If you are looking for a tactical motorcycle helmet for your next big ride, we may have just what you are looking for.
Here we have reviewed several of the most popular and good-looking helmets on the market today, complete with the pros and cons of each product.
We have also included a Tactical Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide, in which we have explained the various factors and characteristics to look for when purchasing one of these items.
Best Tactical Motorcycle Helmets for the Money
Bell Qualifier Street Helmet
Made by a company that truly knows helmet technology, the Bell Qualifier Street Helmet is made from lightweight polycarbonate materials and boasts a tough ABS construction.
The face shield on this helmet is truly tops in the industry.
It features anti-fog and anti-scratch technology and UV protection.
It also includes a click release mechanism that makes it easy and fast to replace the shield when needed.
The padded wind collar on the helmet helps to reduce drag and wind noise, and the contoured cheek pads and integrated speakers translate to a comfortable fit and an awesome riding experience.
Pros
- Budget-Friendly. Those looking for a helmet that won’t break the bank will love the Bell Qualifier Street Helmet.
- Fully adjustable. The helmet can be adjusted to fit almost any rider.
- Easy to clean. With removable shield and cheek pads, the Bell Qualifier Street Helmet is very easy to clean.
Cons
- Not very aerodynamic. The Bell Qualifier Street Helmet is not as aerodynamic as some of the other helmets in this class.
HJC CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
The advanced polycarbonate composite shell on the HJC CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet, coupled with the CAD technology, offer a superior fit and the best in riding comfort.
The helmet includes an anti-scratch, pin lock-ready face shield with a new technologically advanced 3D design.
This design allows the shield to block out 95 percent of the harmful UV rays of the sun.
The helmet also features a side shield lock mechanism for extra security and an anti-fog system that keeps the helmet from fogging up due to sweat or moisture in the air.
Pros
- 3D Design. The 3D design of the HJC CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet enables it to block out more UV rays than comparable helmets.
- Comfortable. The multi-density EPS liner makes the helmet extremely comfortable.
- Secure. With a shield locking mechanism the HJC CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet is very secure.
Cons
- Heavy. The HJC CL-17 Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet is heavier than some other similar products, according to users.
Duke DK-120 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
The advanced shell design of the Duke DK-120 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet makes this product very aerodynamic.
It is also a very comfortable tactical helmet, thanks in large part to the smooth nylon cheek pads that are also hypo-allergenic.
I also love the design, makes me think of the movie Black Panther so I like to call this my Black Panther motorcycle helmet.
The helmet has seven points of ventilation to reduce fog and sweat buildup, with chin, rear and forehead vents to keep the entire helmet cool and comfortable.
The flush-fit, coverless face shield is optically correct and the shield is compound curved to reduce drag—it is also scratch resistant.
One of the safest helmets on the market today, the Duke DK-120 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is rated very high in terms of crash protection.
Pros
- Great ventilation. The Duke DK-120 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet has seven points of ventilation.
- Very Safe. The helmet meets or exceeds all of the DOT FMVSS-218 motorcycle helmet standards.
Cons
- Not very adjustable. According to some reviewers, the Duke DK-120 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is not highly adjustable.
Tactical Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
When shopping for your next tactical motorcycle helmet, there are several things you will want to consider before ultimately making a purchase.
These considerations fall into five key areas in terms of the tactical helmet’s design: the material from which the helmet is made; the overall fit and comfort of the helmet; how much ventilation it offers; the visor; and the style or design of the helmet.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these five areas.
The Material Used to Make the Helmet
Helmets are worn to protect your noggin in the unfortunate case of an accident or fall—and they are required by most states within the U.S.
Helmets are required to be DOT certified in the United States before they can be offered for sale, so most of the helmet types will offer some degree of protection.
That being said, today those protective motorcycle helmets are made from a variety of materials.
All of these materials have protective qualities, but not all will offer the same fit and comfort.
Of course, fit and comfort are subjective qualities, so it’s important to try on a variety of different helmets—made from a variety of materials—before making a final purchasing decision.
Some of the materials used to make helmets are:
- Poly-Carbonate—a tough material that is also lightweight
- Fiberglass—lightweight but can shatter on impact
- Kevlar—the same material used in bullet-proof vests
- Silicon—a mixture of silicon and other materials
- Hard-plastic—lightweight but not the most protective piece of gear
The Fit and Comfort of Your Motorcycle Helmet
If you plan to take long rides—which is most of the fun of owning a motorcycle—you are definitely going to want a helmet that fits you properly and a helmet that also offers the most comfortable feel.
Nothing is worse on a long ride than a helmet that fails to offer the proper fit.
Being unable to sufficiently tighten your helmet, for example, could cause it to bob up and down or even fall off as you ride, throwing off your center of balance.
For this reason, it is imperative that you inspect each element of the helmet for fit and comfort.
Do not be fooled by some manufacturer’s version of a one-size-fits-all helmet—this is just sales-speak and it doesn’t guarantee the helmet will fit properly.
When inspecting a motorcycle helmet for fit and comfort here are the areas you should focus on:
- Adjustability—how well and how easy the helmet can be adjusted.
- Chin Strap—the chin strap should be tight enough to hold the helmet in place, but not so tight it causes you discomfort.
- Cheek Pads. If you are going with a full-face helmet, try it on to see how the cheek pads feel. They should bring you comfort without pinching your face.
All of these areas and more should be checked and re-checked before buying a tactical motorcycle helmet.
Ventilation of Your Motorcycle Helmet
Sweat and fog on your visor can be frustrating and potentially dangerous issues that can ruin a motorcycle ride.
To prevent these problems from occurring, you must get a helmet that offers the proper degree of ventilation.
Different helmets have different features meant to ventilate the helmet, allowing your head to breathe by also protecting your visibility.
The type or types of ventilation you will require will depend largely on the area in which you live and ride.
For example, if you live in a highly humid or frigid area, you will want to make sure the helmet is equipped with anti-fog features.
Without those features, you may lose visibility when you need it most.
Good ventilation can also help block sweat buildup that can lead to discomfort.
Be sure to read plenty of reviews before buying a tactical motorcycle helmet and select the one with the best/most effective ventilation features.
The Visor on Your Motorcycle Helmet
A visor is perhaps the second most important feature of a motorcycle helmet, second only to that helmet’s overall safety.
First, be sure to look for a visor that is adjustable.
An adjustable visor will allow you to feel the wind in your face when you so desire, and allow you to close the visor when the weather is cold or there are lots of flying insects in the area.
A good visor can protect you from fog, protect your eyes from flying rocks and debris, and provide you with a much more comfortable ride.
When checking out your new helmet’s visor, here are just a few factors to look for:
- Width. Be sure the visor is wide enough to offer you full face protection when you need it most.
- UV Protection. UV protection will prevent the glare of the sun and protect your eyes from UV radiation.
- Anti-fog. Anti-fog technology is a must on a helmet, especially on cold days and in humid climates.
- Material. Visors can be made from plastic and plastic composites as well as glass. Glass is heavier and potentially more dangerous should you get into an accident, but it is also easier to clean than plastic.
The Style or Design of Your Motorcycle Helmet
Finally, the style or design of your motorcycle helmet is truly a matter of preference, assuming it addresses the other four major factors on our list.
From small beanie-cap helmets to full-face helmets painted to resemble a dragon, the choice is really up to you.
Before you purchase a helmet to suit your own personal style, you may want to think of factors such as color, the bulkiness (or lack thereof) of the helmet, the visor style, and the overall width of the helmet.
You should also think of its aerodynamic qualities, as long as those don’t interfere with or compromise the helmet’s overall safety rating.