The 5 Best Motorcycle Half Helmets – [Reviews & Rankings]

When riding a motorcycle, it’s critical to wear gear that will keep you comfortable, flexible, and safe. But it’s also important to wear what you love.

The best motorcycle half helmets will protect you from the elements, and from a potential head injury, while making sure you look and feel cool. 

A motorcycle half helmet, otherwise known as a “beanie,” is different from a full helmet in that it leaves your face exposed. Motorcyclists prefer half helmets for aesthetic reasons, but also because it allows them to better see and hear what’s happening on the road (Source). 

A motorcycle half helmet is typically made from Styrofoam that’s glued to an outer shell, and sometimes includes a visor. It can also come with connective technology like Bluetooth (Source).

You might want to purchase a motorcycle half helmet if you want adequate head protection, but live in a warmer climate and need more air circulation than a full helmet can offer. Because motorcycle half helmets leave your face exposed, they give you the power to customize your visor or choose your own motorcycle sunglasses. 

Prior to purchasing a motorcycle half helmet, you’ll want to consider if its inner webbing is breathable, or made out of a material capable of absorbing sweat. You’ll also want to consider if its visor is sufficient for both day and night riding, and if it is easily adjustable or removable. 

Don’t get back on the road without one of these top-rated motorcycle half helmets.

What Is the Best Motorcycle Half Helmet?

The best motorcycle half helmet is the LS2 Helmets Rebellion. Composed of an incredibly durable kinetic polymer alloy (KPA), this unisex adult helmet is designed with safety in mind. Not only is KPA a tough material, but it is also very light which further adds to the comfort of this helmet.

Featuring a twin shield dropdown sunscreen, you will never have to worry about the sun or wind interfering with your ride. This protective barrier can be easily removed or adjusted to fit your needs. Ported ventilation keeps the air inside of the helmet fresh, and even make the helmet look more stylish.

Because of its simple yet classic design, this helmet is perfect for both male and female riders. To top it all off this impressive helmet is Bluetooth ready, making it easy to set up a line of communication while you ride. Overall, the LS2 Helmets Rebellion is a dependable half helmet that comes packed with exciting features.

Are Half Motorcycle Helmets Safe?

While some might argue that Full Motorcycle Helmets are the safest bet, Half Motorcycle Helmets have their safety benefits as well. A Motorcycle Half Helmet leaves your face exposed giving you a better range of vision. It’s also more comfortable and more breathable in a hotter climate.

Are Half Helmets DOT Approved?

Motorcycle Half Helmets are 100% approved by the Department of Transportation. They offer the least amount of coverage of any D.O.T. approved motorcycle helmet but afford an added sense of freedom. If your state requires a D.O.T. approved helmet, then wearing a Motorcycle Half Helmet is within your rights.

Comparing The Best Motorcycle Half Helmets

1. LS2 Helmets Rebellion Unisex-Adult Half Helmet – Best Overall

This is not just a tough-looking half helmet, but also a technology-driven one. It features an outer shell that is made of lightweight Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA). This efficiently offers comfort and extreme protection.

As you ride through the winds, the Twin Shield, drop-down sunscreen system shields your eyes from the sun and the wind. The sunscreen can either be locked halfway or let down all the way. This allows you to choose which position works best for you at the time.

You don’t just look cool when you wear this, you also feel cool. This is thanks to its flow-through, ported ventilation system which will keep you cool even on those really hot days.

In addition to all of these, it comes ready to easily connect via Bluetooth to a communication system. With this, you can easily stay in touch with your fellow riders.

This sure is a motorcycle half helmet worth having.

2. Bell Pit Boss Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Adjustable Fit System

This Pit Boss Open Face Motorcycle half helmet from Bell expertly balances comfort and safety. It features a TriMatrix construction which is very tough but extremely lightweight. Combined with its carbon composite shell, you can be assured of maximum protection from impacts.

This helmet also offers a compact fit, thanks to Bell’s unique speed dial fit system. This allows users easily strap on the helmet for an easy fit. It also keeps the helmet in place during rides, reducing cases of helmet lift off.

Much more than safety from impacts, it also features a microfiber inner liner that is anti-microbial. This reduces the smell caused by bacterial activities in sweaty helmets.

If you are looking for a half helmet that will provide protection, comfort and an easy fit, this is one to consider.

