We all take buying a bike very seriously. Before we cut out the cheque to the bike dealer, we do proper research about the engine, the body, the performance, the looks etc of the bike. However, we fail to do the same for our helmets. We don’t realize that a helmet is as important as the bike, in fact may be more.
Riding a bike in a place like India comes with its shortcomings. First and foremost, the weather is rarely in our favor. It is either too sunny, too foggy, raining or snowing. To add on to this the roads are narrow, full of traffic and potholes are a commonality in most regions in India. Riding a bike in our country can be a very tedious task full of risks. This is why a helmet is of utmost importance for all bike riders.
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Wearing a helmet for both the rider and the pavilion has been made compulsory in many states. With an increase in accidents of road rage, it is also something that one should proactively abide by. But despite knowing the importance of safety, not many of us put in as much thought into buying a helmet. We do not understand the value of buying a branded and certified helmet. In fact, there are many people who simply pick up a helmet from the roadside.
Best Motorcycle Helmets Review in India
We have put together our review for a bunch of good quality helmets that you can buy in India. These helmets are from reputed companies that have engineered the technique of fabricating the best technology that guarantees your safety, style, and comfort. We will discuss their features, looks, specifications and comfort levels in detail, so you can make a smart choice for your bike’s most important companion.
LS2 FF320 STINGER RED BLACK MATT Helmet
LS2 is a premium international helmet brand. The FF320 Stinger helmet is a great choice for those of you who are looking for a stylish and chic helmet. This Stinger helmet is perfect for bikes and scooters. This helmet comes in varied colors and designs and the U.V resistant visor guarantees you a safe and comfortable ride.
Shell Design – The Stinger helmet is a full face helmet that comes in an oval shield. The EPS liner is designed to fit the head flawlessly. It is an ECE 22.05 certified helmet. There is a reflective safety patch, a reinforced chin strap and a quick release strap that ensure your safety at all times. The shell comes in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL so you can pick one that fits your head shape.
Ventilation System – The Stinger helmet offers advanced ventilation. There are two vents, one at the top and one at the chin so you don’t feel suffocated. In addition to the two vents, the helmet also has an exhaust port and a breath deflector to avoid internal fogging. Moreover the vents are easy to operate even with gloves.
Visor – The visor comes in a twin shield technology. There is a main visor and a sun visor. It is scratch resistant, fog resistant and offers protection from U.V rays. Furthermore, the main visor is a clear glass visor for clear visibility and the sun visor is tinted dark so you don’t find the sun rays beaming in your eyes directly. The visor is made out of 3D Optically Correct Polycarbonate. The polycarbonate polymer offers good clarity and avoids a distorted view.
Comfort – The shell comes in an oval shape and is frankly best for people which a similar face shape. The helmet may seem tight at first but you will feel fine within a few days. The inner lining is hypoallergenic and can be removed and washed separately. There is a groove for glasses that stops them from falling and digging into your skin. The overall experience is comfortable.
- aerodynamic and very resistant shell
- Good Ventilation
- DOT AND ECE
- scratch resistant & Anti-fog visor
Vega Crux CRX-B-L Flip-up Helmet
With the Vega Crux CRX-B-L Flip-up Helmet, you get an easy fitting helmet with good ventilation. This helmet is best suited for city driving and not for long rides. This is a basic helmet and you can buy this if you primarily use your bike for city commutes.
Shell – The outer shell is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene that steadily absorbs forceful impacts giving you a smooth ride. The inner material is made up of multi-density EPS liner that adds a soft cushioning to your head. It weighs 1.5 kgs and is available in sizes ranging from small to XL.
Visor – The flip-up helmet comes with a removable visor. The visor provides great clarity at both daytime and night time. The scratch resistant glass is easy to maintain. Plus you get protection from the sun and pollution. The good thing about flip-up helmets vis-a-vis others is that you always have the option to ride without it.
Looks – The Vega Crux-B-L Flip helmet comes in a leather matte finish that makes it understatedly stylish. You can choose between red, white and black. The looks of the helmet are unisex and can be used by both men and women.
