Best Half Helmet in 2023 (Reviews and Comparison)

Helmet Summary

Any rider that loves half helmets have undoubtedly heard of the Skid Lid Original. It has a classic, minimalist half helmet design that is excellent for hot weather. It has maximum ventilation so that you can enjoy your rides during the hot summers. It is perfect for casual weekend riding as well. 

One of the highlights you will love about this helmet is that it is flexible for just about any pair of googles you want to wear. This helmet is day, night, and weekend-ready so that you can leave your office or your home and get straight to riding.

Highlights

The Skid Lid Original provides the maximum amount of comfort for the rider. The interior of the helmet is padded comfortably with EPS foam and has an interior liner that is great for wicking sweat and keeping your head cool. 

It is one of the lowest-priced half helmets you will find on the market. It has a low profile and sits snugly on your head. 

For a half helmet, the Skid Lid original maximizes your safety with its DOT rating. Riders love that this helmet comes in a variety of different colors, designs, and finish options. 

It has a D-ring strap that makes it easy to put on and adjust, and it can fit a variety of head shapes. 

Drawbacks

The only downsides of the Skid Lid original is that there is no ventilation over the top of the helmet. The only ventilation you are going to get is through the front. The only other drawback is that this helmet doesn’t have as low of a profile as other half helmets in this price range. 

As with many half helmets, the Skid Lid original also lets in a lot of noise. 

Where to buy this helmet :

Helmet Summary

If you are a rider that wants minimal protection so that you can maintain a high level of vision while riding, you are going to love the Bell Pit Boss half helmet. This is a great helmet for riders that want to strap on something comfortable and just hit the road. 

This is an incredibly comfortable helmet that maximizes both ventilation and visibility. It has a durable outer shell, and is both DOT and ECE rated for the maximum amount of safety. 

One of the other aspects of this helmet that riders love is that it is incredibly lightweight. This helmet clocks in at about 2.5 pounds, which makes it nice and light on your head. 

It has a D-ring strap with a snap that makes it really easy to put on and adjust this helmet to the perfect level of comfort. The liner is made from an antibacterial microfiber liner that reduces bacteria and microbe buildup, while keeping your head comfortable. 

The liner also wicks sweat to keep you cool while riding.  

Highlights

The highlights of this helmet are that it is lightweight and comfortable. The comfort liner and lightweight shell make this helmet really nice for weekend riding. 

This helmet may look minimalist, but Bell did a really nice job at maximizing the safety features on this helmet. They did a great job at sticking to a true minimalist design while maximizing safety. 

Drawbacks

This model comes in a variety of sizes, but you don’t get a lot of options in terms of colors or designs. Since minimalist design was a priority over safety with this model, you can find much safer half helmets on the market. 

This helmet also doesn’t have any additional ventilation on the top or sides of the shell. Your head can get really warm and sweaty with the lack of ventilation. 

Keep in mind that the sun visor does not fit well or operate well if you want to wear glasses while riding. 

Helmet Summary

If you are looking for a well-balanced half helmet with a lot of features packed into a minimalist design, look no further than the GMax GM65. This helmet sports a high quality painted outer shell, which is representative of the comfort and performance that you are doing to get out of this half helmet. 

In shopping for half helmets, you are going to find few models that can stand up to the level of comfort that the GM65 gives you. This helmet is known for being one of the most comfortable half helmets you can find. 

The comfort liner uses Coolmax moisture-wicking material to make sure that your head stays dry and cool, even during the hottest weather riding. It uses a double D helmet retention system to make sure that your helmet fits comfortably and tightly. 

The comfortable interior design actually works to alleviate pressure and strain on your forehead. To add to the comfortability it also provides nice airflow to keep you even cooler while riding. 

If you are into customization the GM65 offers a wide variety of graphic options that you can use to personalize your helmet. 

Highlights

The primary highlights of this helmet are related to comfort and customization. This is one of the most comfortable half helmets you are going to find anywhere. 

The GM65 also comes with two visors. One that is tinted for sunny day riding and the other that is clear for riding in overcast weather or at night. 

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, this model only appears to be DOT rated, in terms of safety. This is also going to be another loud helmet, so if you are looking for something quiet, this isn’t for you. 

