head.

Alternatively, you can always get an additional visor that you can fit into the helmet to suit your needs.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more ear cover, then the Sena Savage is for you. It has the same Bluetooth and comfort features as the Cavalry but provides a lot more cover over the ears.

HJC i40: Affordable and Stylish

Last on our list is the HJC i40. It’s one of the market’s most affordable and stylish half-shell helmets coming in at just over $200.

It’s one of the safest protective half-shell helmets with a tough polycarbonate shell. It has increased levels of protection around the back of the head and the ear area.

If you want to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays, then all you need to do is pop down the integrated sun shield.

The interior lining is moisture-wicking, pulling sweat off the top of your head and keeping you cool during your travels. The lining is also easy to remove and wash.

The HJC i40 has additional slots for extra eyewear, making it a great choice for any rider.

Conclusion

You should never purchase a helmet for its appearance and price alone. It would help if you always did your research on a specific helmet. Remember, just because something looks cool doesn’t mean it’ll protect you.

Half-shell helmets have the front exposed, so choosing one that fits your style and provides a significant amount of protection and comfortability is crucial.

Our guide on half-shell helmets should have provided the insight you need when deciding on a helmet.

If you find a helmet that fits your criteria, you should always test it before making the final purchase. Try on different variations of the same helmet with the additional safety wear to help support your decision.

If you want further information on half-shell helmets or accessories such as motorbike boots, don’t hesitate to contact Moto1. We pride ourselves on customer service and sell the motorcycle flip-up helmets buy cheap if you’re looking for something much more versatile.

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Best Half-shell Motorcycle Helmet