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best half motorcycle helmets

The Best Half Motorcycle Helmets for 2024

We'd know - we've reviewed 450+ helmets since 2000!

Our picks are based on helmets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.

Last updated October 2023 by Zach Poole.

Entry-Level

Priced under $150.

bell pit boss

High-End

Priced $150+

Scorpion Covert X Solid - In Cement Grey - Full Face

Are You Sure You Want to Ride in a Half Helmet?

Half helmets offer some protection, but critical areas (your face and chin) are left exposed. Many riders are comfortable with this risk, but we want to ensure that you understand the differences in protection afforded between a half helmet and other helmet styles. If you want the feel of the wind in your face but would prefer more protection, consider an open face helmet instead - you get the same open face offered by a half, but you get increased protection around the back and sides of your head.

35% of helmet impacts occur on the chin bar and 17% take place on the sides/bottom of the helmet. For maximum protection, wear a full face helmet. For good protection, wear an open face helmet.

About Our Half Helmet Recommendations

Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.

wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.

Best Entry-Level Half Motorcycle Helmets

Priced under $150.

HJC CS-2N

HJC CN-2S

Why?

HJC refers to the HJC CS-2N as a classic half helmet design that drops down a little bit for slightly more coverage on the temples and rear of your crown.

The HJC CS-2N is a strong choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly half helmet. Showcasing features like a nylon retention strap, removable neck curtain, a variety of available colours, and timeless, yet modern looks.

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 2.41 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

gmax hh-65 full dressed

GMax HH-65 Full Dressed

Why?

The HH-65 Twin from GMax is definitely a half helmet worth considering if features are a priority. The smooth clean shell is made from polycarbonate, and the dual-density EPS core is designed for maximum venting to reduce heat at the top of the head.

Now for the long list of features. The removable Coolmax interior will keep you dry and comfortable and is easy to clean. The small visor peak is removable, but Gmax goes further by providing both dark and clear drop-down shields that can be changed without tools. A removable snap-in neck/ear curtain for cool weather riding is included, and the neck curtain features speaker pockets for Bluetooth compatibility. Finally, the chin strap uses a quick-release ratchet strap closure with micro-adjustment.

With this many features, it is not surprising that this helmet weighs in at 2.11 lbs. GMax offers the HH-65 in 3 solid colors and 5 graphic options with sizes ranging from XS to 2XL.

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Long oval

Weight: 2.11 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Bell Pit Boss

Why?

The Bell Pit Boss may appear similar to other half helmets, but this lid packs some very interesting and unique features.

The shell itself has a clean, well-formed shape that offers more substantial coverage to the back of a rider’s head. Made from a carbon/Kevlar/fiberglass composite the Pit Boss weighs in at 690g and includes a dark smoke drop-down visor and a removable neck curtain improving cold weather protection. Well-designed speaker pockets make short work of adding a Bluetooth communication system and seal up nicely over the ear when the chin strap is in place.

One key feature that sets the Pit Boss above other half helmets is the innovative Speed Dial fit system that prevents the lift suffered by most other half-helmets. Similar to the dial system routinely used on construction hard hats (and bicycle helmets),the ratchet system Bell has designed allows for a perfect snug fit that is a big step above just a quality chin strap and EPS liner.

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 1.52 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

LS2 Rebellion

Why?

The LS2 Rebellion fits an intermediate oval head shape and comes in 2 shell sizes. LS2 claims the KPA material used in its construction is absolute state-of-the-art in energy management materials, offering a bit of built-in flexibility to disperse energy, the penetration resistance of high-end fiber products, and a lightweight shell. At just 948g the Rebellion is light and comfortable.

Loaded with features, the Rebellion includes an internal sun visor, a ratchet-style chin strap closure, and an adjustable vent which is rare on a half helmet. In addition, LS2 have added a visor peak to the Rebellion that provides enough additional shading for your eyes and flows smoothly in the air at higher speeds.