Comfort – The flip-up helmet scores well in the comfort department especially for the ones who like the flip up design. The inner lining is soft and removable. It can be easily washed and cleaned. You can also take it off if you wish to wear headphones or glasses etc. the flip-up mechanism is also easy to use with a single button.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Shell
- Scratch resistance
- Proper Ventilation
Steelbird R2K Night Vision Men’s helmet
The Steelbird R2K Night Vision helmet is a beautiful Italian design helmet with a night vision visor. It’s available in multiple colors with designs that give you and your bike the wacky style statement you’ve been looking for. Moreover, all Steelbird helmets are ISI certified that ensure your security at all times.
Shell – The Steelbird R2K Night Vision Helmet comes in a shell made from high impact ABS Material. Weighing approximately 1.58 KGs, this Italian design provides a micro metric buckle system approved by European standards. The shell is comfortable and available in various matte finish dual color designer patterns and sizes to choose from.
Ventilation – The helmet uses Air Booster system for its ventilation. There is a breath vent for air intake at the front and one at the top. In addition to this there are two rear vents. The inner lining is made up of multi pore breathable material that recycles the air within the helmet. This is particularly good for summers.
Visor – The Steelbird R2K Night Vision helmet gives you a scratch free polycarbonate visor with a quick release visor mechanism. The helmet is specifically designed for night time riding. The visor provides night vision clarity. There is only one visor in this helmet unlike the others discussed above. But the single night vision visor of this helmet makes it ideal for long distance nighttime travels. The multi lock system lest you decide where you want to keep the visor. You can open it at any angle you like.
Comfort – The Italian interiors are breathable with multi porous padding. There is a neck protector as well a chin guard for a secure fit. The mouth guard is wide and remains odorless due to the porous padding material providing you extra comfort and ensuring hygiene.
- best suited for city driving
- removable visor
- inner lining is soft and removable
- not good for long riding
SMK MA271 Twister Full Face Helmet
The SMK MA271 Twister Logo helmet comes with an original Pinlock System. This is an anti-fog helmet with embedded Bluetooth pockets perfect for Bluetooth communications on the go. The thing that gives the SMK MA271 an edge is the fact that it comes with a ECE 22-05 Homologation ensuring durability and safety.
Shell – The SMK MA271 is a full face helmet. The external shell is made from aerodynamic material and molded in EIRT (Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic), whereas the internal shell is molded in differentiated density EPS. The helmet gives a lovely matte finish and comes in all sizes from extra small to extra large. This helmet is heavier that the others in this segment at 2.45 KGs.
Ventilation and Comfort – The helmet comes with multiple vents. One on the chin for easy breathing, one at the top and two rear extractors. The inside of the helmet is coated with resil lining that keeps the helmet cool and dry from sweat. The hypoallergenic liners are removable and washable. There is also a nose guard on the helmet for better support and security during high impact.
Visor – The visor uses a quick release mechanism that does not require any tools. Embedded with a pinlock system, the visor has an anti-fog film and gives you an extra wide vision field and good clarity. The retention system is outfitted with a quick release buckle for micrometric adjustment. The anti-fog visor also provides sun shield and is scratch resistant making it a viable buy for the long haul.
Extras – In addition to these basic features, you also get a helmet that is Bluetooth compatible with embedded Bluetooth pockets instilled in the helmet. You also get a free SMK keychain and a user manual with the purchase of this helmet.
- shell is made from aerodynamic material
- multiple vents
- Bluetooth port option
Steelbird SBA-1 Free Live Matt visor Helmet
The Steelbird SBA-1 Free Live Matt Black with Grey with Smoke visor helmet is an ISI certified helmet made from excellent quality materials. This is one the best full face helmets available in India today with a micro metric buckle clasp that is the best in the market.
Shell – This is a full face helmet with an attractive matte finish, wherein the outer shell is made up of ABS material critical for high impact and rough roads. The inner shell is made using high-density polystyrene cotton fabric. These high-quality materials ensure a comfortable and durable fit. Users have reported that the helmet may seem tight the first few days but once it sets in, the rider will feel at ease. Moreover, you can choose from different sizes and colors.
