Top 10 Motorcycle Helmet Brands You Can Trust in 2025
Picking the right motorcycle helmet can save your life. Not all helmet brands are the same. Some focus on safety while others cut corners to save money. This guide will help you understand which brands make the best helmets.
When you ride a motorcycle, your helmet is your most important gear. A good helmet protects your head during crashes. It also keeps you comfortable on long rides. The best brands use quality materials and pass strict safety tests.
What Makes a Good Helmet Brand?
Before we talk about specific brands, let’s understand what makes a helmet brand trustworthy.
Safety Standards Matter Most
Good helmet brands follow safety rules. In America, helmets need DOT certification. This is the basic legal requirement. Better brands also get ECE certification from Europe. The best brands earn Snell certification, which tests helmets even harder.
Some helmets get SHARP ratings from the UK. These ratings use stars – five stars means the safest. When shopping for helmets, always check these certifications.
Build Quality You Can Feel
Top brands use strong materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass. These materials protect better than cheap plastic. The foam inside should have multiple layers to absorb different types of impacts.
Good brands also add comfort features. You want padding you can wash, vents that actually work, and visors that don’t fog up. A quality chin strap with D-rings is safer than cheap snap buckles.
The Top 10 Helmet Brands
1. Shoei – The Safety Leader
Shoei makes some of the safest helmets you can buy. This Japanese brand has been around for over 60 years. They test every helmet carefully before it leaves the factory.
Shoei helmets often get five-star SHARP ratings. Many models are Snell certified too. The RF-1400 and X-Fourteen are their most popular models. Expect to pay between $400 and $900.
2. Arai – Handmade Excellence
Arai helmets are completely handmade in Japan. More than 40 workers build each helmet. The company is family-owned and puts safety above everything else.
Arai has more Snell-certified helmets than any other brand. Their helmets last up to seven years, longer than most others. The Corsair-X and Signet-X are top choices. Prices range from $600 to $1,000.
3. AGV – Italian Racing Style
AGV brings Italian design and racing technology together. They’ve made helmets since 1947. Many MotoGP racers choose AGV helmets.
Their Pista GP-R and K6 models score five stars on SHARP tests. AGV helmets look great and protect well. Prices run from $400 to $1,500 depending on the model.
4. Shark – French Consistency
Shark helmets come from France. They’re known for doing one thing really well – making every helmet score four stars. Out of ten helmets tested, all got four-star ratings.
Their modular helmets have chin bars that lock 100% of the time. This matters because loose chin bars can open during crashes. The Evo-One 2 is their best modular option. Most Shark helmets cost between $250 and $700.
5. HJC – Best Value
HJC proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for safety. This Korean brand makes helmets that cost less but still protect well. Their C70 model earned five SHARP stars and costs under $200.
The RPHA series offers sport performance at fair prices. HJC has its own wind tunnel for testing. Helmets range from $100 to $500.
6. Bell – American Heritage
Bell invented the modern motorcycle helmet back in 1929. They know helmets inside and out. Bell offers a crash replacement program – if you wreck, they give you a discount on a new helmet.
Many Bell helmets are Snell certified. The Star DLX MIPS and Race Star Flex are top models. Bell helmets start at $130 and go up to $700.
7. Nolan – Italian Reliability
Nolan makes all their helmets in Italy. Every single Nolan helmet tested by SHARP got four stars. That’s incredibly consistent.
Their flip-up helmets lock securely every time. The N87 and N100-5 are popular choices. Nolan uses polycarbonate shells that balance price and protection. Expect to pay $200 to $500.
8. Scorpion – Budget Friendly
Scorpion offers decent protection without breaking the bank. Some models like the R2000 have Snell certification. Their helmets start around $110.
The EXO-R1 Air works well for sport riding. The AT950 suits adventure riders. Quality has improved a lot in recent years. Prices range from $110 to $500.
9. Nexx – Unique Designs
Nexx comes from Portugal and focuses on distinctive looks. Their XG 100R retro helmet scored four SHARP stars. Nexx uses composite materials in all their helmets.