3. HJC IS-Cruiser Motorcycle Half-Helmet – Best Visor Design

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HJC Helmets understands the importance of safety as well as comfort and it shows in this helmet. The outer shell is made of Advanced Polycarbonate Composite. This is lightweight but offers the protection that is expected of a helmet.

It also offers one of the best visor designs. Vision through the visor is great even if you are putting on your prescription glasses. It acts as a sunshield and also provides good vision for night rides.

With the helmet on, the double D-ring chin strap retention system ensures it stays safely in place. This makes the helmet safer and more comfortable. To further increase your comfort level, it features a moisture wicking inner fabric. This keeps sweat away from you, keeping you dry and comfy.

With this helmet from HJC Helmets, you do not have to worry about helmet smell. The anti-microbial fabric discourages the activities of bacteria that cause smells.

4. Voss 888FRP Hand Laid Fiberglass DOT Half Helmet – Best Value

The Voss 888FRP Bullet Cruiser Half Helmet is a work of art for the discerning rider. The outer shell is made of hand-woven fibreglass which is both lightweight and strong. It sits deep on the head, giving the helmet a low profile that many riders love.

Keeping this helmet safely latched is a breeze with the fast ratchet micro metal quick release strap. It’s also very easy to adjust or release.

Voss offers different options for the easily removable visor. You can choose from the following options: clear, amber, iridium and smoke. Removing and fixing the visor is done without the need for tools.

This half helmet emphasises comfort. The inner lining is made of plush, breathable and moisture wicking fabric. This ensures your head stays cool and dry even on hot days. The fabric is also removable, washable and anti-microbial, making it practically smell-proof.

What’s not to love about this helmet?

5. Outlaw T70 Glossy Motorcycle Half Helmet – Officially Licensed U.S. Navy Graphics

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Identify with the U.S military with this officially licensed U.S Navy graphics designed half helmet. At just 32 ounces, this is a comfortable and lightweight helmet. Though lightweight, it is made of a polycarbonate shell which provides solid protection and impact absorption.

It comes with a snap-off visor which is easily removable, giving you the option of riding with or without it. Because of the technology behind its production, it is not bulky and fits very snugly.

Outlaw understands what riders need and has provided this and more in the T70 Glossy Motorcycle Half helmet. Rep the U.S military and rep the U.S with this lovely designed and carefully built helmet.

How Should a Motorcycle Half Helmet Fit?

When choosing a motorcycle half helmet, one of the most important things to consider is how it fits. Even the most protective helmet is not safe to wear if it does not fit you properly.

The ideal motorcycle half helmet should be snug in all areas that come into contact with your head. This is to ensure that there are no gaps between you and the helmet, as those areas would not be protected in the event of a crash.

With half helmets, only the top portion of your head will be covered by the helmet. This means that your helmet may shift slightly during use. Before purchasing a half helmet make sure to try it on and shake your head around, you are looking for the one that moves the least.

One of the main advantages that half helmets have over their full counterpart is comfortability. Don’t forget that you will be wearing this everywhere you ride, so try to find one that fits as comfortably as possible.

How to Size a Motorcycle Half Helmet

In order to size a motorcycle half helmet, you must first consider what type of head you have. Just like there are small heads and large heads, helmets are made in the same fashion. As a general rule of thumb, your helmet should always be too tight rather than too loose.

Not only does size affect how your head fits into a helmet, but also shape. Helmets that fit an oval shaped head perfectly may be too tight for a rounder head. The easiest way to size a motorcycle half helmet is to simply try it on. This way you can be sure that it is the correct size, shape, and weight to suit your needs.

However, when purchasing online you do not have the option to actually try the helmet on, so don’t be afraid to do a little bit of research before buying.

How to Lock Half Helmet to Your Motorcycle

There are many ways that you can lock your half helmet to your motorcycle when you arrive at your destination. The first method requires your bike to have a seat houses a storage compartment within it. Simply take your helmet off and re-clasp the straps together.

Next, open the bike’s seat up and place the straps within, so that when the seat is shut again the helmet is allowed to hang freely outside. In some cases, you may not trust the simple fact that someone won’t just cut your helmet straps off completely.

If that is a concern for you then you must get a helmet lock. These locks are similar to bike locks, you just loop it through your helmet and connect it to your bike.

Some motorcycles will have enough space to securely fit your entire helmet, but they are not common. For that reason, it wise to try out one of the previously mentioned methods of locking your helmet up.

