8 Recommended Motorcycle Helmet Brands for 2024

With a wide variety of motorcycle helmets on the market, how should you get started? Different types of helmets have different properties and uses. The choice of helmet depends on factors such as the season, your budget, and your riding habits. We will categorize helmets into 5 major types:

Full-face Helmets

A full-face helmet covers the entire head and chin, providing the most comprehensive protection. Some full-face helmets are designed to improve ventilation while the vehicle is moving, but you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference in a traffic congestion. Most full-face helmets come with goggles, and some models even allow the wearer to replace them with transparent goggles or sunglasses to suit personal preferences.

SHOEI X-Fifteen

Applying SHOEI AIM+ technology, this helmet is made of a combination of materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass to improve impact and puncture resistance. The X-Fifteen has air vents at the top and mouth positions, as well as on both sides to control airflow and increase helmet stability.

Arai RX-7X

Since 1996, Arai has released the RX-7 series, which is undoubtedly a classic model from the brand. The RX-7X maintains a minimum radius of curvature of 75 mm, making the helmet roll more easily and reducing the force on impact. The RX-7X is also designed for superior aerodynamics, with increased air intake areas at the top and rear.

Open-face Helmets

An open-face helmet, also known as a 3/4 helmet, offers better ventilation and a wider field of vision compared to a full-face helmet. It allows for easier observation of nearby traffic and is suitable for beginners. The downside is that it may not provide protection to the jaw in an accident. Open-face helmets can also be equipped with visors, and the visor on these helmets is also larger.

HJC RPHA 31

In addition to the outer visor, the RPHA 31 has a sun visor on the inside. The RPHA 31 also incorporates an enhanced turbulence-mitigating design specifically for open-face helmets, reducing wind noise and air resistance. The sponge on the inside is a new material with improved moisture absorption, sweat wicking, and quick-drying performance. What’s more, the sponge can be removed for cleaning and replaced with other sizes to fit the wearer's face.

NHK S1 GP PRO

The streamlined design of the visor reduces oncoming turbulence, and the rear ducktail design helps disperse airflow. There are slots on both sides of the interior for glasses arms and Bluetooth earphones, and the affordable price is another major selling point of the S1 GP PRO.

Price: HK$980

Flip-up Helmets

A flip-up helmet combines the advantages of a full-face helmet and an open-face helmet. The lower part, which covers the chin, can be flipped open for better ventilation while still providing comprehensive protection. Since the lower part uses a movable locking mechanism, it may come loose or even detach in a severe impact, so its protective powers are between those of a full-face helmet and an open-face helmet. Flip-up helmets also have more joints compared to full-face helmets, resulting in increased wind noise while riding.

SHARK EVO GT

The lower part of this helmet can be rotated to the back of the helmet when flipped open, making it more convenient to remove the helmet. The EVO GT incorporates patented technology that ensures a complete seal when the lower part is closed, providing better sound insulation. It also features a locking system to prevent unintentional opening in an accident.

Price: HK$3,990

ZEUS ZS3500

This fully carbon fiber helmet is built by the Taiwanese brand ZEUS and weighs less than 1.5 kg. The helmet has six air channels and four air vents, which help bring in fresh air and let hot air out from inside the helmet. A hidden sun visor on the inside can be quickly operated while riding using a knob on the side of the helmet.

Price: HK$2,850

Half Helmets

A half helmet, also known as a "melon skin" because it only covers half of the head, offers the lowest level of protection. Moreover, half helmets do not meet the specifications and standards listed in Schedule 1 of Hong Kong’s Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Cap 374F of Hong Kong Laws). Therefore, you are strongly advised not to use a half helmet when riding a motorcycle.

Off-road Helmets

As the name suggests, off-road helmets are specifically designed for off-road motorcycling. They feature a large protruding visor on the top, which not only blocks sunlight but also protects the rider's face from tree branches when riding in the woods. While off-road helmets can also be used for general road use, their irregular shape results in higher air resistance and noticeable wind noise while riding.

Scorpion ADF-9000 Air

Made with Ultra TCT, a new material, this helmet has a built-in compression zone and an inflatable facial cushion, significantly reducing the impact in a collision. An emergency release design allows medical personnel to pull out the internal sponge for rescue while the helmet is still on. The visor is made of a special material that prevents shattering and can be easily removed by hand.

Price: HK$3,180

AIROH TWIST 2.0

The TWIST 2.0 features new front and chin ventilation designs and weighs only 1.3 kg, reducing the burden on the head. The TWIST 2.0 has a back turbulence reduction design that its predecessor model did not have. The interior uses ASN offset impact protection technology to greatly reduce head injuries in an accident.

Price: HK$1,680

Motorcycle Helmet Size

A helmet needs to fit snugly on your head to provide adequate protection. The selection process can be divided into the following simple steps:

1. Measure your head circumference

Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head above your eyebrows or at the widest part of your head.

2. Determine the helmet size

Choose a helmet size that corresponds to your head circumference. If the helmet size does not accurately match your head circumference, it's better to choose a smaller size rather than a larger one.

3. Try on the helmet

Unfasten the helmet straps and slide your head into the helmet. Make sure to pull the straps and not the padding on the outside, otherwise it may tear.

4. Put on the helmet, fasten the chin strap, and properly adjust its tightness. Then, you can check if the helmet is truly the right size.

See that all the helmet paddings are snug against your head without creating any discomfort.

Check if the helmet allows sufficient peripheral vision. While all helmets restrict lateral vision to some degree, it should not distract you or unduly limit your field of vision.

Hold the helmet firmly on both sides and try moving it up and down as well as rotating it. You should feel the helmet causing your head to move and rotate with it. If the helmet easily slides around, that means it is too large for your head.

Grasp the chin bar of the helmet and try lifting it backward. Then, hold the back of the helmet with both hands and attempt to flip the helmet forward. If you can easily do any of these things, that means either the helmet is too big or the chin strap is too loose.

Basic helmets typically cost between HK$500 to HK$800 and are adequate, especially for learner riders or those on a probationary license. After all, all helmets sold in Hong Kong are regulated by laws and must meet certain safety standards to be on the market. You can read about the protective helmet approval standards in Hong Kong by clicking here.

Certain helmets may boast additional features such as premium padding, low wind resistance, unique design, etc. Although the lifespan may vary depending on the materials and price category of the helmet, we recommend that you replace your helmet on average every three to five years.