There was a time when motorcycle helmets for women were given a lot less importance on the marketplace. Many big and high-end industry leaders totally focused on manufacturing and designing motorcycle helmets only for men. Some people may see it as being partial to men but the truth is there were very few female motorcycle riders at that time. This is why big brands that are recognized for making top-notch helmets didn’t give much thought to women’s riding equipment. And the only helmets that were available at that time for ladies were helmets for the female passengers who sat in the back of the driver.
But, nowadays, women’s motorcycle helmets are getting the proper attention and many companies are offering a wide variety of different styles of motorcycle helmets for women with excellent protection, comfort, and various graphics options. The result, now there is a specific industry for women’s motorcycle helmets and other riding equipment, such as motorcycle boots and biker jackets that are durably built for strength and style.
This is a complete buyer’s guide made specifically for female motorcycle riders who will shop for the Best Women’s Motorcycle Helmets that are suitable for long hair. Unlike other guides that have only given importance to 5 to 10 women’s helmets, which they believe are “THE BEST,” we, instead, help you in every aspect of choosing the right motorcycle helmet and provide you with the proper knowledge of different kinds of motorcycle helmets as well. So, there is no point in bragging what we are going to, we will come to the point and discuss “a lot of” women’s motorcycle helmets, which is what our intention was in the first place.
Read Also: Top Rated Women’s Motorcycle Boots of 2024
List of the Top 10 Motorcycle Helmets for Women
Best Women’s Motorcycle Helmet Reviews
Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne Helmet Review
The Shoei RF-1400 is the most successful motorcycle helmet in the history of Shoei. The RF-1400 Nocturne helmet comes from the long line of Shoei’s RF helmets, which is a family of unisex helmets that are perfectly suitable for women. It is considered a pinnacle in the industry of motorcycle helmets. This is the reason why the Shoei RF-1400 is already #1 on our list of the Top 10 Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets & Top 10 Best Motorcycle Helmets.
So, let’s take a good look at the attributes of the Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne motorcycle helmet and see what it has to offer for female riders.
Shell Design & Protection
Whether you are a cruiser rider or sports bike racer, the Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne is the helmet you should be looking for. It is specially designed for both men and women and comes in four different shell sizes that meet both DOT and SNELL M2020 safety standards. This means, you will have certified protection covering your head that is constructed from the AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) Shell. This makes the RF-1400 helmet lighter, tougher, and more flexible than the previous versions. It also includes the Dual-Layer, Multi-Density EPS liner that incorporates different densities, helping to maintain the balance while absorbing a potential impact during any fall or crash.
Shoei RF-1400 helmet weighs around 3.5 pounds, comes in an intermediate oval shape and a slimmer design that allows you to ride comfortably.
Face Shield & Visor
The ordinary face shields usually get bent by the wind pressure and frequent opening and closing of the shield mechanism. But, the Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne is equipped with the CWR-F2 shield system, which provides ribs on top and bottom of the shield to improve the rigidity and reduce bending. Plus, you will get the newly developed Center-Locking Mechanism, which ensures good aerodynamic stability of the helmet.
Shoei’s CWR-F2 Shield system also comes with UV Protection and the added benefit of a Pinlock insert that is already included in this helmet. So, you won’t need to purchase it separately, which is another great advantage of the helmet.
Ventilation System
The Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne women’s helmet has a superior ventilation system, which provides maximum breathability, even in a full-face platform. It is equipped with 6 different intake air vents. There are two lower chin vents that will pass air through the chin bar and flow it to the face shield area, which will help in reducing fogging problems while riding during the winter. The shutter will help you to control the air intake, which you can adjust even with your motorcycle gloves on.
Apart from this, the 4 upper intake vents will allow cool air to travel through tunnels created in the EPS liner to the head area and the 4 uniquely positioned outlet vents will flush the heat and humidity out from the back of the helmet.
