Best Open Face Helmets: Protect Your Dome With These Top Picks

Feel the wind in your face with these top open face helmets

Best Overall

Bell Mag-9 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

Best Value

D.O.T. Daytona Cruiser

Honorable Mention

LS2 Helmets Open Face Track Helmet

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Sometimes a full-face helmet can be stifling, so a good alternative is an open-face helmet. It protects your head, but your face is exposed to the elements so you can enjoy the ride without feeling restricted. Many also exhibit a vintage ‘70s feel. Our open face motorcycle helmet guide can help you find the top helmets available.

Summary List

Types of Open Face Helmets

With Visors or Shields or Without

Open face helmets are also known as three-quarter helmets and are good for both motorcyclists and scooter aficionados. Some feature built-in sun visors, which are very useful in protecting against road debris and weather conditions. They sometimes have half visors that flip down to cover the eyes or full visors or shields that can cover your entire face. Many visors are removable for your convenience. If you prefer a helmet without a visor or shield, you can simply wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

Best Open Face Helmets: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Bell Mag-9 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet

Best Value

D.O.T. Daytona Cruiser

Best Visor System

LS2 Helmets Open Face Track Helmet

Most Stylish

TORC T50 Route 66 Open Face Helmet

Honorable Mention

Daytona Helmets Motorcycle Open Face 3/4 Helmet

Our Verdict

Our pick for the best open face motorcycle helmet is the Bell Mag-9 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider the D.O.T. Daytona Cruiser, which is a low-profile helmet with a quick-release strap.

Benefits of Open Face Helmets

  • Feel the wind on your face. If you’re the type of rider who enjoys feeling the sun and wind on your cheeks when you’re on the road, lightweight open-face helmets can provide that type of experience.
  • Be safe. You can wear one of the best open face helmets and still protect your noggin in case you are involved in an accident. It’s better to wear an open face helmet than to not wear one at all.
  • Obey the law. Some states require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Low profile open face motorcycle helmets are less intrusive than full-face helmets but still comply with state regulations.
  • Stay cool. Top-rated open face motorcycle helmets are much cooler than full-face helmets. They don’t have chin bars, so air flows more easily towards your chin and cheeks.
  • See better. You have a wider range of vision with an open face helmet than you do with a full-face or modular helmet. Even open face motorcycle helmets with visors provide better visibility.
  • Carry less weight. The best three-quarter helmets are lighter than full-face helmets. They’re still very strong and have protective qualities, yet they aren’t as heavy and will cause less fatigue than other types of headgear.

Open Face Helmet Pricing

  • Under $100: You can find several cheap open face helmets on the market, and you get what you pay for. Many in this price range provide a minimal amount of protection required and don’t necessarily have as many features as more expensive options.
  • $100-$200: Many decent quality open face helmets are available at this price point. They may have special, custom designs, and better visors or shields than cheaper versions.
  • Over $200: The safest open face helmets will cost a little more money. Higher-end brands and premium open-face helmets can cost several hundred dollars. They are generally manufactured to the highest quality and are worth it if you ride frequently.

Key Features

Comfort

This is one of the most important features because if your helmet isn’t comfortable you’re unlikely to wear it. Make sure it fits according to the shape and size of your head. Also, inspect the lining to see if it’s adjustable or removable. This will allow you to customize it so it’s as comfortable as possible and doesn’t have any pressure spots.

Noise Reduction

Even the best half-face helmet is typically noisier than other types of helmets. This is because they are less aerodynamic. However, some brands are quieter than others based on certain characteristics. Wind noise can exceed 115dB, and hearing loss can occur with noises above 85dB, so it’s important to wear a helmet that produces as little sound as possible.

Other Considerations

  • Style: Not all open face helmets are the same when it comes to their designs. You want to find one that connects to your own personal style. Some may appear bigger on your head while others may be more sleek and low profile in their construction. The options are nearly endless.

Tips

  • Even if your state does not have a helmet law, we recommend wearing a helmet that is DOT certified so that it offers the best protection in case of a crash.
  • Motorcycle helmets should fit snugly but not cause discomfort. To see if you have the proper fit, insert your pinky between your forehead and the helmet. Only the tip should fit inside of it. If you can fit more than that, it’s probably too big.
  • Don’t wear a helmet that’s been involved in a crash or that has dropped to the ground. It can easily be damaged even if you don’t see any visible signs of impact. You want the best protection possible, and damaged helmets cannot provide that sense of security.
  • Avoid buying a used helmet. You do not know if it has experienced any damage/impact. It’s not worth risking your life for a helmet that has a muddy history.

FAQs

Q: Do open face helmets come with visors?

A: It depends on the brand that you purchase. Some come with visors or shields, while others do not. If you find a helmet you really like, you may have to purchase a visor separately. 

Q: What size helmet do I need?

A: The best thing to do is to measure the circumference of your head. Next, you should check the sizing of a particular brand to ensure that you order one that fits correctly.

Q: Can I put Bluetooth speakers in an open face helmet? 

A: That depends on the helmet and the size of the speakers. Many brands don’t provide helmets with speaker pockets; however, you can purchase universal ear pads with speaker pockets from a separate supplier.

 
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