Best Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Top 10 Reviews, Comparison, Buyers’ Guide, More

As a motorcyclist, you might love the feeling of the wind on your face. However, you don’t have to compromise your safety for that feeling.

This is where open face motorcycle helmets come in, which cover the top of the rider’s head but leave the face exposed.

This guide will help you understand what factors to consider when you decide to buy the best open face motorcycle helmet.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

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★ WINNER ★

Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet

If you’re looking for an open face motorcycle helmet that is rich with features, then we would definitely recommend the Shoei J-Cruise II due to its fiberglass build. This makes it both lightweight and incredibly durable. Check on Amazon
★ RUNNER UP ★

Arai Ram-X Helmet

In case you’re looking for a protective open face motorcycle helmet, then we would recommend the Arai Ram-X due to its touring capabilities and aerodynamic shell that ensures the rider’s safety.
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★ ALSO GREAT ★

LS2 Spitfire Helmet

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly helmet, then we recommend the LS2 Spitfire Helmet due to its aesthetic appearance and thermoplastic shell. This makes the helmet lightweight as well as comfortable at an affordable price.
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Now that we have briefly looked at our top 3 picks, let us discuss the alternatives and some of their features in detail.

Best Open Face Motorcycle Helmet- Top 10 Reviews

#1: Best All-Around Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet

Shoei is known for producing top-of-the-line motorcycle helmets and this one is no exception due to the variety of features it has.

If you’re looking for a lightweight open-face helmet that has a protection level better than most full-face helmets we highly recommend you this product. 

Even without the chin bar, we found the helmet to have the features most high-end helmets have. The fiberglass shell makes it light on your neck but strong enough to protect your head.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet

Shell Design: The outer shell is made out of fiberglass, which makes it extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear for long rides.

Face Shield: After testing, we observed that the face shield provides a really good and wide field of vision. It is also Pinlock operated but, unfortunately, the Pinlock doesn’t come in the package.

Sun Visor: The helmet comes with an integrated sun visor, which successfully protects you against the sun rays on hot days, as well as ensures your vision isn’t blurred.

Ventilation System: Having exceptional ventilation, this helmet allows the air to flow through 3 different vents. There is an increase in the noise levels, however, due to this system.

Interior: An added bonus to the Shoei J-Cruise II is how comfy and clean its interior is. The dry liner is removable and washable, as well as soft enough for touring.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Variety of features
  • Comfortable for touring
  • Exceptional ventilation
  • Wide field of vision

Cons

  • Pinlock not included
  • Noisy
  • Average look

Best All-Around Modular Motorcycle Helmet

The best all-around modular motorcycle helmet is the Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet because of its lightweight and comfortable fit. Its fiberglass build gives heavy protection and durability that is comparable to most full face motorcycle helmets, which makes it valuable at an affordable price.

#2: Best Protective Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Arai Ram-X Helmet

If we talk about exceptional protective open face motorcycle helmets, the Arai Ram-X Helmet might be the way to go.

This open face helmet has a fiber laminate build, which not only makes this helmet durable but lightweight and aerodynamic as well. This allows it to cut through the wind and stay steady.

We believe it provides exceptional protection for an open face helmet, especially compared to full face motorcycle helmets.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Arai Ram-X Helmet

Shell Design: The shell is made with fiber laminate, which is strong enough to provide protection as well as cut through the air easily. This keeps it steady to make you comfortable.

Face Shield: One of the highlights of this helmet is the face shield. It has an ultra-wide face shield which we tested for the field of vision and it did not disappoint.

Sun Visor: Instead of the drop-down sun visor, this helmet has a sun visor installed on top of the face shield to protect you from UV rays. This can be ideal for riders that are annoyed by the drop-down visor. Check out more accessories like visors here.

Ventilation System: Another great feature we noted was its airflow system that can be easily controlled by you. The multiple vents are easy to operate and can reduce any hassle.

Interior: We found the cheek padding difficult to remove for washing. Apart from this, the rest of the padding is easily removable and washable, which makes the liner quite comfortable.

Best Protective Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best protective open face motorcycle helmet is the Arai Ram-X motorcycle helmet because of its innovative implementation of a sun visor and aerodynamic build. The lightweight fiber laminate shell provides exceptional safety and steadiness to the rider.

#3: Best Budget-Friendly Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – LS2 Spitfire Helmet

Another well-known brand of motorcycle helmets is LS2 and this open face helmet is one of its premium quality helmets.

