We all know how important finding a good helmet is. They shield us from the elements, including the wind, pests, and road debris. But what do you do when the weather is hot? Wearing a helmet in the heat can be massively uncomfortable, especially on longer drives.
Fortunately, ventilated motorcycle helmets are now available that keep us cool without sacrificing style and safety.
The best hot weather motorcycle helmets are ventilated to avoid sweating and allow us to have the ride of our lives without the heat and perspiration! Summer riding can be made a million times more delightful with these cool-as-air conditioner helmets.
We've lined up a few of the best hot-weather motorcycle helmets for you here. Let's take a look.
What This Article Covers:
- Scorpion EXO-920
- Shoei J-Cruise II
- Shoei NXR2
- HJC C70
- Shoei VFX-WR
- Best Hot Weather Ventilated Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Scorpion EXO-920
Shell
When you hold the Scorpion EXO-920 in your hand, you can immediately tell that it’s different from other Scorpion helmets. Unlike its siblings, the polycarbonate shell isn't bulky. The big shocker is that it doesn't feel flimsy despite its sleek design.
The tough shell is extremely durable and absorbs shock better than most others at a similar price.
The shell isn't the only one working hard to protect the rider. The inner layer is made of multi-density EPS which dissipates the energy of the impact so that the force is evenly distributed across the shell.
Visor
The helmet not only protects you but also has a standard anti-fog face shield in the front. This one not only keeps the fog off but is also scratch-resistant meaning you get good visibility even after it’s taken a few knocks.
The sun visor beneath screens out harsh direct sunlight so you can stay focussed on the road. You can easily remove the front shield when you don't need it.
Overall, this helmet has gotten many of the most important features right.
Ventilation
There are two front vents on the EXO-920: a single chin vent and a single crown vent. A single exhaust is located under the spoiler at the rear.
There's also a hidden forehead vent inside the helmet that redirects air blown into the crown vent to the inside of the visor to prevent fogging. This ventilation design makes this helmet one of the best options for hot weather.
Large rockers cover the two front vents; press one end to open them and the other to close them. Wearing gloves, they're both effective and easy to find and use.
Visibility
Wearing the EXO-920, with its snug fit and the well-padded interior feels almost exactly like wearing a full-face helmet, which seems to be one of Scorpion's key design goals.
According to Scorpion, their aim with the EXO-920 was to offer 'all the features of a modular helmet with the low profile and sleek style of a racing helmet.'
That includes the face shield, which offers better outward visibility than the average flip-up helmet in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
In fact, the EXO-920 seems to make an over-the-shoulder head check easier than previous flip-up helmets, which is a significant safety advantage.
Shoei J-Cruise II
Shape and Material
The Shoei J-Cruise II fits most riders thanks to its medium oval design, which is slightly longer from back to front and narrower at the sides. The helmet is available in four outer shell sizes from XS to 2XL. Because of the deeper cavity, you may need to get one size larger than what you’re used to.
The Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) design of the shell is taken from the original J-Cruise and is made of high-quality composite materials blended with organic and glass fibres to provide added strength and flexibility.
The decreased weight is due to the shell design, which weighs just over 1.8 kilos. It’s heavier than the original model, but the stress-relieving, balanced shell makes up for it. It’s the best lightweight helmet you’ll find on our list.
Ventilation
The ventilation system has been completely redesigned and has come out as one of its best features. In the previous iteration, there was only one upper inlet but now we have three. All three of them are adjustable and give us excellent airflow, which is directed through an integrated rear outlet.
In short, we now have significantly more airflow than before, when this area was more restricted.
The ventilation system was also developed for the aerodynamic part and tested in the wind tunnel. Without question, this is a significant improvement.
Comfort
The liners are about as comfortable as they come. They’re interchangeable so you can customize your fit, with the bonus that they can be removed to wash them. The cheek pads are well thought out and supportive, with removable and replaceable cleats if you need a better fit or want an audio connection.
In general, the helmet fits just about any rider comfortably.
The open-weave centre panel is made of lightweight, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking 3D MaxDry material to promote ventilation and cooling.
Soft fleece provides comfort in the cheek pads and neck roll which is particularly good for longer rides. These are wrapped on the outside with sealed vinyl material, making them more robust to the touch and preventing water from getting in when it rains.
