Full face motorcycle helmets are the gold standard when it comes to motorcycle protection. They successfully combining safety, aerodynamics, and comfort for every type of rider. Whether you’re looking to shave tenths from your lap time on a track-day, venture out on the European tour you’ve dreamt of embarking on since when you can last remember, or simply tackling your daily commute. A full face motorbike lid will do all this and more, managing to keep your noggin protected from the elements, and most importantly an impact.
In this guide I’ll break down the top 10 full face motorcycle helmets currently available in the UK. We did at first think this would be an easy task, but with the amount of choice out there, it’s far from! We’ve included a few entry-level options and a range of styles to hopefully suit your type of riding, while being faithful to the quality and experience you’ll have while riding in one of the helmets below. All of these are available from our store in Nottingham.
Why Choose a Full Face Helmet?
This is a great question, whether you’re new to riding or have been hitting the roads for decades. There’s so many great options in the UK, and a full face helmet is genuinely a great catch all option. There’s only one reason why we wear helmets in the first place and full face motorbike shells do score highly in every metric.
MAXIMUM PROTECTION
Full face helmets naturally have the safest design concept for all helmet styles. With full coverage of your head, face and chin. This ensures that should you be involved in an incident, your head is ultimately protected by your helmet and gives you the best chance.
AERODYNAMICS
Taking inspiration from sports and track models, full face helmets have been designed to reduce drag and deliver a comfortable ride in all manners of riding positions. This also helps battle riding noise, and a few of the helmets below have been tested inside the manufacturers wind tunnels to achieve the best possible results. However we still recommend being sized up by an expert when replacing your helmet. An ill-fitted helmet doesn’t just provide a lesser riding experience, it’s dangerous. At BDLA Motorbikes we offer every customer a personalised fitting experience to ensure an optimal riding experience and safety. Don’t compromise with your head!
WEATHERPROOFING
This may sound really obvious, but with the coverage a full face helmet provides, the design also offers the most protection from the elements while riding. Keep rain, wind and debris out from your head and vision, and enjoy a more comfortable ride. Pair this up with an anti-fog Pinlock insert (most premium helmet models now come with one in the box) for maximum clarity.
VERSATILITY
As we’ve mentioned previously, the full face design is the most versatile shell for all types of riding. You’ll find every rider has at some point most likely owned or at least ridden with a full face helmet. You can genuinely tackle your next track day, your daily commute or a European tour all in one helmet.
Key Features to Look For
Unfortunately not all helmets are created equal, and they’ll be certain features that you need to keep an eye out for. This can be somewhat of a personal choice however, as even though we all want to wear the safest helmet we can afford, we wouldn’t recommend the latest and greatest MotoGP replica for a commuter, as it simply isn’t what the helmet was designed to do. There are some constants however.
SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS
All helmets in that are ridden in the UK require an ECE certification to legally ride on the road. We recommend that you look for the ECE 22.06 certification as this is the latest safety certification, which has made significant strides over it’s previous ECE 22.05 label. This is especially true when you’re looking at an entry-level model. If you’re taking to the track, you’ll want to ensure the helmet is ACU Gold approved. Should you be fortunate enough to racing to a decent standard, some scrutineers may only accept FIM homologated helmets. All of these labels are stated on our website for each helmet we sell where applicable.
SHELL CONSTRUCTION
Motorbike helmets are designed to keep you safe, and manufacturers offer a few options to ensure that you have a helmet which suits your budget. Entry level helmets are most often constructed from polycarbonate materials, an affordable material which offers safety and passes the aforementioned ECE 22.06 certification. Up from this you’ll find fibreglass shells, a jump up in terms of both weight and performance. Expect to spend a little more in these cases. Finally you’ll find both Carbon-Fibre and multi-composite shells, where only the best material are used and combined to result in the safest and lightest helmets around.
