A top-notch motorcycle helmet makes a fantastic gift, and there are loads to choose from for riders in all categories. We’ve selected 10 helmets we would love to see under our tree, and expect the rider in your life would be stoked to receive as well.
Related: How To Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet
And if you’re unsure which size to get, take a peek at the helmet currently in use when you get a chance. The size of the lid is often printed on the back of the helmet or on a tag inside the lining. If you want to go the extra mile, do a quick search online and try to find a description for that exact helmet (you’ll have to know the brand name and model name). Look for a description of the helmet’s head shape, because it can have a big effect on fit. The head shapes are long oval, round oval, and intermediate oval, and most manufacturers will call this information out for each of their helmets. Once you have the size and head shape, you can narrow your search and find a lid that will fit really well.
Related: Helmet Cleaning The Right Way | Street Savvy
The Shoei GT-Air II is a phenomenal, all-around, full-face street helmet. Shoei lids are quiet and comfortable, and this is the latest edition of a popular line that incorporates numerous features riders want. Things like the internal drop-down sun shield, sleek and aerodynamic shell, Bluetooth communication system compatibility, and top-spec shell materials and EPS lining for optimum protection in the event of an accident. Plus the lid comes in a huge assortment of colors and graphics.
The HJC RPHA 11 Pro is a race-derived lid made affordable for riders who still want a high level of protection. There are also a lot of options in this family, including lids with Marvel and DC Comics graphics. Whatever look you go for though, each helmet uses HJC’s Premium Integrated Matrix shell, moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial interior lining, Rapid Fire II Shield Replacement System, and shield lock, among a number of other features.
A modular helmet is really nice to have handy, and the Bell SRT is a great option that won’t break the bank, even if you opt for top-level graphics. It’s DOT, ECE, and Snell 2015 approved, so has safety chops exceeding lots of standard full-face helmets out there. Its flip-up chin bar, internal drop-down sun shield, plush interior, recessed speaker pockets, and Panovision face shield are high quality and user friendly. Even if your rider already has a helmet they love, this lid would be a great backup or fair-weather option.
For a little more cash, you can get the Klim TK1200 Karbon. It’s an up-spec modular lid with a full carbon fiber shell. The TK1200 is designed to be aerodynamically efficient and quiet on the road and makes use of a break-away chin bar that’s designed to come off easily in the event of a crash. It also comes with a Transition face shield, which changes tint based on light conditions outside. There are a number of graphics options available too.
While there are a growing variety of open-face helmet styles on the market today, there’s still plenty of interest in simply designed lids like the Scorpion EXO Belfast. Its stripped-down look is accented by a retro-style interior with plush, comfortable padding. One nice touch is the drop-down sun shield, offering a heightened level of eye protection from light or road debris.
If you’re in the market for a little more modern-looking open-face, the Nexx SX.60 VF2 is a feature-rich way to go. It utilizes a DOT- and ECE-approved Advanced Thermo Resin shell and features both an outer face shield and an inner drop-down sun shield. A buckle clasp makes it easy to secure the helmet and take it off as well.
If the rider you’re buying for this year prizes fresh air and freedom, the Highway 21 .357 half helmet is a solid, affordable option. It’s DOT approved, comes with a diamond-stitched Coolmax lining that’s removable and washable, and secures using a traditional D-ring design. It’s a simple, no-nonsense helmet that epitomizes the open-face style.
Half helmets don’t all look the same, as the LS2 Rebellion proves. This is a surprisingly decked helmet considering its slim design. It features a KPA shell, is built to house a Sena Linkin Ride Pal Bluetooth system, features a two-step drop-down sun shield and removable peak, and ports through the EPS lining for ventilation.
The Icon Variant Pro is an adventure-style helmet with a fiberglass, Dyneema, carbon matrix outer shell. It’s packing eight intake and two exhaust vents, fog-free face shield, no-lift visor, and a five-piece modular liner that’s removable and washable. It’s a light-weight option that’s been wind-tunnel tested for optimum performance at speed, helping to keep a rider’s neck from aching under constant buffeting. There are a wide range of color and graphics options available.
The Arai XD-4 gives you multiple configurations to choose from. Riders can remove the visor, the face shield, or ride with all three on, making this a great option for those that bounce between adventure riding, street riding, and more intense off-roading. It’s DOT and Snell approved, has a ventilation system designed to maximize airflow and minimize fogging, and comes with a fully removable and washable interior lining system. The Arai XD-4 is a high-quality adventure helmet that any rider would be pleased to see under the tree.