Helmets are the most important safety gear for motorcycle riders. Not only do they protect riders from head injuries, but also from the elements. If you are in the market looking for low-profile motorcycle helmets, you are probably confused with the plethora of options available.
In this article, we help you sort through the options and choose the best low-profile motorcycle helmet for your needs. We also look at the factors you need to consider before making your purchase.
What This Article Covers:
- What Are Low-profile Motorcycle Helmets?
- Why Choose a Low-profile Motorcycle Helmet?
- Factors to Consider When Buying Low-profile Helmets
- Best Low-profile Motorcycle Helmets
- How to Buy the Best Low-profile Motorcycle Helmet
What Are Low-profile Motorcycle Helmets?
As the name suggests, low-profile motorcycle helmets are those that sit close to the head. They have little to no padding; hence they don't have the "mushroom head" look of traditional helmets. Low-profile motorcycle helmets are popular among riders who want a sleek and aerodynamic helmet that provides good visibility and protection.
Why Choose a Low-profile Motorcycle Helmet?
There are several advantages of low-profile motorcycle helmets:
Good Visibility & Peripheral Vision
Low-profile motorcycle helmets have a sleek design with no excess padding. This allows for better visibility and peripheral vision while riding.
Aerodynamic Design
The aerodynamic design of low-profile motorcycle helmets makes them more wind-resistant than traditional helmets. This is especially beneficial for riders who do a lot of highway riding.
Lightweight Construction
Low-profile motorcycle helmets are usually made with lightweight materials such as carbon fibre. This makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Advanced Features
Many low-profile motorcycle helmets come with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, integrated speakers, and GoPro mounts.
Better Ventilation
The sleek design of low-profile motorcycle helmets allows for better ventilation. This is especially beneficial for riders who live in hot climates.
Style
Low-profile motorcycle helmets have a sleek and stylish look that’s popular among riders. They’re available in a variety of colours and designs to suit your taste.
Factors to Consider When Buying Low-profile Helmets
There are several factors to consider when choosing a low-profile motorcycle helmet. They include:
Safety
Whether you need an adventure motorcycle helmet in NZ or a motocross helmet, safety should be your top priority. Look for helmets that are DOT or ECE certified. These certifications indicate that the helmet has passed safety standards tests.
Even though most low-profile helmets are open-face, they’re made with features such as shatter-resistant visors and emergency release systems that provide good protection in the event of an accident.
Fit
It’s important to choose a helmet that fits you well. A poorly fitting helmet can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Use the size chart of the manufacturer to find the right size helmet for you. Also, try on the helmet before making your purchase.
Construction
The last thing you want is for your helmet to break in an accident. Look for helmets made with high-quality materials such as carbon fibre or Kevlar. These materials are strong and provide good protection in the event of a crash.
Comfort
You’ll be wearing your helmet for long periods, so it’s important to choose one that’s comfortable. Look for helmets with soft padding and adjustable straps. Also, make sure the helmet you choose doesn’t restrict your vision or hearing.
Ventilation
Another important factor to consider is ventilation. Look for helmets that have good airflow to keep your head cool in hot weather. Some of the features that you should look for include vents, removable liners, and breath deflectors.
Also, make sure the helmet you choose is not too tight. A tight-fitting helmet can make you sweaty and uncomfortable.
Price
Of course, you also need to consider your budget when choosing a low-profile motorcycle helmet. Helmets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. The rule of thumb is to choose the best you can afford.
Best Low-profile Motorcycle Helmets
Now that you know what to look for in a low-profile motorcycle helmet, here are our picks for the best ones on the market:
XTR AG Helmet
If you need a sleek, low-profile helmet that doesn't sacrifice safety, the XTR AG Helmet is a great option. This is the best affordable motorcycle helmet on the market. It comes with a premium plush comfort interior, made with Coolmax technology to wick away sweat.
The helmet has an aerodynamic design that's been wind tunnel tested. This design helps to reduce drag and noise while you're riding.
The helmet has an easy-to-use quick-release chin strap system. This feature allows you to take the helmet on and off with ease.
It comes with a clear anti-fog and anti-scratch-coated visor. This visor provides excellent visibility and protection from the elements. This removable classic style peak visor gives you the option to add a little extra sun protection.
The XTR AG Helmet is DOT and ECE certified. This means it meets or exceeds all safety standards set by these organizations. It’s available in a variety of sizes and colours to fit your style.
M2R Half Helmet
The M2R Half Helmet is another great option for a low-profile motorcycle helmet. This helmet comes with an ABS injection moulded shell which is lightweight and comfortable. The helmet also has an EPS impact absorption liner for added safety.
This helmet comes with a classic sporty design. This means it covers the rider’s head but doesn’t come down over the face. This allows for better visibility and is ideal for riders who wear glasses or sunglasses.
Its brushed nylon liner is comfortable and removable for easy cleaning. It wicks sweat and allows cool air to circulate. This makes it ideal for hot weather riding.
The helmet also has a quick-release chin strap for easy on and off. This is an integral feature to look for in the lightest open-face motorcycle helmet since it makes it easy to take the helmet on and off without having to remove your glasses or sunglasses.
Another notable feature of this helmet is the removable cheek pads. This allows you to customize the fit of the helmet. This makes it one of the most comfortable low-profile motorcycle helmets on the market.