It’s no surprise that Shoei is one of the best helmet brands today.
Shoei NXR2
Material and weight
The Shoei NXR 2 helmet is made of AIM, a multifiber composite. It's a proprietary material that's found in all of the company's helmets. Yes, Shoei is known for its fibre motorcycle helmets, and the new NXR 2 is no exception.
It's a highly shock-resistant material that's also quite light thanks to the multiple layers that make it up.
For a large helmet, the NXR2 weighs in at about 1.2 kilos. For a full-face helmet this sturdy, it's incredibly light, which you'll appreciate on long bike rides.
It's also worth noting that the EPS, the inner shell of the helmet, is split in half to better absorb an impact and allow for a more gradual force distribution; a feature found in only a few, high-end motorbike helmets.
Finally, the Shoei NXR2 comes in four shell sizes, so you’re sure to find a fit.
Ventilation
Ventilation is critical to rider comfort. The good news is that Shoei has developed its ventilation method and improved on it once again.
The vents on the NXR2 are the same - three vents on the head and two on the chin bar.
However, the sliders that cover them have been improved: a second intake hole has been added to the top vents, and the exhaust port has been drilled out to improve flow.
Of course, you might prefer a helmet with vents that are all operated by one slider instead of three, but at least the vents are now easy to find and operate even with gloves on.
They let a significant amount of air into the helmet, circulating through channels in the EPS liner before escaping from a single large vent on the back.
Together with Shoei's high-quality 3D Max Dry 2 liner, this keeps your head well ventilated and sweat-free.
Visor
The NXR2's sighting system has been improved with a new base plate, gasket, and visor.
It's a quick-release visor, just like the old one but Shoei has visually corrected it to reduce distortion, added those vortex generator things for better air and noise control, and moved the opening tab and visor closure from the side to the centre.
That was a smart move because now you can open your visor with your right hand.
Sizing and comfort
The Shoei NXR2 has a round or neutral fit (rather than the usual medium oval that most helmets have). If you have a longer oval skull shape, be aware that pressure points can occur.
That doesn't mean it's all gone, though. Replacement cheek and head pads are available in a variety of thicknesses.
The NXR is equipped with the Shoei Max Dry 2 liner. This is a soft, moisture-wicking, washable, and antibacterial liner. It has removable ear pads that you can take off if you want to use the speakers of a communication unit.
HJC C70
The C70 helmet from HJC is a replacement for the IS17 helmet. It’s a good all-around motorcycle helmet at a reasonable price.
It also means that it's a big job ahead of it: It's supposed to replace one of the best-selling, highest-rated, and most feature-packed crash helmets. With its new features, it’s one of the best entry-level bike helmets on the market.
Safety
The visor is wide enough to provide good peripheral vision.
There are two shell sizes available for this helmet. This may not come as a shock for a helmet in this price range, but more shells mean a better fit, less weight, and more safety.
Ventilation
There's a single slot in the chin bar and a large upper slot.
A sliding panel covers the vent in the chin bar, which can be closed or opened to allow some air at the back of the visor.
A small slider on the top of the helmet opens the top vent. Be that as it may, it's easy to find and since it fits well, it's effortless to use even when wearing gloves.
This upper ventilation allows air to get past the shell and into the grooved channels in the helmet.
It's a similar design technique to the previous helmet on our list and numerous owners say it works effectively, drawing in a good amount of air that you can feel above your head.
The chin venting works like that, too.
If you only ride in the summer, you might be able to get by without. On cold mornings or in the rain, expect the visor to fog up.
Visor
The sighting system of the C70 seems to be pretty good.
What I love about this visor is the width which provides excellent peripheral vision. HJC included RapidFire II technology for removing the visor in a hurry. Simply lift the visor, press a trigger, and remove the visor.
Why is this important? Mainly to make cleaning easier. When you get home and the visor is covered in dust and wasps, you can just take it off and wash it in with water and soap. That's it.
The C70's visor also has a tiny locking mechanism. The visor locks with a click when you close it. However, when you push the visor tab up, the lock is released and the visor opens in one motion.
AGV Sport Modular Carbon Fibre
AGV is back with another fantastic and cutting-edge sport helmet, this time with a twist. The AGV Sport Modular Carbon Fibre is one of the few modular sports helmets on the market while still providing adequate safety and ventilation.
