Did you know that a high-quality helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 69%?
Track days always had a risk of crashing and they are totally unexpected when they do happen like in my case, which is why safety through the best gear is paramount
In this comprehensive guide, not only will we explore the best motorcycle racing helmets for 2024, based on their unique features, safety certifications, advantages and disadvantages, and price but tips on how to find the perfect helmet from hundreds of choices in the market to make it simple and easy for you.
Whether you’re a professional racer or heading to your very first track day, finding the right helmet is crucial for both safety and performance.
Also Read:
Best Motorcycle Racing Helmets For Beginners/Casual Track Riders
1. HJC i10: Best for Tight Budget
Unique Features
Polycarbonate Composite Shell: The HJC i10 is made from a lightweight polycarbonate composite shell, providing a superior fit and comfort using advanced CAD technology.
SuperCool Moisture-Wicking Interior: The interior lining is designed to keep you dry and comfortable, with removable and washable crown and cheek pads.
RapidFire Shield Replacement System: This system allows for quick and easy removal and replacement of the face shield.
Glasses-Friendly Design: Special grooves along the temple relieve pressure for glass wearers.
Safety Certifications
Snell M2020 Certified: Ensures high safety standards for impact protection (except for sizes 3XL and larger).
DOT Certified: Meets the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
Pros
Excellent Ventilation: Features new intakes and exhausts that increase airflow, keeping you cool during rides.
Wide Field of View: The helmet offers a wide field of view, enhancing visibility on the track.
Bluetooth Compatibility: Ready to accept the SmartHJC 10B or 20B Bluetooth headsets.
Cons
Slightly Heavier: At around 3.7 lbs (1.67 kg), it is slightly heavier than the average polycarbonate full-face helmet.
Unpadded Chinstrap: The chinstrap is not fully padded, which might be uncomfortable for some riders.
2. LS2 Arrow EVO
Unique Features
High-Performance Fiberglass Composite (HPFC) Shell: The LS2 Arrow EVO is made from a lightweight yet strong HPFC shell, designed by racers for racers.
Pinlock-Ready Shield: Comes with a Pinlock insert to prevent fogging, ensuring clear vision in various conditions.
Emergency Release Cheek Pad System: Allows for quick removal of the helmet in case of an emergency.
3 Shell Sizes: Offers a better fit across different head sizes, enhancing comfort and safety.
Safety Certifications
DOT Certified: Meets the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
ECE 22.05 Certified: Complies with European safety standards, ensuring high levels of protection.
Pros
Excellent Ventilation: Features fully adjustable, multiport, dynamic flow-through ventilation to keep you cool during rides.
Optically Correct Visor: The 3mm thick flat racing shield uses “A Class” polycarbonate for clear vision.
Lightweight: Weighs approximately 1326 grams, reducing fatigue during long track sessions.
Cons
Fitment Issues: Some users may find the fit to be slightly tight, so it’s important to try it on before purchasing.
Noise Levels: Can be a bit noisy at high speeds, which might be distracting for some riders.
3. KYT NZ-Race: Best Overall
Unique Features
Tri-Composite Shell: The KYT NZ-Race is constructed from a tri-composite shell (carbon, Kevlar, and fiberglass), offering a lightweight yet strong structure.
Aerodynamic Design: Designed in a wind tunnel to optimize aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving stability at high speeds.
Wide Field of Vision: The helmet features a wide visor aperture, providing excellent peripheral vision, crucial for track racing.
Removable and Washable Interior: The interior lining is fully removable and washable, ensuring hygiene and comfort over time.
Safety Certifications
ECE 22.05 Certified: Complies with European safety standards, ensuring high levels of protection.
DOT Certified: Meets the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
Pros
Lightweight: The tri-composite shell makes the helmet lightweight, reducing fatigue during long track sessions.
Excellent Ventilation: Features an advanced ventilation system with multiple air intakes and exhausts, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Comfortable Fit: The helmet’s interior is designed for comfort, with a snug fit that enhances safety and reduces wind noise.
Cons
Price: While offering great features, it is priced higher than some other beginner helmets, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious riders.
Availability: Depending on the region, it might be harder to find compared to more widely distributed brands.
The KYT NZ-Race is the best helmet overall since due to its low price it is a great fit for casual and beginners on the track as well as pros who want to settle for nothing less than the best but have a tighter budget; it offers the choice to casual riders who are considering doing competitive racing in the future without needing to buy a new helmet.
In short it is the best of both worlds offering the highest professional standards of motorcycle racing and a relatively lower price.