Interior & Comfort
Well, we have discussed the airflow and ventilation system of the Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne helmet above, which in fact are “excellent.” But, an excess of airflow inside a helmet can increase wind noise level. So, the question that arises here is:
How is the quietness of this helmet?
Well, the answer is surprisingly good.
And the credit goes to Shoei, who engineered this helmet through technology and advancements in the aerodynamic shape, face shield system, and interior linings, etc. Plus, you can control the amount of air intake through the large lower vent, which has a slider to adjust it for more air or less air. But, the upper vents can create some noise. But, if you are a sports bike rider or you often tilt your head forward while riding, then you can totally avoid this noise issue from the top vents.
Apart from this, the improved version of the shield system and high-quality interior cheek pads also play a major role in the quietness and overall comfort of the Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne motorcycle helmet.
Final Verdict
No doubt, the Shoei RF-1400 Nocturne is a superb motorcycle helmet that represents the top-grade of 60+ years of the company’s helmet heritage. Everything in this lid is engineered by Shoei’s best. I would totally agree if you think of it as a very expensive product. But, you can’t get this comfort and protection level at a cheaper price. So, I would recommend this helmet to the ladies who are really passionate about motorcycles and looking for excellent performance, high level of comfort, and maximum protection.
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet
️Pros: Lightweight Design, PINLOCK Anti-fog Lens, Excellent Ventilation System, DOT and SNELL Approved
Cons: Not Suitable for Round Heads
HJC CL-17 Arica Helmet Review
The CL-17 Arica is a women’s motorcycle helmet that comes from the long line of HJC’s CL-17 helmets. HJC’s CL-17 Arica women’s helmet is one helmet that has all the advanced features at hundreds of dollars less. The CL-17 is one of the most successful top-line helmets of HJC, who has already accomplished a lot in the men’s category, such as the HJC CL-17 Mission and other helmets that are equipped with all the advanced technology and engineered by the HJC’s excellent R&D department. The Arica CL-17 women’s helmet is one of them. It is suitable for any female sports bike or street rider that is looking for a stylish top-notch helmet at a good value.
Shell Design & Protection
It is equipped with the advanced polycarbonate composite shell using advanced CAD technology. This is the definition of lightweight and maximum protection, which will make riding more comfortable without the helmet feeling heavy on your head while offering absolute protection in case of a crash. The Arica women’s helmet has a rounded oval shape that will fit most head shapes. Plus, it weighs only 3.91 pounds, which is considered as a lightweight helmet perfectly suited for women motorcycle riders. On top of that, HJC’s CL-17 Arica helmet meets DOT and Snell 2015 standards. This means that it went through many rigorous processes to provide absolute protection for the rider, which is even acknowledged by the safety standards.
So, I believe the protection and safety level is very good for this helmet, which would be a good reason to get this helmet.
Face Shield & Visor
The HJC CL-17 Arica women’s helmet matches the man’s helmet in that it has the same 3D design, anti-scratch Pinlock-ready face shield (HJ-09) with 95 percent UV protection that provides an ultra-secure seal through its side face shield locking mechanism. This is actually a two-stage face shield closure system with a one-touch center to open and close the shield, even with gloves on, for an extremely tight and secure seal. The only drawback is the Pinlock lens insert is sold separately.
But, don’t let that bother you because nearly half of the premium motorcycle helmets sell the Pinlock lens insert separately. The CL-17 Arica is not the only exception. On the contrary, you will also have the function of a toolless removal and installation of the face shield. It is also equipped with the RapidFire Shield Replacement System, which allows shield changes within seconds without any external tools.
Ventilation System
I believe when it comes to ventilation and airflow, HJC’s Advanced Channelling Ventilation System (ACS) are “THE BEST” system you can get. It has perfectly positioned air intake and exhaust vents that allow cool air inside the helmet and flushes the heat and humidity out through the exhaust vents.