Safety
AGV cleverly used lightweight and flexible carbon fibre for this helmet, which means it keeps its shape even when components are removed.
The tapered shape of the shell is designed to direct impact forces around the back of the helmet rather than onto the rider’s collar bone which can cause severe injury in a crash.
The shell interior is spacious and comfortable. They’ve even included enough space in the visor to easily wear eyeglasses so you get perfect vision while riding.
The double-D ring fastener keeps the helmet snug on your head and the adjustable spoiler keeps turbulence low at high speeds, so there’s less wobble.
The helmet is both ECE and DOT certified, so we’re confident that it’s a safe and secure option for you.
Ventilation
The AGV Sport Modular has some of the most advanced climate control we’ve seen in a sports helmet.
The Internal Ventilation System (IVS) has large front and chin guard vents with a rear exhaust. Air rushes into the helmet and through channels in its shell and out the exhaust, which keeps fresh air cycling into the helmet but keeps noise to a minimum. This keeps you cool on hot days without causing a distraction.
AGV also included smart reversible crown liners. The pads are double-faced. One side has Shalimar fabric which is ideal for keeping you insulated on cold, wet winter days. The reverse side is made of Ritmo fabric which is cool to the touch and wicks moisture away from your forehead.
Best Hot Weather Ventilated Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking for the best helmets for women or good motorcycle helmets for cruisers, you’ll always need a guide before making the big purchase. However, you’ll need to do the same even for getting one for hot weather.
To start, you need to determine what you expect from the best motorcycle helmet for summer. In this case, there's always the possibility of making a mistake.
Don't worry, in this guide you'll learn the most important features to look for in a helmet.
Let's get started.
Types of helmets
The first decision you need to make is what kind of helmet to wear. In this regard, there are several options available. There are open jet helmets, full jet helmets, modular helmets, off-roaders, motocross helmets, and so on.
If you want to buy a helmet for everyday use, you should go for an integral or modular helmet. Both integral and modular helmets offer excellent all-around protection. However, with the latter, you can make some quick modifications, such as folding the helmet and using it without a chin guard for when you’re riding around at low speeds.
Modular designs are present on some of the most advanced motorbike helmets around as you can add or remove certain components as you want to.
Material
Choosing the right helmet material will determine whether or not you come out of the fall unscathed. There's a possibility that a fragile plastic helmet with a single EPS film inside may not survive the impact, putting you in danger.
On the other hand, a sturdy helmet shell made of polycarbonate or carbon fibre will withstand the impact. It absorbs the worst of the forces and makes sure you don't get hit in the head.
So make an informed decision. Opt for a strong, lightweight material that will protect you, rather than a lightweight one that feels more comfortable around your neck.
Comfort
Undoubtedly, every rider is concerned about his comfort. The inner trunk is one of the components for that. If you get a great inner pad that feels good on your skin and doesn't generate a lot of heat, it's already an excellent choice.
You also need to make sure it's not too soft, as you'll need to maintain a stable head position in the helmet. It's a negative sign if your head moves a lot there.
Ventilation
A well-ventilated helmet is paramount in battling the sweltering summer heat. The intake and exhaust vents of a well-designed helmet allow cold air to enter and warm air to flow out. In addition, the corresponding grooves in the inner lining ensure optimum ventilation. You should also keep this in mind.
Weight
When buying summer helmets, weight is also an important consideration. Most helmets weigh between 1.4 and 1.8 kg. The weight of the helmet should be distributed evenly over the rider's head and neck so that it doesn't cause a great deal of strain on the rider. Since even the smallest amount of extra weight can cause neck pain you should try to avoid it.
Other Factors
There are many other factors to consider when choosing headwear. Pay attention to how easy it is to handle. It's also a sign of quality if it has a convenient and secure closure system. Another plus is a removable and washable lining. Removing the stink and sweat from these materials will make you feel better.
You also need a good sun visor to keep the wind from blowing in your face when you're going too fast; and a sun visor that provides shade and protects your eyes from the sun.
Make a list of the things you want and try to check them off one by one in order of priority to get the best gear. Of course, the budget should be at the top of the list, as it'll help you narrow down the search parameters significantly. However, if you want to spend a bit more on a good helmet, you can be a bit more flexible.
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