It comes with mesh ear sections made from a breathable material. This allows for better hearing while riding and keeps you cool. They do this by reducing airflow to the rider’s head while allowing one to hear everything around them.
This helmet is standards AS/NZS1698 approved. Therefore, if you’re in New Zealand, this is one of the best motorcycle helmets that you can buy.
RJAYS TROPHY Helmet
Just like a trophy, this helmet is sleek, shiny, and speaks volumes about the rider wearing it. The RJAYS TROPHY Helmet is a great choice for those looking for a low-profile motorcycle helmet with great looks and performance.
Modular helmets are a popular choice for many riders, and it’s clear to see why.
This helmet features an aerodynamic shell design, making it one of the most aerodynamic helmets on the market today. Additionally, this helmet comes with an integrated sun visor, making it perfect for those long days in the saddle.
Its ABS Shell construction provides great protection in the event of an accident. It consists of two layers of high-density EPS foam, which work together to dissipate energy in the event of an impact.
The helmet also features a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to its adjustable chin strap and ratchet system. This ensures that the helmet stays securely in place, even at high speeds. It's ECE 22.05 Certified, which means it has been tested and proven to meet the highest safety standards.
It comes with a comfort liner made of high-quality materials, which is both comfortable and breathable. The helmet also features a large eye port, which provides great visibility while riding.
As one of the lightest modular motorcycle helmets, the RJAYS TROPHY Helmet has a lot to offer riders looking for a low-profile option. It's sure to turn heads, while still providing the safety and comfort that riders need.
Bell Scout Air
If you’re looking for the best half-face motorcycle helmet, you probably need one that comes with cutting-edge features such as lightweight construction and an aerodynamic design. The Bell Scout Air is one of those helmets that offer both, plus a sleek look to complete the package.
This helmet is made of a lightweight polycarbonate shell with an EPS liner for impact absorption. It also has a contoured cheek pad for comfort, as well as a padded chin strap for a secure and comfortable fit. As for the aerodynamic design, it has a rear diffuser that helps reduce drag and turbulence.
The Bell Scout Air comes with 5 Shell sizes and an EPS liner that is specifically designed for a comfortable fit. It also meets or exceeds DOT safety standards and is available in a matte black finish.
Its TriMatrix Composite Shell is designed to be strong yet lightweight and features an integrated energy management system. The helmet also comes with a padded chin strap, contoured cheek pads, and a rear diffuser for improved aerodynamics.
It has 2 snap-in visors, one clear and one smoke-tinted, to protect your eyes from the sun and debris.
With a five-year warranty, the Bell Scout Air is one of the best low-profile motorcycle helmets on the market. Its quality construction, innovative features, and stylish design make it a great choice for anyone looking for the best of the best.
How to Buy the Best Low-profile Motorcycle Helmet
Now that you know the best low-profile motorcycle helmets on the market, it's time to learn how to buy one. Below are some tips to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Read Online Reviews Before Purchasing
When it comes to something as important as a helmet, you want to make sure you're getting the best product possible. One way to do your research is by reading online reviews. This will give you an idea of what others think about the helmets on your list.
When reading reviews, make sure to pay attention to the following:
- The reviewer's riding style: Are they a casual rider or someone who races?
- The type of motorcycle they ride: This will give you an idea of how the helmet performs in different riding conditions.
- Their experience level: A seasoned rider will have a different opinion than someone who is just starting out.
- What they liked and didn't like about the helmet: This will help you narrow down your choices.
Once you've read a few reviews, you should have a good idea of which helmets are worth considering.
All of these factors can play a role in how satisfied they are with their purchase. However, you need to remember that not all reviews you find online are genuine. Some manufacturers and retailers post fake reviews to boost sales. So, take everything you read with a grain of salt. Below are some red flags to watch out for:
- The reviewer only talks about the positive aspects of the helmet.
- The review is short and doesn't offer much detail.
- The reviewer seems to be affiliated with the company in some way.
If you come across a review that raises any red flags, do some more digging and see if you can find any other reviews of the same helmet. This will help you get a better idea of what others really think about it.
Check Certification
When buying a motorcycle helmet, you want to make sure it's been certified by a reputable organization. In the US, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for certifying motorcycle helmets. The DOT has a specific set of safety standards that all helmets must meet in order to be certified.
If a helmet is DOT-certified, it will have a sticker on the back with the certification logo. You can also find this information on the manufacturer's website.
In addition to the DOT, there are other organizations that certify motorcycle helmets, such as the Snell Memorial Foundation and the British Standards Institute. While not required, it's always a good idea to buy a helmet that has been certified by one of these organizations.
Consider Your Budget
When it comes to buying a motorcycle helmet, you need to consider your budget. Helmets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.
Of course, you want to find a helmet that's safe and will protect your head in the event of an accident. But, you also don't want to spend more than you have to.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and affordable helmets on the market. So, take some time to compare your options and find the best deal.
Keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for when it comes to motorcycle helmets. The more expensive options often offer better features, such as flip up motorcycle helmets with improved ventilation and lower weight.
However, this doesn't mean that you need to spend a fortune to get a good helmet. There are plenty of safe and affordable options available, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a low-profile motorcycle helmet can be a tough decision. But, if you keep the tips in this article in mind, you should be able to find the perfect helmet for your needs. All the helmets reviewed above would make a great choice for anyone in the market for a new lid. Therefore, you really can't go wrong with any of them. Just remember to compare your options, and take a test ride before you buy.
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