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The best motorcycle helmets for big heads are the HJC i91 modular and HJC i10 full face, which both go up to 5XL (about 68 to 70 cm). The Scorpion EXO-R430 and Z1R Solaris 2.0 reach 4XL. If you measure 3XL (about 64 to 66 cm), you have more choice, including the Shoei RF-1400, which has its own 3XL shell. Above 3XL the choice drops fast, so measure carefully before you buy.
Quick picks
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Best premium
- Largest size
- 3XL
- Fits up to
- 65–66 cm head
- About
- $550
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Best 4XL full face
- Largest size
- 4XL
- Fits up to
- About 66–67 cm head
- About
- $175
- Budget modular in 4XL: Z1R Solaris 2.0
- Cheapest 3XL: Bell Qualifier
- Sporty 3XL: Icon Airform
- Convertible modular: LS2 Advant X
This guide is research-based. We did not test these helmets ourselves. We checked maker and retailer size charts, certification labels, shell counts and published owner feedback in November 2026. Prices are approximate US street prices and change often.
What size is a “big head”?
Helmet sizes go by head circumference. Measure about an inch above your eyebrows and ears with a soft tape, take a few readings and use the largest. Here is roughly what the big sizes mean across brands:
- XXL: about 63–64 cm (24¾–25¼ in). Most helmets stop here.
- 3XL: about 64–66 cm (25¼–26 in). Bell, LS2 and Z1R put 3XL at 64–65 cm. Shoei, Icon and HJC’s i10 chart use 65–66 cm.
- 4XL: about 66–68 cm (26–26¾ in).
- 5XL: about 68–70 cm (26¾–27½ in). HJC’s i10 5XL fits 69–70 cm and its i91 5XL fits 68–69 cm.
Even one brand isn’t consistent, so check the chart for the exact model. Our helmet size calculator converts your measurement for HJC, Bell, Shoei, Arai and Scorpion.
Why the number of shell sizes matters
A helmet’s shell is the hard outer part. Most models use two to five shell sizes and change the foam and padding inside to cover the full size range. That has two effects for big heads:
- Shared shells mean thinner liners. If 3XL, 4XL and 5XL share one shell, the biggest size gets the least foam. HJC’s i10 chart shows the EPS liner at 12 mm in 3XL, 9 mm in 4XL and 7 mm in 5XL. The helmet still has to pass DOT in every size, but there’s less padding left for comfort.
- A dedicated big shell keeps the proportions right. The Shoei RF-1400 has five shells, and one is just for 3XL. The fit and liner stay closer to the smaller sizes.
- Certification can stop at 2XL. The HJC i10 and Scorpion EXO-R430 are Snell certified only up to 2XL. Their 3XL and larger sizes are DOT only. That’s legal, but worth knowing.
Best helmets for big heads: comparison
| Helmet | Largest size | Fits head up to | Type | Certification (big sizes) | About |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HJC i91 | 5XL | 68–69 cm | Modular | DOT | $270 |
| HJC i10 | 5XL | 69–70 cm | Full face | DOT (Snell to 2XL) | $136 |
| Shoei RF-1400 | 3XL | 65–66 cm | Full face | DOT, Snell M2025 | $550 |
| Scorpion EXO-R430 | 4XL | About 66–67 cm | Full face | DOT (Snell to 2XL) | $175 |
| Z1R Solaris 2.0 | 4XL | 66–67 cm | Modular | DOT, ECE 22.06 | $160 |
| Bell Qualifier | 3XL | 64–66 cm | Full face | DOT | $120 |
| Icon Airform | 3XL | 65–66 cm | Full face | DOT, ECE 22.05 | $150 |
| LS2 Advant X | 3XL | 64–65 cm | Modular (flips to open face) | DOT, ECE 22.06 | $500 |
The best helmets for big heads in 2026
1. HJC i91: best overall for big heads
The i91 is one of very few modular helmets sold in 4XL and 5XL. HJC lists head sizes up to 68–69 cm for the 5XL. It has a flip-up chin bar, a drop-down sun visor, and it’s ready for HJC’s Smart HJC intercoms. The 3XL to 5XL sizes come in solid colors only. Sources disagree on shells: RevZilla says three, Cycle Gear lists four, with 3XL to 5XL sharing the largest. It’s DOT certified and costs about $270. A modular makes sense for big heads because it’s easier to put on over wide cheeks and glasses.
2. HJC i10: best budget helmet up to 5XL
The i10 is the cheapest way into a 5XL full face. It runs from XS to 5XL, and the 5XL fits a 69–70 cm head, the largest on this list. It’s DOT and Snell M2020 certified up to 2XL. HJC marks the 3XL, 4XL and 5XL as DOT only. Because the big sizes share a shell, the liner gets thinner as you go up: 12 mm of EPS in 3XL, 9 mm in 4XL and 7 mm in 5XL, according to HJC’s chart. At about $136 it’s an easy helmet to try. Some owners say newer 5XL i10s fit smaller than older ones, so check the chart. For a closer look, see our HJC i10 vs Bell Qualifier DLX comparison.
