You may already be familiar with full-face helmets and 3/4 open-face helmets. They are both very popular types of motorcycle safety helmets, but they both lack the low weight and compactness of half-face helmets. That’s right, if you are looking for the lightest and smallest possible head protection out there, then you have no other choice than to wear a half shell helmet. They have a low-profile shape and they usually weigh only half of what a full-face helmet weights.
Half helmets leave 50% of your head open, so you can enjoy the wind and sunshine during a ride. Logically, this type of helmet is only suitable for lower speeds and certain types of bikes. Also, your ears will be left unprotected from incoming noise, so they are not that good for Bluetooth communication or listening to music on the go.
In this review, I am going to show you the 10 best motorcycle half helmets that you can buy in 2024. Most of these helmets are pretty affordable as they only cost about $200 or less. They all come with DOT certification, so you don’t have to worry about safety. So, let’s not waste any more time and take a good look a them!
List of the Top 10 Motorcycle Half Helmets
Best Motorcycle Half Helmet Reviews
If you have been wondering “What is the absolute best half-face motorcycle helmet out there”, then you will get an answer! I have decided to create a comparison chart of the top-rated half helmets that not only look very good, but that also provide high levels of comfort and head protection. These helmets will make you look stylish on your Harley or cruiser, as well as on any other motorcycle. They provide excellent airflow and they are also very compact, so you can put them into any kind of small bag or backpack. So, if you are looking for a cool half helmets with no mushroom look, then keep reading!
Bell Pit Boss Helmet Review
There is only one half-face helmet that is both cheap and super-good at the same time and it is called Pit Boss. At a price of slightly above $100, you will only pay a fraction of what premium helmets usually cost. Also, you will get a ton of features and the thinnest form factor possible. Bell is famous for manufacturing modern and good looking motorcycle helmets that are not that expensive as helmets of some other brands, but their quality excellent.
Shell Design & Protection
The Bell Pit Boss half helmet has a low-profile aerodynamic shell and it is DOT approved for safety. There are three different materials used in the shell: Kevlar, Carbon and Fiberglass. The helmet comes in two shell sizes (MD and LG) and it is available in many colors and finishes. You can choose from matte black and gloss black colors, or even some interesting graphic designs. The helmet is pretty light as it only weighs around 2.4 lbs (1,1 kg). Yes, there are even lighter helmets in this category but they are also much more expensive. The Bell Pit Boss helmet has an intermediate oval shape and it comes with 5 year warranty, which is phenomenal at this price point.
Face Shield & Visor
As most half-face helmets, the Bell Pit Boss helmet comes with a removable peak visor that is attached to the helmet with a couple of aluminium screws. It is very small, yet it can provide some sun protection if needed. What is much more interesting about the helmet is the fact that it comes with built-in drop-down sun visor that you can simply pull out of the helmet. It offers 100% UVA and UVB protection against sun rays, which means that you don’t have to use any type of sunglasses with this helmet.
Interior & Comfort
The Bell Pit Boss helmet is very comfortable to wear. Thanks to its Speed Dial adjustable fit system, you can fine-tune the internal size of the helmet, so it can fit exactly you want it to fit. This feature, that you will usually find on a bicycle helmet, can be operated by turning around a wheel, which then increases or reduces the circumference of the interior. The comfort liner is very soft and it feels nice to the touch. It is moisture-wicking and has antibacterial properties. There is a removable neck curtain that can be used in colder weather. Another great feature of the helmet are speaker pockets and they will make it possible to use a Bluetooth communication device with this helmet.
Final Verdict
As you can see, I wasn’t exaggerating. The Bell Pit Boss half helmet comes with so many features, that it can put some of the higher-tier helmets to shame. What I like the most is the easy to use internal sun-visor and the extremely practical adjustable fit system. It is one of the most comfortable motorcycle helmets on the market and you don’t even have to pay that much money for it. So, if you want to own a good all-around half-face helmet and you would like to save some buck as well, then look no further and check it out! The only slight disadvantage is its lower head protection, when you compare it to some other motorcycle helmets.
Bell Pit Boss Helmet
️Pros: Great Visibility, Sun Protection, Removable Neck Curtain, Adjustable Fit System, Efficient Speaker Pockets, Extremely Affordable
Cons: Safety Concern
Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Helmet Review
The Sena Cavalry is a half helmet that is somewhat different than all other helmets on our list. It is the only helmet that comes with an integrated Bluetooth device that is mounted directly onto the helmet. It uses the Sena’s 10R unit that is one of the best-selling motorcycle Bluetooth headsets of all times. On top of that, it is also a great all around motorcycle helmet that offers many extra features at a relatively affordable price ($300).
