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best half motorcycle helmets

Entry-Level

Priced under $150.

bell pit boss

High-End

Priced $150+

Scorpion Covert X Solid - In Cement Grey - Full Face
HJC CS-2N

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 2.41 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

gmax hh-65 full dressed

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Long oval

Weight: 2.11 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 1.52 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 2.09 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Street & Steel Oakland helmet

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Long oval

Weight: 2.17 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight:1 lb

DOT or ECE? DOT

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 2.64 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

bell rogue

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 3.03 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 3.31 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Our Review

Most certainly not your Grandpappy’s modular helmet! The Scorpion Covert X is a level-up progression of the Covert Series. The “X” uses Scorpion’s TCT-ULTRA® shell, KwikWick® III liner, and provisions for adding a communication system with ease. Urban riders looking for modern tech and badass looks should check out the Scorpion Covert X.

Read our full Scorpion Covert X review.

What are some of the advantages of a half helmet?

With a half helmet, you don’t have to worry about ventilation as the wind around your face and head will naturally cool you down. Half helmets are also generally quite lightweight, so your neck and shoulders will not fatigue as quickly as with other styles. You also have full use of your peripheral vision and you have a full range of motion with your neck, allowing your shoulder checks to be much more comfortable to perform.

Are half helmets safe?

In the most basic terms, yes, as wearing any type of helmet while riding is better than not wearing one at all. However, statistics from accident analysis the NTSB have shown that approximately 35% of helmet impacts occur in the chin bar area, and 17% of impacts take place on the sides and rear of the lower half of a full face helmet. These areas have no protection if wearing a half helmet.

What kind of riding are half helmets good for?

Realistically, any style, but by far the most popular use is in the cruiser niche of motorcycles. This is because the cruiser style of riding usually attracts those that are a bit more rebellious than the general riding population, and those that enjoy wearing just the bare minimum required protection so they can feel the wind as they ride.

What are some of the disadvantages of half helmets?

Half helmets, as the name describes, only covers the top half of your head, from the brow to the basilar skull area. This leaves your face open to the elements, to debris kicked up by other vehicles such as gravel, and, in the event of a crash, you have no facial, jaw, mouth, or neck protection. As well, the only certification that half helmet can get is DOT, as ECE will not certify anything less than an open face helmet.

What is the difference between a half helmet and an open face helmet?

Open face helmets, also called three-quarter helmets, do leave the face exposed, but extend down the sides and back of the head to provide more protection to the jaw, neck, and sides of the face. While both types will let you feel the wind in your face, the half helmet does not have the added bulk or protection that an open face helmet does.

Are half helmets worth it?

That is a very subjective question. It really depends on what and how you ride, and your own personal view of what you want to wear to protect yourself. The past decade has seen some advancements in half helmets, with some including drop down sun visors, modular face shields or detachable chin bars, and the like.