With an increasing number of motorcycle riders, helmets have become one of the most sought after products for the road.
Currently, there are a couple of helmets to choose from — full face helmets, half helmets, and modular helmets.
As the name implies, half helmets are basically helmets that only cover the back of the user’s head. While a full-face helmet tends to provide a higher degree of security, half helmets offer riding enthusiasts tons of benefits, mostly in terms of comfort.
If you’re having a hard time picking the best half helmet, this piece will review some of the best half helmets you can get at the moment.
Best Half Helmet
1. Vega Helmets Warrior Motorcycle Half Helmet
The Vega brand has been in existence for a long time. In that period of time, they’ve developed and launched tons of half helmets, full helmets, and modular helmets.
Like the other half helmets you will find on the market, the Vega Warriors Half Helmet affords you the opportunity to enjoy the wind on your face. However, this product does more.
This helmet, unlike the others, has been built to reduce fatigue significantly. In addition to that, it also prevents neck strain, which has, over the years, become synonymous with half helmets.
One of the core features of this amazing product is its lightweight nature. Unlike full-face helmets, which tend to weigh around four to five pounds on average, the Vega Warriors helmet weighs about 2.2 pounds.
In addition to its lightweight nature, the Vega Warriors has been designed with a drop-down sun shield. This helps to protect your eyes from debris, dust, light, and other minor obstructions.
The adjustable nature of this half helmet is another core feature. Depending on the shape and size of your head, this helmet has about six range options — extra small to extra extra large.
The liner is another important feature of this product. Made from moisture-wicking materials, the liner helps prevent sweat from running to your eyes as you ride. This feature alone makes this product the ideal helmet for all weather conditions.
With various style options to choose from, you are sure of picking one that suits your personality.
SpecificationsÂ
- Brand: Vega
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Adjustment options: 6
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Adjustable helmet
- It is incredibly lightweight
- Fast release systems used
- Offers an advanced riding experience
Cons
- Not ideal for new riders
- Does not offer the protection of a full face helmet
2. Fuel Helmets SH-HHGL 17 Unisex Motorcycle Half Helmet
Approved after meeting the DOT’s standard tests, this product has become one of the best half helmets out there on the market.
There are actually a couple of features that we found impressive in this product.
First, this product is built with ABS shell material which makes it super durable. Although made with this high-quality material, this half helmet is incredibly lightweight.
Weighing about 1.9 pounds, the SH-HHGL17 is currently one the lightest half helmets you can find on the market at the moment. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for riders, regardless of their level of expertise.
It prevents fatigue and neck strain that has become synonymous with owning and using half helmets.
Thirdly, the SH-HHGL17 has been coated with UV clear coat paint which helps to prevent color fading. In addition to this, this product is weatherproof, making it safer to ride in adverse weather conditions (not recommended).
SpecificationsÂ
- Brand: Fuel Helmets
- Weight: 1.89 pounds
- Adjustment options: no
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Incredibly lightweight
- Ideal for all riders
- Made with durable material
- UV-coated to prevent fading
Cons
- The helmet is not adjustable
3. GLX Unisex-Adult Half Helmet (M15)
The GLX M15 is a well-designed half helmet that has been made with some of the best quality fiberglass composite. This doesn’t just make it lightweight, but also able to meet all DOT requirements.
Unlike any of the products reviewed earlier on, the M15 has been built for superior comfort through the help of CAD. With this advanced technology system, all aspects of this half helmet have been covered.
Although built with a sun visor, it has been made removable, thus, maximizing visibility, especially on sunny days.
For additional comfort and convenience, this half helmet from GLX comes with the quick-release strap which makes it incredibly easy to get the helmet off.
Another interesting feature I found impressive is its leather finishing. This does not only complement the overall beauty of the GLX M15 but it also makes it more convenient.
Weighing about 1.9 pounds, the GLX M15 is a super lightweight product that has been built to prevent neck strain and fatigue even after it is used for hours.
