7 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets to Get You on the Road This Spring

1. Fresh from the team at Joe Rocket is the new R1000X Blaster helmet. The helmet is both Snell and DOT approved, and uses a polycarbonate composite shell. The R1000X Blaster features the Quadport 2.0 ventilation system, which uses two large front intakes channeled through to an aerodynamic rear venturi-effect spoiler to pull heat and humidity up and out of the helmet. It also has adjustable forehead and chin bar intake vents, combined with three lower intake and four lower exhaust vents to ensure a cool, dry ride. It also has a fully removable, washable interior, and its optically superior face shield is hard coated outside and anti-fog coated inside. The R1000X Blaster also comes with an additional hard-coated, dark smoke shield. Available in red/yellow, blue/orange or black/silver (shown). It’s a nice lid for the price, and one of the more affordable helmets here. Sizes: S-2XL. Price: $169.99.

2. One of Arai’s best-known helmets has recently been updated: The Corsair-X is the latest evolution of the Corsair line, and to top it off, it’s available in a great throwback paint scheme. To commemorate “Fast” Freddie Spencer’s 1985 World Championship season, Arai debuted the Corsair-X Spencer 30th in a distinctive white, blue and red graphic with gold stripes and a Freddie Spencer emblem on the back. Arai is unique in offering different interior fit shapes to match different head shapes. The Corsair-X is Arai’s intermediate-oval shape and features Arai’s VAS Max Vision shield with a standard Pinlock insert. Featuring a variable axis with a moving pivot point, the VAS shield opens and closes incredibly smoothly. The smooth and strong Arai R75 shell is created from super fiber and special synthetic fibers and the liner is made of updated Eco-Pure material, which helps maintain a neutral pH level close to the skin. The liner is removable and washable, and different-sized crown pads can be used to customize the fit. Four adjustable vents work together to adjust the temperature as needed. Snell 2015 and DOT approved. Unquestionably one of the finest helmets available, but for a price. Sizes XS-3XL. Price: $969.95 (as shown).

3. The Bell Qualifier DLX is the only helmet here that comes equipped with a Transitions SOLFX adaptive face shield, which works just like sunglasses with photochromic lenses by automatically adapting to light. The shield is clear at night and in low light, and then gets progressively darker as ambient brightness increases. The shield also uses NutraFog II anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV protection. The Qualifier DLX is made with a lightweight, ventilated polycarbonate shell featuring four adjustable vents, a removable and washable moisture-wicking interior, contoured cheek pads, and a padded wind collar that reduces wind and road noise. Another cool feature of the DLX is that it’s built to accommodate a Bell Sena SMH10 or Cardo Scala Rider Q1/Q3 Bluetooth stereo headset and intercom. Available in graphics and solid colors, including solid white (shown), this is a modern-looking, well-made helmet that delivers the goods at a great price. DOT approved. Sizes: XS to 2XL. Price: $249.95.

4. Updated for 2016 in a variety of new colors and graphic designs, the Gringo S helmet from Biltwell is still one of our favorite lids, a great looking helmet with classic styling and modern usability. Shown here is the latest Gringo S in the new Gloss Blood Red color. The Gringo and Gringo S both use an injection-molded ABS shell, a shock absorbing EPS liner, plus hand-stitched, brushed Lycra interiors. The cheek pads are removable for cleaning, and the big eye port offers excellent visibility. The shield provides good optics, and is secured closed with a snap on the left side. It’s an affordable, retro-cool lid that always draws admiring attention, perfect for wearing while riding your vintage bike. DOT approved. Sizes XS-2XL. Price: $199.95.

5. HJC Helmets has debuted a premium brand called RPHA (pronounced “arfa”) which stands for Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advantage. The RPHA 10 Pro is a beautifully finished lid. The shell uses HJC’s “Advanced Premium Integrated Matrix Construction,” which is a matrix of carbon fiber, Aramid, fiberglass and organic non-woven fabric combined to form a strong yet lightweight composite shell. The Advanced Channeling Ventilation System uses three lower vents and two top vents to flush heat and humidity up and out of the helmet. The interior is made of SilverCool Plus, which is a soft, moisture-wicking anti-bacterial fabric that feels very comfortable. Both the crown and cheek pads are removable and washable. The optically superior, pinlock-prepared shield uses a nice one-touch open/close locking system designed for an extremely secure seal to reduce wind noise. Available in a variety of solid colors and graphics, the RPHA 10 Pro is the nicest HJC helmet we’ve ever worn and definitely good value for the money. Snell and DOT approved. Sizes XS-2XL. Price: $374.99 (Anthracite, as shown).

6. The latest full-face helmet from the folks at Fulmer is the AF 62B. One of its coolest features is the iShade, which is an integrated sun shade that flips down with just the pull of a lever on the helmet’s left side. The thermoplastic shell has three front vents, with one on the chin bar and two on top, plus one on the crown. The optically correct shield features a quick-release mechanism for super-easy removal and the soft headliner and cheek pads, made from Wick Away comfort liner, are removable and washable. The AF 62B is available in a variety of colors and designs. DOT and ECE22.05 approved. Sizes XS-2XL. Price: starting at $124.95.