This open face helmet has a thermoplastic outer shell, which makes quite lightweight to wear on long rides. The lightweight also makes it stable and reduces any pressure on the neck. 

Due to the appearance of this helmet and its exceptional comfort, we believe it is an ideal budget-friendly open face helmet.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the LS2 Spitfire

Shell Design: The shell of this open face helmet is made out of thermoplastic, which does make it quite lightweight but, unfortunately, does not add much safety to the helmet. 

Face Shield: On closer inspection, we noted that this motorcycle helmet does not have a clear face shield. Thus, this does add much vision to the helmet.

Sun Visor: The only vision the helmet provides is through its drop-down sun visor which only comes in a shaded version. This provides protection from the sun but is not useful at night.

Ventilation System: As the helmet does not have any face shield, it naturally provides enough ventilation. However, the existing vents can be covered by the sun visor.

Interior: The LS2 Spitfire provides exceptional comfort to you because of its breathable padding that is removable and washable. It even allows speakers to be fitted in.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Lightweight
  • Removable and washable padding
  • Speaker pockets
  • Protection against sun rays

Cons

  • Not quite safe
  • Poor venting scheme
  • Visors useless at night

Best Budget-Friendly Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best budget-friendly open face motorcycle helmet is the LS2 Spitfire Helmet because of its aesthetic look and comfortable liner. The thermoplastic shell makes the helmet lightweight and super comfy to wear.

#4: Best Modern Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Schuberth M1 Pro Helmet

This open face helmet made by Schuberth is a great blend of quality, safety, and design in our opinion.

For long distance touring, this helmet provides fairly decent ventilation for the rider with channels that promote airflow to keep your head cool.

We definitely recommend this motorcycle helmet if you are looking to tour long distances and want a helmet that has a good modern look and safety to it.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Schuberth M1 Pro Helmet

Shell Design: The outer shell of this helmet is made out of fiberglass. This type of shell not only makes it lightweight but also provides a level of safety uncommon for open face helmets. 

Face Shield: The Schuberth M1 Pro is equipped with a pinlock system for the clear face shield and provides a pleasant amount of vision to the rider.

Sun Visor: A good feature of this helmet is its internal drop-down sun visor, operated with a slider. It is good enough because it does not hit the rider’s nose and provides UV ray protection.

Ventilation System: In order to keep your head cool, this helmet provides a nice ventilation system with a vent scheme that reduces air noise but maintains good airflow.

Interior: Even though the oval shape can be a bit narrow for some, the breathable padding and speaker cutouts can be comfortable enough for the riders with the perfect fit.

Pros

  • Exceptional comfort
  • Speaker cutouts
  • Noise reduction
  • Clear face shield
  • Modern look

Cons

  • Pinlock not included

Best Modern Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best modern open face motorcycle helmet is the Schuberth M1 Pro Helmet because of its modern look and safety level. The fiberglass shell makes it lightweight and comfy to wear for long rides, especially due to the good ventilation system.

#5: Best Low-Profile Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Bell Custom 500 Helmet

If you are looking for a helmet that maintains a low-profile whenever you are on the road, then we believe that the Bell Custom 500 helmet might be the ideal choice for you.

The outer shell of the Bell Custom 500 helmet is made with a fiberglass composite. This composite gives the helmet a low weight.

We believe that this helmet might be ideal for you if you are looking to keep a low-profile on the road at a decent price.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Bell Custom 500 Helmet

Shell Design: The Bell Custom 500’s outer shell is made of a fiberglass composite. This ensures that it is lightweight to provide stability and comfort to you.

Face Shield: Unfortunately, the Bell Custom 500 does not come with a clear face shield to provide good vision.

Sun Visor: Just like the face shield, the helmet is also not equipped with any visor for protection against the sun and you will need to buy one separately.

Ventilation System: The helmet does not have any vents in-built for ventilation and due to this, there is only natural flow of air.

Interior: The interior is made of fake leather which does reduce the maintenance required for genuine leather but it is not removable and has to be washed as it is.

Pros

  • Good look
  • Simple
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • 5 shell sizes

Cons

  • Noise concern
  • No visor and face shield
  • Liner not removable

Best Low-Profile Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The low-profile open face motorcycle helmet is the Bell Custom 500 because of its simple and low-profile look. With the shell made out of fiberglass, it is quite lightweight and stable to wear on long rides.

#6: Best Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Scorpion EXO Belfast Helmet

If you are looking for a vintage and simple open face motorcycle helmet that gives, then the Scorpion EXO Belfast might be the best option.

