Affordable Motorcycle Helmet Shootout! (Bell, Scorpion, Shoei, and Speed and Strength)

[@yammienoob]

Get 10% off on our Scorpion helmets @ yammienoob.co become a member. Join our Discord server to stay up to date.

[@nightwolf_truckfein1066]

I'm getting an 03 katana and needed gear. I was gonna buy from you but I couldn't filter by price like RevZilla. Your selection isn't that great either. Sad cause I spent $723 with tax. I probably still wouldn't have won though

[@adamritchey4209]

I had a Scorpion EXO T520. Saved my life a couple months ago. When I get another bike, I'll be getting the same thing. Loved it. Super comfortable, great air flow, and the Scorpion sound system that comes with it is great.

[@chon4k]

Can't forget to throw the AGV K1-S in here. $219 for ECE 22.06, GP styling, huge visibility, and lots of airflow is exceedingly great value for money.

[@Alex-ju6hv]

Just got mine, it’s a perfect helmet for the price (and REALLY good looking in my opinion)

[@DrewFoell]

Yep. Love AGV, and I got that helmet this summer, too.

[@joseacuna3239]

The issue with the K1-s is the shell sizes.

[@chon4k]

@joseacuna3239 thats true i suppose. Ideal sizes for the shells are Medium and XXL. If youre any other size the helmet does start to look bobblehead.

[@ist3al]

​@@Alex-ju6hvhey man, how is the quietness on it? Looking to get my first helmet and was looking at this one.

[@GearHeadGeeks]

I think these types of reviews are extremely helpful to beginning riders, or returning riders. It is hard for them to get good info aside from the sales pitch. Of course you can't include all the inexpensive helmets, but 4 is a pretty good selection. And no hype, no mfg sales pitch, just testing is great.

[@starseeddeluxe]

This was a great review. Although I think we should all stop praising $900 helmets. We need to stop encouraging people to buy a piece of plastic for $900. This is price gouging to the highest degree. You can get a commercial grade Stihl chainsaw for less!

[@billyjohnsen4544]

I'd personally like to also throw the Scorpion Exo Covert FX in the mix. ECE 22.06 and SNELL rated, tinted and clear visor, electronics space, amazing ventilation without being obtrusive, super comfortable to wear for even 6+ hours without removing it, glasses channels built into the pads (absolutely amazing for some of us blind folks out here), and comes in at $250. There's a few things about it that are kind of funky, but nothing critical or incredibly distracting even when you're riding at *insert legal and safe speeds here*.

[@kings656565]

Been wearing Arai for years. Just had my most serious accident on the road in 35 years which included a brain injury in the list. Please never skimp or make do where your head is concerned. Wrote off my fairly new RX7 and have replaced it with another Not being able to taste or smell isn’t as much fun as you think. . Stay safe.

[@EvanHerman]

Just started riding. Very happy with my Bell Qualifier DLX. Super comfy. Thanks for doing this comparison.

[@TheLGPExperience]

A local dealer had this helmet for under $200. Only thing I think was wrong was one of the mouth vents doesn't work and a livery on it. It's been a great first helmet.

[@chriswilliams210]

Beginner Rider Here and Just got The Bell after Seeing This Review... .. 1/1/2024 Happy New Year's 🎉

[@TheGreatChrisB]

I wear a Shoei RF-SR and I highly recommend it. I have a 2 hour commute to and from work on the freeway on a Husqvarna 701 Enduro. I also have transitions lens on it. I would imagine I have the worst commute of anyone and the helmet is comfortable, and has great airflow across the whole ride.

[@suzanne-naomi]

Is there a lot of wind noise? Thanks

[@TheGreatChrisB]

@@suzanne-naomi Somewhat, but not as bad as some helmets. I ride on the freeway a lot where wind noise is loud no matter what, but I can ride without earplugs for long stints with this helmet. City riding or light highway use wind noise is non-existent

[@supernova3586]

I just started riding in July '23 and for my first helmet I bought the Scorpion R420. It's been great so far. It was recommended to me for the same reasons you listed.

[@wiwwee1]

You can get deals on line and get the Shoei NXR 2 for the same price as that Shoei on your test. I have 6 helmets at the moment and the Shoei NXR 2 is my favorite and better than more expensive helmets.

[@elanturcios241]

I bought the shoei RF-SR as my first helmet and I’m over the moon with it and it came with a penlock now I have the dark smoke visor with penlock😊

[@benchaggaresmusic]

AGV K1-S is the one I'll always choose for a cheap, safe, good looking helmet

[@Mike_Jones68]

How does it deal with noise? I have a k6 and I really like it, but was looking to pick up another soon. AGV always a go to for sure

[@davidgearardo1788]

just bought a Shoei fr-sr was going to get the 1400, but the sr fit soo much better. Had a Bell and loved it , Had a Bilt it was ok got funky quick, I used to only buy Shoei in the 90’s so I gave it another shot.

[@nyejo]

Would love to see a new helmet tier list. I believe its been about two years since the last one and I know there are a lot of new helmets out there

[@kevingreer9686]

New rider here. I bought the bell for $215 around black Friday! I love the protint lens and the cheek pads can be switched out! Good review

[@DoctorKamino]

I spent $0 on no helmet! I love how there's not a heavy piece of crap on my head while riding!

[@unomacabre]

I own the Scorpion EXO-R420 in all black with a silver mirrored visor, it fits amazingly for me (Intermediate Oval) and it looks sooo badass.

[@starseeddeluxe]

I've bought 2 Scorpion helmets. The 420 and the 1400. The build quality on both is better than almost any helmet I've tried. And the 1400 is probably the best helmet on the market, at any price point. The 1400 looks like a $1200 helmet. All the other helmets from premium brands have weird visor latch mechanisms that don't even snap closed properly. Scorpion and Sedici and a couple others, they have a center latch mechanism on the visor which keeps it fully seated.

