Best Cheap Motorcycle Helmets of 2023

Apologies folks - the HJC C10 is ECE 2206 approved in most of the world but NOT North America. I should have made this abundantly clear. There are actual material differences in the helmets beyond the DOT sticker. ~RF9

Every single one of these Helmet videos is like a thesis on helmets condensed to less than 10 minutes and is actually enjoyable to watch. Incredible.

Despite having no plans to get a motorcycle, I continue to love watching these videos.

the biggest difference ive noticed between cheap helmets and expensive ones is the expensive ones are usually lighter, quieter, and have better ventilation. Imagine how much different the market would be if they also did noise reduction on helmets for safety ratings.

As a previous AGV K1 owner, I can say with confidence that it saved my life when I got T-boned by an inattentive road user 6 months ago. The rest of my body was mangled-ish (shattered scapula and compound wrist fracture both requiring surgery) but the only injury to my head was a slight fracture to my left eye socket (which I attribute to having my head slam on tarmac). Would another helmet have done a similar job? probably but since I've actually gone and "tested" its capabilities for myself, I 100% plan to stick with AGV when I get back into riding in the future.

(Jus in case anyone might have wondered, I was fully discharged from my hospital a couple of days ago and have pretty much fully recovered save for a few range of movement issues that will sort itself out with some physio. Ride safe people <3 )

That HJC C10 is not ECE rated at all in the North American market. I called HJC and they confirmed that the USDM version of the helmet uses a completely different EPS liner in it than the Euro version. As such the helmet is only DOT rated, and therefore not nearly as safe as this video suggests. Buyer beware

Had a big highside while wearing my AGV K1S and had no head injury at all after falling from 9ft in the air. Got another one as soon as I was able to ride again

As usual, Ryan is on point with everything he says about motorcycling. He's the Oracle of Motorcycle YouTube !

I bought an HJC C10 last month. Fully aware of it's budgetiness, I'm now much happier with my purchase. Thanks!

Timestamps
0:13 HJC C10
0:54 Safety
4:08 AGV K1S
5:42 Sunglasses that fit Helmets
6:06 EXO AT-960
7:40 Summary

Excellent video. Worth remembering that a £100 helmet that fits will usually be safer than a £1k one that doesn't, so head/shell shape is important too.

just a heads up for those considering: the AGV helmet listed in description is currently $180, NOT $300. and the HJC is going for $130. a lot closer pricing that warrants comparison unless you're going for the ultra budget approach

I love gear review, thanks for bringing them back.

God I wish there were gear reviews this good for any sport I actually participate in. Never owned a bike but also never miss a f9 video just for the production value.

I was on the Scorpion website and they had their old 22.05 helmets labelled as 22.06 compliant... I pointed this out to them only after having bought an exo-gt930... and then I went on a mild rampage emailing various suppliers of helmets stating the language on their pages was false and incorrect and should be changed... I am sure I am beloved by customer service reps everywhere now.

Edit: the 22.06 was only on the Scorpion website... there were a bunch of other incorrect info about the gt930 on the various things that either did not exist on the helmet (emergency pull-tabs, inflation system ect...), I was mad.

Hey Ryan, I work in helmet testing and must add some Information here:
Eventhough the BrIC is introduced to the ECE 22.06, it is only relevant for the rotational testing of the helmets. For this test only BrIC and the rotational acceleration peak are limited. For all other impacts of the helmets still the HIC and the linear acceleration peak are the only relevant limits.

Thank you so much for going back to reviewing gear, especially budget ones.

I got the at950 and love it, but have had my eye on a snowmobile helmet as it comes with a dual pane visor stock, even a heated option. I live in San Francisco and ride in rain all the time and the 950 pumps water onto the visor. I’m looking at the 509 R4, about $200

Always, ALWAYS the best motorcycle & related content on the Interwebs...period.
Thanks, Ryan F9

I truly love these kinds of breakdowns on materials. I would love to see an update of some of the older review series where Ryan reviews best equipment based on use type (i.e. cruiser, business casual, off road, etc)

I can't find much of the equipment mentioned in the old reviews, and I would love to hear what's the best of what's available.