Top 10 Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets You Should Buy in 2022 Review

A full-face helmet will give you better protection in comparison to either a half or three-quarter face helmet. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a full-face helmet, whenever practical, over any of the alternatives.

The choice of helmets is huge. Nevertheless, we’ve narrowed down the selection to just six of the best at all the popular price-points. So, let’s get to it and find the best full-face motorcycle helmet for you…

Top 10 Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets on the Market in 2022 Reviews

1 HJC 980-146 MAX II – Best Flip Up Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

This is a white modular helmet with an incorporated flip-up chin bar. When the chin bar is down, it functions as a full-faced helmet. When the chin bar is flipped up, you have a ¾-face helmet. Effectively you get the best of both worlds with this best modular full face motorcycle helmet.

Superb design…

One of the things we like about the HJC is when the chin bar is down, it’s close to impossible to see a join. Without looking very closely or knowing the helmet, you would never know it has a flip-up chin bar.

You operate the flip-up section by using a red button that’s cleverly concealed under the chin. It can be engaged easily with just one hand. Even better, it’s still easy to use when wearing thick motorcycle gloves.

Pretty tough…

It’s well put together and has a tough polycarbonate shell. It’s a little heavier and larger than comparable helmets in its class. However, despite this, it’s not unduly heavy, and it feels comfortable even on longer journeys or road trips.

It has a well-padded removable and washable liner together with a high-quality and well-fitting neck roll. It also has a snug-fitting chin insert. This all works to keep you comfortable, well-protected, and also insulated from road noise.

Keeping cool…

Venting is courtesy of a three-way vent on the top, which is exhausted through the rear. It does a solid job of keeping fogging and temperature down. The included Pinlock face shield also works well to keep your visor mist-free.

One last feature is the flip-down sun shield. It’s lockable and also can be retracted with a single press of a button. We’re sure you’ll agree, a very handy feature if you don’t want to carry sunglasses with you.

2 Scorpion EXO-R410 – Best Graphics Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

There’s so much going on with the graphics on this helmet that we simply couldn’t leave it out of the review. Undoubtedly, this has to best full-face motorcycle helmet at this price-point based on looks alone.

While it is one of the best low cost full face motorcycle helmets, it’s got more to offer than an incredible paint job full of dragons and Japanese Ninjas.

So, what else do you get for not a lot of money?

You get a polycarbonate shell that’s DOT certified. For a helmet in this class, the protection is better than you’d expect. Although not as good in comparison to something like the Shoei GT, we’d still trust it in most circumstances.

Another big plus is the washable and removable liner. We also like the fact it has an emergency release. Hopefully, something you’ll never need but something that’s better to have than not.

The R410 is the latest update to the outgoing 400 models. The new design happily sees an oval-shaped interior. This is more likely to fit a wider range of head shapes and is very much in keeping with contemporary helmet design.

But there’s more…

Another nice touch, especially at the price, is the smooth operating ratchet system. This also makes adjusting your face shield straightforward. Likewise, the helmet comes with a no-fog, dark EverClear face-shield.

We have somewhat mixed feelings about this. Although it’s a great visor, we just think it’s a little too dark. Given that you can’t specify a clear visor and there are no after-market visors available, this is going into the moans and niggle section.

Let the air through…

Finally, you get a decent level of venting thanks to two neatly integrated vents at the front and a couple of exhausts at the rear. Frankly, under the colorful graphics, you’ll be quite hard-pressed to find them, but they are there.

3 Bell Bullitt – Best Vintage Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

The Bell Bullitt has to be one of the most popular full face motorcycle helmets ever made. It has a history going back 50 years, yet even today, it’s remained the go-to choice amongst riders of vintage and vintage-inspired bikes.

So, what’s all the fuss about?

Put simply; it’s very much down to looks. This is a big helmet and has design cues. Like the lines surrounding the face shield, the small round vents at the front, the small exhaust at the rear, and the button-down large face shield, that all make it a beloved classic.

Despite the vintage looks, we’re pleased to say that a lot has changed in 50 years. Bell has modernized it to conform to modern-day needs and modern-day safety standards. All while still being one of the best classic full face motorcycle helmets on the market.

