Best Open-face Motorcycle Helmets

September 6, 2022 Benjamin Strusnik

Are you looking for a new motorcycle helmet? If comfort and breathability are most important to you, you may want to consider an open-face helmet. This is also known as a three-quarter helmet, which covers the sides of your head while leaving your face open.

Loved by riders all over the world, this style is always popular. If you’re new to the world of motorcycles, or just need a new helmet, you probably need a bit of inspiration when making your choice.

Many riders find this more comfortable, so we reviewed the best open-face helmets available today.

So for the lowdown on the top open-face helmet styles, read our open-face helmet round-up below.

What This Article Covers:

The Best Open-face Motorcycle Helmet Reviews

best open face motorcycle helmet

These are my top picks of the best open-face motorcycle helmets available. We all have different requirements when it comes to our gear. No matter your riding style or individual needs, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect open-face helmet for you.

Bell Scout Air Matte Black Helmet (Best Retro Open-face Style)

Open-face helmets are available in different styles. The 2 main categories are the vintage/retro style and touring style. By vintage, I don’t mean old. These are new helmets that have a distinctive retro look to them. If you’re the proud owner of a chopper or cafe racer, this may be just the style for you.

For the best half-shell motorcycle helmet with a retro vibe, you’ll want to consider this model from Bell. The Bell Scout Air Matte Black helmet fits the bill, perfectly.

And you’ll feel safe knowing that you’re wearing a helmet that exceeds both DOT and European ECE certification standards. This is our choice for the best low-profile motorcycle helmet in this category.

Scorpion EXO Combat EVO Helmet (Best Modular Open-face Helmet)

This is one good-looking modular helmet, with all the features you could ever need. A ¾ shell with a built-in Speedview® drop-down sun visor superior ventilation system and a removable chin guard so you can switch to a jet style.

The Scorpion EXO Combat EVO comes in solid colours and is available in various sizes for the best fit possible. Suitable for use as an open-face or full-face helmet, it’s also comfortable for those of you who wear glasses.

Just what are modular motorcycle helmets? Also known as flip helmets, modular helmets are a mix between a ¾ helmet and a full-face helmet. They have moveable chin bars and visors to accomplish this.

Okay, so what is the lightest modular motorcycle helmet? Probably the X-Lite X-1005 Ultra Carbon. There’s another lightweight X-Lite you may be interested in. Let’s take a look at that next.

X-Lite X201 Ultra Carbon Open Face Helmet (Best Lightweight Open-face Style)

Yet another vintage-inspired helmet, the X-Lite X201 Ultra Carbon helmet is extremely lightweight, without compromising on quality, strength or safety. And thanks to its Unitherm2 Touring Performance inner padding with a micro-perforated liner, you’ll be as cool and comfortable as you look.

The X-Lite X201 is the high-carbon content version of Nolan’s mini-jet open-face helmet. Made of reinforced, carbon-rich fibre, this helmet is available in 3 shell sizes. It's not cheap, but sometimes you’ve got to pay that bit extra to get the best deal.

HJC i40 Solid Colour Helmet (Best Open-face Helmet for Convenience)

This urban-style semi-jet open helmet combines modern technology with crisp, clean looks. The HJC i40 has a lightweight polycarbonate composite shell, available in 2 sizes. Stay cool no matter the heat with the superior Silvercool™ Interior lining, which has antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties.

The cheek and crown padding is removable and washable for maximum practicality and convenience. Sun in your eyes? Deploy the built-in sun shield easily, and enjoy the black “dark smoke” tint.

If all that’s not enough to convince you that you need this helmet, it’s also suitable for riding in foggy weather conditions with its anti-fog lens. The lens pin is also designed for compatibility with the RapidFire™ Shield Replacement System

MT District SV Helmet (Best Open-face Helmet for Ventilation)

The MT District SV - in all colours - is a fantastic open-face helmet at a fantastic price. This jet open-face helmet with its internal drop-down visor is ideal for use in trials. The internal aeration system keeps you cool on those hot days, and with both ECE and DOT approval, you’ve assured a safe ride too.

It’s crafted from high-impact resistant polymer, and available in 2 shell sizes (XS-M, and L-XXL), with multi-density EPS for your protection.

Bell Broozer Arc Black/Gray Helmet (Best for Spectacle Wearers)

If you are struggling to choose between the best budget full-face motorcycle helmet and the best open-face helmet, consider this dual offering.

