Nobody wants to spend too much money just on their first motorcycle helmets as it’s most probable that you will make mistakes. Thus, this list is comprised of helmets that are under $500 but provide the best safety and features and justify the total value. That’s why in this I will be listing the top 10 full-face helmets under $500.
List of Top 10 Full Face budget helmets under $500
| Helmet Model | Price of Helmet |
| Shoei RF-1400 | $499 |
| Shoei-RF SR | $399 |
| Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS | $269 |
| Scorpion EXO-HX1 | $200 |
| AGV K1 Helmet | $209 |
| Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet | $219 |
| Shark Ridill Nelum Full Face | $179 |
| HJC C70 Full Face Helmets | $150 |
| Bell Custom 500 Helmet | $125 |
| LS2 FF320 STR | $117 |
Shoei RF-1400
According to reviewers, “ Shoei RF-1400 is best suited for Intermediate Oval shape. Its weight is 3.62 lbs (1.64 kg).
Features of Shoei RF-1400
- Full Face Helmet
- Lightest Shoei helmet in the lineup
- Advanced noise reduction
- Dual-density EPS liner
- Superior Ventilation
- Snell M2020 and DOT Certified
Shoei RF-1400 is one of the best helmets you can buy for under $500. RF-1400 is a refined form of its predecessor RF-1200. It is one of the lightest full-face helmets in the lineup reducing the rider’s fatigue thanks to the lessened force placed on the head.
The wind tunnel tests held in Shoei’s in-house have refined the RF 1400’s aerodynamics and ventilation to help the design evolve. The RF-1400 manages a 4% reduction in drag compared to its elder sibling.
Because of the improved aerodynamic design, there is less turbulence around the helmet, the background noise is diminished and it becomes easier to hear over important traffic noise.
Its shell is made up of interwoven layers of fiberglass and light-weight organic fibers that meet the SNELL M2020 and DOT rating as well its the Shoei’s strongest helmet with optimal impact absorption.
And, the RF doesn’t stop here, it is lined with a dual-layer of multi-density EPS foam liner that helps in impact absorption and allows cool air to unrestricted through the channels created in liners.
| Pros | Cons |
| Reduced face shield noise | It is best suited for long-to-medium face only |
| Improved air dynamics for better ventilation | |
| Light-weight built |
Shoei-RF SR Full Face Helmet
According to reviewers, “ Shoei RF SR is best suited for Intermediate Oval shape. Its weight is 3.66 lbs (1.6 kg).
Features
- Aerodynamic Shell Design
- Equipped with EQRS (Emergency quick release system)
- Full Face street helmet
- UK SHARP 5 star rated
- Good Ventilation
If you were looking for a safe and quiet helmet then the Shoei-RF helmet is for you. It takes every step possible to deliver a quiet, comfortable ride.
As far as safety is concerned then these Shoei RF-SR helmets are handmade in Japan to the highest standard which made these easily surpass DOT and SNELL M2015 safety certifications. So, if you were looking for the safest helmet then Shoei-RF is one of the safest helmets you can get for under $500.
These Shoei helmets are made from high-performance fiber material that is combined with elastic organic fibers. That’s the reason these helmets are ultra-lightweight, rigid, and resilient.
As always the Shoei RF-SR is equipped with E.Q.R.S (Emergency Quick Release System). The emergency system allows the cheek pads from an injured rider’s helmet, which enables to removal of the helmet easily from the rider’s head.
Talking about the noise, then Shoei has always been working to reduce noise in their marketing. So, after talking to some owners everybody gave a different opinion that totally cross my mind. Thus, we can say that in terms of noise cancellation this RF-SR is between average and quiet.
Its face shield/visor comes with a fog resistance system and blocks 99% UV rays to protect your eyes. It is available in 4 shell sizes XS to XXL. Apart from all this, The feature that I liked most is its E.Q.R.S system.
Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S) allows medical personal to gently remove the cheek pads safely from an injured rider’s helmet with minimal load on the injured rider’s head.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has an adjustable chin curtain | The helmet suit mostly oval shape faces. |
| Safest helmet passing most certification | |
| Light-weight built |
Reasons to buy
- Comes in 4 different sizes
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
- Equipped with E.Q.R.S technology
- It has a safety rating of 5/5 from Sharp
- DOT and Snell Approved
Scorpion EXO-HX1 Full Face Helmet
According to reviewers, “ Scorpian EXO-HX1 is best suited for Intermediate Oval shape. Its weight is 3.66 lbs (1.66 kg).
Features
- It is made of Advance LG polycarbonate
- Superior Energy Absorption
- Adjustable front mouth vent
- Integrated speaker pockets
Scorpion EXO-HX1 is a very unique and stylish helmet as it is made to fulfill and balance many things at once. This helmet can be used for most vehicles and riders types. So, you can say this helmet can be used for most purposes.