Safe and secure…

It’s also one of the best carbon composite full face motorcycle helmets out there. It’s super strong, and despite its size, it’s lightweight too. This is a helmet we’d trust to give us a chance in the unhappy situation of a high-speed spill.

On the inside, you get a modern removable and washable EPS liner and cheek pads. The padding and liner keep you comfortable and help to keep your head stable should you have an accident. Another positive change is that the inside of the helmet is now oval rather than round. This means it’s more likely to fit a broader range of riders.

Not everything else is quite so positive…

Venting is one letdown. Unfortunately, despite the three round vents over the face-shield and the long vent under the chin guard, venting is not its strong suit. Even when taken together with the Venturi exhaust, ventilation is not up to par with modern helmets. This is entirely down to the company striving to keep the looks over any venting considerations.

Another letdown is that it’s relatively noisy, and you are likely to suffer from buffeting. This is due to its large size and poor aerodynamics. The large face-shield doesn’t help things either. Plus, if you choose to fit it with a bubble shield, which is the coolest thing ever, you should be warned that noise and buffeting are likely to be even worse.

Built for the road…

All in all, despite its shortcomings, we love this helmet, and plenty of others out there love it too. We also love the fact that Bell is confident enough in their helmet to give it a five years guarantee.

4 Scorpion EXO-R710 – Best Tri Matrix Shell Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Like the previous Scorpion’s helmet, the EXO-R710 is very strong on graphics. This is very much the case for many Scorpion helmets. The Golden State Street Motorcycle Helmet has some beautifully crafted golden graphics mixed with some clever black and grey details with a backdrop of a California skyline.

Quality comes at a cost…

This is a stronger-made helmet than the EXO-R410 and is sold at a much higher price point. For the extra cash, you get a fiberglass tri-matrix outer shell. This is lighter and stronger than a Polycarbonate helmet.

Weighing only 3.5lbs, it makes long rides a more comfortable experience. As a result, it’s one of the best lightweight full face motorcycle helmets you can buy.

Some nice improvements…

One of the main features of this newly designed helmet is the updated ventilation. There are two spring-loaded vents on the top, which are easy to use even wearing gloves. There is an additional vent above the face shield and a new three-way chin vent.

These improvements noticeably increase cooling. Furthermore, with the vents open, you don’t suffer from excessive wind or road noise. Something that can ruin the fun of any ride.

The face-shield has the excellent Ellip-Tec ratchet. Additionally, the gasket is first class and does a peerless job of firmly closing the seal between helmet and face shield. Since the helmet is well ventilated and the face shield also has an anti-fog coating. Making it one of the best all weather full face motorcycle helmets on the market.

A bit of a downside…

An extremely dark visor is included as standard. Although it complements the graphics and the look of the helmet, it’s too dark. It’s also likely to be illegal in a lot of places. It’s just as well that clear visors are readily available from Scorpion.

Finally, the EXO-710 includes cheek pads and a neck roll that can be removed quickly in the event of an accident. Something that we hope you’ll never need to use but a great feature in any helmet at any price point.

5 TORC T15B – Best Bluetooth Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Next up in our Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet review, if you have a yellow motorcycle, this will go with it like peaches and cream. There are other colors to choose from, but we think yellow and black is the pick of the bunch. For those of you that want to get noticed, take a look at the one with the flying tiger graphic.

TORC is well known for making high-quality helmets. They have an excellent reputation within the motorcycle industry are the go-to choice for amateur and professional riders alike. We’re pleased to say that the TORC T15B Bluetooth Integrated Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, like all their helmets, is a quality product.

High-quality build…

The outer shell is made from a Thermol Polymer Alloy. It’s strong and tough and something we feel we can rely on in the horrible event of a high-speed crash and impact.

The liner is made from equally high-quality materials. You get a beautifully soft suede Cool Max liner. It’s removable and machine washable. Always something we look for in a helmet.

A helmet for the speedy rider…

The venting and aerodynamic are very much racing-inspired. We’re sure you’ll agree that the TORC T15B has the looks that would be very much at home on a race-track.