It’s an attractive and durable product from Bell, renowned for its quality helmets. Not only is the Bell Broozer Arc really lightweight, but it’s also dual-certified for both open-face and full-face riding.

This helmet is also the open-face helmet of choice for those of you who wear prescription glasses. It has handy eyewear arm pockets woven into the inner lining.

Acerbis Aria Jet Helmet (Best Open-face Helmet for Fit)

This affordable jet helmet has a front adjustable vent, with the addition of rear and side vents for maximum ventilation. The Acerbis Aria Jet helmet also features an adjustable and removable visor. And you’ll enjoy quick release thanks to the micrometric strap buckle.

We offer this top product in a range of colours to suit everyone’s tastes. And for the very best fit, it’s also available in a wide range of sizes. This makes the Acerbis Aria Jet the best choice for riders who struggle to get a helmet that fits well.

MT Le Mans SV Flaming in Gloss Fluorescent Orange/Black (Best for Classic Style)

Classic style meets comfort, that’s the MT Le Mans SV Flaming helmet. This is the best open-face helmet for riders who appreciate classic good looks with no extra fuss. It’s as safe as other options, with multi-density EPS and both ECE 22.05 and DOT certification.

This helmet is also highly affordable, which means you don’t have to blow your budget to look cool. It also has some great practical features, like a micrometric buckle fastening with a quick-release system. The faux leather interior assures that you feel comfortable at all times, and it’s washable too.

MT Streetfighter SV (Best Open-Face Helmet For Versatility)

Increase your street-style cred with the MT Streetfighter SV helmet. Another modular offering, this multi-use adventure model has an integrated sun visor, adjustable peak and removable chin bar for conversion to open-face riding.

It’s ideal for some off-road riding too, thanks to the high-impact resistant polymer shell. Keep cool in the heat with the air inlets above the airflow intake, which directs warm air to the back and out of the helmet. For your added safety, the inner lining is also fire retardant.

We offer this superb modular helmet with a dark visor and an extra mirror tint visor. You can remove the sun visor if you wish, but it’s such a great feature to have for shielding your eyes from glare while out on the road.

MT City Eleven SV Helmet (Best for Safety)

Look super cool while being super safe, in the MT City Eleven SV helmet. This high-style model has ECE 2.05 / US DOT / NTC / and NBR approval. What should really impress you, is its sleek TRON Matt black/white finish. It’s really competitively priced, too, for a great deal.

The interior linings are hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial, and you’ll love the internal retractable solar visor with its rapid removal mechanism. And the visor’s anti-scratch polycarbonate material will keep your helmet looking good for longer.

For the best technology and most attractive aerodynamic design, you can’t go wrong with this one. This jet helmet is also suitable for scooter users.

Best Open Face Motorcycle Helmets FAQs

These are the four most common questions that new riders ask us when they’re unsure about choosing an open-face helmet.

Is an open-face motorcycle helmet safe?

Many riders worry that an open-face helmet is unsafe, but that is not necessarily true. While it does offer less protection than a full-face helmet, you can take extra precautions to protect your face and eyes. When properly used, a good-quality open-face helmet is as safe and reliable as other helmets.

Are open-face motorcycle helmets more comfortable than full-face styles?

Most riders who have tried an open-face style would agree that it is more comfortable than a full-face style. Because open helmets are not tight against the head, they offer more breathability and comfort in general. They are also more suitable for riding in summer, or in regions that have warm weather year-round.

Who is an open-face helmet best for?

This style is best suitable for you if you love the feel of the sun on your skin and a breeze cooling your face. You’ll love this style if you struggle to keep your cool in warm weather, and if wearing a full-face helmet makes you feel claustrophobic. And if you ride a classic bike, you’re sure to appreciate this style.

Is a modular helmet better than an open-face helmet?

Open-faced helmets are great for feeling the breeze on your face, but in stronger wind conditions, this is not always desirable. You’ll also have to put up with more noise when wearing an open-face style.

Modular helmets have better noise reduction and offer the option of switching between an open-face and a full-face style. This makes it incredibly versatile and user-friendly.

Our Final Word On Open-face Helmets

Open-face and modular helmets that allow for open-face use come in styles at price points to suit all your needs. However, the most important consideration, with any helmet, is safety.

Never compromise on your safety or comfort. Always buy the best helmet you can afford, and look for ECE or DOT certification for complete peace of mind.

We only stock top-quality helmets that are strong, safe and comfortable. You can all trust us for all your bike parts and related gear, or anything else to do with Motocross.

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