Shoei added a 3XL to the RF-1400, and it’s the best-built helmet you can get in that size. It uses five shell sizes, including one just for 3XL, so the big size isn’t a stretched-out version of a smaller helmet. The 3XL fits a 65–66 cm head. It’s DOT and Snell M2025 certified, with a Pinlock insert and a quiet, aerodynamic shell. The 3XL comes in matte black and white. It costs about $550 and suits an intermediate oval head. Our Shoei RF-1400 review covers the rest.
4. Scorpion EXO-R430: best 4XL full face
The EXO-R430 replaced the EXO-R420 and goes up to 4XL, about 26 to 26⅜ inches (66–67 cm). Only the matte black version comes in 4XL. It has two shells, so the XL to 4XL sizes share one, and it weighs about 3.6 lb. It’s DOT certified, with Snell M2025 only up to 2XL. At about $175 it’s a good value if you need one size past 3XL.
5. Z1R Solaris 2.0: cheapest modular in 4XL
The Solaris 2.0 is a budget modular that reaches 4XL (66–67 cm). It’s certified to DOT and ECE 22.06, which is unusual at this price. It has two shell sizes, an internal sun shade and a flip-up chin bar. It costs about $160. It’s heavier and noisier than premium modulars, but for a big head on a tight budget it’s hard to beat.
6. Bell Qualifier: cheapest 3XL full face
The Qualifier is the cheapest well-known full face sold in 3XL. Bell’s chart puts 3XL at 64–65 cm, and another chart lists it at 65–66 cm, so measure carefully. It uses three shell sizes, has a Bell ClickRelease shield and speaker pockets, and is DOT certified. It costs about $120. It’s a basic helmet, but a reliable one for commuting.
7. Icon Airform: best sporty 3XL
The Airform gives big-headed riders a sportier shape. The 3XL fits about 65–66 cm, and Icon’s hat-size chart lists it at 25½–26 inches. It has two shells, weighs about 3.7 lb and is DOT and ECE 22.05 certified. A drop-down sun shade and a quick-release shield are built in. The solid “Dark” version costs about $150, and graphics cost about $225. If Icon suits you, our guide to whether Icon helmets are good explains the brand’s fit and safety record.
8. LS2 Advant X: best convertible modular in 3XL
The Advant X’s chin bar swings all the way to the back, so it works as a full face or an open face. It’s certified to ECE 22.06 in both positions and to DOT. The 3XL fits 64–65 cm. It has two shells, weighs about 1,600 g and includes a sun visor and Pinlock. It costs about $500. It’s the best choice if you want an open-face option without dropping to a 3/4 helmet.
Big helmets that stop at 2XL
Several popular helmets look like obvious picks but top out at 2XL (about 63–64 cm). These include the HJC C10, Shoei Neotec 3, Arai Signet-X, Biltwell Gringo S, Bell Custom 500 and Z1R Warrant. If you measure right at 64 cm, try one of these in 2XL before moving to a 3XL. If you need more room in an adventure helmet, the Klim Krios Pro goes to 3XL (65–66 cm) for about $725.
How to choose a helmet for a big head
- Measure again. Many riders who think they need 3XL or bigger end up in a smaller size after a proper fitting. A helmet that’s too big can shift in a crash, and it’s louder and more tiring on your neck.
- Check head shape, not just size. A round head often feels like it needs a bigger size when it really needs a rounder helmet. See our guides for round heads and long oval heads.
- Look for the shell count. More shells usually means a better-proportioned big size.
- Check which sizes carry which certification. Snell and ECE labels sometimes stop at 2XL.
- Buy where exchanges are free. Big sizes are often special order, so check the return policy. Our helmet sizing guide covers the full fit test.
FAQ
What is the biggest motorcycle helmet size?
5XL is the largest common size. It fits a head of about 68–70 cm (26¾–27½ in). The HJC i10 and HJC i91 are two of the few current helmets sold in 5XL.
Are 5XL helmets as safe as smaller sizes?
They have to pass DOT in every size. Big sizes often share a shell and use thinner foam, and certifications like Snell may not cover them. Choose a size that fits snugly.
Does Shoei or Arai make 3XL helmets?
Shoei now sells the RF-1400 in 3XL with its own shell. Most Arai and other Shoei models stop at 2XL.
Should I size up if a 2XL is tight?
Only if it’s tight all the way around. If it pinches only at the sides or forehead, you probably need a different shape, not a bigger size.