Venting is plentiful and large. The vents are well integrated and cleverly hidden within the graphics. They are then exhausted through a large rear port that does its job of getting rid of the excess heat and keeping you cool.

Aerodynamics is one of the helmet’s strong points and is efficient in keeping buffeting and wind noise to a minimum. Therefore, this is one of the best high speed full face motorcycle helmets you can buy.

Pump up the jams…

It comes equipped with a built-in Bluetooth system. It’s solid and performs the job it’s intended for without any niggling problems. The highlights are the 400 meters intercom ability, the 600 hours of standby time, 24 hours of talk time, and a built-in anti-noise mic.

6 Shoei RF-1200 – Best Value for the Money Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Shoei makes high-quality, high-end helmets with a high-price tag to match. It’s fair to say that they know a thing or two about helmets.

A great heritage of helmet building…

They’ve been in the industry for over 55 years and have a huge wealth of experience to draw from. They also have their cutting-edge wind tunnel and an incredible research and development department.

For your money, the Shoei RF-1200 Helmet gives you an outstanding proprietary six-layered matrix outer shell. This is fused with a multi-density liner. As a result, this is one of the most durable full face motorcycle helmets. Yes, there’s no doubt that it’s expensive, but it’s worth it.

Quiet and light…

Despite the high level of protection, the Shoei RF-1200 still only weighs 1.5kg. This is due to the efforts to reduce the external dimensions. Likewise, this has the positive benefit of creating a small profile, which in turn improves aerodynamics.

In wind tunnel testing, these improved dynamics have been shown to produce excellent noise isolation. This is the case even at a speed of over 150mph. In our opinion, this is the best full face motorcycle helmet for keeping noise on the outside.

Keeping cool…

We’re pleased to tell you that even with the vents fully open, the wind noise is minimal. This means that should you choose to ride with the helmet fully vented, you will get exceptional levels of cooling.

Other positives include the Pinlock Anti-Fog face-shield, smooth operating face-shield hinges, and highly visible emergency helmet removal cord. The bottom line is that this is a superb helmet.

7 Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS – Best Venting Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

For such a good quality helmet, you get a lot for your money. It’s a mid-tier helmet that has loads of features, offers tons of protection, and comes in a great selection of sizes and colors. Frankly, this is a great value option for any rider looking for a serious helmet at an affordable price.

This is a new and updated version. The outer shell is still made from tough Polycarbonate. However, there have been a series of changes to make this an even better buy.

What are some of those changes?

Firstly, the shell has been slimmed down to produce a more streamlined and modern profile. This means better aerodynamics which means less buffeting and less noise over the outgoing model.

Secondly, the internal shape has also been brought up to date. Like a lot of contemporary helmets, the inside is now more of an oval as opposed to a round shape. Consequently, it’s likely to be a better fit for a larger percentage of riders.

Thirdly, it has a new face shield that’s is 100% UV protective, and it comes with an anti-fog and anti-scratch protective coating. It can also be swapped for one of Bell’s latest photochromic face shields.

One more change…

Low-profile chimney venting has also been introduced. It sweeps back to the rear spoiler containing the generous venturi vents. The upshot is a better venting and, therefore, a much cooler helmet.

That’s a comprehensive list of new features. However, equally importantly, it still retains the best of the old features. This includes a micro bacterial liner, cheek pads and neck roll, a tight-fitting face-shield gasket, and even an integrated communication port.

8 Shoei GT-Air 2 – Best Premium Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

Next in our Best Full-Face Motorbike Helmet review, we love the Shoei RF-1200, but we love this even more. This is a premium helmet that is by far the most expensive in our review. More designed for touring than racing, we can honestly say that helmets don’t come much better.

Quiet on the road…

This is a new version of a classic and now comes with added pads to integrate a Sena SRL 2 intercom. The integrated system fits on the inside, so nothing is stuck hanging on the outside. This means there’s nothing to accidentally get broken of. It also means you get less wind noise which is a very welcome feature on long touring rides.

