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2012’s Top Street Helmets

A roundup of the best street helmets for 2012. We cover over a dozen brands, with offerings ranging from wallet-friendly to top-of-the-line splurges.

Looking for the perfect fit? Check out our 5-Step Helmet Fitment Guide!

FX-95 Street Helmet
AFX

The FX-95 is a perfect example of AFX’s commitment to quality and safety at an economical price, the company says. With its aerodynamic shell design and advanced poly alloy plastic construction, it’s the ultimate combination of streamline performance and lightweight strength. And the quality continues inside the helmet, where the FX-95 features hypoallergenic, antimicrobial nylon liner and cheek pads that are both removable and washable, and ear cavities large enough for a wide-variety of today’s modern communications speakers. It also boasts additional features like a flush-fit, optically correct face shield that’s UV- and scratch-resistant, an eight-point ventilation system, and a cam buckle-style quick-release retention system.

Retail Price: $104.95-$114.95


Signet-Q

Arai Helmets

The hallmark of Arai’s new Signet-Q model is its shape: an elongated interior shape specifically designed for riders with longer-shaped heads that can produce those red forehead marks, or "hot spots," from ill-fitting, rounder-shaped helmets. The Signet-Q, which replaces the Profile model, is 5 mm longer than the somewhat rounder-shaped RX-Q model. Introducing a new model whose major feature is its interior shape comes from Arai’s long-held credo that head shape is as important as head size in getting the "perfect" fit. The lid also features a patent-pending Facial Contour Support cheek pad design that uses an exclusive spring support to add a soft, easy “pressure” around the ears to enhance noise reduction and cradle the head from below.

Retail Price: $609.95 to $739.95



K4 Evo


AGV

The K4 Evo from AGV is thoughtfully designed to be durable, comfortable and easy to clean. It features Dry-Lex fabric with hygienic treatment, and its inside padding is removable and washable. A micro-metric adjustment buckle keeps the helmet snugly in place, while its Extra Quick Release System shield system allows for replacement without tools in seconds. The shell is painted with a high-resistant thermoplastic resin for durability. The ventilation system has air intakes and rear extractors for airflow and comfort, while the clear visor has anti-scratch and anti-fog protection for maximum visibility.

Retail Price: $219.95



Raider Full Face Street Helmet


BCS International

Your customers can ride in style with the Raider Full Face Street Helmet. Its features include:
• Clear coated graphics
• Lightweight thermoplastic shell
• DOT approved
• Adjustable vents
• Fully removable liner
• Single lens shield
• Available in five colors: black, red, blue, pink and silver)
• Sizes Small-2XL (pink, S-XL)

Retail Price: $99.99


Revolver Evo
Bell Helmets

The R&D team at Bell has turned the Revolver helmet into a class-leading modular with improved features like a redesigned eyeport seal to reduce wind noise, new chin curtain to keep cold air out and an improved flip-down sun shade. Bell says the Revolver EVO has truly taken Bell modular helmets to the next level in rider comfort and performance. It also sports a lightweight composite polycarbonate alloy shell, integrated speaker pockets, contour cut cheek pads, a removable and washable interior and an internal sun shade. A Magnefusion magnetic strap keeper, ClickRelease shields and a NutraFogII anti-fog, anti-scratch UV-protected shield round things out.

Retail Price: $199.95-$219.95 (depending on graphics)



FF384 Asphalt


LS2

This new full face helmet boasts a stylish HPTT composite shell;  an anti-scratch, clear, 3D optically correct visor; anti-odor, anti-bacterial, removable and washable liner as well as premium ventilation.

Retail Price: $99.95


Paradigm Classic Helmet

FLY Street Gear

FLY believes the perfect helmet incorporates safety, comfort, quiet and weight, and the company incorporated all those elements into the Paradigm. The helmet meets DOT and ECE 22/05, the world’s highest safety standards. On the interior, FLY uses the highest quality materials that, while soft to the touch, also offer excellent moisture wicking properties. Additionally, the interior was designed in coordination with the styro to create maximum airflow with minimum wind noise, yet still allow the wearer to hear the traffic. At around 3.5 lbs., the FLY Paradigm is a helmet that can be worn in comfort all day.

