Rating of the best motorcycle helmets 2021-2022

Another update of the famous series, this time from Shark. The new Evo-One has retained a very specific kinematics of the “jaw” movement, which does not rise up, but retracts behind the helmet, actually turning it into a full-fledged open one does not “sail”, so the Evo-One 2 as a modular is definitely more convenient than most.

True, the structure of the “shell” is no longer based on a composite, the helmet is molded from thermoplastic. Of course, this had a positive effect on the weight and price, but in terms of “indestructibility” with top carbon helmets, it is expected to not argue.

Although the visor glass here does not have a direct kinematic connection with the «jaw», a convenient feature has been implemented: the visor can be raised and lowered when the «jaw» is moved. With the visor raised, the possibility of protecting the eyes remains — the helmet is equipped with an oversized sunscreen that does not leave light «slits» at the edges of the field of view.

The shell of the helmet is made of high-strength KPA plastic, the inner shock-absorbing layer is made of polystyrene foam. The helmet has a full certification according to the European standard ECE 22.05 and weighs 1700 grams — for a modular, this is a very good result. External visor — quick-release, reinforced polycarbonate with UV protection. The inner darkened visor has an automatic lifting when the jaw is lowered, but it does not always work perfectly — sometimes it has to be helped by a hand, which, of course, should be attributed rather to the disadvantages of the design.

Be that as it may, for its price the helmet is quite interesting — both comfortable and well calculated in terms of aerodynamics, the raised jaw “sails” slightly. Well, of course, if you follow the speed limit.

The design itself is classic — with a quick-release outer visor and an additional inner visor, without any «bells and whistles». The viewing angle from the helmet cannot be called narrowed, control of the road will not require you to turn your head once again. There is preparation for installing a Bluetooth headset.

The helmet sits comfortably on its “own” head size, without unnecessary pressure or the feeling that something under the removable “comfort” protrudes unnecessarily. Noise isolation is also not bad — in the closed position, out of habit, even some acoustic discomfort is possible, but you get used to it quickly.

However, it should be noted that the build quality of these helmets is somewhat of a lottery: although many owners have been satisfied with their helmets for several seasons, a small number had problems with assembly, as they say, “out of the box” (in particular, in the attachment of the external visor). But where to go — the line is something «younger», with inevitable savings.

Icon traditionally adheres to a deliberately brutal style, but at the same time without sacrificing quality. The Airframe Pro Construct motorcycle helmet complies with the requirements of DOT FMVSS 218 (USA), ECE 22-05 (Europe) and PSC (Japan) standards, its composite “shell” is as strong as possible, and the internal “filling”, which has a special bactericidal coating, effectively extinguishes and distributes impact energy. As for ventilation, nine channels allow you to adjust the helmet to any conditions — the benefit is that the visor is made to be fog-free.

By the way, about the visor: thanks to the Rapid release system, it can be replaced with just one movement of the hand — for example, take off the daytime visor with tinted glass for evening rides and put on the usual one. At the same time, it is equipped with a strong locking mechanism in the selected position, which is held even in spite of strong air pressure.

The «stuffing» of the helmet is modular, consisting of five elements. In total, 27 different combinations of internal design are possible, which means that the helmet can be perfectly adapted to almost any head. Combined with the low weight, this allows the helmet to be as comfortable as possible.

It is designed primarily for the «shrimp» landing of the owners of sports motorcycles. Therefore, the back was designed with the expectation of a large deviation of the neck, but no one would interfere with accepting a closer to the classic fit.

The shell is molded from thermoplastic for the sake of cost reduction, but, as you can see, it still performs its task perfectly. The weight of the helmet is 1.4 kg, it should not cause discomfort during prolonged wear. The ventilation system is made eight-channel, very efficient and flexible in terms of adjustments. There is no additional internal visor, so it is also important that the helmet allows you to comfortably wear sunglasses.

What is not entirely successful in a helmet is noise. Of course, it depends on the fit on the motorcycle, and on the design of the fairing, and on the height of the driver — but, be that as it may, complaints about distinct aerodynamic noises after a “hundred” can be heard. Therefore, we would advise, if possible, to “try on” the helmet on your motorcycle and with your riding style.

One of the most popular motorcycle helmets in the middle price segment. Of course, this is no longer a handmade composite, like Icon, but the price is much more affordable — while polycarbonate also provides more than decent strength. In addition, there is no need to change visors in the “day-night” mode — traditionally, HJC builds darkened “goggles” into the helmet that can be released or removed with one movement of the hand, leaving the transparent visor “permanent”. The thing is actually very convenient, which is why the author, by the way, at one time preferred the helmet of this particular brand.

You don’t have to worry about the design either — the company offers as many as 24 colors, from simple ones (yellow, white) to multi-color ones with a complex pattern structure. So there is an option for almost every taste. The lining, although devoid of modularity, is easily removed for washing, its material is “correct” — with good moisture absorption, antibacterial impregnation.

The aerodynamics of the helmet does not make you want to hit the pavement with it for a long time — there is practically no noise, even if all the ventilation ducts are fully opened. So, despite the “yellow” origin (the company itself is Korean, production is located in Korea, Vietnam and China), the helmet came out more than deserving of both a purchase and a place in our rating.

According to the manufacturer, it takes almost a week to make each such helmet, and with a large share of manual labor: it’s not for nothing that the price cannot be called democratic. The complex shape of the «shell» is a combination of strength-material and aerodynamics in a recognizable style, the helmet is comfortable at all speeds.

The «jaw» with an aluminum grill provides the rider with normal breathing, reliably protecting from all the «surprises» that are inevitable on the cross-country track. At the same time, it disassembles for cleaning simply and quickly. The helmet pads in the jaw area have the ability to «emergency removal» — just pull the red ribbons, after which the helmet is removed elementarily, even if its owner has lost consciousness and there is a risk of neck damage, when it is better to avoid unnecessary head movements.

In general, the helmet fully corresponds to the declared class — it is completely ready for professional participation in motocross competitions, and does not fail in heavy enduro raids. But at twice the price of the Airoh, we can’t give this helmet the top spot: it’s twice as expensive, but by no means twice as good.