4. AGV K1
Unique Features
Thermoplastic Shell: The AGV K1 is constructed from a high-resistance thermoplastic shell, providing durability and impact resistance.
Integrated Ventilation System: Features five large front vents and two rear extractors, designed to optimize airflow and keep the rider cool.
Wide Field of Vision: The helmet has a wide visor aperture, offering excellent peripheral vision and visibility.
Removable and Washable Interior: The interior lining is fully removable and washable, ensuring hygiene and comfort over time.
Safety Certifications
ECE 22.05 Certified: Complies with European safety standards, ensuring high levels of protection.
DOT Certified: Meets the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
Pros
Affordable: The AGV K1 is one of the most budget-friendly options in AGV’s lineup, offering great value for its price.
Sporty Design: Inspired by AGV’s high-end models, it features a sleek and aerodynamic design.
Comfortable Fit: The helmet’s interior is designed for comfort, with a snug fit that enhances safety and reduces wind noise.
Cons
Visor Mechanism: The visor mechanism can be a bit tricky to operate, especially with gloves on.
Noise Levels: Can be somewhat noisy at high speeds, which might be distracting for some riders.
Best Motorcycle Racing Helmets For Pros
These helmets are used at the top of motorsport like in WSBK and MotoGP, built specifically for professional racers and these helmets are quite expensive in comparison to the other helmets for that reason.
If you are a casual rider just looking for fun on the track the above 4 helmets are more than enough. However, if you are serious about racing and with money to spare, here are the best of the best in 2024.
1. AGV Pista GP RR
Unique Features
Full Carbon Fiber Shell: The AGV Pista GP R is constructed entirely from carbon fiber, making it extremely lightweight and strong.
Integrated Hydration System: Comes with a built-in hydration system, allowing riders to stay hydrated without removing the helmet.
Advanced Aerodynamics: Designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing, it features a dual-plane rear spoiler to reduce turbulence and improve stability.
5mm Thick Shield: The helmet includes a 5mm thick, anti-scratch, and Pinlock-ready shield, providing excellent visibility and protection.
Safety Certifications
ECE 22.05 Certified: Complies with European safety standards, ensuring high levels of protection.
DOT Certified: Meets the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
SHARP 5-Star Rating: Achieved a 5-star rating in the SHARP safety tests, indicating excellent protection.
Pros
Exceptional Ventilation: Features five large front vents and two rear extractors, providing excellent airflow and keeping the rider cool.
Wide Field of Vision: Offers a 190º horizontal and 85º vertical field of view, enhancing peripheral vision and situational awareness.
Comfortable Fit: The interior is made from a moisture-wicking Shalimar fabric, which is removable and washable for easy maintenance.
Cons
Complex Vent System: The front vents use plugs rather than adjustable sliders, which can be less convenient to operate.
2. Shoei X-Fifteen
Unique Features
The Shoei X-Fifteen is a top-tier racing helmet designed with advanced aerodynamics and ventilation. It features seven closable air intakes and six exhaust outlets, ensuring optimal airflow and cooling.
The helmet’s CWR-F2R racing shield system offers improved visibility and protects against 99% of UV rays. Additionally, the Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ shell and Multi-Piece, Multi-Density EPS liner provide exceptional impact protection.
Safety Certifications
The Shoei X-Fifteen is one of the few helmets that meet multiple safety standards, including DOT, ECE 22.06, and Snell M2020R23. This triple certification ensures that the helmet provides top-notch safety and performance in various conditions.
Pros
Handmade Quality: The X-Fifteen is meticulously crafted, offering a flawless finish and intelligent design aspects.
Excellent Ventilation: Designed to keep riders cool, even in the most demanding conditions.
Versatile Use: While it’s a racing helmet, it can also be used for everyday riding2.
Comfort: The 3D Max-Dry Custom Interior System II is fully removable, washable, and adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit.
Unique Cons
Weight: At nearly 4 lbs, it is heavier than many competitor helmets2.
Limited Availability of Custom Fitting: The Personal Fitting System is only available in select locations and comes at an additional cost.
3. Arai Corsair-X
Unique Features
PB-SNC² Shell: The Arai Corsair-X features a Peripherally Belted Structural Net Composite (PB-SNC²) shell, which provides superior strength and flexibility.
VAS Shield System: The Variable Axis System (VAS) shield mechanism allows for a lower pivot point, improving the helmet’s ability to slide more smoothly in the event of an impact.