Another drawback we noticed about the GM65 is that it doesn’t fit well or conform with all head shapes. 

With that, we have noticed that there are some complaints about the visor not coming down far enough to be effective. There have been reports that the wind can pull up the visor while riding at high speeds. 

Helmet Summary

This helmet has a unique design that features a muzzle on the front end. The muzzle not only looks great, but is also functional for keeping excessive amounts of wind and debris from hitting you square in the face.

Another great note to make about the bell rogue is that it is one of the quietest half helmets you are going to find on the market. The muzzle and the ear pockets on this helmet work together to block out excess wind and ambient noise. The ear pockets are also big enough to fit most intercoms, and they are padded nicely, which makes them very comfortable. 

Thankfully, the rear pockets and the muzzle on this don’t restrict you from wearing glasses or eye protection. This model still gives you plenty of space to wear goggles or sunglasses. 

Highlights

The Bell Rogue is perfect for riders that love the minimalist style of half helmets, but want to maximize safety while riding. The Bell Rogue is both DOT and ECE rated. 

It is one of the fiercest looking helmets in this review too. The muzzle makes this helmet look like it could be something out of a biker movie. 

The noise blocking and comfort that this helmet provides are easily some of the top reasons that half helmet riders, like yourself, are going to love this helmet. 

Drawbacks

One of the drawbacks of this half helmet is that it is one of the heavier ones in this review. This is also one of the highest-priced half helmets that you are going to find on the market. 

The muzzle on this helmet is a feature that looks great, but a lot of riders complain that it is really uncomfortable. It doesn’t sit well on your face and can be frustrating to have on.

Helmet Summary

The HJC CS-2N is a simple helmet with a minimalist design that makes it perfect for sunny, summer dies. If you are looking for a no-frills, minimalist design that is easy to strap on and take for a ride, this just might be the design for you. 

The simplicity of the HJC CS-2N’s design is something that minimalist riders love about this helmet. It is perfect for warm weather riding, and gives you a ton of versatility for the eye wear and eye protection you have on when riding with this helmet. 

The shell of this helmet is made from a lightweight, injection-molded thermoplastic alloy shell that will keep you safe while riding. The liner is made of a simple, plush brushed Nylex so wick sweat and keep you cool. 

To keep your helmet on tightly, the HJC CS-2N uses a nylon strap retention system. It is quick and easy to snap on so that you can get to enjoying your ride. 

Highlights

The highlights of this helmet are all in the simplicity of the design. This helmet offers a simple, minimalist design at a low price.

The ear covers on this helmet do make it quieter than many of the other minimal-design half helmets on the market. They fit comfortable and block out a lot of excess sound. 

Another thing that many riders like about this half helmet is that it actually has front vents that provide extra airflow for your head, and throughout the interior of the helmet. 

If you are looking for a basic, summer-ride helmet that is both simple and affordable, you are going to be very happy with the HJC CS-2N. 

Drawbacks

With a simple design, the performance of this model is simple as well. It is not ECE, SNELL or SHARP tested, which means it offers the minimum amount of protection. It also does not come with a face shield for blocking debris that is kicked up from the road.

Helmet Summary

The Simpson Short OTW is another helmet that embodies “less is more.” It has minimalistic stylings on the helmet, offering a basic, no-frills look to it. 

If you purely need a simply designed helmet that is going to keep you safe while riding, this will do the job. If you don’t want to make any decisions for customizing or personalizing your helmet, this could be the perfect helmet for you. 

Highlights

One of the biggest, and only, highlights of this simple design is that it has upgraded ventilation. Most motorcycle helmets in the half helmet category don’t go above and beyond when it comes to adding additional ventilation to a helmet. 

Because it is a half helmet, most helmet companies rest on the fact that their riders are going to be getting more than enough ventilation through the open face of the helmet. The Simpson Short OTW flips that idea on its head by adding top and front vents to keep you even cooler during hot summer rides. 

The design of this helmet is cool and sleek. Its 4-way adjustable strap system makes it incredibly easy to put on and adjust to the perfect fit. 

What many riders love about the Shorty OTW is the price. The added ventilation and the low price of this helmet are two of the biggest selling points that make riders buy this helmet.  

