When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I know there are dozens of makes etc but I am about to buy another helmet - I currently have a HD Ultrajet but its very heavy and bulky even though I do know its got excellent protection - I would love to buy a half type but there seems to be as lot that look just like a piece of tin with very little protection - I nned to know - what one if the best out these in this style - price I feel when it comes to an important piece of equipment is not the part that would put me off as I would prefer to spend more to get the best quality - Before anybody says anything I know full face are the tops but on the half type which is the no1 - Bell drifter?
Before you dismiss full face or even 3/4 helmets check the weight on ALL the helmets you are considering. I use both half helmets and full face helmets. I have a Scorpion half helmet that is actually a few ounces heavier than one of my HJC full face helmets. Shoe makes an excellent light weight product that I would highly recommend that is quite comfortable and light weight as well, of course this quality comes with a price.
for full face helmets.. I like Arai first and Shoei a very very close second. As far as 3/4 or "jet" style helmets.. I like Shoei, and Fulmer.. As for half helmets.. my personal picks are.. the Shoei Cruz.. I love this helment. I've worn it for years.. it's comfortable.. very wearable and I use it year round. Next is my ACC half dot. It's much smaller than the Shoei and it cost more... and it's been involved in a manufacturer recall. None the less I love how light it is.. and I wear it alot in the summer. And finally, I have a HD carbon fiber half helmet that I got as a gift. It's light, and very comfortable.. it does give you a bit of that mushroom head look.. but I still like it. I guess my advice would be... try out different helmets and see what fits you best..
No matter what style helmet you get, fit is the key. A good fitting, well vented, light weight full face helmet is more comfortable than you might think.
I don't think you can do better for a 1/2 helmet than ACC. I've got a Scorpion EXO-200 3/4 helmet that works well, and an HJC FS-10 that's excellent for this time of year.
I got the FS-10 because it was cheap ($130), and it had a built-in sun shield so I didn't have to worry about jamming sunglasses inside of it.
+1 on the Scorpions. I have a half with the hideaway visor and a fullface. I've always liked Arai, but I haven't tried a late model... Many good choices these days so long as the fit is correct.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.