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You would be glad to know that this helmet comes in various colors and supports an interior that can be quite comfortable for the wearer. 

The Scorpion EXO Belfast is constructed out of fiberglass, which does make it lightweight but the safety ratings are a bit questionable.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Scorpion EXO Belfast

Shell Design: The shell of Scorpion EXO Belfast is constructed using fiberglass. This makes it lightweight but the low rating shows that it might not be that safe.

Face Shield: This motorcycle helmet does not come with a clear face shield to provide a vision for the rider.

Sun Visor: The helmet comes with a retractable sun visor, which although provides good blockage against the sun in the day time, becomes useless at night.

Ventilation System: As it is an open face helmet, the company did not fit it with any vents for the airflow. It has good natural ventilation.

Interior: The hand-stitched padding is a highlight as it removes any pressure and provides a good amount of comfort.

Pros

  • Good look
  • Lightweight
  • Retractable sun visor
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No clear face shield
  • No vent scheme
  • Visors useless at night

Best Retro Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best retro open face motorcycle helmet is the Scorpion EXO Belfast because of its multiple colors and retro look that comes at an affordable price. The lightweight and exceptional comfort make it worth it.

#7: Best Comfortable Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – LS2 OF569 Track Helmet

Another one of LS2’s premium helmets, the OF569 track helmet provides an exceptional level of comfort.

Upon up-close inspection, we found that the outer shell of this helmet is made out of a type of thermoplastic that makes it lightweight, yet strong against impacts.

We recommend this helmet to you if you value comfort without compromising safety and appearance.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the LS2 OF569 Track Helmet

Shell Design: The thermoplastic shell is made to withstand high pressures and heavy impacts, as well as provide a lightweight to the helmet.

Face Shield: The helmet does include a clear face shield that is correct optically and even provides protection against fog and UV rays.

Sun Visor: For protection against the sun, it also has a drop-down sun visor, which we found to be quick due to the release system.

Ventilation System: Even though this is an open face helmet, LS2 has fitted it with ports to allow air to flow easily.

Interior: The highlight for us is the exceptional fabric used in the breathable and washable liner, which is better than most interior liners.

Pros

  • Strong shell
  • Lightweight
  • Washable padding
  • Optically correct face shield
  • Drop-down sun visor

Cons

  • Poor durability

Best Comfortable Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best comfortable open face motorcycle helmet is the LS2 OF569 Track Helmet because of the high quality and soft fabric used in the interior that provides maximum comfort and cleanliness to the rider.

#8: Best Distinct Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Sena Savage Helmet

The Sena Savage might be the most unique open face motorcycle helmet we have found due to its features.

This helmet is lightweight due to its fiberglass shell. This shell also gave the helmet safety ratings, which means that it is safer than most open face helmets. 

We recommend this motorcycle helmet to you if you are looking for one that has a unique design and also provides enough protection.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Sena Savage Helmet

Shell Design: The outer shell of the helmet is made from fiberglass. We tested it and found it to be lighter than most helmets.

Face Shield: The Sena Savage does not come with a face shield but allows one to be attached separately from any brand.

Sun Visor: There is no sun visor for the helmet. It does, however, come with peaks to be attached.

Ventilation System: As with most open face helmets, the Sena Savage also doesn’t have any vents for the airflow.

Interior: The fabric, even though basic, is removable and washable. What makes this helmet unique is that it comes with an in-built Bluetooth headset.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Washable padding
  • In-built Bluetooth headset
  • Comes with peaks
  • Safe

Cons

  • No visor and face shield
  • No vents
  • Basic fabric

Best Distinct Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best distinct open face motorcycle helmet is the Sena Savage Helmet as it offers an in-built Bluetooth headset uncommon for most helmets. The safety provided by the fiberglass build is also better than most open face helmets.

#9: Best Covert Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Scorpion Covert Helmet

The Scorpion Covert helmet neither compromises on weight nor on safety and maintains a stealthy look

The advanced polycarbonate shell not only makes it lightweight but makes it quite protective as well.

This helmet also has the ability to change between a full face helmet and an open face helmet, along with a good ventilation system.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Scorpion Covert Helmet

Shell Design: The polycarbonate shell of the helmet is extremely strong but also lightweight. This way it absorbs heavy impacts but remains light on your head.

Face Shield: A good feature of the helmet is that it allows the face mask to be detached or reattached according to the conditions.

Sun Visor: The visor has a coating that provides shade during the daytime and also provides good vision during the night.