So, it doesn’t matter what you ride either a sports bike, cruiser, dual sports, or ADV. Scorpian saw an opening to hit them all, so scorpion hit three different groups with one helmet, the HX1.
Its shell is made up of Advance LG polycarbonate that is made to maximize the impact dispersal of the helmet. The advanced multi-layering of EPS provides superior impact absorption.
The visor of scorpion EXO-HX1 is anti-scratch, anti-fog, with seamless flips. As an ADV helmet, it flows a lot of air but it does lose out on having the protection of visor. If you use it on the streets you will suffer from a small, non-functioning vent but anyway it’s an all-rounder and comfortable helmet.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish Helmet suited for the most requirements. | These Visors don’t have dents |
| Removable and washable lining and padding | You will need supplemental eye protection in ADV setup |
| DOT FMVSS No. 218 & ECE 2205 Certified | Quite bad at cooling |
AGV K1 Helmet Full Face Helmet
Features
- Aerodynamic Shape
- DOT approved
- ECE 22.05 Certified
- Integrated Ventilation System (IVS) designed and optimized in the wind tunnel
- Panoramic Visor
According to reviewers, “ AGV K1 is best suited for Intermediate Oval shape. Its weight is 3.64 lbs (1.6 kg).
The AGV K1 Helmet design is aerodynamic, which ensures proper ventilation and stability at high speeds. Talking about the outer shell it is made up of a thermoplastic resin shell which comes in two sizes across the range of XS-2XL. The overall quality of the helmet is quite good with the great finish with deep gloss to the black.
The AGV K1 helmet is ready to meet the daily needs of the riders. So, it also features a panoramic visor that allows a horizontal view of 190 degrees for an unlimited field of vision. Also, the visor is customizable and replaceable.
The opening technology is very compact as it allows four different opening steps. Talking of comfort the interior delivers radical comfort and superior head stability for every riding situation as well as allowing an easy slipping-on.
| Pros | Cons |
| It comes with a fully removable and washable 3D liner | Pinlock anti-fog insert isn’t included |
| The face shield is scratch-resistant, polycarbonate with 100% UV protection. | |
| 4-star SHARP rated & ECE approved |
Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet
According to reviewers, “ Bell MX-9 Adventure is best suited for Intermediate Oval shape. Its weight is 3.38 lbs (1.53 kg).
Features
- ECE and DOT certified
- Polycarbonate Shell
- 5-year warranty
- Best for Motocross and Adventure rides
It is a very capable helmet that performs well in most areas. Bell MX-9 is a motocross or adventure helmet made to ride off-road but also good for the streets.
Its shell is made up of a lightweight polycarbonate shell that comes in three different sizes. Talking about the safety standards Bell MX-9 is both ECE and DOT certified. So, it means you are going to get a decent level of protection. But Bell MX-9 hasn’t been yet SHARP or Snell tested so it’s yet to be tested to be considered fully safe.
If we talk about the helmet noise it’s a very relative question because there is a wide range of opinions from owners. So, I can fairly say this helmet is average quiet (not too quiet and not too noisy).
Its ventilation is quite good as its chin and heads vests lets in a load of air that is circulated through to your head through channels.
Its visor is fully functional and removable which makes it best suited for riders. Thus, you are free to change your visor in case it gets broken or scratched.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ventilation is quite good. | It is best suited for long-to-medium face only |
| It comes with a 5-year warranty | It has not been SHARP or SNELL tested |
| Bell MX-9 comes with a functioning and removable visor. | Visors first stop point is high |
Shark Ridill Nelum Full face helmet
Shark Ridill nelum full-face helmet is best suited for a round oval face shape. Its weight is approx 1,500g. As Shark Nelum is made from a polycarbonate shell, the helmet’s average weight remains within the range.
Features
- Aerodynamic design for soundproofing and stability
- Its made with a lightweight Poly-Carbonate shell
- Adjustable ventilation system for cooling and comfort
- Easy release visor system for quickest shield change
- DOT and ECE Approved only
- 5-year warranty
It’s an entry-level budget full-face comfortable helmet from SHARK Helmets made to perform well in every aspect. The very important aspect of this helmet is the internal sun visor which is very helpful for the commuter.
The comfort level is very good as the liner of the shark Ridil is both removable and washable. It utilizes hygroscopic “birds-eye” fabric which gives the helmet a more comfortable fit.