Inside there are two recessed areas for mounting speakers. You also get a space at the rear of the helmet for seamlessly housing your battery pack. But best to all, there’s a channel running under the chin bar to house all of your wires from the intercom. It makes things a heap more comfortable.

Ultimate protection…

The composite outer and inner shell are as good as it gets. You can be sure that they are of the very highest quality. In the event of an accident, there’s very little on the market to protect you better.

The inner liner, cheek pads, and neck roll are all removable and machine washable. All of them are made from micro-bacterial material and having high wicking properties.

Ventilation is via a large adjustable vent on top of the helmet. This is channeled through two passive rear vents. It works well to keep you cool, and also, the aerodynamic profile helps to reduce wind noise and buffeting.

And that’s not all…

Other features include a face-shield with an anti-fog and scratch-resistant coating. The face shield has a solid smooth to operate ratchet system. On warmer days, it can be left slightly open to improving ventilation.

There’s also a quality drop-down sun shield which is a handy option when you quickly want to cut down the light without having to stop to put on sunglasses or change your visor.

9 AGV K-3 – Best European Certified Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

This is essentially a racing helmet. It has a Polycarbonate outer shell and is a mid-priced helmet aimed at riders who are looking for more than just the minimum level of protection.

It scored four out of five in SHARP testing and is ECE 22.05 European approved. All this means that it has a high level of safety and a rating that is often found on much more expensive helmets.

Now, that’s a good start…

The design cues are taken from racing helmets, and owners report very little buffeting at speed. This would lead you to assume that there would be little wide noise too. Sadly, this is not the case.

The truth is that this is a fairly noisy helmet. The reason is that the focus is on ventilation. They’ve been successful on this score, there’s heaps of it, and it’s effective. Unfortunately, the result is a lot of noise as the air vents through and then out of the AGV K-3.

It’s the penalty you pay as AGV has cut down on internal padding, whilst elsewhere generally using heavy but cheaper materials to keep down weight. They’ve succeeded in making a light, safe, inexpensive, and well-made helmet, but the catch is you’ll have to put up with the noise.

More positively…

The AGV K-3 comes with an anti-scratch clear face shield. It’s not anti-fog, but given the excellent venting and the ability to crack the visor open for city riding, this shouldn’t be an issue. Other positives include the drop-down sun shield and the fact that it’s Pinlock ready.

10 Yescom AHR Run – Best Budget Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

We think this is the best full-face motorcycle helmet for riders on a tight budget. It doesn’t offer the same levels of high protection that most of the other helmets in our review can offer. However, it does offer a reasonable standard of basic protection and is DOT certified.

Here’s what you get for very little money…

The outer shell is made from ABS. It’s relatively lightweight and is coupled with a soft but somewhat thin interior. The inner liner and the cheek pads are both removable and machine washable. They don’t have a micro-bacterial coating, but given the price, we can overlook this one.

The helmet is reasonably aerodynamic and also has some decent venting. However, don’t expect buffet-free riding at high speed. Also, don’t expect a quiet riding experience because you’ll be disappointed. Franky, this is a noisy helmet, to a large extent, because of the poor quality of the inner padding.

On the plus side…

The visor creates an excellent field of vision and is impact resistant. The visor is clear, which we approve of since it makes it immediately street legal wherever you live. There is also a drop-down sun shield which is handy when you’ve left your sunglasses at home.

Also, on a positive note, the ratchet system is smooth and easy to operate with one hand. It’s as good as you find on much more expensive helmets.

Could do with a better paint job…

Sadly, finishing on a negative one thing that lets it down is the paint job. Compared to a slightly more expensive Scorpion helmet, the graphics and paint are nowhere near as good. This is an area where there’s been some cost-cutting. Again, hardly surprising and something we can’t complain too much about.

Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets Buying Guide

Construction

All the helmets on our list are DOT certified. If a helmet does not have at least this level of certification, don’t buy it. Your head is far more valuable than saving a few dollars.

The main choice of materials for the outer part of motorcycle helmets are either ABS, Polycarbonate, Fiberglass, or Carbon Fiber. The weight reduces ever lower from the start of the list whist the impact resistance and price increases.