If you take a closer look, you will see the top vents, which allow cool air into your head area and chin vents with a slider to adjust the air intake inside the visor area of the helmet. Basically, this full front to back airflow is exactly what you need in a full-face helmet. This system will provide enough airflow to the motorbike riders to use a full-face helmet instead of an open-face or half-shell helmet even during the days of summer.
Oh, yeah..!! One more thing. You will have the added benefit of an air deflector that is included with this helmet.
Interior & Comfort
The “SuperCool” interior is what you’re going to get in this Arica women’s helmet that is recognized for proper fit and great comfort to the cheek area of your face. This SuperCool Interior is made from an anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you dry even on hot sunny days while riding. Plus, you won’t feel any moisture in the cheek area. And as always, the cheek pads of the CL-17 Arica are removable, washable, and interchangeable with all CL-17 cheek pads. This means, you can remove the cheek pads anytime you feel like it to wash them and can interchange them for a custom fit.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a full-face motorcycle helmet for women that is both super-safe and affordable to buy, then the HJC CL-17 Arica will be the best choice for you. Thanks to its lightweight shell design and effective ventilation system, you will feel comfortable while wearing it and its face shield will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
HJC CL-17 Arica Helmet
️Pros: Pinlock-ready Face Shield, RapidFire Shield Replacement System, ACS Ventilation, Advanced Polycarbonate Shell
Cons: PINLOCK sold Separately
AGV K3 SV Sakura Helmet Review
The AGV K3 SV is a unisex-adult full-face motorcycle helmet that is best suited for women who are looking for an affordable helmet with all the necessary features and specifications for sport-touring. It offers high level of comfort and protection on long rides, and on top of that, it is also available in various colors and graphic designs. Now, let’s see all the attributes of the AGV K3 SV Sakura helmet, which comes with beautiful feminine graphics.
Shell Design & Protection
Personally, I believe the AGV K3 SV Sakura motorcycle helmet is simply stunning! It is designed specifically for women and men who love touring and commuting, and who are looking for a stylish helmet that can accompany them on long rides. It can protect your head from potential impacts and it doesn’t even cost them much. Moreover, the AGV K3 SV Sakura helmet is certified not by one, but two safety standards, the DOT and ECE, which means it is quite popular in the United States and all over Europe.
The shell of helmet is constructed from a High Resistance Thermoplastic Resin, which is a lightweight yet strong enough material capable of protecting your head in event of a crash. It comes in a round oval shape and is available in 2 different shell sizes and 4 different EPS sizes. Thanks to a huge selection of sizes, you can pick the one that suits you best and that is the lightest and the most comfortable one to wear for long periods of time.
Face Shield & Visor
Vision is an important attribute of every motorcycle helmet. Being a sport-touring helmet, the AGV K3 SV Sakura truly excels in this department. It comes with an ultra-wide eye port that offers a phenomenal field of view. The face shield features an anti-scratch coating that provides up to 100% UV protection. The shield is Pinlock ready and you will even get a free anti-fog lens insert included with the purchase. Furthermore, thanks to the Quick Release System, you will be able to quickly remove the shield without any tools.
The AGV K3 SV helmet is equipped with a drop-down sun visor that is very convenient and super-easy to use. This is a must-have feature for sport-touring and every helmet in this category should have one.
Ventilation System
The ventilation system is also of top-notch quality in this motorcycle helmet for ladies. The AGV K3 SV Sakura provides very good airflow and it is one of the best vented full-face helmets on the market. Thanks to its large top intake vents and effective EPS channeling, it can even compete with some of the best dirt bike helmets in terms of airflow.
There is a couple of small intake air vents in the chin bar and multiple larger intake vents in the forehead area. In the back of the helmet, you will find an aerodynamic spoiler that covers a dual passive exhaust vent. All of the intake vents will ensure proper flow of cool air into the inside of the helmet, while the exhaust vents will extract the hot air out of the helmet. This sophisticated ventilation system makes the AGV K3 SV Sakura ideal for riding on hot summer days.
