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Wearing a helmet is mandatory for your safety. It’s a law in some countries, but even when it’s not; it’s always recommended that you wear it.
Many helmet types offer more or less protection, but it’s unlikely any would protect you more than a full-face helmet. These cover your entire face and head, offering the highest level of security compared to other types.
Still, finding a quality product that fits you well can sometimes be a struggle. There are many different brands on the market which can make it tricky to opt for one. We’ve narrowed your options, reviewing only the best ones in the article below.
6 Top Rated Full Face Helmets Reviewed
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Bell Qualifier  | Bell Qualifier Shell Material: Polycarbonate/ABS Color: 17 Colors to Choose Weight: 3.5 lb | Check Price |
1Storm  | 1Storm Shell Material: Aerodynamic Thermoplastic Alloy Color: 17 Colors to Choose Weight: 4 lb | Check Price |
HJC  | HJC Shell Material: Polycarbonate Color: White Weight: 5 lb | Check Price |
ILM  | ILM Shell Material: ABS Color: 7 Colors to Choose Weight: 2.98 lb | Check Price |
Typhoon  | Typhoon Shell Material: Polycarbonate Color: 8 Colors to Choose Weight: 5 lb | Check Price |
Scorpion EXO  | Scorpion EXO Shell Material: Polycarbonate Color: Matte Black Weight: 3.97 lb | Check Price |
Bell Qualifier - Best Comfort
The Qualifier is a well-known model that almost all experienced riders owned at some point. It’s a popular option thanks to its overall protection level and comfort.
Its polycarbonate/ABS composite shell is lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours on end. It weighs some 3.5 pounds along with the interior padding.
It comes in three shell and EPS designs though they’re all somewhat small and light. Also, it comes with a clear shield only through an optional tinted one is available for separate purchase.
The quick-release shield system makes it easy and effortless to use. It’s a tool-free system allowing you to swap shields rather quickly.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this Bell model is DOT approved. It meets and exceeds the FMVSS 218 Standard of safety and comes with a five-year warranty.
PROS
- Countered cheek pads
- Removable and washable interior padding
- Tool-free shield swap system
CONS
- It’s a bit loud
1Storm - Best Cheap Modular
This one is a modular full-face helmet, so it’s a bit different than a classical full-face model. It’s DOT approved, so you can use it across the USA without any issues. For other countries, you should consider a few other safety certifications.
The 1Storm has an advanced modular/flip-up design with dual-lens. It comes with an inner smoked lens and a clear outer shield that work together to deliver the best performance.
It’s a lightweight model with a durable, aerodynamic thermoplastic alloy shell for durability and reliability. Furthermore, it looks sleek and stylish thanks to its glossy UV protective finish.
The helmet features removable and washable interior padding allowing you to freshen it up from time to time, giving it a quick rinse. Make sure to let it dry for at least 24h hours before you use it again.
PROS
- Six ventilation opening system
- Quick-release buckle
- Removable and washable padding and liner
CONS
- Wind noise at over 40mph
HJC - Best Lightweight
If you’re looking for a simple yet stylish helmet, you might want to check this HJC model. It looks sleek yet quite simple without too many graphics and curves.
Its advanced polycarbonate composite shell is lightweight, fits well, and is comfortable thanks to the advanced CAT technology. It also comes with anti-scratch and anti-fog face shield system and an optional Pinlock insert.
It features a RapidFire shield replacement system that makes it easy to remove and replace the shields without any tools. This makes the installation efficient, quick, and simple.
Its ACS advanced channeling ventilation system goes from front to back and allows constant airflow. On top of that, it has a moisture-wicking interior, removable cheek pads and liner, and anti-bacterial fabric.
PROS
- Interchangeable cheek pads
- Advanced ventilation system
- Wide range of colors and sizes
CONS
- Tricky to operate with gloves on
ILM - Best Street
ILM is another popular option, especially among street riders and commuters who ride regularly. It’s a comfortable piece that’s easy to operate in both winter and summer.
This one comes with two visors included, so you get both a clear and smoked one. It also features a neck scarf that makes all the difference in cold weather.
The design is streamlined and aerodynamic, so the helmet doesn’t produce as much wind noise and drag. As a result, it’s suitable to use at different speeds and in various conditions.
It’s also important to note that the durable ABS shell is quite lightweight, so you won’t have any issues wearing for hours on end.
On top of that, it comes with a quick-release clasp and strap along with some removable inner lining pads.