Retail Price: $199.95     


RPS-10 Ben Spies Monster Replica

HJC Helmets

This helmet from HJC is packed with features focused on rider comfort. The Max Air-flow Top Vent has glove-friendly dials on each intake vent for adjustments. An advanced Premium Integrated Matrix fiberglass shell is designed for superior fit and comfort. Optically superior Pinlock-prepared 2D Flat-Racing Shield has a one-touch open/close locking system is designed for an extremely secure seal. Advanced Channeling Ventilation System gives full front to back airflow that flushes heat and humidity up and out with low wind resistance and maximum ventilation. SilverCool Plus Interior has a premium soft feel with Ginkgo Extract, moisture-wicking and odor-free interior with advanced silver anti-bacterial fabric. Crown and cheek pads are fully removable and washable.

Retail Price: $549.99          



RKT-Prime

Joe Rocket

Premium features at a sub-premium price, the RKT-Prime represents Joe Rocket’s take-no-prisoners approach to the sub-$200 helmet market. From the wind tunnel engineered aerodynamic, SNELL M2010 approved composite shell, to the advanced RapidFire 2-stage shield system and Bioceramic Nylex moisture wicking/removable interior, this RKT is prime to take on all competitors, Joe Rocket says. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL in black, matte black, silver and yellow, along with Vector and Rampage graphics.

Retail Price: $169.99        



N-104


Nolan

The new N104 is 100 percent made in Italy and represents the sum of all the safety and comfort features that Nolan could put into a contemporary design. Sizes range from XXS to XXXL in two shell sizes to keep the weight and volume proportionate to the size of the rider. The lightweight and aerodynamic Lexan polycarbonate shell features a built-in spoiler for improved stability. This helmet is packed with tons of  features to keep riders ultra-comfortable and safe.

Retail Price: solids, $449.95; graphics, $499.95


Sidewinder PSI Helmet

Nitro Helmets USA

PSI stands for Pressure Secured Interior, Nitro’s air pressure-assisted helmet fitting technology that allows riders to custom-fit their helmets for added comfort and security. The outside features a custom-designed aerodynamic multi-poly tech constructed shell. To keep things cool, there’s adjustable ventilation at the chin, a full adjust visor with face ventilation, a dual air filtration system at the brow and dual rear exhaust vents for heat dissipation. The 3D visor has an anti-scratch coating, and the Dual Visor System is integral to the shell for safe riding in all light conditions. For fit and comfort, the removable, washable liner system has anatomic and luxury fitted cheek pads. A removable nose guard/breath deflector and micrometric buckle round out the features.

Retail Price: $609.95 to $739.95


Diablo Full Face
NEXX USA

The XR1.R Diablo Full Face helmet has a sleek, fashionable design based on the XR1.R Carbon helmet weighing in at 1,250 grams.  The Diablo’s patent-pending Thermal Isolation System and Noise Isolation Systems keeps the interior at mild temperatures all year long and keeps the noise level to a minimum. The Diablo is wrapped with optic leather to promote strength and layered by NEXXpro’s patent-pending sound-absorbing foam and secured by carbon fiber layers. It’s buttoned up with a triple-density EPS liner for ultimate cranial protection and CoolMAX liners. Plus, it’s ECE/22-05, DOT and NBR-7471:2001 certified.


S2
Schuberth

The S2 is Schuberth’s latest premium offering: a light, quiet, full-face helmet. It can be upgraded with the Schuberth Rider Communication System (SRCS), an easy-to-install, fully integrated Bluetooth system. The S2 is the successor to the ultra-quiet S1 and still features a low 85-dba noise rating and patented Anti Roll Off System. Developed and tested in Schuberth’s own acoustic wind tunnel, the S2 is significantly lighter and more aerodynamic with reduced drag and lift. The integrated sun visor has also been upgraded with a higher-quality material and new contour to provide more coverage.

