This review contains the best full-face motorcycle helmets for 2021 that provide good protection, features, comfort and styling. The helmets in this list were selected from the 38 best full-face motorcycle helmets for 2020. Provided are local retailer links for the US and Canadian buyers but also for those in the UK and Europe.
Overview
In this review article, we look at the 8 best full-face motorcycle helmets that are available for 2021. We’ll go over each one in more detail and then I’ll give you my opinion or short version of the review.
These are the best full-face motorcycle helmets for 2021:
- AGV Pista GP R
- AGV Pista GP RR
- Bell Racestar Flex DLX
- Bell Star MIPS DLX
- HJC RPHA 70 ST
- Scorpion EXO-T510
- Shoei RF-1200
- Shoei X-14
Rating index
Two Motion ratings are assigned according to this index.
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great |
| ⭐⭐⭐ | Alright |
| ⭐⭐ | Bad |
| ⭐ | Very bad |
The best full-face motorcycle helmets for 2021
AGV Pista GP R
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 4x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- No speaker cutouts
- Pinlock lens
- Carbon Fibre shell
- ECE 2205 & DOT certified
- Limited graphic styles still available
- Hydration system
Sizes (4x shells): [XS, S]¹ [MS]² [ML, L]³ [XL, XXL]⁴
Weight (medium): 3.31 lbs / 1.50 kg
The details…
While the new AGV Pista GP RR is one of the most desirable racing helmets on the market, the older AGV Pista GP R is being sold at discounted prices which makes it a great value-for-money buy.
The AGV Pista GP R is specifically made for racing and features a hydration system that connects to a hydration pack in the hump of a race suit or a water pouch in a backpack.
One of the great features about this helmet is the large vents that contribute to a huge amount of airflow (5x front and 2x rear). Though, these vents are only closable by inserting rubber plugs that are provided with the helmet.
This helmet also features a class 1 optic visor (with pinlock) that can easily be removed by using a compact built-in mechanism. Provided with the visor is a tear-off kit.
Price range:
- $900 to $1,000 (closeout prices)
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The AGV Pista GP R is meant for the tracks where it works perfectly but if you need something only for the streets, this isn’t the right one” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Awesome discounts on a outgoing helmet
- Perfect for track riding
- Rear spoiler reduces headshake at high speeds
Dislikes
- Shield has only three positions; closed, city and open
- No speaker cutouts
AGV Pista GP RR
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 4x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- No speaker cutouts
- Pinlock lens
- Carbon Fibre shell
- ECE 2205, DOT & FIM certified
- 11x graphic styles
- Hydration system
Sizes (4x shells): [XS, S]¹ [MS]² [ML, L]³ [XL, XXL]⁴
Weight (medium): 3.31 lbs / 1.50 kg
The details…
Overall, there has only been a few changes between the AGV Pista GP RR and the AGV Pista GP R that you could notice:
- New FIM safety rating
- New comfort liner that is highly adjustable
- New rear spoiler
Other than these differences, not much has changed. So, if you’re not riding in any FIM races where you need this standard or have difficulties with fitment, I would rather buy the previous version at the discounted price if it is still available.
You will still get all the accessories that came with the AGV Pista GP R like the hydration system, pinlock lens and tear-offs.
Price range:
- $1,400 to $1,700
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The AGV Pista GP RR is one of the best helmets you could buy for the track but you should only consider this helmet if you are going to race with it” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Unique aggressive styling
- Excellent for tracks
- Comfort liner is highly adjustable
Dislikes
- Very expensive
- No speaker cutouts
Bell Racestar Flex DLX
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 5x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- Speaker cutouts
- Pinlock clear, smoke & dark shield (excluding the US)
- Photochromic shield included (only in the US)
- Carbon Fibre shell
- Snell M2015 & DOT certified
- 7x graphic styles
- Design & buy graphics
Sizes (5x shells): [XS, S]¹ [M]² [L]³ [XL]⁴ [XXL]⁵
Weight (medium): 3.57 lbs / 1.62 kg
The details…
The Bell Racestar Flex DLX has good aggressive styling and can be used on the race track as it is Snell M2015 & DOT certified.
For US residents, the Bell Racestar Flex DLX comes with a photochromic shield (Panovision ProTint™) but does not include a pinlock shield.
For the rest of the world, the Bell Racestar Flex DLX comes with a Pinlock shield but not the Panovision ProTint™ shield.
This helmet also features magnetic cheekpads that can be removed and reinstalled easily when cleaning the helmet.
It also features three different protective layers namely; the EPS, the EPP and the EPO. Each layer is designed to protect the rider from different types of impacts.
Price range:
- $700 to $900
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Bell Racestar Flex DLX is extremely user-friendly and currently one of the best looking helmets for an aggressive riding position” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Photochromic shield (only in the US)
- Very user friendly
- Aggressive styling
Dislikes
- Shield handle might cause it to open in a crash
- Top venting might not be sufficient
Bell Star MIPS DLX
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 6x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- Speaker cutouts
- Pinlock clear, smoke & dark shield (excluding the US)
- Photochromic shield included (only in the US)
- Mixed composite shell (Trimatrix)
- Snell M2015 & DOT certified
- 7x graphic styles
Sizes (6x shells): [XS]¹ [S]² [M]³ [L]⁴ [XL]⁵ [XXL]⁶
Weight (medium): 4.07 lbs / 1.85 kg
The details…
The Bell Star MIPS DLX looks almost exactly like the more premium Bell Racestar Flex DLX but there are a few differences that you should be aware of:
- It uses a mixed composite shell instead of a carbon fibre shell.