Shell Design & Protection
The shell of the Sena Cavalry half helmet has a typical shape that most other helmets in this category have. It has a clean low-profile design and it also offers DOT certification. On the left side of the helmet, you will find the main module of the Bluetooth device with control buttons. All cables and mics are hidden in the internal EPS liner of the helmet and therefore the device is installation-free and good to go out of the box. The exterior of the helmet is made form a premium fiberglass composite material that is both lightweight and durable. The helmet weighs only 2,3 lbs, it has an intermediate oval shape and it is available in 2 shell sizes.
Face Shield & Visor
Unfortunately, the Sena Cavalry Bluetooth half helmet doesn’t come with any sort of eye protection. There is no face shield or internal sun visor built in the helmet. It does have a removable peak visor, which is a big plus as it can block some sun and more importantly, it can reduce the wind noise coming into the helmet.
Interior & Comfort
The interior comfort liner of the Sena Cavalry helmet is fully removable and washable and it is of a pretty high quality compared to some other half helmets. When you remove the internal liner, you will find an inner EPS padding that doesn’t have any cut out channels for improved ventilation. Even without the cut outs, the helmet is well ventilated and you won’t have any sweating issues while wearing it. Arguably the most interesting feature of this helmet is its noise reduction system. It consists of two types of attachable ear piece inserts that can be inserted into the gaps on the sides of the helmet and that will cover your ears. This will allow you to use the Bluetooth device at higher speeds. These accessories are included when you buy the helmet.
Final Verdict
Without a doubt, the Sena Cavalry is an extraordinary motorcycle half helmet. It is equipped with a high-end Bluetooth headset that is very slim and looks sleek. The intercom system is easy to use, has a long range and it can connect up to 4 riders. The helmet comes with many extras out of the box and it still remains super light even with all of the accessories attached to it. I definitely recommend taking a look at this helmet as it is the only good half helmet with an integrated Bluetooth available on today’s market. The only thing I don’t like is the lack of an internal sun visor.
Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Helmet
️Pros: Aerodynamic design, Extremely light, Very comfortable, Integrated Bluetooth, A lot of accessories included, Good value
Cons: No drop-down sun visor, Comes only in black
LS2 Rebellion Helmet Review
LS2 is a motorcycle helmet manufacturer that is renowned for making decent helmets that come at unbeatable prices. This statement is definitely true when we talk about the Rebellion half helmet. It costs only about $120, so it is one of the least expensive helmets on our list, yet it delivers in almost all departments.
Shell Design & Protection
To be honest, what I like the most about LS2 helmets is their design. I don’t know why, but I like every single one of the helmets made by this brand. They look so modern and attractive in their specific way. The Rebellion half helmet has a stealthy look and it is available in multiple colors, finishes, graphics, etc. And let me tell you, the finish is top notch! The helmet weighs around 2.5 lbs and it comes in 2 shell sizes. It has an intermediate oval shape, so it won’t fit that well for round heads. It is DOT certified and therefore it will provide good enough protection in most situations.
Face Shield & Visor
The LS2 Rebellion helmet is equipped with a peak visor that is attached to the shell by two thumb screws and a little bit of glue. The peak is removable and replaceable in a case you crash it, but the helmet is not supposed to be used without it. The LS2 Rebellion half helmet comes with a built in drop-down sun visor that can be manually pulled down from the upper part of the eye port area. The visor is interchangeable and you can choose from multiple different tints and color options. It has a scratch-resistant coating and it also offers UV protection, so your eyes will be safe while wearing this helmet in sunny weather.
Interior & Comfort
The very first thing that I want to talk about and that makes this helmet extremely comfortable is its ventilation system. Not many half-face helmets have some air vents on them, but the LS2 Rebellion is an exception. It has a large intake vent in front of the shell, and an additional exhaust vent in the lower back. Both of these air vents will provide sufficient ventilation during those hot summer rides. Other than that, there are two cut-away channels in the EPS liner, so the fresh air will be able to cool down the scalp of your head.
The interior comfort liner is fully removable and washable and the fabric is hypoallergenic with moisture wicking properties. The chin strap is equipped with a quick-release mechanism that is both reliable and easy to use even with gloves on your hands. The helmet comes with a pair of inserts that can be snapped on the inner sides of the chin strap and that will act as speaker pockets.
Final Verdict
I am truly delighted by the features of the LS2 Rebellion helmet. Its is a good looking half-face helmet which offers enough protection and high amounts of airflow. In fact, the LS2 Rebellion is the best ventilated half helmet out there and you will simply love it during hot summer months! If it was a little bit lighter and the peak visor was actually removable, it would probably be the number one helmet on our list.