Eco-Pure Liner: The interior liner is made from Eco-Pure material, which is designed to maintain a neutral pH level close to human skin and is fully removable and washable.
Emergency Release System: The helmet includes an emergency release system for the cheek pads, allowing for quick and safe removal in case of an accident.
Safety Certifications
Snell M2020 Certified: Meets the stringent safety standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation.
DOT Certified: Complies with the Department of Transportation’s safety standards.
ECE 22.05 Certified: Complies with European safety standards, ensuring high levels of protection.
Pros
Outstanding Ventilation: Features an advanced ventilation system with multiple intake and exhaust vents, keeping the rider cool and comfortable.
Excellent Stability: The aerodynamic design, including the rear stabilizer, enhances stability at high speeds.
Wide Field of Vision: The VAS shield provides a wide field of vision and includes a Pinlock insert to prevent fogging.
Cons
Weight: At approximately 3.53 lbs (1.6 kg), it is slightly heavier than some other high-end racing helmets.
Fitment: Some riders may find the fit to be snug, so it’s important to try it on before purchasing.
Understanding Helmet Safety Ratings
Safety ratings can be confusing. But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.
Explanation of Different Safety Ratings: As I mentioned earlier, there are three main safety standards: DOT, ECE, and Snell. DOT is the minimum standard in the US. ECE is the European standard, and it’s a bit more rigorous. Snell is a voluntary standard that’s even more stringent. Helmets with Snell certification have been tested for higher impacts and offer better protection.
How to Interpret Safety Certifications When you see a helmet with a DOT, ECE, or Snell sticker, it means the helmet has passed certain tests. However not all certifications are created equal. DOT is the minimum standard, so if you’re serious about safety, look for ECE or Snell certification. These helmets have been tested for higher impacts and offer better protection.
When I went to a motorcycle gear store to buy a helmet specifically asked for a race track purpose helmet; there is a major difference in motorcycle racing helmets and everyday helmets and many tracks will not allow you to ride without a racing helmet, always ask or order a racing helmet only.
Importance of Choosing a Certified Helmet Choosing a certified helmet is crucial. It means the helmet has been tested and proven to protect you. Don’t skimp on safety. Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you have. Make sure it’s certified and offers the best protection possible.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Racing Helmet?
Choosing the perfect helmet can be tricky from the hundreds available on the market, but don't worry, follow these simple rules and you'll find the right one.
Factors to Consider (Fit, Comfort, Weight) First and foremost, make sure the helmet fits properly. It should be snug but not too tight. You don’t want it moving around when you’re racing. Comfort is also important. Look for a helmet with good ventilation and padding. And don’t forget about weight. A lighter helmet will be more comfortable during long races.
A simple rule of thumb for you to use is if the helmet is pressing on your cheeks it means that is a perfect fit if not the helmet is simply too loose
Tips for Trying On and Testing Helmets When you’re trying on helmets, wear them for a few minutes to see how they feel. Move your head around and see if the helmet stays in place. Check the visibility and make sure you can see clearly. And don’t forget to test the ventilation. You don’t want to be sweating buckets during a race.
Common Mistakes to Avoid One common mistake is buying a helmet that’s too big. A loose helmet won’t protect you properly. Another mistake is choosing a helmet based on looks alone.
I wanted to choose a badass looking helmet that didn't press enough on my cheeks but knowing safety is more important, I chose a different one that fit well which was the right choice since I had a bad crash later on during the track days. Sure, you want to look cool, but safety should be your top priority.
IMPORTANT TIP: Many riders make the mistake of cleaning their visors with glass cleaners or other chemicals, which you must never do since many helmets can chemically react causing the shell to weaken the helmet. It is always best to clean your helmet with plain water and a cloth only.
As a beginner, I was unaware of this and almost made this mistake before a session and I am extremely fortunate that I didn't following a nasty crash I had.
Conclusion
Best Overall: KYT NZ-Race
Best for Tight Budget (Lowest Price): HJC i10
Best for Pros/Serious Racers: AGV Pista GP RR
Never put safety in a lower ranking of your priorities, use a track certified helmet and not your regular everyday helmet on the track only even if you are just a beginner since crashes are unpredictable in the world of track days. I never expected to crash on just the third track day I've ever had and even Marc Marquez and all MotoGP riders crash highlighting the importance of safety in this risky sport.
Let me know if you have anything about racing anything and I'll respond immediately or if you would like us to cover any topic on your mind let us know in the comment down below and I'll see you guys next Thursday!
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