The first two are essentially plastic and are found at the lower middle tier of helmets. However, despite their low prices, they still have high levels of impact resistance and tensile strength.

What’s the difference?

The AHR Run-F DOT Motorcycle Full Face Helmet is a great choice for an entry-level helmet with an ABS outer shell. The Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Street Helmet is an extremely good choice if you want a very well-made, tough, better quality Polycarbonate based helmet.

For those with deeper pockets, either of the two Shoei helmets on our list will get you a well-made fiberglass helmet with a multi-matrix shell. Not only are these helmets stronger and lighter than their cheaper counterparts, but they’re quieter too.

We haven’t featured any carbon fiber helmets, despite their advantages, as the price range is beyond the vast majority of motorcyclists. If you can afford one, we’d advise you to seek one out.

Inner Liner

The inner liner will help to wick away moisture and keep your head dry. The best liners, like the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Street Helmet, have an antibacterial liner. They should also be removable and washable, like most are, to keep things nice and fresh in your helmet.

Other than some entry-level helmets, most do have a removable liner. If they don’t, it’s not a bad idea to pay just a little extra to have this feature. After a long and sweaty ride, you’ll be pleased you did.

Venting

This can make or break a helmet as poor-quality venting can lead to a sticky and uncomfortable ride. If you predominantly go on long rides or live in a hot climate, venting is even more important.

Modern full-face helmets generally have better venting than vintage-inspired retro helmets. The vents are wider, deeper with better exhaust venting at the rear. Our pick for the best full-face helmet for motorcycle as far as venting is concerned goes to the Shoei RF-1200.

Before you buy any helmet, check it carefully for the number and size of vents and rear exhaust vents. You should also check how easy they are to adjust and turn off on the fly.

Aerodynamics

Smaller helmets have a lower profile and have better aerodynamics. This is why fiberglass helmets are generally more aerodynamic. A big helmet like the retro-inspired Bell Bullitt has the aerodynamics of a bus. On the other hand, the Shoei RF-1200 is not only small on the outside but also is shaped to cut through the air.

The big benefit of having an aerodynamic helmet is that it not only cuts through the air and reduces buffeting but also reduces wind and external noise. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

Faceshield

All full-face helmets that we know of come with a face-shield. That’s a good thing, but there’s one thing you should be aware of. Many helmets, like the Scorpion EXO-R710 Golden State Street Motorcycle Helmet and the Exo-R410, come with dark face shields. This could land you in a lot of trouble since dark face shields are not legal in most areas.

We get why a dark helmet is included since it often suits the overall aesthetic. However, we’d much prefer it if a clear visor was instead provided as standard. It’s unlikely to happen, but some helmets, like the AGV K-3 Unisex-Adult Full-Face Helmet, seem to have got the message.

One more point is that on even relatively inexpensive helmets, like the AHR Run-F DOT Motorcycle Full Face Helmet, we’d expect to find a tough scratch-resistant face shield. On more expensive face shields, like on the Shoei R-1200, we expect to find an anti-fogging agent as well.

Looking for Something Else?

Whatever your motorcycle needs, we have you covered. Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Motorcycle Handlebar Speakers, the Best Motorcycle Shocks, the Best Vintage Motorcycle Helmets, the Quietest Motorcycle Helmets, and the Best Motorcycle Disc Locks you can buy in 2022.

Also, take a look at our comprehensive reviews of the Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers, the Best Motorcycle Tire Changers, the Best Motorcycle Horns, the Best Motorcycle Tank Bags, and the Best Motorcycle Cleaners currently available.

What is the Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet?

So, there you have it. We hope you found something suitable for you and your ride. We would be happy to use any of the helmets we’ve reviewed when going out on a ride. However, if we had to choose just one, we think the best one featured is the…

Shoei RF-1200

We like this helmet because it has a six-layered fiberglass matrix outer shell, which is one of the toughest in its class. Additionally, it has a multi-desist liner to help absorb any impact. Plus, it’s lightweight, aerodynamic, well-ventilated, and super quiet.

So, until next time, happy trails.