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Ventilation System: The ventilation system is excellent in our opinion. It allows good airflow and channels the humidity effectively.

Interior: The interior is made of premium quality that removes any sweat and humidity, and is washable to maintain cleanliness.

Pros

  • Strong
  • Lightweight
  • Washable padding
  • Effective sun visor
  • Effective ventilation

Cons

  • Noise concern

Best Covert Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best covert open face motorcycle helmet is the Scorpion Covert Helmet as it allows the face mask to be detached according to the terrain and conditions. Polycarbonate build gives it lightweight as well as good protection.

#10: Best Adaptable Open Face Motorcycle Helmet – Bell Boozer Helmet

When it comes to adapting to various terrains, the Bell Boozer helmet might be the best choice.

Due to the ability to switch between open-face and full-face, this motorcycle helmet can provide you comfort according to whatever the conditions are as well as a good look.

The shell is also lightweight and protective enough to absorb impacts. However, it does not compare well with most full face helmets.

Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Bell Boozer Helmet

Shell Design: The polycarbonate shell gives it a lighter weight than most modular helmets and provides sufficient safety.

Face Shield: The face shield of the helmet is built into the shell and comes in 2 versions for vision in different types of terrains and conditions.

Sun Visor: The visor provides decent protection against UV rays and is also scratch and fog resistant.

Ventilation System: The helmet has a simple ventilation system with a few intake vents.

Interior: Even though the interior feels of cheap quality, it is removable and washable. It also allows compatibility with glasses for vision.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good design
  • Compatibility with glasses
  • Washable interior
  • Two face shields

Cons

  • Average quality

Best Adaptable Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

The best adaptable open face motorcycle helmet is the Bell Boozer helmet due to its ability to transform into a full face helmet quickly with two face shields. With the help of the lightweight polycarbonate shell, the helmet provides decent protection and comfort at an affordable price. 

Buyers’ Guide

We understand that it can be difficult to choose the best open face motorcycle helmet due to the various features available in the market.

There are certain factors you can look at to make that choice easier and we have pointed out these factors for you.

So without wasting any time, let’s get right into it.

Shell Design

When you choose an open face motorcycle helmet the first thing to consider is its shell design as it defines the weight and builds.

A very heavy helmet can put a strain on your neck and create pressure points which are obviously very uncomfortable for long rides.

The ideal weight is between 2 to 3lbs as it can be comfortable to wear. However, lighter helmets can work as long their shells are strong to absorb heavy impacts.

It is important for the outer shell to be strong and durable enough for protection in the case of any accidents.

Face Shield

When you look at the features of any helmet, the face shield is an important aspect to consider.

A face shield that is not optically correct and does not release quickly, can create a safety concern for you.

In the case of open face helmets, face shields can sometimes not be included. However, they need to be effective whenever they are.

It is ideal for the face shield to have a pinlock or rapid-release system as well as a wide field of vision.

Sun Visor

You need protection from the sun in the case of both the open face and full face helmets. The sun visor provides that protection.

The sun visor can be an internal drop-down visor or be attached on top of the face shield. Many open face helmets don’t come with the visors so you will have to buy them separately.

We have noticed that some visors may provide protection against the sun but become useless at night due to the type of coating. You will have to consider this as well.

An ideal option would be to have a visor with a coating that provides optimal protection and doesn’t affect vision at night. 

Ventilation System

Most motorcyclists need to keep their heads cool, especially on long rides. A proper ventilation system ensures that through a controlled airflow.

Helmets can become humid and sweaty on hot days so a good ventilation system dissipates sweat faster.

Many open face helmets don’t have a ventilation system due to their nature. However, they can create noise so some controlled airflow can help reduce that noise.

Interior

Comfort might be the most important factor to consider whenever you purchase a helmet. There is no point to buy a helmet if it is not comfortable to wear.

The interior of a helmet ensures that the rider is able to wear it for long rides and remain comfortable throughout the ride.

An ideal interior would have breathable padding made of a soft fabric. It should be easy to remove the padding and wash it as well. Speaker pockets would be an added bonus.

Final Verdict

This brings us to the conclusion of our post on the best open face motorcycle helmets.

After looking at all the modular helmets, we have chosen the Shoei J-Cruise II helmet as our winner.

While the Bell Boozer is also a great open face helmet due to its adaptability, it lacks the quality and features of the winner helmet.

The Shoei J-Cruise II is lightweight and of high quality with features and mechanisms that provide convenience to you and better protection to you than most open face helmets.

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