The second you made a choice to get a bike, your alter ego, your devious roaring twin. It was at that moment you signed up for spending more wads on the gear. Don’t cut back on safety for bucks you are going to spend either way. On hospital bills or the gear, so you determine which one it is going to be? Gear? Good deal.
As per statistics, it is found that helmets offer up a staggering 70% drop in head injury chances. Not only do they protect this most impact on vulnerable body parts both externally and internally but also from inclement weather like rain creating vision discomfort. And it is the discomfort you cannot afford when on this ride.
Now don’t sweat. You won’t be spending $1000 or more bucks on this very crucial gear piece to add to your adequate gear set. With such a vast majority of options that appear appealing but are packing poor experiences in stock for you, choosing such integral safety gear recklessly would be a lethal move.
Therefore, we have compiled a list of the 10 best helmets out there just under $300, which not only offer optimal protection but are budget-friendly and durable as well so that there is a wide array for you to choose from without getting intimidated by the price tags.
Here are our top 3 choices if you are in hurry or don’t like reading too much.
Best Motorcycle Helmets Under $300 Reviews
Though before you start ransacking through the article, there are few things you should know besides looking for optimal safety levels. Those include anti-bacterial and washable lining and interiors and Bluetooth besides phone connection settings, all readily built-in to your helmet to ensure comfort.
A low budget doesn’t necessarily mean you should settle for low comfort and convenience levels.
1. Icon Airmada Chantilly Helmet
Pros
- Molded polycarbonate shell built.
- Strategically located twin super vent channel, exhaust, and intake ports
- Rapid Release shield allows fog-free ICON Optics change in seconds.
- Moisture-wicking, removable and washable, Hydradry interior
- Meets and exceeds the safety standards of the DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (EUROPE), SAI AS1698 (AUSTRALIA) & SG (JAPAN) accordingly.
- PRO LOCK shielding systems
Cons
- It has a bizarre shell sizing chart with a poor helmet opening size.
- The headliner is not removable.
- The helmet lock isn’t secure enough to hold it in place during a mishap
Ranking first in our recommendation list, the Icon Airmada surely lives up to its icon name.
What makes it so lovable by the customers is its Ferrari-like stance with a sleek style. Besides offering a skull-like intricate design that looks paisley at first sight, the Icon Airmanda Chantilly has four shell sizes to accommodate long oval-headed riders accordingly. While the removable breath molded deflectors ensure no fog builds up and obstruct vision.
Plus, it is the 5 dual-density EPS liners that warrant optimal structural integrity. While the molded polycarbonate shell ensures its 3.71 lightweight is durable and strong. It is the industry-leading exhaust and intake ports beside the twin super vent channel, each located strategically for optimal ventilation and airflow. That makes this unit unrivaled.
2. Bell SRT Helmet
Pros
- Shell is constructed from a lightweight fiberglass
- EPS speaker pockets
- Class one optics
- Panovision face shield
- DOT certified and Snell M2015
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- The ventilation isn’t adequate
- The windshield is not tinted
- Poor cheek pads layout
Ranking second in our recommendation list, the bell SRT is famous amongst customers with Bell’s racing history. Not only does this lightweight unit come in 3 shell sizes with 3 EPS liners (Expanded Polystyrene) that maintain its structural integrity and accommodate intermediate oval-headed riders accordingly.
Plus, it is also built from fiberglass to ensure its weight of 3.7 Lbs is not heavy enough to strain your head or neck or cause any discomfort by causing any movement restrictions. It comes with a double D-ring closure besides a chin curtain that warrants its ease of use.
What further makes this product more likable is that not only is it the most budget-friendly gadget out there, but it also comes with an ambidextrous Panovision face lock-shield. While featuring a built-in communication system with speaker pockets to warrant convenience.
3. Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Helmet
Pros
- Washable and removable, moisture-wicking interior.
- Adjustable ventilation system
- NutraFog II superior UV protectant, anti-fog, and anti-scratch face shield
- Built-in speaker pockets for communication ease
- D-ring closure with chin padding
- 5-year warranty
- DOT and CE certified
Cons
- It doesn’t cut back on noise enough, and one has to use earplugs.
- The transistor visor blurs the vision at night
Ranking third in our recommendation list, the Bell Qualifiers DLX boasts MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) directional impact protection with enhanced rotational impact displacement energy.
With being the hottest item International motorcycle and E-bike Fair, the Bell Qualifier did the impossible. It employed free transitions photochromatic shields besides other features that were not previously applicable on either unit in the industry before.
Being built from a polycarbonate shell, this weighs only 3.57 Lbs which is impressively very lightweight. While it is the padded wind collar that is capable of minimizing wind and road noise pollution that makes it worthy of each buck. Moreover, it comes in 3 shell sizes with contoured cheek pads and a Click Release feature for super-swift tool-free shield change.