Interior & Comfort
The interior liner and cheek pads of the AGV K3 SV are made from the Dry-Comfort fabric. The liner has hypo-allergenic and antimicrobial properties, so it won’t cause any reaction to your facial skin and will dissipate sweat quickly to keep you dry and comfortable under all circumstances. On top of that, like all premium helmet liners, it can can be removed and washed as needed.
The quality of the interior liner is fantastic for such an affordable helmet. However, due to its round oval shape, it can be too tight for some individuals and cause hot spots in the forehead area. But, this problem is more common among males rather than females. So, most ladies should be fine with this helmet.
Final Verdict
Overall, I can say that the AGV K3 SV is an amazing looking motorcycle helmet that is suitable for both men and women. It provides good protection, perfect visibility and phenomenal airflow. Thanks it its affordable price tag, it won’t cost you that much money and you will get a lot of attention from other riders when you put it on you head. The only small downside is its round shape that doesn’t fit long oval heads.
AGV K3 SV Helmet
️Pros: HIR-TH (High Resistance Thermoplastic Resin), Meets the DOT safety standards, XQRS visor mechanism
Cons: Fitment is too tight
Scorpion EXO-T510 Azalea Helmet Review
Scorpion’s EXO-T510 Azalea is a unisex motorcycle helmet that weighs around 3.53 pounds. It has an intermediate oval shape and a lightweight design, which may not grab your attention at first glance but when you go through the details, you will realize that this DOT-approved full-face helmet is not only for dual-sport and street-sport motorcycles but also for daily commuters who can wear it for both long and short rides.
Let’s see what it has to offer.
Shell Design & Protection
The EXO-T510 Azalea full-face helmet is Scorpion’s top-notch helmet in a medium price range that is constructed with an advanced LG polycarbonate shell, which is lighter than general plastics, yet stronger. This is used to resist heavy impact and excessive heat, which is why the LG polycarbonate shell material is highly used in automobiles and mechanical components.
But, don’t compare this to the layers of fiber materials and the composite shell. The polycarbonate shell is different from composite shells. In fact, it is a good opportunity to have such an elite shell design in this price range of helmet along with other features. On top of that, you will have the option to choose from three different shell sizes, which is uncommon in this price range of helmets.
Face Shield & Visor
This Scorpion helmet has another fantastic feature, which is very rare to see in helmets of this price range. And that is the “Drop-down SpeedView Sun visor,” which comes with the EverClear anti-fog coating. Not only that, but the face shield of the EXO-T510 Azalea helmet has the same anti-fog coating plus 100 percent protection from UV rays and a locking closure.
It has an Ellip-Tec toolless shield change design that is a 100 percent toolless ratchet system using an elliptical motion in creating 7.6mm of travel pulling the shield securely against the eye-port thus ensuring a proper seal.
Ventilation System
Ventilation is also designed for maximum breathability and to avoid fogging problems on the visor. It has four intake vents and one large exhaust vent that allows cool air to pass inside the helmet and spread over the face and head area and remove the hot air from the back of the helmet. All credit goes to the Aero-tuned Ventilation system, which is quite simple yet effective in providing breathability to the motorcycle rider.
Interior & Comfort
The EXO-T510 has an AirFit inflatable cheek pad system that you can use for a superior personalized fit. But, if you have chosen the right size, then you won’t need such a system to get that perfect fit. It has foam contoured cheek pads with KwickWick II and an anti-microbial removable liner, which will help in drying sweat and moisture from the pads and prevents any bacterial infection from occurring.
Oh, yeah! One more thing. It also has an emergency pad release system, which makes the removal of the interior pads in case of an emergency very easy.