PROS
- DOT approved
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use with gloves on
CONS
- The vents don’t lock opened or closed
Typhoon - Best Women's Style
This Typhoon helmet is among the best choices for women looking for full-face models. It’s a DOT approved piece that’s quite durable and reliable for both long- and short-distance trips.
It features an open/close locking air intake vents, a removable chin skirt, and flip-up face shield. It also features a durable matte finish that’s resistant against different weather conditions.
This one comes with a removable and washable liner you can freshen whenever you feel the need. Make sure to allow it at least a day to dry before you use it again.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the model comes in different sizes and color combinations. Its attractive design is largely what makes it as popular among the female riders. Nonetheless, it doesn’t lack safety and comfort either.
PROS
- Wide field of vision
- Quick-release strap
- Removable and washable liner
CONS
- It fits a bit tight
Scorpion EXO - Best Cool Design
Scorpion EXO is another popular helmet that most riders end up wearing at some point. It’s among the best full-faces with a cool design that’s eye-catching and attractive.
The advanced LG polycarbonate shell is developed by Scorpion. It’s an industry-leading shell, engineered to disperse impact and minimize weight as a whole.
It comes with a retractable, tinted sun-visor allowing you to ride in different light conditions. On top of that, dark smoke and additional clear visors are also included for nighttime riding.
The helmet comes with a front mask with neodymium magnets.
The mask is removable which allows you to use the helmet in several ways. Also, its block-off plates help use it as a ¾ helmet. For comfort, the manufacturer included dual-density EPS that’s suitable for long-hour rides.
PROS
- Versatile use
- Eye-catching, sleek design
- Dual-density EPS
CONS
- A bit noisy at 40 mph
Buyer's Guide
Why Should You Wear a Full Face Helmet?
The answer is in the overall safety this type of helmet provides. While it’s always better to wear any helmet than none at all, there’s also a considerable difference between these types and what they offer.
A full-face model covers your entire face and skull, so none of it is exposed. In this case, the chin bar covers at least 35% of the impact, which is something you don’t get with modular helmets. In other words, you’re minimizing protection by 35% when you opt for an open-face instead of full-face.
An open-face model exposes your face, which can be dangerous in case of an accident. However, having your face covered would minimize the chance of injury.
Also, the full-face helmet has fewer weak points when compared to modular or ¾ models. A piece with a flip-up visor might protect you from the sun and offer a more versatile use, but that’s also where it would break in case of an accident.
Still, it’s essential to choose a quality helmet that’s made of durable materials. Even if you opt for a full-face, you’re not doing yourself a favor if you choose a cheap and flimsy model.
Read more about modular and full face.
Shell
Make sure the shell is durable and resistant to impact and different weather conditions. It should be scratch-resistant as well.
Nowadays, shells are made of different materials allowing you to choose based on your needs and preferences. In most cases, brands opt for polycarbonate since it’s quite durable but also lightweight and easy to wear.
Vents
Vents are critical for a full-face helmet. Since the design is typically enclosed, you should pay special attention to how much air it lets through.
Opt for a model with plenty of air vents you can open and close at your preference. More vents mean less fogging and fatigue which is especially important in summer. In the winter, you’ll appreciate vents you can adjust and open/close when the winds get too cold.
Interior
Interior is critical when it comes to comfort and how the helmet feels. It’s especially crucial if you’re often riding long-distance and have to wear it for hours at the time.
Choose a model with removable and washable interior padding (see our helmet cleaning guide). It’s the best choice in terms of maintenance since it allows you to keep the interior fresh and clean with ease.
Shield/Visor
Shields and visors are somewhat a matter of your preference. Still, choose scratch-resistant and anti-fogging ones since those are the easiest to use and maintain.
If you opt for several visors, make sure the removing and replacing them is simple and effortless.
Anti-Fog
As we mentioned, it’s important to have a reliable ventilation system in order to prevent fogging and fatigue.
Some visors come with anti-fogging coating, but still, ventilation plays the most significant role when it comes to preventing fogging.
Conclusion
At this point, you probably understand the importance of a full-face helmet and how it’s different than all the others.
Some people don’t like it because it covers your face entirely, so other people cannot see who is riding the bike. Still, that’s not nearly as important as safety and protection.
Full-face helmets are the safest since they have the least weak points and cover your entire face and head. They’re often comfortable and suitable for both summer and winter.