Visor – The visor is easy to handle and even remove with a quick release mechanism. The helmet is equipped with two visors that you can choose from Plain Visor and Smoke Visor. The Smoke visor is the specialty of this helmet, however if you prefer better clarity you can opt for the plain visor that is suitable for night time riding as well as day time riding. But if you travel during the day then the smoke visor is a good pick as it will keep the sun rays at bay. Furthermore, the visor is made up of scratch-free polycarbonate material. The only drawback with the visor here is that it is not anti-fog.
Comfort – The helmet is coated with soft inner liners for an easy fit. These liners are removable and washable. The padding is breathable and easy on the skin. There is also a neck protector and extra cheek padding that easily takes the shape of your head. The mouth guard is odorless and therefore its easy to maintain hygiene.
Extras – There is a support to install Bluetooth headsets. The overall size of the helmet is large despite the various sizes. This helmet may not be optimal for storage in your scooter compartment.
- Inner shell made up of high-density polystyrene cotton fabric
- Scratch-free visors
- Bluetooth port option
Vega Off-Road Full Face Motocross Helmet
The Vega Off-Road D/V-D’M helmet is an ISI certified helmet with high capacity air vents. The helmet is lightweight and easy to carry in longer rides as well. Vega off Road considered as a best off-road helmet in industry. The highlighting feature however remains the inbuilt goggles that make this helmet special from the rest.
Shell – This is a full face helmet that will protect your head from injuries as well the weather. The outer shell is made up of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and comes in UV finish that will protect the color from fading and scratching. It also has a sun shade on the top that can be easily adjusted. The best feature that sets this helmet apart is that it comes with inbuilt goggles. The goggles are scratch proof and provide shade from the sunlight as well as protection from dust or rain.
Ventilation – The ventilation mechanism of the helmet is great. There are high capacity air vents and two rear exhaust vents with dual port ventilation. The helmet guarantees maximum airflow for a breathable experience. These vents are also very stylishly made and add to the overall look of the helmet.
Comfort – The inner material is made up of multi-density EPS liner for highest comfort. The straps are soft and easy to buckle and unbuckle. The padding is soft and it protects your head from shock or pressure. The inner lining can be removed and washed. The padding material absorbs perspiration well. You can choose from various sizes for the best fit.
Visor – The visor is scratch resistant and detachable. So you can remove the visor completely and just use the goggles. The top sun shade is also detachable along with the visor.
Royal Enfield RRGHEH000110 HEA150001 Full Face Helmet
The Royal Enfield RRGHEH000110 HEA150001 Full Face Helmet is a helmet pioneered by Royal Enfield. Just like their bikes, Royal Enfield helmets too are class apart and offers the same endurance as their bikes. It comes with an ISI (IS: 4151) and dot (FMVSS no 218) certification. The helmet is an average weight helmet at 1.88 KGs.
Shell – The shell is made up of high-quality acrylonitrile butadiene styrene units with an aerodynamic design. The helmet also comes with a jaw protector molded from ethylene-vinyl acetate for a secure and stable fit. The outer shell is also coated with a UV layer for a scratch free and fade free look. A 360 degrees hard-wearing gasket made out of rubber surrounds the border of helmet increasing its durability and longevity.
Visor – The visor is made up of micrometric polycarbonate material with UV treatment that makes it scratch free. The release mechanism is a quick twist and release mechanism that is easy to operate and requires no additional tools. The buckle is too comes in a quick release mechanism with soft nylon straps.
Ventilation – The helmet is equipped with multiple air vents for maximum air capacity. There are 7 vents in total. The highest in all the helmets discussed in this segment. There are five adjustable intake vents on the chin and forehead area and another two exhaust ports.
Comfort – The inside is lined with soft comfortable padding made from polyester and knit mesh. The liner is detachable and washable. The nylon straps are also soft on the skin and cause no irritation. As in the case of all other helmets, you may find this a bit tight for the first few days but it will set in the shape of your face with continued use.
- igh-quality acrylonitrile butadiene styrene shell
- comes with a jaw protector
- Multiple vents
Studds Marshall Open Face Helmet
Studds is a great contender in the helmet industry. The helmets are designed in Europe and come with an ISI certification and offer great safety and stability.