LS2 offers a specific Bluetooth system for the Rebellion called LinkIn Ride Pal. Developed with Sena, the kit comes with ear pads for the speakers and will drop right into this helmet with ease.

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 2.09 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Street & Steel Oakland helmet

Street & Steel Oakland

Why?

The Street & Steel Oakland is a simple, yet stylish, budget-friendly half-helmet. Coming in at under $100, there really isn’t much to complain about out of a DOT compliant lid

Features are limited on the Street & Steel Oakland, but the space isn't totally barren - the helmet has a fixed visor, as well as a retractable sun visor. A standard D-ring fastener holds this lid to your skull.

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Long oval

Weight: 2.17 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

WCL Beanie - Carbon

Why?

If your goal is the lightest possible DOT-approved half helmet available, then have a look at this offering from the Canadian company West Coast Leather.

The WCL Beanie Carbon weighs in at a scant 500g or just over 1 lb. This helmet, and the others in the WCL line, are focused on being safe, light, and comfortable. All of WCL’s motorcycle helmets are FMVSS 571.218 (DOT) certified to protect you in the event of an accident. The outer shell is an ABS material, and the foam lining is designed to pack down slightly with use, for a comfortable stable fit. This packing down of the lining material makes it very important to follow the sizing guide, but WCL provides excellent customer service and will work to ensure you find the perfect fit.

If wearing a helmet that is as close to helmetless as a rider can go is your jam, WCL has you covered with sizes ranging from a 2XS thru 2XL.

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight:1 lb

DOT or ECE? DOT

HJC IS-Cruiser

Why?

Priced near $100, the HJC IS-Cruiser is a polycarbonate composite shell that meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS 218 standards. Compared to most half helmets, the HJC design offers protection further over the ears and back of the head.

The IS-Cruiser is a simple, no-frills piece of riding gear with a clean overall shape that includes a small visor peak and a drop-down internal sun visor. Internally a moisture-wicking interior will help keep rides dry and it can be removed for easy cleaning. Slots for eyewear are fitted within the padded liner, overall the IS-Cruiser should prove a comfortable and safe lid for Cruiser riders.

Sizing ranges from 2XS all the way to a 5XL, and six solid colors are available.

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 2.64 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Best High-End Half Motorcycle Helmets

Priced $150+

bell rogue

Bell Rogue

Why?

Bell is an iconic brand in the world of motorsports, which makes it no surprise that they would be behind such a badass design as the Rogue.

The Rogue is a half helmet with… well let’s just call it “extra.” This lid has the comfort of a half helmet with added protection similar to a ¾ helmet, and then with an adjustable, removable muzzle to shield you from road debris and shroud you in mystery. The whole look is unique, functional, and definitely badass.

The fiberglass shell is made in 3 sizes and has a liner that is easy to remove for cleaning. The adjustable muzzle also has a removable and washable liner and features a FidLock magnetic connection making it easy to put on and take off.

The Rogue is DOT approved, but the muzzle is purely for comfort and is not a protective element. This helmet should provide a similar level of protection that an open-face helmet would provide.

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 3.03 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Scorpion Covert X

Why?

This is the helmet when you just can’t decide. The Scorpion Covert X Marauder is a 3 in one lid. The unique multi-configuration design featuring a removable front mask and rear comfort sleeve results in 3 distinct riding configurations: Full face, 3/4 Mode, and half helmet.

The Covert X is made from Scorpions TCT-Ultra® process. The multi-layered shell combines fiberglass, aramid, and poly-resin fibers which minimize weight while maximizing strength and impact dispersal. Lining this shell is an expanded polystyrene foam core with well-designed channels for smooth airflow. To give comfort and softness the final layer is Scorpion’s newest washable KwikWick® III interior.