Final Verdict
Overall, this is a great mid-range motorcycle helmet for women. It provides higher than average protection for your head and avoids traumas of the head from impacts. Apart from this, you have an excellent ventilation system for maximum airflow and, maybe not top-notch, but certainly one of the best anti-microbial removable cheek pad liners, which will keep your face and hair dry even on hot sunny days. If we talk about the Azalea design and style, then, I believe, it is quite impressive. The helmet has a beautiful artwork with shiny lines and glossy finish that all ladies will surely love.
And lastly, size is another plus point for this helmet, which is sized for ladies and girls, and while wearing the stylish ladies Scorpion helmet, it offers the same level of protection and comfort as any man’s helmet.
Scorpion EXO-T510 Azalea Helmet
️Pros: Advanced LG Carbonate Shell, AirFit Cheek Pad System, KwickWick II Liner, 100% UV Protection
Cons: Noise issues
ILM Stealth Bluetooth Modular Helmet Review
The ILM Stealth Bluetooth motorcycle helmet is for women and men who are daily commuters and often ride in warm weather. This helmet comes with a lot of necessary features and technology that you need on a daily basis while riding. The ILM Stealth is a modular helmet that you can use as full-face in the winter and open-face in warm weather. Plus, if you are tired of taking calls while riding in traffic or don’t want to pay for a separate Bluetooth headset to install in your helmet, then ILM Stealth’s integrated Bluetooth will make it very simple for you to take unlimited calls without losing focus.
You could say the ILM Stealth helmet is specifically designed for people who need to receive their important calls even while riding. It is equipped with 3.0 Bluetooth technology, which has 8 hours of talk time and 110 hours standby. You can even go for long rides without worrying about charging. One-Touch control will make it easy for answering, rejecting, and redialling phone calls. This one-touch function only takes 1 or 2 seconds, even with gloves on.
It’s not just that you require GPS for directions but you don’t need to see it over and over again on the GPS navigator mounted to the handlebar. Instead, you will have access to full GPS navigation audio for guidance.
ILM designed this Stealth helmet in a way that if you are at hi-speed, even then you can get high-quality sound without any noise. The truth is, it is all possible because of the DSP Echo Cancellation & Noise Suppression tech that offers high-quality voice. And good news for group motorcycle riders, if you like to ride with your girls then you can even connect with them through intercom even at a distance of 1,000 feet.
Apart from this, the interior is quite good in this ILM Stealth Bluetooth helmet where you will get fully washable microfiber liner.
But, don’t expect much more.
I would say the same thing for ventilation. It is equipped with adjustable vents that are positioned at different locations to allow cool air to enter the helmet. Plus, its modular design will allow you to use it as an open-face helmet whenever you like.
If we talk about the protection, then the ILM Stealth helmet exceeds both ECE and DOT safety standards. This means the helmet has been through very serious, rigorous procedures to provide the impact-resistant shell that will protect you from head injuries and serious trauma from a motorcycle accident.
Final Verdict
All in all, the ILM Stealth Bluetooth helmet is one of the best budget-friendly Bluetooth motorcycle helmets and we definitely recommend checking it out!
ILM Stealth Bluetooth Helmet
️Pros: DOT & ECE certified, Integrated Bluetooth, 1000 feet range, Long standby time, Noise Suppression tech, Good value
Cons: A little too heavy, Fogging issues
Types of Motorcycle Helmets for Women
Before we move to the next step, you need to know that there are different types of motorcycle helmets for women. These helmets have different protection and comfort levels. So, before you choose any helmet you need to know the types. Right?
So, let’s check this out.
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets for Women
Full-face women’s motorcycle helmets are suitable for providing all-around protection for your head, face, and chin area. Plus, when it comes to riding in heavy wind or winter, full-face helmets are the best equipment for blocking UV rays and for keeping dust and bugs out of your eyes, as well.
This is why many organizations and foundations ask motorbike riders to wear full-face helmets. Since the chin area includes around 35 percent of the crash impact, it certainly will be absent in open-face and half-shell helmets.