The X.WED2 adventure helmet stands out for its style. These helmets cost between $350 and $600. If you want something different, check out Nexx.
10. Schuberth – German Engineering
Schuberth builds the quietest helmets on the market. German engineering shows in every detail. They also offer a crash replacement program.
However, their safety scores vary from two to four stars. The C5 modular and R2 sport models are well-known. Schuberth helmets cost $500 to $800.
Six Gear’s Premium Helmet Collection
At Six Gear, we’ve been serving riders since 2004. We design and manufacture our own line of safety helmets built with quality materials and affordable prices. Every helmet we make follows strict DOT FMVSS 218 certification standards.
Six Gear Full Face Helmets
Our full face helmets provide maximum protection for sport and street riders. These helmets feature advanced Thermo Polymer Alloy ABS shells that are lightweight yet incredibly strong.
The Catalyst helmet series represents where performance meets cutting-edge technology. Street performance meets the future of helmet safety technology with the Catalyst line. These helmets have proven race pedigree and include the latest helmet innovations.
For riders wanting premium protection, the Catalyst Carbon helmet offers carbon fiber construction. This material provides superior impact protection while keeping weight down. The Catalyst Carbon looks sharp and feels amazing while keeping you safe.
Our full face helmets include slim-fit low profile shells, solid noise reduction, and removable washable interiors. The adjustable cheek pads let you customize the fit. Each helmet weighs around 2.86 pounds, making them comfortable for all-day riding. Regular price is $199, currently on sale for $179.
Six Gear Modular Flip-Up Helmets
Looking for versatility? Our modular flip-up helmets combine full-face protection with open-face convenience. The chin bar flips up when you stop, making it easy to talk or grab a drink without removing your helmet.
We offer modular helmets in multiple colors including yellow and red options. These helmets feature lightweight construction, advanced ventilation systems, and comfortable padding for short and long rides.
The modular design works perfect for touring riders and commuters. You get full-face safety when riding and the convenience of a flip-up design when stopped. Each modular helmet is DOT certified and built to last.
Six Gear Open Face Helmets
For cruiser and vintage bike riders, our open face helmets deliver classic style with modern safety. These helmets use the same DOT-certified ABS shell as our full face models.
Open face helmets weigh just 2.86 pounds and include removable, washable interiors. The low-profile design looks great on any bike. Originally priced at $109, they’re currently available for $99.
Each open face helmet includes solid noise reduction and adjustable cheek pads. The slim-fit shells provide excellent protection while maintaining that classic motorcycle look riders love.
Choosing the Right Brand for You
Match Your Budget
Under $300? Look at HJC or Scorpion. You can also check out Six Gear’s helmet collection starting at $99. Between $300 and $600? Try Bell, Shark, or Nolan. Over $600? Consider Shoei, Arai, or AGV.
Consider Your Riding Style
Sport riders should check out AGV and Shoei. For everyday riding, Six Gear’s Catalyst series offers excellent value. Touring riders will love modular options from Schuberth or Six Gear’s flip-up helmets. Adventure riders need Arai or Nexx.
Head Shape Matters
Arai and Shoei fit round oval heads best. AGV, Bell, and Shark work for intermediate oval shapes. Schuberth suits long oval heads. Six Gear helmets accommodate most head shapes with adjustable cheek pads.
Conclusion
Choosing the right helmet brand protects your life. The top 10 brands we covered all make quality helmets. Shoei and Arai lead in safety. HJC and Bell offer great value. Pick the brand that fits your head, riding style, and budget.
At Six Gear, we’ve spent 20 years perfecting motorcycle safety gear. Our helmet collection delivers DOT-certified protection at prices that won’t empty your wallet. From our advanced Catalyst Carbon helmets to versatile modular designs, we offer options for every rider.
Remember, your helmet works best when paired with complete riding gear. Our jackets, pants, gloves, and boots create a full safety system. Quality gear saves lives.
Ready to protect yourself with premium quality at affordable prices? Browse Six Gear’s complete helmet collection today. Shop Six Gear now and join over 2 million satisfied riders who trust our gear. Don’t compromise on head protection – get quality, affordability, and peace of mind in one package!