Shell – The outer shell of the Studds Marshall Open Face Helmet is made with polyurethane material designed to protect you from any sudden or forceful impact. The helmet also has an EPS density padding on the inside that not ensure comfort but it is also shock absorbent in the unlikely case of an accident. The quick release chinstrap mechanism is easy to operate and can be adjusted. The helmet stays put on your head and doesn’t move around while on the go.
Ventilation – This is an open face helmet and hence has good ventilation. You will experience maximum airflow and feel no suffocation or breathlessness while riding.
Visor – The Studds Marshall helmet comes in a polycarbonate visor dual coated with silicon to prevent scratches. The visor is removable. You can also choose a spare visor. The company provides the following options in visors: Clear, Smoke, Tint, Mirror and Rainbow. All the visors provide good clarity and vision.
Comfort – Just like the visor, the inner liners are also removable and washable making it easy to clean. The anti-allergic liner keeps the helmet odorless. The removable liners also ensure that you can put your Bluetooth headset.
- Multiple visors available
- Dynamic ventilation system
- Chinstrap mechanism
- Heavy in weight
Vega Crux Half Face Helmet
This ISI certified helmet comes in a nice leather finish. This is a half face helmet and ensures good ventilation. It’s perfect for people who do not like the cumbersomeness of a full face helmet.
Shell – The shell is made up from ABS material. It protects well against potential injuries from high impact pressure. It also offers good resistance and robustness. The aerodynamic shell offers wide visibility with a large eye port. You get a nice peripheral view while riding. The helmet is lightweight at 1.34 KGs
Ventilation – The open face feature offers good ventilation as it is. Additionally, the Vega Crux Half face helmet also has two air vents to ensure maximum airflow. One air vent on the top and one at the back offer good ventilation.
Visor – This is an open face helmet and so the visor is more like a face shield covering the eyes and nose. The visor is clear and scratch resistant. This helmet is ideal for scooters as it can easily be stored in the helmet compartment.
Comfort – The padding is soft and can be detached to adjust the size. The chin strap is easy to use even with gloves on. While an open face helmet is a comfortable fit to opt for, it may lack in the safety department as it does not provide complete security to the head.
- Lightweight
- Good Ventilation
- comes with face shield
Best Expensive Helmets Brands in India {International Brand}
If you are interested in putting in a little more money into buying a helmet, you can opt for the following brands. Thankfully the Indian markets have opened up and many international brands made their way to India. These premium international brands have carved a niche for themselves in the Indian market with their varied range of products. Starting from Rs 5,000, they can cost up to Rs 70,000 and beyond. They ensure safety and longevity and are designed using international standards and certifications ensuring a product that delivers the best.
READ Also – Best Helmet Brands in India
HJC Helmets
HCJ is a North American company specializing in motorcycle helmets. They test all their helmets in the laboratory as well as in real life before they put them out in the market. HJC helmets are made up of polycarbonate that can withhold the greatest of impacts, ensuring your safety always. HJC helmets look great, have a light shell and offer great visibility and anti fog. This international brand can be purchased for an average price of Rs 7,000.
AGV Helmets
AGV helmets offer great performance. The helmets are Italian manufactured helmets that offer great ventilation, visor technologies, comfort, and safety. They have a wide range of open face, full face and flip up helmets to choose from. Starting from Rs 5,000 these helmets can range up to Rs 13,000 and beyond. This international brand is a great long term investment for any biker.
LS2 Helmets
LS2 helmets are premium helmets manufactured in America. They offer a wide range of open face and full face helmets along with other bike accessories and clothing. All new LS2 helmets are ECE R22-05 E9 certified so you can be rest assured that you are buying a premium quality product. The polycarbonate shell offers shield from high impacts. Starting from Rs 5,000 they can range up to Rs 20,000.
Shoei Helmets
Shoei is an international brand to reckon with. With world-class racers like Marc Marquez and Josh Grant endorsing these helmets, you can be sure of how durable and sturdy these helmets are. Manufactured in Japan, these helmets are a pioneering helmet brand. They offer a wide range of open face, full face and flip up helmets. Shoei is a premium brand and their helmets start at Rs 55,000.