COMFORT & FIT
The most important aspect of the helmet you choose is how it feels on your head. A helmet that is a true fit will perform better during an incident, and will deliver a more pleasurable riding experience. Most helmets now have removable liners and adjustable cheek pads, allowing you to wear the helmet of your dreams. As previously mentioned, we recommend that the first time you look to buy a helmet, you are sized up by an expert if you’ve never had this service before.
VISOR SYSTEM
Full face helmets offer optically correct outer visors, and result in maximum clarity while riding. Especially when compared with an anti-fog Pinlock insert (most premium helmet models now come with one in the box), you’ll be able to tackle riding through the winter and colder months much more easily. Modern helmet visors usually have a quick release mechanism, which is great for changing your visor on the fly, as well as making it much easier to maintain your lid!
VENTILATION
While riding its extremely important you riding at a comfortable temperature, to improve your concentration. Full face helmets are usually fully equipped with a full ventilation system, designed to keep you cool in the summer and warmer during the winter months. You’ll want to look for chin and brow vents, as well as exhaust ports to the rear.
How to Choose the Right Full Face Helmet for You
All full face helmets can ride in every situation, but they will have their strengths. As such, you should look to for different models based on your riding discipline.
RACING AND TRACK DAY ENTHUSIASTS
In this category, you’ll find a vast amount of options. You will want to ensure that your helmet is at least ACU Gold approved or FIM should your race day require it. We recommend a sport/track inspired shell, where weight is paramount. Spoilers can help with aerodynamics too.
TOURING RIDERS
Touring riders spend the longest amount of time on their bike, and such you’ll want all of the quality of life additions where possible. A full ventilation system will allow you to ride all-year round in maximum comfort. We also recommend you have the option for an internal drop down visor. To top it off, most touring models will accommodate for Bluetooth intercoms, which is essential for both route planning and communicating with your fellow riders.
COMMUTER & EVERYDAY RIDERS
Comfort and versatility is the most important factor here. You’ll be wanting to ensure that your helmet is light to be easy on your neck. With the amount of miles you’ll no doubt be putting in, you’ll also be after a quick release visor and a helmet which is easy to maintain. Look for removable liners and visors which are easy to assemble.
LEISURE RIDERS
If you’re the type of rider who’s just purchased the Cafe Racer of their dreams, you’ll no doubt be after a helmet that doesn’t just protect you, but looks great while doing so at the same time. While we don’t recommend picking a helmet purely based on how they look, we’re only human and it obviously helps if we like their appearance! You’ll find classic and vintage designs with most manufacturers now, that while they’ve retained the old-school aesthetic, there’s nothing old school about the safety and comfort technology inside.
So without further ado, please see our personal choices for the top 10 helmets in the UK. We’ve picked a range of options to suit most riders budgets, but naturally as the list is asking for the best helmets available, you’ll find premium options are going to score higher.
Top 10 Full Face Helmets Available In The UK
10 – Best Budget Pick
From £179.99
The LS2 FF811 Vector II full face motorcycle helmet is perfect for touring and commuter riders who are after a lot of helmet without breaking the bank! Constructed using LS2’s exclusive high-performance wide-weave carbon fibre (or fibreglass), the helmet is lightweight, strong and stylish. Comfort is assured through the Magna-Tech comfort liner which is made using laser-cut hypoallergenic foam.
The rigid shell adds flexibility to disperse energy under impact for a safer ride. With six outer shell sizes, you’ll find a true fit with the LS2 helmet. A 3D Optically correct “A Class” polycarbonate visor is constructed with space-age polymer with high resistance to compact, avoids distortion and offers maximum clarity. A twin visor system allows you to take to the road all year-round.
9 – Retro Looks, Modern Safety
From £259.99
The HJC V10 motorcycle helmet goes beyond the vintage look with new-age features such as a lightweight fibreglass shell, aerodynamic performance, emergency tabs for extra safety, detachable and washable interior, and easy bolts for a quick visor replacement.
The Advanced Fiberglass Composite shell is designed to be lightweight with a superior fit and comfort, using CAD technology. Safety testing includes energy attenuation, penetration resistance, chin strap structural integrity and labelling requirements.