In this review, we have chosen some best full-face helmets that meet the safety standards of at least one of DOT, Snell M2015, and ECE 22.05. So, you can go through these and choose whichever one you like the best.
Modular Motorcycle Helmets for Women
A modular motorcycle helmet is exactly what you need for enjoying the ride while having complete protection for your head and face area. The “flip-up” benefit of a modular helmet provides the option to use it as an open-face helmet or full-face helmet as per the rider’s requirement. Plus, it is a good substitute for riders who love to go on long ADV trips and also need protection for daily commuting.
Here, we have chosen some of the 2024’s best women’s modular helmets that have the features of a full-face helmet and the function of using it as an open-face helmet without paying for two separate designs.
Note: Although riders have the option to use the flip-up in modular helmets, it is recommended not to use modular helmets in the open-face state because riding in a flip-up state, the hinge creates a weak point for the riders that can break during the impact in a crash.
Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets for Women
If you rarely ride your motorcycle or sit only as a passenger behind your companion, then you choose the open-face helmets, which do not have absolute but the least protection for your head during falls or crashes, but offers excellent airflow so you can enjoy the ride. You will not get all the functions of a full-face helmet and the material used for this helmet is the same as the full-face helmet but in a lesser amount. So, don’t expect too much when it comes to head protection.
But, it is lighter to wear and carry around with you. And on hot, sunny days, it is difficult to get proper airflow from a full-face helmet whereas an open-face or half-shell helmet will expose you directly to nature’s elements, such as wind, dust, and harmful UV rays.
The reasons I see to choose an open-face helmet are 1. Affordable price, 2. Lightweight, and 3. Suitable to wear during the summer while sitting as a passenger enjoying the view.
On today’s market, you can buy some great women’s open-face helmets that are quite affordable and have stylish graphics and finish that will definitely draw the attention of other riders.
Motorcycle Half Helmets for Women
Half-face helmets, or half shell helmets, are a sub-category of open-face motorcycle helmets and they both look very similar to each other. But, instead on making your face exposed from the front, these will only cover the top of your head and leave the rest unprotected.
Less protection means lower weight and higher level of comfort. Half-face helmets are, without a doubt, the most comfortable type of motorcycle helmets out there. Thanks to their maximum ventilation, they will keep your face out of sweat during hot summer days. Also, being the lightest type of motorcycle helmets, they can prevent all kinds of neck pain and head fatigue.
Due to their low level of protection, these helmets are not recommended for riding at higher speeds. They are good for street use and cruising, but that’s about it. A motorcycle half helmet can be bought for a fraction of the price of a full-face helmet.
Dirt Bike & Motocross Helmets for Women
A Motocross helmet is primarily used for off-road riding and motocross racing. It provides the extra protection needed for this sport and has a partially open face for using a pair of goggles to keep dirt and mud out of the eyes. They offer maximum protection and pretty good comfort and airflow.
Categories of Motorcycle Helmets for Women
Apart from different types and styles of motorcycle helmets for women, there are also some special categories. In this section, we will discuss the products from a different perspective and show you some other types of motorcycle helmets you might be looking for.
Cheap Motorcycle Helmets for Women
As we discussed above, the open face and half-shell helmets are used by many passengers as they ride with their companion. Since these are quite affordable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear while enjoying the ride. I agree it is not easy to find a good-quality full-face helmet at a cheaper price and even doing so, people end up with a helmet that is not only cheaper in cost but also in quality and can become damaged sooner than we like.
This is why we have handpicked one of the best, most inexpensive women’s motorcycle helmets that are fairly inexpensive and equipped with the necessary techs and features that we should never compromise. It is possible that you may find one that is quite expensive but believe me, it will be worthwhile spending a few extra dollars on a helmet that can protect you from severe head injuries and hospital expenses.
Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets for Women
Many women daily commuter who go to the office or someplace else every day through their motorcycle need helmet which have the Bluetooth headset facility so that they can pick important calls without stopping the bike roadside.