- It is 0.5 lbs / 0.23 kg heavier.
- It is around $200 cheaper.
- The extra-small and small fit have their own shell size.
- Uses MIPS instead of Flex inner protective layers.
Most of the other features are the same or very similar. It is also Snell M2015 & DOT certified so you could take it to the track if they don’t require ECE certification.
Price range:
- $500 to $600
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Bell Star MIPS DLX is an aggressive good looking helmet and makes a good the entry-level helmet for the very serious riders” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Great value for money
- Good for tracks and everyday use
- Photochromic shield (only in the US)
- Very user friendly
- Aggressive styling
Dislikes
- Shield handle might cause it to open in a crash
- Top venting might not be sufficient
HJC RPHA 70 ST
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 3x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- Speaker cutouts
- Pinlock shield
- Internal sun visor
- Mixed composite shell
- ECE 2205 & DOT certified
- 4x solid colours
- 12x graphic styles
- Emergency removable cheek pads
Sizes (3x shells): [XS, S]¹ [M, L]² [XL, XXL]³
Weight (medium): 3.40 lbs / 1.54 kg
The details…
The HJC RPHA 70 ST (known as the HJC RPHA 70 in Europe) features an internal sun visor, pinlock shield and emergency removable cheek pads.
This helmet is comfortable has a semi-aggressive styling and its features function without problems. At the price that you are paying for this helmet, you are getting a lot of features, great quality and ECE 2205 & DOT certification.
Some other features include speaker cutouts, provision in the EPS for glasses and overall good ventilation.
Price range:
- $400 to $500
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The HJC RPHA 70 ST is a great sports-touring helmet by all standards which also includes the price on it” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Great value for money
- Good for touring and everyday use
Dislikes
- Can’t complain…
Scorpion EXO-T510
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 3x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- Speaker cutouts
- Polycarbonate shell
- DOT certified
- 2x solid colours
- 3x graphic styles
- Emergency removable cheek pads
- Cheek pad inflation system
Sizes (3x shells): [XS, S]¹ [M, L]² [XL, XXL]³
Weight (medium): 3.53 lbs / 1.60 kg
The details…
The Scorpion EXO-T510 (known as the Scorpion EXO 510 Air in Europe) is a great helmet for new riders and an exceptional helmet for intermediate riders and touring riders.
This helmet has the most basic features and some that you would find on more premium helmets. Some of its features include an internal sun visor, speaker cutouts, Emergency removable cheek pads and a cheek pad inflation system.
Price range:
- $200 to $300
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Scorpion EXO-T510 has a good exterior shape and all the necessary features while being affordable but you will regret not buying it” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Very affordable
- Great value for money
- Good for touring and everyday use
Dislikes
- Only DOT certified
Shoei RF-1200
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 4x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- Speaker cutouts
- Pinlock shield
- Layered fibre shell (AIM)
- Snell M2015 & DOT certified
- 10x solid colours
- 19x graphic styles
Sizes (4x shells): [XS, S]¹ [M]² [L]³ [XL, XXL]⁴
Weight (medium): 3.50 lbs / 1.59 kg
The details…
The Shoei RF-1200 (known as the Shoei NXR) is a basic premium helmet that is made with excellent quality.
This helmet doesn’t come with a long list of fancy features but the features that it does have work perfectly and will generally last longer. It’s simple, solid and doesn’t have too many things that you can fiddle with and break.
You can consider this helmet if you are a new, intermediate or advanced rider.
Price range:
- $400 to $600
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Shoei RF-1200 is an excellent helmet for the everyday rider and you should consider it if you need something that will last a long time” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Great all-rounder
- Good for track days and everyday use
- Great graphic options
Dislikes
- Photochromic shield has to be ordered seperatly
Shoei X-14
Features
- Intermediate oval shape
- 4x shell sizes
- DD-ring strap
- Speaker cutouts
- Pinlock shield
- Layered fibre shell (AIM+)
- Snell M2015 & DOT certified
- 3x solid colours
- 11x graphic styles
Sizes (4x shells): [XS, S]¹ [M]² [L]³ [XL, XXL]⁴
Weight (medium): 3.62 lbs / 1.64 kg
The details…
The Shoei X-14 (known as the Shoei X-Spirit III in Europe) has the most basic features that are quality made. An additional feature is its ability to rotate the internal comforter and cheek pads by 4° and also to completely adjust the fit around the top of the rider’s head.
Another feature that many other sport racing helmets also have are rear spoilers that help lessen drag and reduce headshake at high speeds. You are also able to purchase an fit a CWR-1 photochromic shield that will also fit the Shoei RF-1200.
Price range:
- $700 to $900
My opinion…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Shoei X-14 is a great highly customisable helmet for race track riders or the fast sport riders and it’s also my own personal favourite helmet to ride with” ~ Two Motion™
Likes
- Highly customisable fit
- Good for track days and everyday use
Dislikes
- Photochromic shield has to be ordered seperatly
Final words
I compiled this list by first selecting the 100 best rated full-face motorcycle helmets out of over 500 helmets on the market, and then compiling, from that list, a shorter list of only 38 full-face helmets that I would consider myself. Ultimately, this is a list of the top 8 from those 38 helmets which I recommend for 2021.
Featured image by patrick.z800 on Instagram.
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