8 – Best Balance of Sport and Touring
From £389.99
The AGV K7 motorcycle helmet is the perfect balance between sportiness and touring, evolved to the maximum degree. Suitable for any type of riding and all road routes, this full face motorbike helmet offers the best features of the sporting and touring world, helping you to face any challenge on two wheels. From the most difficult turns to long adventures in the saddle.
Designed to deliver maximum safety, the AGV K7 surpasses the requirements of the ECE 22.06 certification. Its advanced composite fibre shell combines lightness with superior resistance, while a compact visor mechanism optimises EPS space for enhanced shock energy absorption.
Every detail prioritises the rider’s safety. The base edge profile minimises the risk of collarbone impact – a particularly vulnerable area during accidents – in line with AGV’s innovation that is now a global racing standard. The quick-release cheek pad system facilitates swift removal in emergencies, reducing the risk of further injury.
The K7’s design is distinct, with a sharp, aerodynamic shape. Available in three shell sizes and four EPS options, it ensures a perfect, personalised fit across six sizes. Its sleek lines and tapered chin enhance aerodynamics, culminating in a spoiler for improved stability and reduced turbulence, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional performance.
7 – Best for Sports Touring
From £429.99
The Shoei NXR2 motorcycle helmet is an experience in of itself, developed and perfected for sports touring riders. Boiling down Shoei’s knowledge and expertise, they created an astonishing motorbike helmet that delivers pure performance. Experience the raw feeling of bike riding today with zero distraction. A compact and progressive shell design results in a lightweight and high strength helmet that excels on both short and long journeys.
It manages to successfully combine complex materials and expertise into what is effectively a simple helmet, perfect for riders who want the most authentic experience while riding.
6 – Luxury Touring Option
From £499.99
As with every Arai, the Arai Quantic motorcycle helmet is formed around protection, first and foremost. Manufactured by hand, the outer shell maintains core strength but with a substantial weight reduction. The smooth & round shape is a key Arai signature and primarily designed to glance off and spread impact forces. Using the aerodynamic and protective abilities of Arai’s full-race helmets and all the experience and know-how earned over millions of road kilometres, the new Quantic slips through the air neatly and efficiently, wrapping the rider in a cocoon of luxury.
It offers a fresh choice for riders that want the very best performance from a helmet. Protection, comfort and ease of wear. Day-in-day out with zero compromise. The Quantic features a 5mm flare around the base, allowing you to effortlessly put the helmet on and remove it, even after a long ride. The VAS MAX vision visor comes with an anti-fog Pinlock insert to improve visibility.
The premium brushed nylon interior is removable and features Facial Contour System (FCS) and neck roll wire pocket. It also features Emergency Release System (ERS). The Quantic model has been officially approved and certified according to the ECE R22-06 standard.
5 – Premium Racing Choice
Alpinestars Supertech R10 Helmet
From £849.99
The Alpinestars Supertech R10 Element motorcycle helmet is the perfect choice for race enthusiasts and those of us who live life a little differently. The result of over 10 years of intensive study, development and testing. The goal of the Supertech family of helmets is to create the most advanced, protective, and performance-enhancing helmets possible for racers and riders worldwide.
The Alpinestars motorbike helmet has been engineered to provide the perfect blend of excellent ventilation, unsurpassed comfort in the lightest package possible without compromising on any other front. With a 3K high density carbon composite shell, the lid breezes past ECE 22.06 and FIM certification.
4 – Best All-Round Sports Helmet
From £399.99
The HJC RPHA 12 motorcycle helmet is a premium sport helmet model packed full of impressive features designed to enhance your riding experience. Its lightweight yet super strong PIM EVO multi-composite construction (or carbon-fibre) ensures comfort & safety on your journeys. The sleek aerodynamic design not only improves performance, but also enhances stability at high speeds. Reflective trimming on the cheek pads enhances visibility in low-light conditions, and an emergency pull tab adds an extra layer of safety, so no matter where you ride either the track or street you will be ensured the best performance possible.