LS2 Rebellion Helmet
️Pros: Cool design, Built-in drop-down sun visor, UV protection, Very good airflow, Quick-release mechanism
Cons: Non-removable peak visor, A little too heavy
Scorpion Covert Helmet Review
The Scorpion Covert is a very special motorcycle helmet. It offers modularity and you will not only be able to use it as a half helmet, but also to convert it into a 3/4 helmet or a full-face helmet by attaching a face mask (muzzle). On top of that, it looks super-cool and you will attract a lot of eyes while wearing it. The helmet costs about $200 and it is a good value for money in my opinion.
Shell Design & Protection
The Scorpion Covert 3-in-1 helmet features an aggressive futuristic design that reminds me some kind of jet pilot helmet. It has the iconic logo in the front of the shell, that all other Scorpion helmets have. The material used in the outer shell is called advanced LG polycarbonate, which you can find in most motorcycle helmets is this price category. The inner part of the shell consists of a Dual density EPS liner, which is the industry standard. The helmet is DOT approved and it is one of the safest half helmets on the market. It weighs around 2.9 lbs as converted into a full-face helmet and it comes in multiple shell sizes.
Face Shield & Visor
As you can see, the helmet comes with an integrated drop-down sun visor, which is always a good-to-see feature on a half-face helmet. The Scorpion Covert helmet doesn’t have any peak visor, but I think that it doesn’t really need one. The SpeedView internal sun visor is equipped with the EverClear coating and it is an anti-fogging technology that works great even without a pinlock. The face mask, that comes in the box with the helmet, can be attached using Neodymium Magnets and you can easily remove it by pressing buttons on the sides of the helmet. The mask creates a seamless look with the face shield and it makes a nice seal against wind and rain. The vision is pretty good even with the mask on.
Interior & Comfort
Inside the helmet, you will find the KwikWick II liner, which you can take off for washing. It is made from an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking fabric that is designed to absorb sweat and keep you dry during warm summer days. The material is very soft and comfortable, yet extremely durable. The helmet also fits great and there are absolutely no pressure points. Ventilation is provided by multiple cutouts in the face mask and an additional intake vents on the top of the shell. The Scorpion Covert is a well vented helmet and you will have no problems in hot weather.
Final Verdict
The Scorpion Covert is truly an outstanding motorcycle helmet. No matter what configuration you will use, it will serve you well. It is fully viable as a full-face helmet, as well as an open-face/half helmet. The ventilation is excellent and it also offers very high levels of comfort. Unfortunately, there is one small issue about the helmet. It is a little too noisy when compared to other helmets in this sub-category. Also, don’t expect it to be as safe as most full-face helmets on the market.
Scorpion Covert Helmet
️Pros: Dual density EPS liner, Proprietary advanced LG polycarbonate shell, Aero-tuned ventilation system, SpeedView internal tinted sun visor
Cons: Higher noise level
Scorpion EXO-C110 Azalea Helmet Review
If you have been looking for a half helmet for women, then I have found one for you! The Scorpion EXO-C110 Azalea is a half-face helmet that is available in purple color and it features beautiful graphics with flowers and other ornaments. This makes it a great helmet for girls or ladies, but it is not that over-the-top feminine design that a guy couldn’t use it. I can easily imagine a man wearing this helmet. And, as its price is only around $140, it is one of the best budget motorcycle helmets on the market.
Shell Design & Protection
The Scorpion EXO-C110 has a classic half helmet design with some modern elements. The artwork on the Azalea version of the helmet looks awesome and the finish is of a high quality. As most other motorcycle helmets, the Scorpion EXO-C110 is equipped with a dual density EPS liner and its outer shell is made from an advanced polycarbonate material. It is a DOT approved lightweight helmet and it weighs 2.4 lbs (1,1 kg). The Scorpion EXO-C110 half helmet is available in multiple shell sizes and color options.
Face Shield & Visor
In the front of the Scorpion EXO-C110 helmet, there is a low-profile peak visor that sticks out just a little bit. This creates a cool retro design and makes the helmet look fantastic. The peak can be detached by unscrewing a couple of aluminium screws. The helmet is equipped with the SpeedView drop down sun visor that has the EverClear coating and provides UV protection to the rider. It also has the same anti-fogging technology that all other Scorpion helmets have and that is very effective against fogging.
Interior & Comfort
Comfort is an important attribute of every half-face helmet and the Scorpion EXO-C110 doesn’t disappoint here. The KwikWick 2 liner works really well in wicking all kinds of moisture and keeping the rider’s head dry. The interior liner is removable and washable, so even if the helmet gets dirty, you can still easily wash the liner.