SpecificationsÂ
- Brand: GLX
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Adjustment options: yes
Pros
- Offers an incredible riding experience
- Comfortable
- Ideal for all riders
- Quick-release strap
- Beautifully designed
- Made with some of the best fiberglass composite materials
- Incredibly lightweight
Cons
- No liners attached
- Minimal adjustment options
4. TORC Unisex-Adult Half Helmet (TORC T53)
If comfort and safety are your top priorities, then you will find the TORC T53 an ideal half helmet. Over the last couple of years, the TORC brand has cemented its place as one of the leading helmet brands in the world in terms of budget friendly options.
This is a classic half helmet that has been built with everything you would expect from a half helmet. Its classic and beautiful design sets it apart from some of the other helmets on the market.
One of the core features of this product is its lightweight nature. In addition to this, the TORC T53 has been designed with ABS Shell material, which makes it super durable.
This half helmet, like some of the other modular and full-face helmets, comes with a removable sun visor, which ensures that you know where you are going.
Finally, this product is DOT approved, meaning that it meets all standard safety requirements you can think of.
SpecificationsÂ
- Brand: TORC
- Weight: 2.74 pounds
- Adjustment option: yes
Pros
- It is a lightweight product
- It is suitable for all riders
- Made with some of the best materials available
- DOT approved like the others
- Quality design
Cons
- It doesn’t come with liners
- Minimal adjustment options
5. VCAN Cruiser Solid Half Face Helmet
Weighing about 1.25 pounds, this has to be one of the lightest face helmets available.
This product, since its launch, has made a name for itself as one of the leading half helmets anyone can get their hands on.
First, unlike any of the other half helmets reviewed here, the VCAN Cruiser has been built with a density layering core which absorbs the brunt of the force from an impact.
Rather than transfer this force to this rider, the density layering core absorbs it, keeping you safe.
Its comfort padding is another great feature I’ve come to appreciate. Although most of the half helmets come with pads for comfort, the VCAN Cruiser is a fully removable pad. And since the pads are removable, you can easily wash it and keep it odor free.
Its overall design is another feature that we find interesting in this product. Made with lightweight materials, this product has this simple yet classic design that is both beautiful and suitable for riding.
The aerodynamic feature of this product helps to reduce noise as you ride, ensuring that you focus mainly on the road.
Basically, if you are looking for a comfortable, safe, and suitable half helmet for your motorcycle, then you may consider getting this product. It offers you many of the same features as the others at a budget friendly price.
SpecificationsÂ
- Brand: VCAN
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Adjustment option: no
Pros
- Made from some of the best materials
- It is incredibly lightweight
- It is capable of absorbing and dispersing impact force, thus, keeping you safe
- Has an upgraded aerodynamic feature
- It is affordable, yet still DOT compliant
Cons
- Minimal adjustment options
- Does not come with a visor
Buying Guide
With an increasing number of helmet brands springing up, it can be hard to sift through all of the options. However, all of this competition has also encouraged innovation and price drops.
Having discussed some of the best half helmets, it’s important that we discuss some of the core features to look out for when shopping for a half helmet.
Breathability
If you’ve ever worn a helmet, you definitely know how hot and unbearable some of them can actually be, especially during sunny days.
While you’re struggling to focus on the road, you will also need to wipe the sweat off your forehead. This makes it difficult to ride in comfort.
To solve this industry problem, most brands have designed their helmets to be as comfortable as possible.
Some actually come with pads that keep sweat off your face as your ride. To enjoy this, it is actually important that you settle for a half helmet that is breathable and comfortable.
An ideal half helmet should be made with lightweight yet durable materials that are still capable of absorbing impact forces.
Take into consideration the comfort level of any helmet you plan to buy.
Safety
Arguably the most important factor to take into consideration when shopping for any motorcycle accessory, safety cannot be sacrificed.
While half helmets are not as safe as modular or full-face helmets, they are made to be hard to break and capable of keeping you safe in the event that there’s an accident.
Opt for a product that is capable of withstanding impacts without transferring forces to you. One of these products is the VCAN Cruiser reviewed above. Built with the density layering core, the VCAN Cruiser ensures that you are safe.
DOT Approved
The Department of Transportation issues regulations for manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe to use.
Any helmet you opt for should be DOT approved. Anything less may not offer quality protection and could lead to an injury.
Conclusion
For the best half helmet for motorcycle riders, keep these last tips in mind and remember that wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death in the event of a collision.