A curved outer visor features a convenient two-way pivot system for easier adjustment, and in turn delivers an improved seal. The all new enlarged eye port improves your field of view and allows you to keep focus on the road ahead.
3 – Best for Proven Safety Heritage
From £699.99
The Arai RX-7V Evo motorcycle helmet has always been the benchmark for Arai’s motorcycle racing R&D at the very highest level in motorsport. Handmade in Japan by a three-generation family company of riders, it is Arai’s state-of-the-art motorcycle helmet. Packed with seven decades of experience & technology. The new flagship model comes with proven Arai protection combined with the ECE R22-06 approval. It’s not just a new model, it’s a new benchmark.
The ECE 22-06 safety certification requires a much more stringent testing process than the previous ECE 22-05 approval. Arai presented the RX-7V Evo and it gained homologation while maintaining its characteristic round, smooth and strong shell design to glance-off and spread impact forces. Or simply put, by being an Arai RX-7V Evo.
There is a difference with Arai. It’s the combination of every single piece of design no matter how large, small or even invisible, working on behalf of the rider. Because what Arai protect is priceless.
2 – Best for Touring Riders
From £539.99
A sneak peek into the future of touring riding technology with the Shoei GT-Air 3 motorcycle helmet. A sleek aerodynamic silhouette houses cutting-edge tech, silent ride engineering and exceptional ventilation performance. Unleash precision and peak performance in all riding conditions. As with all Shoei motorbike helmets, the GT-Air 3 has been designed with the experts expert, and results in arguably the greatest touring helmet available worldwide.
The helmet is compatible with the Shoei Comlink Bluetooth system (available separately), which allows you to stay linked through a seamless integration.
1 – Best for Track Performance
From £1099.99
The helmet created for the MotoGP™ which is available to every rider. The AGV Pista GP-RR motorcycle helmet is an exact replica of the AGV helmet used in races by world champions. It has therefore received FIM homologation, which certifies the highest possible level of protection, even against any dangerous twisting of the head. Due to the exclusive AGV Extreme Safety design protocol, the Pista GP-RR far exceeds the requirements of the strict ECE 22.06 certification.
Every detail is designed to ensure ultimate performance. The Extreme Carbon outer shell in 100% carbon fibre guarantees extraordinary lightness, which makes it effortless to wear. Its shapes and metal air vents are studied in the wind tunnel and tested by AGV athletes in order to ensure the best aerodynamic penetration and the greatest stability at high speeds, also due to the innovative profile of the rear PRO Spoiler.
Boasting 5 mm thickness, the optical class 1 Ultravision visor is an integral part of the protector that allows 190° panoramic vision, and 85° vertical vision. This means the rider sees the track, fellow riders, and obstacles more clearly. Most importantly before anyone else, even in racing position tucked into the frame.
The exclusive 360° Adaptive Fit system allows for complete customisation of the interior, giving the rider the possibility to select the ideal thickness for the upper part of the head, nape, and cheeks. This essential level of comfort leaves the rider free to concentrate on nothing but their goal.
To conclude, while there is a huge range of helmets available today, we hope we’ve helped narrow it down for you in a constructive way. From race proven performance to all-day touring comfort, there’s a full face motorcycle helmet which will offer both outstanding protection and technology within your budget. Whether you’re looking after the cutting edge AGV Pista GP-RR, a versatile touring option such as the Shoei GT-Air 3, or a fantastic entry level choice such as the LS2 FF811 Vector II helmet.
Most importantly check that your helmet is ECE 22.06 approved, fits your riding needs and is the perfect fit for you. Your motorbike helmet is the most important piece of riding equipment you’ll ever buy, so it’s important you pick the right helmet for you.
Feel free to pop in-store and have a chat with any of our in-house experts should you need any advice for your next lid, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you next time you’re on your bike, you’re riding with a smile on your face!