Scorpion includes a dark smoke EverClear® anti-fog sun shield that is an easy pull-down style, it is anti-scratch coated and offers 95% UV-A & UV-B protection. Scorpion has engineered an excellent system for swapping each of the 3 configurations. The neck roll piece is fitted with generous padding matching the KwikWick® liner, but the fitment to the half helmet is very secure with clean seams all around. Attaching the chin bar is quite literally a snap, and I was very impressed to find a gasket for the visor on the top edge.

Available in solid colors, and cool graphics like the Marauder shown, the Covert X is worth a look and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Key Specs & Head Shape

 Head shape: Intermediate oval

Weight: 3.31 lbs

DOT or ECE? DOT

Our Review

Most certainly not your Grandpappy’s modular helmet! The Scorpion Covert X is a level-up progression of the Covert Series. The “X” uses Scorpion’s TCT-ULTRA® shell, KwikWick® III liner, and provisions for adding a communication system with ease. Urban riders looking for modern tech and badass looks should check out the Scorpion Covert X.

Read our full Scorpion Covert X review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Half Helmets

What are some of the advantages of a half helmet?

With a half helmet, you don’t have to worry about ventilation as the wind around your face and head will naturally cool you down. Half helmets are also generally quite lightweight, so your neck and shoulders will not fatigue as quickly as with other styles. You also have full use of your peripheral vision and you have a full range of motion with your neck, allowing your shoulder checks to be much more comfortable to perform.

Are half helmets safe?

In the most basic terms, yes, as wearing any type of helmet while riding is better than not wearing one at all. However, statistics from accident analysis the NTSB have shown that approximately 35% of helmet impacts occur in the chin bar area, and 17% of impacts take place on the sides and rear of the lower half of a full face helmet. These areas have no protection if wearing a half helmet.

What kind of riding are half helmets good for?

Realistically, any style, but by far the most popular use is in the cruiser niche of motorcycles. This is because the cruiser style of riding usually attracts those that are a bit more rebellious than the general riding population, and those that enjoy wearing just the bare minimum required protection so they can feel the wind as they ride.

What are some of the disadvantages of half helmets?

Half helmets, as the name describes, only covers the top half of your head, from the brow to the basilar skull area. This leaves your face open to the elements, to debris kicked up by other vehicles such as gravel, and, in the event of a crash, you have no facial, jaw, mouth, or neck protection. As well, the only certification that half helmet can get is DOT, as ECE will not certify anything less than an open face helmet.

What is the difference between a half helmet and an open face helmet?

Open face helmets, also called three-quarter helmets, do leave the face exposed, but extend down the sides and back of the head to provide more protection to the jaw, neck, and sides of the face. While both types will let you feel the wind in your face, the half helmet does not have the added bulk or protection that an open face helmet does.

Are half helmets worth it?

That is a very subjective question. It really depends on what and how you ride, and your own personal view of what you want to wear to protect yourself. The past decade has seen some advancements in half helmets, with some including drop down sun visors, modular face shields or detachable chin bars, and the like. 

What To Look For In A Helmet

  • DOT/ECE certifications—Many inexpensive full face helmets showing up on Amazon and eBay are not DOT or ECE certified. This certification may save your life. Don’t cheap out—remember, you’re preparing for the slide, not the ride.

  • Comfort— Most of the helmets featured on this page use lightweight materials to minimize neck strain—useful, especially on long rides.

  • Head shape—While most people are an intermediate oval, not all are. Make sure you get a helmet designed for your head shape.

  • Shell material—Polycarbonate is okay, but you’d be better served with carbon fiber (expensive) or fiberglass. All the helmets called out here (save for one) are fiberglass.

  • Interior liner—All the helmets featured here offer removable liners that are anti-moisture and anti-bacterial. Avoid non-removable liners (found in cheap helmets)—it’ll be a stink factory before you know it.

Read the complete motorcycle helmet buyer's guide for more information.

At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something

Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.

Here’s how we do things:

  • We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?

  • We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.

  • We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.

  • We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.

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