Having the lightest motorcycle helmet is important if you decide to embark on a long commute. Using a heavy helmet will greatly affect your ride in terms of comfort. Your posture and even might strain the muscles on your neck.
Conversely, you also need to ensure that your helmet is safe. And will protect you in case an accident happens.
This requires one to shop for the perfect helmet that balances on weight and safety.
Lightest Motorcycle Helmet-Buying Guide
When in search of the lightest motorcycle helmet, certain things should be looked at. Just to make sure you get the right one for you.
1. Material.
Different helmets use different materials, which may exhibit similar safety ratings. However, some materials aren’t strong enough. And achieving a certain level of safety requires the manufacturer to use more of that material.
This is usually the case with cheaper helmets made from thermoplastic. These helmets are heavy because they use more plastic to achieve a level of safety similar to say, carbon fiber.
2. Safety Rating
We have agencies responsible for safety rating standards for helmets. Agencies like DOT under the US Department of Transportation, ECE used mostly in Europe, SHARP in the United Kingdom, and SNELL set up in California.
Depending on your location any of these ratings indicated on your helmet will help you demystify. The safety level of your helmet.
3. Shell size
A number of motorcycle helmets come in varying shell sizes. The most common shell sizes are; XXS, XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL. Most manufacturers use a different amount of padding in the different shell sizes.
This means that the amount of comfort and fit will also depend on the size you get.
4. Accessories
A number of helmets are compatible with aftermarket accessories like; Bluetooth headsets, replacement liners, and visors.
Having a helmet that can accommodate your favorite after-market addition will be of great benefit to you.
5. Ventilation
A properly ventilated helmet is important, particularly on a hot day. Some helmets also have adjustable ventilation which can be of great use on a day when the weather keeps on changing.
Find out the type of ventilation your helmet comes with. Because it will greatly contribute to the comfort of your helmet.
6. Price
While we have budget helmets that can cost less than $150, we have ones with top features that cost way more than $300. This usually occurs because of the material used. Typically, lighter materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar are more expensive.
Consider the budget that you have, and compare the price of the helmet with its features. This is because some helmets come with decent lightweight material, but are stripped down of features to fit the price.
Lightest Motorcycle Helmet- Best Buys
ILM Model-JK313 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
This is a budget model that is soft on your pocket and comfortable on your head and neck. Despite weighing just 2.98 lbs. It performs well on safety. and even exceeds FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standards.
After using this helmet on a scorching day out. One cannot help but tell that it has been properly ventilated. Even when the removable lining is snugly fitted on your skull.
What’s more, the helmet incorporates a streamlined and aerodynamic design. Which helps to slightly reduce wind noise. It also comes with 2 different visors, and includes a neck scarf for use during the winter season.
Specs
- Weighs 2.98 lbs.
- Includes; 2 Visors Included: Clear + Smoked and 1 Neck Scarf for Winter Use
- Durable ABS shell
- Removable and washable liner
What we like
- Value for money
- Meets the safety standards
- Includes a winter neck scarf
- Comfortable
What we dislike
- Wind noise is still a factor at high speeds
ROYAL M141 Full-face Motorcycle Helmet
This is another budget alternative that takes care of your comfort just like it takes care of your pockets. The helmet uses a vintage design and can easily be mistaken for something of second-rate from the yesteryears.
This however isn’t the case. The helmet is well-built with comfort and safety in mind. Much of the comfort comes from ventilation positions around the neck and head. And a double D-ring chin strap. That allows for easy and precise adjustment.
The liners for this helmet are removable and washable. And are made from moisture-resistant fabrics that protect the inside from strange odors.
Specs
- DOT FMVSS 218, approved
- Weighs 3.85 lbs.
- Removable and washable liner
- ABS outside material
What we like
- Meets safety standards
- Retro design
- Fits comfortably tight
- friendly price
What we dislike
- Doesn’t support many accessories
ILM Bluetooth Integrated Model 953 Helmet
This helmet not only protects you in a crash but comes with additional Bluetooth functionality. To give you up to 8 hours of talk time. The helmet is well-built and comfortable. With a removable visor and inside liners.
What’s more, the helmet has a unique flip-up front face feature that raises the complete front part of the helmet. Adjustable vents also make sure that the inside of the helmet is cool. And your ride is comfortable on a hot day.
Specs
- Weighs 4.4 lbs.
- Meets FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standard
- Removable liners
- Flip-up front face feature
- Bluetooth connectivity
What we like
- Solid built quality
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Lightweight
- Good ventilation
- Flip-up feature
What we dislike
- Slightly pricey
Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Motorcycle Helmet
This helmet boasts many designs which make it one of the niftiest options to have. it’s also safe and comfortable at the same time. Although it fails at a price point due to its slightly high price. We consider the price worthy of the features it comes with.
The features include; a padded wind collar to reduce wind noise, a photochromatic face shield, adjustable ventilation, and DOT and ECE safety ratings. It’s also one of the lightest helmets weighing just 3.5 lbs.
Specs
- Weighs 3.5 lbs.
- DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE safety ratings
- ABS shell construction
- Removable liners
- Made in the USA
What we like
- Lightweight
- Integrated speaker pocket
- Variety of designs and colors
- Anti-fog and photochromatic face shield
What we dislike
- Pricey
ILM Model-861C Lightweight Carbon Fiber Helmet
This helmet is constructed fully using carbon fiber to make it lightweight at only 3.2 lbs. It also looks good because the carbon fiber has been left visible. And you can easily distinguish it from the rest.
Airflow for this helmet is made up of ventilation located on the top, at the mouth, and at the rear. To give one of the most comfortable experiences.
Other features include; a Bluetooth speaker pocket, emergency helmet removal, a detachable visor, and a one-piece removable liner.
Specs
- Weighs 3.2 lbs.
- FMVSS 218 and DOT Standards
- Removable liner
- Carbon fiber construction
- Eyeglass friendly.
What we like
- Stylish
- Meets safety standards
- Emergency removal
- lightweight
What we dislike
- The liner doesn’t come off easily
Closing Verdict
One of the most important features of a helmet is a good safety rating. All the helmets listed here offer good safety based on the standard in which they are rated.
The ILM Model-JK313 Helmet offers the best value for a budget motorcycle helmet. But if you have a little more to spend, consider the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS which is not only safe and lightweight. But is also available in many unique designs.
A person focused more on function rather than form should consider the ILM Bluetooth Integrated Model 953. It isn’t available in fancy colors but gives you proper value and functionality.
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