Drawbacks

The main drawbacks of this design are that it isn’t quiet and it doesn’t provide any above-and-beyond comfortability options. This design truly is basic and simple. 

If you want something that maximizes comfortability, this might not be the helmet for you. Although, what they lack in comfort they do make up for in ventilation. 

Helmet Summary

Bell is one of the oldest companies in the motorcycle helmet market. This is one of the many reasons why they are one of the go-to manufacturers for high-quality half helmets. 

The Bell Custom 500 is a lo-fi half helmet that is made for motorcycle riders that want a classic helmet look with a minimalist design. This is a timeless helmet design that works well with a lot of bikes, riding environments and seasons as well. 

Bell put a gorgeous paint job and finish on this helmet that gives it a sleek profile. It is a nice complement to the class and timeless design of this helmet. 

This is not a super technical helmet. It isn’t packed to the gills with bells and whistles that some modern-day riders are looking for. 

Bell really stuck to their guns on this helmet so that they could bring their minimalist riding fans something protective, sharp-looking and versatile without trying to clutter the design with a bunch of features that most half helmet riders aren’t going to use. 

Highlights

The first thing that you notice when you look at this helmet is the classic, sleek design. There is virtually nowhere this helmet can’t go that it isn’t going to look great. 

One of the major issues that riders find with half helmets is that they are noisy. The Bell Custom 500 wraps around your ears and hugs them nicely, which makes this model one of the quietest half helmets on the market.

Though this helmet looks simple, Bell has taken some major steps to make sure they are giving their half helmet fans the maximum amount of protection. This simply-designed helmet is DOT, ECE, and SNELL rated for safety.

It comes in a variety of finishes, and even has a detachable sun visor for sunny day riding.

Drawbacks

One of the downsides of this model is that it doesn’t have a chin bar or full face mask. Because it does cover most of your head, the ventilation on this helmet isn’t outstanding either. 

Helmet Summary

The Scorpion Covert Helmet may be one of the most unique half helmet designs you will see. The Scorpion Covert features a modular design that gives you the ability to wear it as a half helmet or full-face helmet. 

Depending on the climate zone you live in, most riders need multiple helmets. They will have one for warm weather riding and the other for cool weather. 

The Scorpion Covert melded a warm weather riding helmet and a cold-weather one, integrating them into the same helmet. Whether you are trying to save some room in storage or you just want one helmet to keep things simple, this shapeshifting helmet may be perfect for you. 

Highlights

The modular design of the Scorpion covert actually makes it a three-in-one helmet. It is one of the most versatile designs you can find, which make it great for riding in any kind of weather. 

You would think that this modular design would make assembly and maintenance difficult. This helmet is actually incredibly easy to put together or take apart. 

It has a sleek, futuristic design that really makes it stand out from other half helmets on the market. If you want a functional helmet that is also going to make a fashion statement, this may be the perfect helmet for you. 

Drawbacks

Don’t let the modular design make you think that this helmet has the safety of a full helmet. This modular helmet has a full-helmet appearance, but only a half helmet’s worth of protection, as it is only DOT rated. We have also seen that this model can be difficult to size. 

Helmet Summary

The Sena Cavalry is an old-school, rock and roll half helmet for the classic motorcycle fan. This is a modern-day helmet that fully embodies the tradition and fandom of old-school riders and fans. 

The Cavalry offers a smooth, minimalist design with no frills and plenty of ventilation. Sena brought this classic helmet to the modern-day by integrating a Bluetooth speaker system into the design, giving the rider lots of options for entertainment and communication.

Highlights

The helmet is made out of a protective and lightweight fiberglass composite shell that will keep you safe while riding. It has a simple padded interior lining that makes it comfortable and fairly breathable. 

This half helmet is DOT rated and has a D-ring retention system that straps the helmet safely to your head. Of course, the Bluetooth speaker is a really nice upgrade on this helmet.  

The optional earpads are incredibly effective in protecting your ears from the wind and reducing the ambient noise, while riding. 

Drawbacks

The drawbacks of this model are that it is a totally open-face design. You don’t have a lot of protection with this helmet. It is also just DOT rated, which means it doesn’t have the highest safety ratings. 

The gloss finish on this helmet also scratches very easily.