No safety equipment is as essential for motorcyclists as a helmet. In the event of an accident, you want proper protection to help avoid a Traumatic Brain Injury or worse. New helmets on the market offer greater protection across a wide variety of applications, from daily riding to off-road adventure to track day lapping. 

The sheer number of helmets and manufacturers makes the choice difficult, but it’s well worth your time. Our five recommendations are full-face helmets spread across a range of needs, each representing a high level of protection.

While we posit a Bang-For-Your-Buck selection, this list prioritizes quality, expert reviews and consumer experience. This is one area where it will not pay to go cheap. 

The consensus among experts and consumers on the Arai XD-4 is this: It’s expensive, but it’s worth the high price tag as the XD-4 is the best dual-sport helmet out there. Excellent visibility and protection make the XD-4 ideal for those spending time on and off the pavement. Removable interior padding sections and lots of ventilation means nearly every rider can find a comfortable, secure fit. Complaints about the Arai XD-4 are few, but what we’ve seen has been centered around the shortness of its chin strap, a tendency toward excessive noise due to the ventilation and the finish being slightly susceptible to scratching. 

For the money, it’s hard to top the Bell Qualifier DLX racing helmet. For under $200, you get top-flight protection along with Bell’s excellent face shield which darkens in direct sunlight. The Qualifier DLX is durable, lightweight and compatible with some Bluetooth systems if the rider chooses to install one. Downsides to the Bell Qualifier DLX are its noise level and the limited number of Bluetooth systems it can accommodate. Sizing for the DLX can get a bit tricky as well; if possible, try one on before you buy. 

The lightweight composite shell of the Bell Moto-9 MIPS allows for maximum ventilation. The MIPS energy management system works to protect the rider in crashes where a twist or rotation of the head might occur. In the event of emergency, the Moto-9 has a magnetic clip system that allows for easy removal by medical personnel. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s nice to know it’s there. The Bell Moto-9 MIPS is a flagship, professional-grade helmet for off-road, adventure and motocross riding. The main drawback for some may be its cost. Owners have noted some issues with sizing and the magnetic clips (particularly the chinstrap).

Modular helmets are a great option for some riders. They offer robust protection along with the option of flipping up the visor and chin bar into an open-faced helmet style. Models like the Shoei Neotec2 are impressive modular helmet options, but very expensive. The HJC i90 offers excellent protection, adaptability and ventilation at less than half the price of the Shoei. The i90’s polycarbonate shell features an internal shape that is comfortable to riders who wear glasses, while removeable pads allow for custom fitting. Beyond protection, the HJC i90 offers more comfort. Its chin bar directs air away and around the helmet to prevent fogging, there’s a large drop-down internal sun visor and the moisture-wicking internal fabric helps keep riders cool and dry. The knocks on the HJC i90 are that it runs a bit heavier than others in its class, and for some head shapes, finding that perfect fit can take some effort. Some owners have found issues with the sun visor lever as well. 

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Forbes Wheels made its helmet selections by considering expert ratings, customer satisfaction and pricing. An emphasis was placed on models with broader expert and consumer acclaim, with pricing a secondary concern (save for the “Bang For Your Buck” selection). Helmets listed here are those which stood out from others in their class based on these criteria. 

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