Are you looking for safety kits to prevent your motor vehicle from rolling or overturning while transporting? Buying the motorcycle wheel chocks provide a safe anchor that secures it.

Before Buying a Motorcycle Half Helmet

Everyone knows how important a helmet is to a motorcycle rider. Some riders, however, feel constricted or closed up in full helmets. For this class of riders, a half helmet is a comforting alternative.

Half helmets are designed to offer a mix of protection and some freedom. With it, you will feel the wind on your face while riding. You can also smoke or do a few other things during the ride.

That said, when choosing a motorcycle half helmet, it is very important that we remember its primary function. The helmet is meant to provide protection to the rider’s head in case of a crash. Every other thing, though also important, is secondary to this.

Let’s now look at some important features to consider before buying a motorcycle half helmet.

The Shell

The shell of the helmet is its main part. This is the first part of the helmet that is readily visible to all. It is also the part that provides the first line of protection in a crash. The shell of a helmet bears the direct brunt of an impact.

Given this, you need to look for a shell that is strong enough to withstand a serious impact. If the shell does not take the impact well, it may transfer some of that force to the rider’s head.

Though you need a helmet that can withstand direct impact, you also do not want something very heavy. You need a helmet that is strong but also lightweight. This will largely be determined by the shell.

Helmet shells are made from different types of materials, with each having its pros and cons. Some of these include:

Polycarbonate – This is a lightweight mold injected plastic that absorbs impact well. It is the most commonly used material and also the least expensive.

Fiberglass – This is very lightweight and absorbs energy from impacts more than polycarbonates. It is also more expensive.

Carbon Fiber  – This offers the highest level of energy absorption. It actually distributes the energy upon impact, providing the best protection. It is also the most expensive of the three materials listed.

Aside from the outer shell that we see, there is an inner layer that serves an important purpose. This second layer is usually made of EPS or Expanded Polystyrene. This is a crushable layer that dissipates the energy absorbed by the outer shell.

It is important to consider all of the above to ensure maximum protection.

Comfort

We know the helmet is primarily meant to provide protection. However, we also want the helmet to be comfortable while doing its job.

There are a few things to consider when checking for the comfort level offered by a half helmet. These include the type of inner fabric lining, the chin strap and the visor.

Inner Fabric Lining – This is very important as it contributes immensely to the comfort of the wearer. Ideally, you should go for an inner lining that is breathable and sweat-wicking. This will ensure your head stays dry and cool even on hot days.

You should also consider one that is removable and washable. This will help with the hygiene of the material. If it is anti-microbial, then you can enjoy a smell free helmet.

Chin Strap – A chin strap helps keep the helmet in place while riding. You need a chin strap that is easy to adjust, locks securely and easy to release. You also need the chin strap to be comfortable, so it does not hurt your skin as it rubs on it.

The Visor – Though we want the wind in our face as we ride, we do not want it in our eyes. We also do not want to have to squint as a result of the blinding rays of the sun. A suitable visor or sun shield will protect against both the wind and sunlight.

You should also look at how easy it is to manage the visor. Sometimes, you may want to ride without it, making an easily removable visor a plus.

Lastly, ensure you can actually see well through the visor. This is important for your safety.

Check for the Right Size

A helmet should fit snugly without being too tight. It’s important that you make sure you are choosing the right size of helmet. If you do not choose the right size, you will not be comfortable and you won’t be well protected.

Safety Rating

The safety rating of your helmet is very important. This tells you the safety requirements it has met. The least safety rating you should go for is the DOT certification. This is the safety rating given by the Department of Transportation.

For higher safety ratings, especially for racing drivers, go for a helmet with a Snell safety rating.

Ready To Buy The Best Motorcycle Half Helmet?

We understand how confusing it can be to choose a half helmet with the different products available. Every rider has specific needs depending on the type of riding they do.

Whatever your need, we have listed five half helmets that will cover one or the other. All you need to do is pick one that suits you the best.

The Voss 888FRP Bullet Cruiser Half Helmet for us offers the best balance of price, features, and quality. Enjoy a safe ride with your motorcycle helmet!

If you are interested in retro motorcycle helmets also covering open-face helmets, consider checking Top 10 guide from Old News Club.

Are you worried about the various hazards exposed to when riding? Consider buying the top-rated motorcycle riding sunglasses as it protects the rider’s eyes from dangerous glare, wind, and dust. They provide additional protection besides the shield from your helmet.