A full face helmet is just that: a helmet that covers your entire face and chin. Full face helmets add a great deal of protection, not only from a potential impact in the event of a crash or fall, but from bugs, rain, weather extremes, sun, wind, etc. They also negate the need for protective eye gear, which is needed in the case of an open face helmet.
Having a full face helmet can greatly reduce your risk of brain injury and even death, especially with the rate of motorcycle accidents in the world today. They’re more comfortable in a variety of situations and despite covering your face completely, many are vented in such a way that they provide excellent airflow even on hot day.
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Best Full Face Helmets List March 2021
While looks are definitely important, you want to look at more than just cool full face helmets. When looking for a good full face helmet, there are a few things you will want to consider, and I’ll go over those things in this article.
Top Full Face Helmets List
Here is a list of the best full face helmets to add to your motorcycle gear and protect you in the event of a crash.
- HJC RPHA 11 Pro Helmet – Best Full Face Helmet for the Money
- Shoei RF-1200 Helmet – Quiet Full Face Helmet
- Nexx XR2 Carbon Zero Helmet – Low Pro Full Face Helmet
- Icon Airflite Helmet
- Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Helmet
HJC RPHA 11 Pro Helmet Review
The HJC RPHA 11 Pro Helmet is a favorite among many riders, especially in the price category it falls into. It does look a bit different, but there are some things you can’t see, including the slightly reduced weight at just over 3 pounds. The 11 also has seven vents that open and close in the front at chin level. Both dark and clear shields, optically correct, come in the box, so you get your choice of optical comfort. Featuring a race fit, it is an intermediate oval head size fit, so a medium in the HJC RPHA 10 means you’ll wear a large in the 11.
Pros Include:
- Aerodynamic fiberglass shell
- Eye-port is wider, offering better vision
- Inner pads removable and washable
Cons Include:
- Sizes run small
- Chin strap can be restricting
- Visor can fog up on long rides
Shoei RF-1200 Helmet Review
The Shoei RF-1200 is hands down one of the best selling (and highest rated) full face helmet on the market today. Moving up from the RF-1100, you’re likely to think the Shoei RF-1200 is a completely new platform in full face helmets. Lots of big changes hit the table in this model, while the great characteristics of the 1100 are still there.
The RF-1200 is lighter by two ounces, but truly offers features that will spoil you to this level. It is the only helmet on our list that is both DOT and SNELL rated, so you have the highest level of safety possible. With all the vents closed, it offers a great quiet environment, with just a little whistle when the chin vents are open.
Premium upgrades can give you a shield that is transitional, which means it will be clear but will transition to dark as the sun gets brighter.
Pros Include:
- Quiet performance via lining and shield placement
- Excellent ventilation
- Four shell sizes
- Snell rated
Cons Include:
- Vents are not screened
- Chin is not low enough for some
- Sizing can be tricky if you don’t try them on
The Shoei RF-1200 also made out top quietest motorcycle helmets list.
Nexx XR2 Carbon Zero Helmet Review
At just under three pounds, the Nexx XR2 Carbon Zero is a full-featured DOT-compliant helmet with aggressive venting. If you like the racing look, this is probably the best looking full face helmet on our list.
With an intermediate oval fit, it has a face that is a bit longer while you’ll notice a bit less room from ear to ear. The aerodynamics found in the XR2 offers less turbulence when running at higher speeds, and you’ll also notice less noise created by open vents. It also comes with an Easy-Lock shield that offers a soundproof environment that is also airtight.
You’ll find sizing to be a little smaller than you might expect, so move up to the next cm when in doubt.
Pros Include:
- Carbon fiber shell comes in two sizes
- Six total vents, 2 in front and 4 in back
- Easy to change FastShot face shield system
Cons Include:
- Inner glue can fail at high temps for prolonged periods of time
- No Bluetooth speaker functionality or pockets
- Takes both hands to open the shield
Icon Airflite Helmet Review
You’ll get premium protection and comfort in the Icon Airflite Helmet in a variety of riding situations. While bulky and aggressive, it’s also aerodynamic with a long, narrow shape.
Three shell sizes also contain a good vent system, with passive vents on the back. Air is actually channeled with chimney and bottom vents in the front. Stepping up from the previous model, you get snap-off side snaps for shield removal and a positive snap on the bottom that also features a gasket for rain resistance and reduced noise. The inner liner is both removable and moisture-wicking with a recessed cooling system that features twin channels.
Pros Include:
- Inner shield resists fogging
- Breath deflector
- Chin curtain included
Cons include:
- Some helmets can be noisier than others are
- Harder to put on because it’s narrow
- The outer finish shows every fingerprint and spot
Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Helmet Review
With the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS helmet, you get a ton of features at a great price. It comes with a housing area for a SENA Bluetooth com unit as well as a photo-chromatic face shield that has the transitions technology for turning darker the brighter the sun gets. Getting a transitions lens included for under $300 is a pretty amazing deal.
In addition to its three shell sizes, the Qualifier DLX offers an adjustable ventilation system with a moisture-wicking interior that can be removed for washing. It also comes with a chin curtain, breath deflector, and a padded wind collar making it much quieter no the road.
What more, your shield is anti-scratch, anti-fog, and UV protected for excellent visibility and it comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros Include:
- Three lightweight polycarbonate shell sizes
- Reduced buffeting and lift with an aerodynamic profile
- DOT and ECE certified
Cons Include:
- Does not include pinlock pins
- Less noise protection due to speaker cutouts
- Not cooling enough in high temp weather
My Vote for Best Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
From the overall takeaway, the winner here is going to be the HJC RPHA 11 Pro Helmet. While it’s not the lightest helmet in our lineup, it is the second lightest—next to the Nexx. It’s also more aerodynamic than some of the others with some great features for the regular riding.
Take, more example, the excellent performance at high speeds, wider eye ports, and a maximum airflow opportunity thanks to six variable vents that are easy to maneuver with a gloved hand.
Add in an anti-bacterial fabric that offers excellent moisture-wicking for quick drying, as well as an EPS shape that’s super friendly for eyeglass wearers and you’ll be more than happy with the performance, comfort, and safety this helmet has to offer. What’s even more appealing, especially for the first time rider, is the entry-level price range that is almost unbelievable for such features.
If, however, safety and noise reduction are of utmost concern to you, I would advise getting the Shoei RF-1200, which of course, comes with a slightly bigger price tag.