Retail Price: $699


X-Twelve B-Boz TC-6
Shoei Helmets

The demands that a world-class racer puts on his or her equipment may be second to none, but that hasn’t stopped SHOEI from producing a pure racing helmet that can also meet the needs of today’s performance-driven enthusiasts. Born from racing, the X-Twelve combines integral feedback from professional racers around the globe with SHOEI’s 50 years of helmet building experience, the very latest in technology and the most advanced materials known to man. Track certified by the fastest riders on the planet, the X-Twelve’s innovative features unite to form the most progressive racing helmet on the market. The all-new B-Boz TC-6, as ridden by Jordan Motorsports roadracer Ben Bostrom, is an exciting new addition to the X-Twelve lineup, SHOEI says.

Retail Price: $839.49


GEO

Vemar Helmets

This sleek offering from Vemar is lightweight yet incredibly sturdy thanks to its carbon fiber-aramidic-fiberglass blend. It meets EC and DOT standards. The GEO features a double density high impact inner EPS shell, padded chin strap with double D-ring closure system for maximum safety and a removable and washable chin curtain. The Geo features a more round shell shape that offers a more generous fit from front to back and ear to ear. An anti-fog, non-scratch, 2.2 mm thick clear shield is smoothly operated and easily changed. The interior retractable shield has a 50 percent tint that can be moved into position at the rider’s discretion via an easy to access lever on the exterior left side of the helmet.

Retail Price: $275



EXO-1100

Scorpion

Starting with the exclusive TCT (Thermodynamical Composite Technology) shell construction process and a revised EPS liner, the EXO-1100 is entirely new, inside and out. The shell gradually crumples on impact, allowing it to absorb much of the energy generated by the shock, while still retaining the majority of its structural integrity. TCT construction also means a lightweight fiberglass/Kevlar/poly-resin blend of fibers. The helmet also boasts EverClear no-fog shields and exclusive SpeedView integrated retractable sun visor. It also benefits from the AirFit helmet inflation system that enables the rider to inflate the cheek pads, providing a fine-tuned fit. It’s ECE 22.05 certified and meets or exceeds DOT standards.

Retail Price: solids, $289.95; most graphics, $299.95


Insight

Vega Helmet

Vega Helmet introduces Insight, the latest addition to its full face helmet line-up designed for sophisticated functionality, superior comfort and safety. The fully loaded Insight features a removable/replaceable smoke-tinted interior drop-down visor, as well as a six-position optically correct and scratch-resistant outer shield. Rider comfort is ensured with ample venting at chin, forehead, cheek and rear for maximum airflow and with a removable/washable Comfort Fit liner made of super-absorbent Wick-Dri fabric. The Insight is available with the sharp Razor graphic and comes in a variety of color options.  Two specialty advanced thermoplastic shells serve a complete size range from XS-2XL. Meets ECE 22.05 and DOT FMVSS 218 standards.  

Retail Price: $120


Z936 Coyote
Zoan Helmets

This slick number from Zoan is ECE-approved in sizes up to 2XL and DOT-approved for all sizes. Its injected thermoplastic alloy shell has three EPS interiors and laterals: sizes XS-M, L-XXL and 3XL-4XL. For added versatility, snow D/L and E/L shields are also available. Inside, a removable and breathable anti-allergic washable interior keeps things fresh. A scratch-resistant optical GE LEXAN visor ensures clear vision, while a double DD-ring chinstrap keeps things snugly in place.  For ventilation, a front intake chin vent, two top intake vents and two rear exhaust vents keep air moving. Also includes a breath guard, chin curtain and fabric carrying bag.

Retail Price: $109.95


Primo R Knight

Zox Helmets

Available in sizes XS-2XL and offered in red/black, silver/black and blue/black, this high-tech, lightweight helmet is made out of the latest injected thermoplastic resins, molded in two shell sizes and offered in three EPS sizes. This wallet-friendly offering has a high-integrity chin bar for added security and intergraded ducts and rear extractors, creating excellent air flow. The removable, washable interior is made with bacteriophobic and hydrostatic treated padding for that sense of extra comfort. The helmet is secured by a Double-D ring chin strap mechanism and an external high safety anti-scratch visor equipped with a quick-release visor fastening system. It meets and exceeds DOT, AMA, RACE, CMRC and other professional racing standards.

Retail Price: $99.99

 

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