Before you read the blog we recommend all to visit the gearfinder tool (link here Best Riding Gear Guide 2025 | Use the Gear Finder Now ) to discover what you really need not what is being peddled to you in the name of influence and what not. At goodgearhub we don’t chase trends, brands or the herd. We are here to promote motorcycling and we were fed up of finding motivated content so we set goodgearhub so riders can review blog and videos, use the gear finder tool to assess their riding style and need then and only then shortlist what they need. To close the loop, soon we will be putting affiliate links so you don’t have to hunt where to buy from and can just visit the retailer section –
Best Motorcycle Helmets to Buy Online
Buying a motorcycle helmet online can feel like navigating a maze, but with the right guide, it doesn’t have to be. Your helmet is the single most critical piece of safety gear, so getting it right is paramount. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure you make an informed purchase, even without trying it on in person.
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1. Find Your Size – Ditch the Wild Guesses!
Nobody wants to see a rider fussing with their helmet while zooming down the road. It all comes down to a proper head measurement.
- Run with a soft tape measure and loop it around the widest part of your head—roughly an inch above your eyebrows, give or take.
- Hunt down the brand’s size chart because, frankly, one maker’s “medium” might be another’s “small.”
- Look for a fit that’s snug but not so tight it feels like a bear hug—comfort should come first, even if it means a few extra seconds with the tape.
2. Figure Out Your Head Shape – It Really Counts!
Heads aren’t all cut from the same cloth, so the helmet that works for one rider might not work for you. In most cases, a little understanding of your head’s shape goes a long way.
- Round Oval: When your head is nearly as wide as it is long.
- Intermediate Oval: The most common look, a tad longer front-to-back.
- Long Oval: For those whose heads stretch out longer than they are wide.
If you get the chance, try on your mate’s helmet! Remember to wear a balaclava before your try! Else your mate is really going to be cross.
3. Prioritize Safety – Certifications Are a Must!
A snazzy helmet might catch your eye, but it’s the safety gear’s job to protect you. Always check that your helmet carries the right badges:
- DOT ensures it meets basic U.S. safety guidelines.
- ECE is recognized for stricter, international testing measures.
- Snell is a mark often seen on racing helmets, generally speaking, for that extra level of protection.
A helmet with proper safety stamps is non-negotiable—when it comes to staying safe, shortcuts aren’t an option.
4. Listen to Fellow Riders – Reviews Give the Real Scoop
Ever wonder if a seemingly perfect helmet turns noisy at high speeds or if its airflow is up to the task on a sultry day? Real-world rider feedback can fill in those gaps far better than any glossy description ever could.
- Written reviews spill the details on fit, comfort, and long-term wear.
- Video reviews can give you a clear look at how it actually performs on the road.
A bit of extra homework through fellow riders’ experiences can really save you from post-purchase regrets.
5. Return Policies – Your Safety Net for That “Just Doesn’t Feel Right” Moment
Even after all your planning, sometimes a helmet just won’t vibe with you. That’s why a flexible return policy is essential.
- Make sure to check how long you have to return the item before you buy.
- Hang onto all tags and that protective film on the visor until you’re absolutely sure it’s your match.
A generous return option lets you swap out that nearly-there helmet without a whole lot of hassle, keeping the stress to a minimum.
7. Untold Tips to Buy a Helmet Online
- Weather where you ride the most: This is common sense – If you live and ride mostly in cold conditions then buying a helmet with 6 vents is not clever. Conversely, if you live and ride in warm climes you need moisture-wicking liners and at least 5 vents, so don’t end up buying the silk-based liner helmet for a hot country—your head will fry.
- Full face helmet is a must: As many riders buy half-face or 3/4th, I can’t say it’s common sense. However, it is – A full-face is the only helmet to use – If you want to look cool and retro or whatever – ignore this blog 🙂
- Riding styles: If you are mostly a long-distance tourer then buying that uber-cool looking ADV helmet is like a square peg in a round hole. ADV helmets are super airy (most of them) and therefore much noisier than touring helmets. Also, an ADV helmet on a retro cruiser or tourer will look daft! Flip side, if you are an off-road fiend and you insist on wearing a touring helmet then sooner or later bad things will happen. So figure out your riding style then buy!
- Visibility: Black helmets look very cool – I had several till I learned that black is not a clever color for day or night visibility. If you must wear black then please put reflective stickers and/or helmet lights. Secondly, in warm countries in summers, black will make your head hotter!
- Peace or Roar: If you like a quiet helmet like I do (I hate traffic noise and a noisy helmet is a pain for long rides) then you will shell out a pretty penny for it as a helmet will only become quiet when it’s sealed as much as possible. My Schuberth C4 Pro cost me a fortune but when you wear it the effect is like using noise cancellation. Flip side, if you like to hear the traffic, your bike, and everything else then get a helmet with as many vents as possible and you will hear it all. Having said that, it’s always recommended to use highest quality foam earplugs to protect your hearing.
- Helmet accessories: Pinlock I personally don’t like as I think they work only in light rains and once dirty they are terrible. Chamois or top-quality microfiber is essential to clean your visor. Lastly, carry a helmet sanitizer – on long hot rides spray and dry overnight. Mandatory – Cloth cover for your helmet – When not in use – Always in minimum the cloth cover.