While Shoei is an expensive brand and is therefore suited more for people who race or do long distance travel in difficult terrains. Even though expensive, Shoei will give you the edge you are looking for with the highest regard to your security. In this segment, HJC, AGV AND LS2 helmets can be considered as a viable option for those of you who are looking for a helmet for their day to day commute. They do offer a wide range of helmets and can cost more than the others brands in the market, but the international make and design combined with the latest technologies and materials used for their manufacture give you an end product that is fabricated for keeping you safe and secure. With these helmets on, you needn’t worry about your safety. They will keep you safe and let you have a comfortable ride.
Type of Motorcycle Helmets
There are different types of helmets available in the marker. Not just in terms of brands but also in terms of shape, design and their use. Primarily helmets can be divided into six broad categories:
Full Face helmet
Ideally, this is the helmet that you should opt for as it provides the maximum amount of coverage and ensures proper security. They also block noise offering you a peaceful ride. In addition to this, a full face helmet is also comfortable when riding in extreme weather conditions and provide protection from sun, rain etc.
Flip-up helmet
In a flip-up helmet, you can flip up the visor to open the front of the helmet. These helmets may have multiple visors. One for the eyes and another one that can be flipped up or down. These helmets are also generally heavier than the full face helmets.
Open Face Helmets
Open face helmets are also famous as 3/4th helmets. These helmets do not provide any protection to your face. They only cover the top and back of your head. There is no chin bar in an open face helmet as opposed to a flip up or full face helmet, which makes them less safe. They are lighter to wear and some people find them more comfortable. They do have a visor to protect your face from the sun or pollution but in terms of a potential accident, they may not grant enough safety.
Half Helmet
Half helmets provide very minimal safety and coverage, covering just your head. They may provide more air flow and be ideal for people who find other helmets claustrophobic. But with such minimal coverage, and no visor they are highly unsuitable for long distance or riding in extreme weather conditions.
Off Road or dirt bike helmet
These helmets are not for city driving and are for places with no roads or more dirt as the name suggests. These helmets have multiple air vents to keep the air flowing. They do not offer any eye protection but they do have a large visor and optimal chin support.
Dual Support Helmet
These are a combination of a Full Face helmet and an Off Road helmet. They look similar to off road helmets with multiple air vents and large visors, but they also offer more padding and comfort from the inside like the full face helmet. These helmets can be used both on and off roads.
Things to consider while buying a motorcycle helmet
We have discussed at length throughout this article how important a helmet is. Whether you are commuting to work daily or an avid traveler, a helmet is extremely important. It ensures safety, security and also makes your ride more comfortable. Buying a helmet can be tricky as most of us do not give it much importance. We’ve put together some important criteria that you should look for when buying a helmet.
- Design: As discussed above, a helmet is available in various designs. Based on your utility and comfort level, choose the most appropriate design. If you are a long distance travel, a full face helmet is a better choice, at the same time if you cover very small distances in a less crowded face you can go for a half helmet or an open face helmet.
- Shell: The purpose of a shell is to provide you with maximum safety at the time of an accident which is why it is important to buy a helmet with a strong and sturdy shell. Look for polycarbonate shells in your helmets as this material ensures strength but at the same time it is a light weight material so it doesn’t wear you down.
- Inner material: Comfort is another factor that plays an important part in choosing a helmet. Keeping safety aside, one must feel comfortable to wear a helmet. Choose a helmet with soft inner padding preferably one that can be removed and washed.
- Certification: We cannot put enough emphasis on this point. It is extremely crucial to buy a helmet with proper certification. You should never ever just buy a helmet from a local brand without ensuring proper certification. An ISI certification is good, but also look for DOT and ECE certifications as these are European and American certifications and they guarantee good quality.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is very important especially when riding long distances. Also, buy a helmet with multiple air vents that allow air to flow freely so you do not feel suffocated.
- Visor: Look for scratch free and anti-fog visors. This will make it easy to maintain the helmet in the long run.
Final Words
We cannot stress enough on the importance of a good helmet. It is unfortunate that most people do not realize the significance of a helmet until they suffer an injury. A good helmet is more important than the bike you are riding. Therefore it is also necessary to understand the features or specifications of a helmet just as you do before buying a bike.
We hope you enjoyed this segment and it helps you in choosing your bike’s most useful and vital companion. Always remember, choose a helmet wisely. Your helmet will protect you with your life.
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