Helmets
About Helmets
A helmet is the one piece of gear where fit and certification matter more than anything else on the list. Riders shop this section for a first helmet, a replacement after a crash or after years of wear, or a different style for a new kind of riding.
The sub-categories are the main helmet styles. Full Face Helmets cover the whole head and jaw with a face shield and are the standard for sport, touring and highway riding. Modular Helmets have a chin bar that flips up, which helps with stops, conversation and glasses. Open Face Helmets cover the top and sides of the head but leave the face exposed, and a half helmet covers less still.
Motocross Helmets have a peak and a large eyeport for goggles and suit dirt, ATV and UTV riding. There are also snow helmets in this section, some with dual-pane or electric shields to resist fogging in the cold. For fit, measure around your head above the eyebrows, match the maker's size chart and look for a snug feel without pressure points. Helmets Parts & Accessories is the sub-category for parts and add-ons.
Brands here include THOR, ICON, AGV, 6D Helmets and HJC. Certification labels vary by region, and DOT vs ECE vs Snell helmet standards explains what they mean. Replace a helmet after any serious impact, and do not rely on a used helmet whose history you do not know.
FAQs on motorcycle and powersports helmets
Which type of helmet gives the most protection?
A full-face helmet covers the most of the head and face, including the chin and jaw, so it protects the most. Any helmet that meets the standard where you ride and fits properly is far better than one that does not, so fit and certification come first.
What size helmet do I need?
Measure around your head with a soft tape about an inch above the eyebrows, then compare the number with the maker's size chart. Sizes differ between brands. A good helmet fits snugly with no movement when you shake your head.
Is it safe to buy a used helmet?
It is best not to. Damage from an earlier impact or drop can be invisible, and age and storage affect the materials. Buy a new helmet, and replace yours after a serious impact even if it looks undamaged, following the maker's guidance on age.
Can I use one helmet for a motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile?
It depends on the helmet and the certification label. Street helmets suit roads, motocross helmets suit dirt, and snow helmets add shields or lenses for cold and glare. Check what each listing says it is made for, and match the helmet to the kind of riding.
What do DOT, ECE and Snell mean?
They are helmet standards. DOT is the US road requirement, ECE 22.06 is the European regulation used in many countries, and Snell is a voluntary standard with its own test program. The label in your helmet shows which applies. Check which one is required where you ride.
