Top 10 Motorcycle Helmet Brands

The list of motorcycle helmet brands seems to be endless, and that can make it hard to pick one out.

Luckily for you—and unluckily for me—I’ve gone through my share of helmets and have learned along the way what makes each brand unique and its pros and cons.

Here you’ll find my top 10 and what it was that earned them a spot on the list.

Arai

Arai is a top-shelf Japanese helmet brand known for safety and style. Arai got their start making hats and then military and industrial safety helmets.

Now they produce a large range of helmets with numerous designs, including full face and modular. Their manufacturing process is well-known because they use a large amount of handcrafting.

Arai is one of the more expensive brands, but you’re certainly not just paying for the name. You’re paying for quality, safety and comfort above and beyond most other brands.

Still, they’re better for serious riders who know they’ll regularly be using a helmet for a long time.

Pros:

• High quality design and construction
• Models with advanced technology
• Great fit and comfort
• 5-year warranties
• Lightweight but tough fiberglass shells
• Aerodynamic

Cons:

• High price range
• Sometimes loud

My Arai Selections

---

Shoei

Shoei is a top-shelf brand that rivals Arai for the top spot. Like Arai, they’re a Japanese brand that hand-make their helmets via a renowned manufacturing process.

Also read: Shoei vs Arai

Their models usually have advanced features over other brands and are more aerodynamic, lighter and quieter. They really take the Gold when it comes to ventilation and properly allow airflow without letting wind into the neck.

Everyone has a different head, but Shoei’s fit most people well and are very comfortable. They’re sleek and stylish, but of course, come with the price tag to match.

Pros:

• Hand-made craftsmanship and quality
• Sleek and stylish designs
• Advanced features
• Great ventilation – read more about ventilated helmets
• Great fit and comfortable construction

Cons:

• High price range
• Limited availability

My Shoei Selections

---

AGV

Italy has long been a home for quality motorcycles, and gear and AGV is a big part of that. Since 1947, they’ve been responsible for many of the innovations in the motorcycle helmet market.

AGV is a high-quality brand on par with Arai and Shoei, though many models have a more moderate price tag. Their safety is unparalleled, and they’re quiet and stylish, though the fit can sometimes be very specific. 

Pros:

• Beautiful designs
• Great value for the quality
• Top-shelf safety and security
• Minimal wind noise

Cons:

• Very specific shapes and fit

My AGV Selections

---

Shark

Shark is a French helmet brand that’s been making helmets in Marseille for 30 years. They’re often on the cutting edge of design and style and produce unique-looking helmets that catch the eye and make people talk.

One great thing about Shark is the wide range of models with prices for any budget. There are plenty of options for beginners who are just trying out motorcycles, as well as experts looking for one of the best helmets on the market.

Pros:

• Unique and eye-catching designs
• Aerodynamics for comfort and racing
• Safe and durable
• Wide range of styles and prices

Cons:

• Specific fit
• Unique designs sometimes don’t work with non-proprietary add-ons

My Shark Selections

---

Bell

Bell is an American company that’s been making helmets since the 50s. Their models are widely available and easy to find in most stores. Their biggest draw is their value, offering the same safety as top-shelf models at a much lower price.

That said, Bell helmets may not have the same aerodynamics or comfort as the more expensive brands, but they still get the job done. I’d recommend them for beginners or infrequent hobby riders who just need something that works.

Pros:

• Quality safety and protection
• Wide availability
• Low price range

Cons:

• Basic designs
• Not as aerodynamic or lightweight
• Can be loud – read how to quiet a motorcyle helmet

My Bell Selections

---

Nolan

Nolan is one of the largest helmet manufacturers and very popular, especially in Europe. Their models are generally regarded as inexpensive and offer great value for what you get. 

Nolan helmets are simple, quiet and protective, though some riders complain about the narrowness of the field of vision. They’re very popular with professional racers due to their aerodynamics and ventilation.

Pros:

• Great value
• Tough polycarbonate shells
• Aerodynamic designs ideal for racing
• Sun protection

Cons:

• Few design options
• Many models have narrow fields of vision

My Nolan Selections

---

HJC

HJC is frequently regarded as the go-to helmet brand for those who want the quality of Arai and Shoei without the price tag.

HJC tests their helmets using a wind tunnel laboratory, resulting in industry-leading aerodynamics. They’re Snell and DOT certified and as safe as any helmet you can find on the market.

There’s a wide variety of helmets, most of which fit well and are comfortable, so you can pick what’s best for you.

Pros:

• Excellent value and price
• Extensively tested aerodynamics
• Many features available
• High quality safety and durability
• Comfortable

Cons:

• More wind noise

My HJC Selections

---

Scorpion EXO

Scorpion EXO helmets are arguably the coolest and most unique looking out there. Nevertheless, they’re also some of the least expensive.

They have a wide range of helmets in price, style and design that features quality aerodynamics and ventilation. One of the most notable features is the eye shields which offer wide fields of vision and great sun protection.

Pros:

• Value prices
• A number of modern styles
• Aerodynamic
• Wide fields of vision
• Sun protection

Cons:

• Heavy
• Can be loud

My Scorpion EXO Selections

---

ILM

ILM is a new brand of helmet founded in the US in 2013. They make budget helmets that meet minimum requirements but keep you safe at affordable prices. ILM is a solid option for beginners who still need to learn their way around a helmet.

One area they excel in is warmth, some helmets even featuring attached neck scarves. However, the ventilation can be poor. As a result, they’re better for colder climates.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Simple and great for beginners
• Warm

Cons:

• Tight fit
• Poor ventilation
• Heavy and can tire the neck

My ILM Selections

---

Sedici

Sedici has a cool Italian name, but it’s actually the in-house brand at Revzilla and Cycle Gear, both owned by Comoto Holdings. This helps them cut costs while offering straightforward quality and safety. 

Sedici designs tend to be pretty basic, but they work fine and are perfectly safe. I would recommend them for beginners who don’t want to spend too much on a helmet. Since they’re a store brand, they’re well-known, and you can easily find information for them or after-market add-ons. 

Pros:

• Budget prices
• Backed by Revzilla/Cycle Gear
• Simple, intuitive designs
• Safe and effective

Cons:

• Little variety or style
• Deceptive Italian name
• Fit runs narrow
• Wind noise

My Sedici Selections