In fact, I believe the importance of motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth facility is required more than ever. In our busy lives, it is difficult to save time and stop motorcycle to receive a call or ask for directions is out of the question. Which is why we have handpicked the best women’s motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth facility which you can use to dial, receive calls and listen to GPS navigation audio without worrying of seeing it in GPS mount in every minute.
These Bluetooth motorcycle helmets won’t let you take your eyes off the road. On top of that if you ride in your ladies motorcycle group then you can use the intercom facility to connect with them without any worries.
Lightweight Motorcycle Helmets for Women
It was found that many cruiser riders who love to go on long trips and enjoy their long countryside ride prefer to wear a lightweight helmet that puts the least amount of pressure on the neck area and can still be used to avoid dust and harmful UV rays while riding. Unless you are willing to spent $500 or more for some of the best carbon fiber motorcycle helmets, it is not easy to find a helmet that is lightweight and has an excellent protection level. It is because the impact layers and composite shells increase the weight of a helmet, which is good from the protection point of view, but difficult for ladies to wear.
Therefore, we have selected a couple of motorcycle helmets that are lightweight yet tough enough to save your head from heavy impacts. It may be possible that you won’t get exactly what you are looking for, but we would insist that you still check out these helmets. It will give you a rough idea of the weight and the minimum features you can get in a different price range.
DOT-Approved Motorcycle Helmets for Women
If you haven’t noticed, many motorcycle helmets have a sticker labeled DOT. It is because these are DOT-Compliant motorcycle helmets that are very different from the helmets that are not DOT-Compliant. It is because these helmets went through various, rigorous procedures to test the penetration, retention, and impact-resistant quality of the helmet so that it will give you the maximum protection to your head, face, and chin area during a crash. And this protection is no different for women who ride motorcycles. DOT-Compliant motorcycle helmets meet the safety requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. This is why many government organizations and foundations insist on wearing a full-face DOT-Compliant helmet while riding.
So, try to check for DOT approval whenever you look for a motorcycle helmet. According to many surveys, DOT-Compliant helmets are the reason for minimum fatal injuries among the riders who have been involved in a motorcycle crash on the road.
To understand the importance of DOT-Compliant helmets and using DOT-Complaint helmets in different states, according to the law you can check out the NOPUS Report of motorcycle helmet usage.
Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Helmet?
Let’s come straight to the point – “None of us can predict when is an accident going to happen?”
So, why do we ignore wearing such important riding equipment that prevents severe head injuries that may lead to serious trauma or even take our lives?
It is because some riders believe-that –
“We don’t need a helmet while riding to a grocery store.”
“Many motorcycle riders believe that helmets disrupt the joy of riding.”
And some avoid wearing a motorcycle helmet just because they want to look cool.
“Are you kidding me?”
Since when does a motorcycle helmet disrupt your enjoyment of motorbike riding. On the contrary, it helps us to avoid any fatal injury in a minor fall or a major crash.
Plus, wearing a motorcycle helmet shows a sense of responsibility, which influences other motorcycle riders and also to women or others who are riding as passengers. You may not believe it but women motorcycle riders often differ from men when it comes to their concerns about riding. So, if you believe that a helmet is important riding equipment and you must wear it no matter where you’re heading, then many men riders will be influenced by you and understand the importance of human life.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet?
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that a motorcycle helmet usually will last 3 to 5 years. So, it is important to consider the key factors before choosing any motorcycle helmet. And never buy a second-hand helmet because a second-hand helmet you’re thinking about buying may have damaged protective material after an impact. So, it won’t be a good idea to waste your money on something that probably won’t protect your head during a crash. This is why we won’t waste any more time on this. So let’s take a look at the things that we must consider before choosing a motorcycle helmet.
Shape & Size of the Helmet
When you are looking for a motorcycle helmet, please take a moment to check your head size and do an accurate measurement to get the helmet size right. When you figure out the right size, then it will be simple to check the helmet size, whether you are looking in a helmet store, shopping at an online website or a manufacturer’s website.