4. Icon Airflite Helmet
Pros
- Fog-free, quick switch face shield
- Molded breathe deflector
- Removable Hydra-dry liner
- Meets the testing and safety standards DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (EUROPE), SAI AS1698 (AUSTRALIA), and SG (JAPAN) accordingly
- Twin channel super-vent cooling system
Cons
- Has no built-in speakers for communication
- The sizing chart is not accurate enough
Weighing only 3.79 Lbs, the Icon Airflite is suitable for long oval-headed riders. The polycarbonate shell built warrants its structural strength while it comes in 3 shell sizes to accommodate the riders accordingly.
Furthermore, the removable side plates and the strategically located chin vent are highly functional to ensure optimal airflow that makes this helmet wearable even during traffic.
The multiple intakes and exhaust ports allow enhanced airflow, while the drop-down internal built sun visor allows you to effectively block out the sunlight or go incognito mode with a switch flick. Plus, it is readily capable of withstanding high impacts while its Hydra-dry lining wicks the moisture out to ensure a dry, sweat-free, and comfortable ride.
5. BILT Techno 2.0 Sena Bluetooth Helmet
Pros
- Molded polycarbonate shell
- Removable chin deflector liner
- DOT approved
- Clear, quick-release locking shield
- Smartphone music sharing using Sena Bluetooth
- Offers free phone pairing and voice-operated communication
Cons
- It doesn’t effectively cut down wind noise.
- Hard to put on
- Speakers have no mids or lows; they only go higher.
Serving as a great pick for touring and commuting, the BILT Techno 2.0 comes with Sena DWO5 Bluetooth technology to keep you connected with your fellow riders. Thus, promoting group rides with Bluetooth expanding to 430 yards besides featuring a double D-ring closure fastening system.
The Sena Bluetooth offers a 7-day standby time with up to a whopping 8 hour talk time. Moreover, it offers clear GPS navigation instructions with an automated audio boost feature that raises volumes accordingly in noisy situations, so you don’t miss out on any vital information or instruction.
What makes this unit more appreciable is the internal drop-down sun shields with chin-mounted airflow ventilation featuring open and close functions to suit your situation accordingly. However, it is the flat matte-finish double lacquered high-quality metallic paint that imparts a sleek look to this unit while the Sena System is pre-installed that rids the rider off worrying over the speaker, microphone, and control unit installations.
6. AGV K3 SV Helmet
Pros
- Integrated anti-scratch drop-down sun visor
- Removable breathe deflector and wind chin strap safeguard
- The helmet has a contoured base to avoid collar bone injury
- DOT approved
- 4 EPS sizes enhanced using FEM (finite element analysis)
- Removable and washable 3D line and cheek pads
Cons
- The sun visor lever is of poor plastic quality that snaps out.
- The wind noise is not lowered, and one needs earplugs
The AGV K3 SV has customers raving about it being a bang for the buck with all the comfort and optimal protection levels it offers.
With its shell built from High Resistance Thermoplastic Resin (HIT-TH), the helmet is capable of withstanding high impact levels. While it is the X-tra Quick Release System visor mechanism that warrants switching and removal of the helmet face shield, a swift and effortless experience for the rider. It readily accommodates round oval-headed riders and weighs only 3.63 Lbs to ensure a strain-free ride.
Aside from the 2 shell sizes it offers, the other main feature it offers is the strategically placed 3 vents at the forehead, 1 vent at the chin, and 2 rear extractor vents that make this unit highly breathable and comfortable. Moreover, it has a 100% UV-protected GT2 anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate visor, while the GT2 face shield comes with an enhanced vision of the periphery as well due to the aperture’s profile being specially-shaped to accommodate such a feature.
7. AGV K1 Helmet
Pros
- Washable and removable cheek pads and 3D liners
- A micro-opening visor
- DOT approved
- The chin strap is double D-ringed.
- IVS (integrated ventilation system) and optimized with wind tunnel
- 5 front and 2 rear vents
Cons
- Requires earplugs as there is sharp whistling noise when you go above 25mph speed
- The shield gets foggy quickly, so the pin lock has to be fitted on the inside.
This helmet is rather popular amongst the bike rider community. Not only is this unit budget-friendly, but it also comes in 2 shells and 4 EPS sizes to readily accommodate intermediate oval-headed riders and weighs only 3.64 Lbs that warrants a flush and light fit.
The K1 also employs central air take above the drop-down sun visor to offer the best ventilation and aerodynamic stability with HIR-TH built and r2 ear vents that readily remove the warm air out. There are 3 vents at the forehead, with 1 located at the chin to optimize airflow, while it is the 2 sizing option face shield which not only is 100% UV protected but is also anti-scratch and fog-resistant.
8. Biltwell Gringo S ECE Helmet
Pros
- Hinged eye port shield
- Snap and tab configuration for swift opening and securing
- Speaker pockets with VELCRO brand closures in the ear domains to accommodate earplug devices.
- D-ring steel-plated neck strap with eye retainer and adjustment strap
- DOT and ECE certified
- Chrome or rubber accented edging on the eye and shell port.
Cons
- The anti-fog coating is not durable.
