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best open face helmets

Entry-Level

Priced under $300.

bell mag 9 lifestyle photo

Mid-Range

Priced $300 - $500.

The SCHUBERTH M1 PRO with SC1M worn by Alan

High-End

Priced $500+.

Shoei J-Cruise II, helmet worn, 3 of 3, face shield provides very good coverage, easy to use, secure locking
Bell Mag 9

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.38lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

Originally reviewed in 2016, we found this helmet to be of excellent value. Its only major drawback was that the top vent could flow more air, but most riders overlook this—given that it’s, you know, an open-face helmet. Read the full review.

Scorpion EXO-CT220

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.32 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

We haven’t had the chance to review this helmet yet, but we are very familiar with Scorpion’s excellent value-for-money history. Check out our coverage here.

Scorpion EXO Covert X

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.31 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

The EXO Covert X is as versatile as it is good-looking. We spent a great deal of time learning the ins and outs of this lid and had some pretty positive things to say! Take a look at our review here.

SCHUBERTH M1 Pro

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.35 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

We actually haven’t reviewed the M1 Pro, but we have reviewed the original M1 and found it to be a solid open face. Our review of the M1 noted its outstanding build quality, awesome visibility, and comfort. Give it a read.

Arai Classic V

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 2.63 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified & Snell M2020

Our Review

Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to review the Classic-V, but our previous experience with Arai helmets tell us the Classic-V is a smash hit.

Shark S-Drak

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 2.89 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

We haven’t reviewed this one hands-on (darn it), but we are very familiar with Shark. Check out our Shark coverage.

Arai Ram X open face helmet

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 4.0 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT & SNELL certified

Our Review

We’ve yet to actually get our hands on this helmet—however, we did review its precursor (the CT-Z) and if the Ram-X is even half as good, you know it’ll be a treat. Read our thoughts on the CT-Z.

Shoei J-Cruise II

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.75 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

The new Shoei J-Cruise II has to be one of the nicest open-face designs we’ve reviewed. Bruce’s words say it all, “I’ve been searching for ‘the’ three-quarter helmet solution for some time—this helmet ends the search.” Read the full review.

What is an open face helmet?

Also known as a three-quarter helmet, it is a style of head protection that covers most of the same areas as a full face helmet, except without a chin bar. Many of these helmets have either a drop down sun visor in the crown of the helmet, or have attachment points for a half face or full face shield to be installed. Many also have grooves in their linings at the temples so you can wear motorcycle-approved sunglasses if you do not want to use a shield.

What are the disadvantages of an open face helmet?

The biggest disadvantage is the lack of facial protection, especially the jaw and mouth areas. 37% of motorcycle accidents that involve the head impact the chin bar area of a full face helmet. The other aspect regarding impacts is that if you choose to not use a face shield, your face is still exposed to the elements and potential flying debris kicked up by other vehicles

Are open face helmets suitable for sport riding?

In the most basic sense, yes. To expand further on that, it depends on what type of sport riding you’re doing. If you’re on a modern supersport or superbike, you’re already likely using a full face helmet, but they can be used on those motorcycles without issue. If you’re on a neo-retro sport bike, like a Royal Enfield INT650 or a Triumph Speed Twin, the “proper look” is to have an open face helmet with some motorcycle-grade ballistic goggles over your eyes, and some classic racing events even allow for open face helmets as long as they carry a SNELL rating.

What are the benefits of an open face helmet?

Open face helmets are very popular among the scooter and neo-retro crowd, as they are usually much lighter than a full face helmet, allow for you to enjoy the wind in your face, and have that classic 50’s and 60’s look while still affording you good protection. They are also the bare minimum helmet that the ECE will certify, so many open face helmets carry ECE 22.05 or 22.06 certifications.

Are open face helmets safe?

While not affording as much protection as a full face helmet, in general open face helmets are very safe. They cover the side of your face to your jawline, as well as the top of your neck and the basilar skull area, areas that are likely to suffer an impact in an accident. Open face helmets are also capable of obtaining a coveted SNELL M2015, M2020, or M2020R rating, meaning that they have passed the stringent, difficult, and voluntary tests performed by SNELL Labs.

Are open face helmets worth it?

To determine if a helmet is “worth it,” consider the type of riding you will be doing the most. If you’re a track day enthusiast, most tracks require a full face helmet with a SNELL or FHRPe-01 rating, so it’s not worth it for track days. If you’re canyon carving on a neo-retro, or cruising down the highway on a Harley-Davidson, then an open face helmet with some goggles or ballistic sunglasses are definitely worth it for that wind in the face feeling.

As with all personal protective gear, it’s up to the rider to balance their mitigation of risk with how much protection they want to wear.