The comfort level of the helmet is improved even further thanks to the Aero-tuned ventilation system that ensures proper airflow. There are two intake vents above the peak visor and some exhaust vents in the back of the helmet that will push fresh air in and out. The sizing of the helmet is unfortunately a little bit off and it runs slightly smaller that it should.
Final Verdict
All in all, the Scorpion EXO-C110 Azalea is an outstanding half helmet. It is equipped with all those practical features that Scorpion helmets usually have and has an interesting vintage style. In my opinion, it is the best half helmet for ladies and I would definitely recommend every women to check it out!
Scorpion EXO-C110 Azalea Helmet
️Pros: Dual density EPS liner, Advanced polycarbonate shell, Aero-tuned ventilation system, SpeedView drop-down sun visor, Cool design, Good value
Cons: A little too noisy, Helmet fits too small
Reasons to Buy a Half Helmet
Low Weight & High Portability
Apart from carbon fiber helmets, half helmets are the lightest category of motorcycle safety helmets and their weight ranges between 2 and 2.5 lbs, while other types of helmets usually weigh around 3-4 lbs. This makes them the ideal type of helmets for those riders who have problems with head fatigue or neck pain. While wearing a half-face helmet, your neck muscles don’t have to work that hard and your scalp will also be under less pressure. Thanks to their slim form factor, they are very compact and you can easily pack them into a small motorcycle backpack or saddlebag.
Good Comfort & Airflow
As mentioned before, half helmets are partly open and they don’t cause as much pressure as full-face helmets do. They will be sitting more gently on the top of your head and your scalp will be allowed to breathe more easily. They are also much more ventilated thanks to the bigger area that is exposed to the air. While wearing a half-face helmet, you can slightly move it into different positions to fine tune the fitment of the helmet and make it more comfortable. Also, putting on and taking off the helmet will be a joy compared to full-face helmets. Don’t forget that you can eat, drink, or even smoke without taking off the helmet, that is pretty cool right?
Great for Harley & Cruiser
If you own a Harley Davidson or any kind of cruiser or chopper bike, than half-face helmets will make you look really good on your motorcycle. Harley bikes don’t go that fast and that is why you don’t need a bulky full-face helmet to protect you like you would need on a sport bike. Riding a Harley Davidson is a very stylish activity on its own and if you are that kind of guy who loves to grow his hair and beard, then you don’t have any other option than to use a half helmet. These all are the reasons why half-face helmets are the best choice for Harley Davidson riders and why you will enjoy your ride even more than before with a half-face helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Half Helmets Legal in the US and UK?
Yes, they are. Any motorcycle helmet that is DOT approved is road legal in the US. However, in the UK and Europe, you will need another safety rating on your helmet called ECE and BSI Kitemark, as the DOT rating itself is not valid in European countries. So you will have to do your own research about a specific helmet before buying it. However, there are numerous reports of bikers using half-shell helmets in the UK without any issues whatsoever. But, I wouldn’t recommend using them anyway, as there might be an issue in a case of an accident and your insurance claim might be refused.
Is a Half Helmet Safe Enough for Me?
It depends on your riding style. I would say that a half-face helmet is only safe for experienced riders that ride extremely safely and they only ride at lower speeds (60 mph at max). If you are a beginner motorcyclist and you are still unsure about your riding skills, I would definitely advice you should go with a full-face helmet. You can always upgrade your helmet in the future.
How Should a Half Helmet Fit Me?
Every motorcycle helmet should fit you tight enough that it doesn’t rotate easily when you try to move it. It is also not a good idea to buy a helmet that is too snug. You might feel safer in it, but over time, the helmet will develop pressure points that will cause pain in some spots on your head. So, the best method is to try it on, wear it for a couple of hours and then decide if it fits you well. You can always return the helmet to the shop if you haven’t ridden in it.
Conclusion
I really hope that reading this article about the Best Motorcycle Half Helmets of 2024 has helped you to decide which half-face helmet will be the perfect choice for you. If you were unsure about buying a half-face helmet before, then you now have some idea and already know if it will be a good option for you or not. If you are looking for a good all around half helmet, then the Bell Pit Boss is definitely the one for you. Or maybe you would like a more premium helmet with an integrated Bluetooth headset? Then the Sena Cavalry helmet will be a great choice. Other than that, the LS2 Rebellion helmet is also very nice and it won’t disappoint you either.
I own a half helmet and it is very comfortable. Mostly comes handy in summer rides.
Half helmets are best if you do not ride in cold place. Riding your motorbike with it in summer breeze is best feeling you can get in your life.