- Poor ventilation system
- The helmet doesn’t cut out the noise
Featuring up a staggering 13 color options, the Biltwell Gringo is an industry-leading unit. With the hand-painted finish, the ABS outer shell is injection-molded to boost up the safety levels.
The Gringo promptly accommodates the round ova-headed riders and weighs 3.54 Lbs which is very light. Moreover, it is the hand-stitched interior padding, cheek pads, shock-absorbing EPS liners, and a BioFoam cushion at the chin domain for optimal comfort that makes it such an unrivaled unit.
9. HJC F70 Helmet
Pros
- Speaker pockets to accommodate Bluetooth communication.
- Enlarged eye port for enhanced vision
- Washable and removable crown and cheek pads
- Quick-release cheek pad during emergency
- Chin curtain and breath deflector included
- DOT and ECE approved
Cons
- Has no slot for the eye-glasses
- The cheek padding is rough and tight.
Engineered to accommodate intermediate oval-headed riders, this HJC F70 helmet weighs 3.65 Lbs. Built from fiberglass composite that warrants a stiff yet lightweight, aerodynamic advanced CAD exterior, this unit further features an integrated larger HJ-V9 drop-down sun visor that rid the rider of worrying about bringing an extra shield pair.
Employing an advanced channeling ventilation system, the HJC ensures high airflow and ventilation levels while the anti-bacterial interior lining wicks the moisture away to warrant a dry, sweat-free, and comfortable ride.
10. Sedici Strada II Helmet
Pros
- Anti-bacterial, washable, and removable cheek pads
- 360 degrees seamless face shield gasket to drown wind noise
- Reflective inserts at cheek pads and neck roll bottoms
- Meets DOT and ECE-22.05 standards
- Adjustable forehead and temple padding with 5mm customization
Cons
- The top two vents, either closed or open, cause a lot of wind noise.
- Changing the visors is a complicated process.
Built from aramid fiber besides the fiberglass to ensure a lightweight of 3.3 Lbs only that readily fits intermediate oval-headed riders, the Sedici Strada have surpassed their predecessors. In terms of ensuring low profile lid, aerodynamic shape to reduce the turbulence and lift discomfort at high mph, and three distinct shell sizes, the Sedici Strada has it all.
Another appreciable feature is the internal drop-down visor which is dark smoked and deploys readily by a sliding switch to surpass the traditional face shield swapping system. Featuring multiple vents, i.e., 3 rear exhaust vents, 2 high flow chin vent channels, dual intake vents at the forehead, the unit promptly intakes fresh air and pushes out stale air. Thus, ensuring a breathable, sweat-free ride.
Buying Guide
To ensure that you are buying inexpensive but the best quality product. We have assembled a guide for you to help you build criteria before the purchase so that you don’t end up throwing it all away with a disappointing purchase.
Aerodynamic Style
Not only the helmet must be aesthetically appealing, but it should also feature an aerodynamic profile built for the helmet to be functional. So that the pressure drag air resistance is optimally minimized to avoid strain and pressure on the neck and shoulders as you cruise down the street.
Visor Shield
The visor should be scratch-resistant besides keeping the sun out of your face to allow you a ride where you don’t have to squint your eyes for better vision. Moreover, this visor armor keeps bugs, debris, road dirt, and everything else out of your helmet that can obstruct your vision.
Ventilation System
The front vents offer fresh air intake, while the rear exhaust vents are built to remove the stale air so that you stay sweat-free. Furthermore, it ensures a de-fogging effect that can obstruct vision and provides a cooling effect to ensure comfort during long rides or traffics.
Helmet Weight
There is no such thing as the heavier the helmet, the safer and more impact absorbing it is. It is your neck that is anatomically designed to support the weight of your head, which itself weighs around 4.5 kg; thus, wearing any additional weight that is even heavier would cause strain and possible injury.
There are multiple lightweight helmets built from polycarbonate or high impact-resistant thermoplastic that avoids adding stress and strain on your neck while ensuring optimal safety levels.
Durability
The helmet should be strong enough to withstand impacts of any scale and promptly protect your head and face in case any mishaps occur. Take your time researching the durability, and speak with the sale representatives to get a better understanding of the item.
Moreover, you must ensure that the helmet has promptly met CE-stated safety regulations as it will indicate that the item is well-tested and has readily met the department’s safety standards.
Comfort and Fit
The helmet should be a flush fit but shouldn’t cut back on comfort levels. The flush fit is ensured with the chipmunk cheeks you get on wearing the helmet, while comfort is warranted by the ease of movement and no obstruction in the peripheral vision areas. Your head size and shape must be assessed well enough to ensure that the purchase isn’t a waste.
Conclusion
We narrowed down our findings to the aforementioned 10 best selects in this article besides mentioning the all must-know information containing guide, appreciable features, and shortcomings of the products as well as an adequate description of each.
Thus, after offering you enough facts and figures to help you make a sound move, we believe you are ready to make this long-overdue purchase now!