The helmet is integrated with all the features that any premium one contains. The outer shell of the SHARK Ridill is made from the thermoplastic shell with advanced technical provisions ensuring protection. It comes with an optimized and adjustable ventilation system to provide cooling to your head and keep sweat out.
| Pros | Cons |
| The helmet is Touring and urban style | No exhaust vents at the back |
| It comes with an integrated sun visor | |
| Easy and Fast shield change |
Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS
Bell Qualifier DLX is suited for Intermediate Oval shape and it weighs approx 3.57 lbs (1.61 kg).
Features:
- It comes with MIPS
- Lightweight polycarbonate shell
- Adjustable ventilation for cooling and comfort
- DOT and ECE Approved
- Integrated speaker pockets
- Five year warranty
It is a full-face polycarbonate lightweight helmet. It comes with a proper vent that will keep your head cool while flowing out warm air and heat. This helmet can be used for every day or even rough uses.
It’s a MIPS version that means a Multi-directional impact protection system. It is designed to reduce the rotational forces while any accident. It saves the rider’s skull and head from twisting, which is good in terms of safety.
Bell Qualifier is a budget helmet that has an aerodynamic shape helping to reduce knocking and lifts created by wind flow.
Apart from this, its visor is also advanced to provide a Photochromic anti-fog and anti-UV shield. The built quality and spec of the Bell Qualifier are very good compared to the price you are paying.
| Pros | Cons |
| It comes with MIPS | It is best suited for long-to-medium face only |
| Safest helmet passing most certification | |
| Light-weight built |
HJC C70 Full Face Helmet
The HJC C70 helmet is best suited for intermediate to long oval shape and the weight of this helmet is 3 pounds and 5 ounces (1.5 kg).
This is one of the top-rated cheapest full-face motorcycle helmets. It is made with Advanced Polycarbonate Composite Shell that makes it a lightweight and comfortable helmet.
It comes with ACS (Advance channeling Ventilation) that allows full front-to-back airflow to flush heat and sweat out.
This helmet is available in all sizes and multiple styles, colors. So, wear your fashion with safety. If we talk about its visor then you have many options to choose from.
Apart from all this, HJC helmet parts are fully replaceable in case of breaks due to accidents. It includes a chin curtain, cheek pads, gear plate, vents, headliner, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| It is an eyeglass-friendly helmet | Lack of speaker pockets |
| Pinlock-ready clear face shield | It won’t be comfortable for riders with a round shape |
| Lightweight and comfortable helmet |
Reasons to buy
- Budget-friendly
- It comes with 5 years of warranty
- All sizes available
- Variety of design for helmets
- The safety rating of 5/5 by Sharp
- DOT and ECE Approved
Bell Custom 500 Open Face Helmet
This helmet is made for Medium Oval Face and its weight is 2.41 lbs (1.09 kg).
Features
- Open Face Helmet (3/4)
- Low profile helmet
- Double-D ring fastener
- Available in 5 shell sizes
- Integrated 5 snap pattern for aftermarket shield and visors
This is the only open-face low profile helmet on this list. It has great build quality with classic looks and great graphics.
Bell custom is available in either fiberglass or carbon shell backed with multi-density EPS liner.
Talking about safety, this is an open-face helmet so we can say it is not safe as full-face helmets.
The Bell has got classic style Double-D ring and padded chin strap to ensure comfort and safety.
You can use these Bell open face helmets for the run-around in small distances under budget. But if you are looking for a safer experience then the full-face helmet is recommended.
| Pros | Cons |
| Best Ventilation | No ventilation |
| Great looks | Noisy at highway speeds |
| Pretty lightweight low profile helmet | Some don’t comes with a visor |
LS2 Stream Evo FF320
Its best suited for a long oval face and it weighs only 3.66 lbs (1.66 kg).
Features
- Polycarbonate full face helmet
- It comes in solid colors and flash designs
- Comfortable with removable parts
- ECE Certified
- It has SHAP 3 star safety rating
It is another cheapest helmet available in the US Market with ECE certified Sticker. The thing that I liked about this helmet is its flash colors and solid design.
Its visor is made with “A class polycarbonate” which provides high resistance to the impact. Apart from this, it provides maximum clear visibility along with scratch resistance and UV protection.
The comfort level of LS2 seems to be quite good but it can be a tight fit when your first pull it one. It has been designed to fit faces with slightly longer, narrower heads best.
LS2 helmets provide a channeled EPS ventilation system for maximized airflow throughout the head and retaining coolness.
| Pros | Cons |
| Equipped with EQRS | Only one shell size |
| It comes with a Breath deflector | Best suited only for Long oval face shapes |
| Pinlock ready face shield |
Conclusion
Far now we have discussed the top 10 budget full-face helmets priced under $500. I have tried to explain things while keeping the post brief. Share your thoughts with me and be with me until the next posts.