Not every woman has the same head size so you can use a measuring tape and wrap it around your head and get the right circumference and compare it with the sizing chart of a motorcycle helmet below.
Not all, but many companies have slightly different sizing standards, which could differ the medium or large sizes of helmets at these companies. But, with this chart, you will get a rough idea and will be able to choose the right size helmet.
Note: If you are shopping at a helmet store, then I would recommend trying on different sizes of a helmet to check the fit and comfort.
Vehicle Type & Riding Style
There is a reason why we mentioned the types of helmets before asking you to choose according to your motorcycle type. Because it is important to understand the types of motorcycle helmets that are available on the market. I believe you have got a rough idea of the types of motorcycle helmets and can now understand the uses of each and every one of them.
So, if you are a seasonal motorcyclist who owns a cruiser and goes on rides quite often then you need a helmet that provides good protection and a high comfort level to go on long trips. In that case, you can choose one of the best open-face helmets that provide better airflow while riding and has a face shield to keep the dust and debris out of your eyes. And of course, the shell must be made from good material to avoid head injuries in normal fall and minor crashes.
But, if you are a street motorbike rider or daily commuter who has to ride to the office or someplace else every day, then a full-face helmet will be the right choice to use since you will be riding in heavy traffic. So, you must have a full-face helmet that will provide maximum protection to your head and standard airflow to get cool air from time to time.
Modular helmets are good options for Dual-sport and ATV riders who travel more often and enjoy long trips for their ride. A modular helmet will give them the protection of full-face helmets and the comfort of an open-face helmet to feel the cool wind on their face while minimizing injuries in case of a crash. ATV riders use this flip-up function accordingly.
Stating the obvious, but if you are a dirt bike rider or a motocross racer then a dirt bike helmet is the only choice to wear. Since these helmets are designed primarily for these dangerous sports.
You must be wondering, “When we can use half-shell helmets?”
Well, we don’t recommend that anyone chooses this type of helmet. It’s because of its minimum protection level that provides no safeguards to the rider’s face and chin area. So, if you are taking the wheels, then don’t wear this type of helmet, instead, you can choose an open-face helmet which is no different from the half-shell helmet but it provides decent protection and ventilation to the rider.
Oh, yeah! If you don’t drive and only ride as a passenger with your companion, then you can opt for a half-shell helmet; otherwise, it won’t be a good idea. Even many government foundations and associations suggest wearing a full-face helmet whenever you go for a ride.
Safety Standards & Protection
To ensure that you have chosen the right helmet with a sufficient protection level you must check for safety standards instead of trusting the words of a salesman. It is because the motor vehicle organizations and foundations have rigid procedures and standards for testing the retention, penetration, and peripheral vision of helmets. If a helmet is certified for safety standards, then it means you have a helmet that will minimize serious head injuries in case of a crash or minor fall.
And what standards we are talking about?
Well, a DOT-Compliant helmet meets the standards of the U.S Department of Transportation, ECE 22.05-Compliant helmet with Economic Commission of Europe, and Snell helmets for Snell Memorial Standard.
Conclusion
The bottom line is when you are looking for a motorcycle helmet, make sure to go through all the necessary points and then decide which helmet will suit your riding style. In doing so, you can read this complete buyer’s guide, which is specifically written for the women riders out there. Plus, if you have already gone through all the details and reviewed the helmets that we handpicked for you, then I am sure you have got a clear idea about the different kinds of motorcycle helmets and what they are equipped with…
Nevertheless, if you have any questions or would like to add something, then please don’t hesitate to write to us in the comment section provided below.
David Klein says
As compared to previous times there is a constant increase in the purchase of women helmets from women all over. An example of this is scorpion’s EXO T510 Azalea which is a unisex motorcycle helmet which weights around 3.53 pounds.