Of all the types of motorcycle gear out there, motorcycle helmets are the category I think you should value the most. Protection for your head is extremely important.
There are several different types of motorcycle helmets out there, and they each have their merits, but today I wanted to take a look at the best half helmets.
What Is a Half Helmet
At its most basic, a half helmet is an open-face type of motorcycle helmet that covers the top of your head and a portion of the rear of your head. It doesn’t provide as much coverage as other styles of helmets.
The benefits of this type of helmet come from airflow, aesthetics, and the fact that you’ll feel the wind on your face, or quite simply, how it feels. If you know you need to wear a helmet but want as little helmet as possible—or just like the half helmet look—then this is the option for you.
The Best Half Helmets
I scoured the product listings, read reviews, and wore a few of these helmets myself to find you the top choices when it comes to the best half helmets. Here are my top 12 picks.
1. HJC IS-Cruiser Helmet
I have owned an HJC IS-Cruiser motorcycle helmet. I loved it. I’ve moved on to modular and full-face motorcycle helmets now, but this option still has a place in my heart.
HJC offers this helmet with a lightweight polycarbonate shell, integrated pull-down sun visor, removable moisture-wicking Nylex interior liner, and a D-ring retention system on the chin strap. This helmet comes DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
2. Bell Pit Boss Helmet
Bell helmets are some of the best out there. The Pit Boss is a great example of why that is. This classic half helmet brings both style and substance to anyone who should decide to ride while wearing it.
The Pit Boss features a lightweight TriMatriz shell that comes in two shell sizes across the sizing range, a dropdown sun shield, a Speed Dial adjustable fit system, a removable neck curtain, speaker pockets, and a five-year warranty. This helmet is DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
3. LS2 Rebellion Helmet
Take a close look, folks. The LS2 Rebellion is one of the best helmets that fit into the half-helmet category today. It’s advanced and attractive, meaning you’ll look good while wearing it and also stay safe.
The Rebellion helmet offers LS2’s Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell, multi-density EPS, adjustable Twin Shield System for the built-in sun shield, micrometric quick-release chin strap, excellent ventilation, removable and hypoallergenic liner, and Bluetooth comm system ready. It is also DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
4. GMax GM65 Bravery Helmet
If you’re looking for something a bit patriotic, then look no further than the GMax GM65 helmet. This helmet features a patriotic design in a simple half-helmet that will give you the protection you need.
The helmet features a thermo-plastic poly alloy shell, a drop-down UV400 sun shield, dual-density EPS, a removable snap-in neck curtain, and a DuPont Coolmax comfort liner that can be removed for washing. This helmet is DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
5. Bell Rogue Helmet
The Bell Rogue is a fabulous helmet that takes the half helmet design to a different level, thanks to its unique muzzle that covers the front of your face. Bell isn’t the only company doing this open-face helmet with a facemask thing, but they’re the best at it. This removable muzzle and the unique shape of the helmet make it one of the most badass-looking on this list.
In addition to the unique muzzle design, the Rogue offers a lightweight composite shell, a removable and washable interior liner, convenient speaker pockets, a stainless steel D-ring retention system on the chin strap, and a five-year warranty. This helmet is DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
5. Bell Scout Air Helmet
Say hello to one of the lightest weight motorcycle helmets on sale today. If the weight of a helmet on your head is a concern, the Bell Scout Air is one of the helmets that you’ll hardly notice, it’s so light.
The Scout Air offers the company’s TriMatrix material for the shell, EPS inside the shell for protection, a peak visor (the helmet ships with two different ones), a D-ring retention system on the chin strap, and a five-year warranty. The helmet is offered with 5 different shell sizes and 5 different EPS sizes to keep the profile slow and sleek.
Check it out at Amazon
6. Scorpion EXO Covert X Helmet
Scorpion is known for making amazing motorcycle gear, and the EXO Covert X helmet is one of the products it is known for, at least in my mind. The helmet is unique and offers a face shield similar to that of the Bell Rogue.
Aside from the face shield and drop-down visor, the helmet features, aero-tuned ventilation, and a removable KwikWick 3 anti-microbial fabric liner. The face shield can snap off, putting the wind back on your face, and the drop-down sun visor pushes up and out of the way.
Check it out at Amazon
7. LS2 Bagger Helmet
The LS2 Bagger helmet is another great option for anyone looking for a half helmet with plenty of features. LS2 makes great helmets, and the Bagger helmet is a perfect example of what I mean.
This helmet features the company’s High Performance Fiberglass Composite shell, a quick-release chin strap, a removable 3-snap peak, and a zip-off neck skirt that comes in handy when the temperature turns colder. The helmet is DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
8. GMax GM45 Naked Helmet
If simplicity is what you’re looking for, then you really should check out the GMax GM45 half helmet. This helmet is about as simple as they come while also still featuring quality materials.
The GM45 offers premium venting, a comfort liner, a fully removable interior, and plenty of soft padding inside the helmet and along the chin strap.
Check it out at Amazon
9. GMax HH65 Naked Helmet
Another good option from GMax is the HH65 Naked Helmet brings a few more features to the simple half-helmet equation. If you like the minimalist look but value features, then this is a good option.
The HH65 has a super low profile, dual-density EPS, tinted retractable sun visor, removable neck and ear curtain, EPS venting channels, CoolMax Core Technology liner, quick-release ratchet chin strap, and DOT approval.
Check it out at Amazon
10. BILT Falcon Helmet
The BILT brand is an entry-level brand for several different types of gear. The Falcon helmet is just that, entry-level. It comes with a price tag that reflects that, but that doesn’t mean this helmet is bad. On the contrary, it offers quite a lot.
The BILT Falcon helmet has an ABS shell, removable three-snap visor, removable neck and ear curtain, ventilation channels, and a double D-ring retention system. It is also DOT-approved.
Check it out at Revzilla
11. Highway 21 9mm Helmet
The Highway 21 9mm helmet brings classic military helmet styling to the street. This helmet looks great and it has the substance and features to back up its looks.
The 9mm helmet from Highway 21 features a durable ABS shell, EPS liner, a diamond-stitched Coolmax liner, a double D-ring retention system on the chin strap, and approval from the DOT.
Check it out at Amazon
12. AFX FX-200 Helmet
Lastly, there’s the AFX FX-200 Helmet. This simple helmet is well-liked by reviewers and offers a simple, yet attractive look. It’s basic, but if that’s what you want in a half helmet, then this is a great option for a fair price.
The FX-200 helmet has a fiberglass-reinforced plastic shell, removable visor, antimicrobial nylon comfort liner, removable ear covers, drop-down sun shield with dual inner lenses, and a double D-ring retention system. This helmet is DOT-approved.
Check it out at Amazon