Five Categories of Helmets: Touring, Sports, Adventure, Summer, and Winter
Understanding the various types of helmets and their intended use is crucial for making the right online purchase. Helmets are designed with specific riding styles and environmental conditions in mind, impacting everything from ventilation and weight to noise isolation and integrated features. Matching the helmet to your primary use case will ensure optimal comfort, safety, and performance. Let’s explore five key categories and some top examples that excel in each.
1. Touring Helmets
Touring helmets are built for the long haul, prioritizing comfort, quietness, and features that enhance extended rides. They often include integrated sun visors, excellent ventilation, and robust communication system compatibility.
- Shoei Neotec III: This modular helmet offers exceptional quietness and comfort, perfect for long-distance touring with integrated comms.
- Schuberth C5: Known for its wind tunnel-optimized aerodynamics and superior noise reduction, making long rides serene.
- Sena Stryker: A smart helmet with integrated Mesh Intercom and Harman Kardon speakers, designed for seamless communication on tours.
- HJC RPHA 91: A premium modular helmet offering a balance of lightweight design, comfort, and advanced ventilation for touring.
- Nolan N100-5 Plus: A feature-rich modular helmet with a wide field of vision and excellent ventilation, ideal for diverse touring conditions.
2. Sport Helmets
Sport helmets are engineered for performance, focusing on aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and maximum ventilation to keep riders cool during aggressive riding or track days.
- AGV Corsa R: A race-bred helmet offering extreme aerodynamics and exceptional ventilation for track and aggressive street riding.
- Shoei X-Spirit III: Designed for high-speed stability and optimal airflow, a favorite among professional racers.
- Arai RX-7V EVO: Provides superior impact protection and ventilation, a top choice for track days and sport riding.
- HJC RPHA 1: A FIM-homologated race helmet, offering competitive performance and a lightweight shell for the track.
- Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon: A lightweight carbon fiber helmet with an AirFit system for a personalized, stable fit at high speeds.
3. Adventure Helmets
Adventure helmets are versatile, blending off-road capability with on-road comfort. They typically feature a peak, ample ventilation, and often accommodate goggles, making them suitable for mixed-terrain exploration.
- Klim Krios Pro: An ultra-light carbon fiber ADV helmet with Koroyd for superior impact absorption and excellent ventilation.
- Arai XD-4: Renowned for its balanced performance, offering great ventilation and a comfortable fit for both dirt and pavement.
- Shoei Hornet X2: A dual-sport helmet that excels in both street and off-road environments, with a wide eye port for goggles.
- Nexx X.WED2: A highly adaptable adventure helmet with multiple configurations, providing comfort and protection across varied conditions.
- LS2 Explorer Frontier: Offers a lightweight shell and extensive ventilation, making it a robust choice for long adventure rides.
4. Summer Helmets
Summer helmets prioritize maximum airflow, efficient moisture-wicking liners, and often lighter materials to ensure rider comfort in hot and humid conditions.
- HJC RPHA 11 Pro: Features exceptional ventilation and a lightweight design, ideal for keeping cool during hot rides.
- Shoei RF-1400: Known for its effective ventilation system and comfortable interior, providing relief in warmer climates.
- Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS: Offers good airflow and an integrated sun visor, making it a solid choice for summer commuting.
- Scorpion EXO-R420: A budget-friendly option with decent ventilation and a comfortable liner for everyday summer use.
- Icon Airflite: Stands out with its aggressive styling and multiple vents, providing ample airflow for hot weather.
5. Winter Helmets (or Cold Weather Focused)
Winter helmets are designed to provide superior insulation, excellent sealing against cold and wet weather, and effective anti-fog visors to maintain warmth and clear visibility. While “heated” helmets are less common as a standalone category (often being an accessory or feature), these helmets excel in cold.
- Schuberth S3: German-engineered for cold-weather comfort, offering exceptional insulation and quietness.
- Shoei GT-Air III: Provides excellent sealing and a plush, insulated interior, making it ideal for cold and wet conditions.
- Arai Quantum-X: Features a comfortable, insulated interior and a strong seal against the elements, perfect for winter touring.
- HJC RPHA 71: A versatile helmet with good insulation and a Pinlock-ready visor system that performs well in colder temperatures.
- Daytona Trans Open GTX: A premium touring boot (oops, helmet!) that offers exceptional weather protection and warmth, though it’s a boot, not a helmet. (Correction: For helmets, consider a model like the Schuberth C4 Pro, known for its excellent cold-weather sealing and quietness.)
Best Motorcycle Helmets to Buy Online goodgearhub wrap-Up
At the end of the day, purchasing a helmet online need not be a nerve-racking experience. Measure your head carefully, keep your unique head shape in mind, check those safety labels, lean on honest reviews, and pick a seller who offers a friendly return policy. Do all that, and the next time you strip off your packaging, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear instead of grimacing in discomfort.
Trusted Gear Links
USA
EU/UK
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
https://www.championhelmets.com
SPECIALIST GEAR SITES
https://www.lonerider-motorcycle.com
https://www.garmin.com/en-IN/c/motorcycle/
https://www.hepco-becker.de/en/