[@RVIU11]

Sorry. As a german wearing a helmet with SS on it is a tad bit problematic.

[@zayn659]

Why

[@gregl.6243]

So, in Austin TX - in the summer, I can't believe that ventilation wasn't a rating item. Plus they're all black. That had to be fun.

[@michaelhands3205]

To start I also suffer from round head syndrome. This eliminates approximately 95% of available options. For a full face helmet I wear the AGV K3, and my modular is a Bilt Power Boost. Both are DOT and ECE 2205 rated and fit very well. Great for the high mileage multi day trips.

[@ismaelramos8687]

Something very important is if they can be used with glasses! I use glasses and in my case the only ones that I can use are Shoei and Arai. 👍

[@shauns5278]

Scorpion has Very good glasses fitment as long as you don't get a model with the internal drop-down visor. Very comparable to Shoei. Shoei I found more snug on fitment so possibly a little more secure but in actual use I found my glasses comparably locked in on my face.

[@petespahr3757]

The Scorpion fits my glasses perfect. I forget I’m wearing them when taking the helmet off because it’s like the glasses are built in to the helmet.

[@Win7ermu7e]

Haha you put Shoei and affordable in the same sentence. Good one.

[@Deeroc25]

I’ve always wanted a Bell helmet just because I think the logo is cool

[@TheNdr94]

I bought a scorpion exo st1400 and have no complaints. It right under the shoei as far as price but it fits me perfect in a medium.

[@joseacuna3239]

I have read reviews on the Shoei helmets and people say the padding wears out faster than any other brand. I feel the Scorpion is the best overall

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

It does not matter what rating it is given. I watched videos on this a full face helmet is just a better choice. The rattings are often just a minimal standard. I bought a $139.00 helmet made in Germany both US DOT, 22.06 ECE rated has mips well ventilated, good padding, NCF tech in quick release latch buckle for medical info, carbon fiber components at visor release points. So comfortable I bought a second as a back up.

[@joejirschele6052]

What's the helmet model?

[@btherealbb]

I’m basing the comment on the title. This, this I like! I say you do all gear this way. Hmmm, maybe even bikes, just thinking out loud!😂

[@camacdav000]

Perfect timing to release this video I will be buying a new helmet this weekend!

[@shauns5278]

Definitely recommend the Scorpion R420 or the new AGV K1 S they can't be beat for their prices! Just make sure it's a K1 S not the older K1! Massive difference.

[@camacdav000]

@@shauns5278 perfect thanks man

[@tequilasunrise9667]

That Scorpion looks lit 🔥🪔

[@daniellemack5648]

I'm actually surprised that you didn't include the HJC C10. Everyone seems to love it, it has all the certifications, it's only $130 on Amazon... I get it's an older model, but from what I have heard it's a GREAT helmet and the one that I decided to go with.

[@gavindrewry8652]

Leaving the Sedici Strada II off this list feels like a disservice to beginner riders

[@Honezjr]

It’s a Revzilla brand and not available at retailers aside from CycleGear. That could be part of the reason.

[@OCVariation]

no emergency pull tabs id leave it off as well

[@fairplayer916]

​@@OCVariationno emt ever uses those. They are all trained to take em off the normal way. Also, if you still feel it's a deal breaker, the new Strada 3 does have them.

[@RotaryRich7]

I'm very pleased with how well you rated the bell qualifier dlx helmet and it makes me happy to know I made a good choice in my first helmet

[@davapod]

I must admit I have only bought Shoei or Arai for the last 25 years or so, and my head seems to favour Shoei more often than not. I use the Shoei rf-sr currently and love it, though I always use ear plugs as I am yet to use a helmet that doesn't require them at sustained higher speeds.

[@panaroman8346]

HJC i10 Helmet is another excellent option for the price. Snell rated. Kinda resembles the Shoei.

[@jordanhart9708]

As much as I enjoy doing as much research as I can... Fit and comfort is such a subjective thing... I kinda feel like helmets is one of those things that should be bought where you can try a bunch of options on, find what fits you best.

[@posterlion]

1975 Bell Star was my first full face helmet. 🙂

[@JoeBManco]

It sounds like the Bell would be a good next helmet for me. I like the photochromatic shield. I just wish it came in white.

[@shauns5278]

Just checked ChromeBurners if you don't care for Carbon and don't mind the slight weight increase the plain white is only $326.

[@caseyddr]

My shoei rf-sr translates my need to identify as a hipster perfectly. Glad I bought it as my first helmet.

[@shauns5278]

Nah man if you want full hipster you gotta get a Bitwell, Bell Bullitt, or AGV X3000! 😆 Amazing first helmet though definitely worth the cash you paid!

[@yungmugel]

Got a matte black shoei as my first helmet and saw a Texas livery slot pion at my local cycle gear and both are great

[@vitalik21706]

I have the scorpion it’s hands down bang for the buck good ass helmets it’s comfy and a good looking helmet

[@eriklambert3809]

The last ones I loved was a Suomy and a Shark. Nothing since has truly been as good for me. My Shoei is close, but vents aren't as good.

[@danielcbrecht]

This is wonderful! I'm a round head as well. I've been looking at eye watering prices. Please have Brandon review a higher price point set of helmets please!

[@ckidphotography1318]

I started with the 420 and loved it!! Now I have the r1 air and love it even more

[@everettstormy]

I got a bell qualifier, love that helmet. If your looking at them, get it

[@ogdanco5638]

Thank u

[@FranknBerry05]

Starting June 1st I want to be a member and help contribute to this channel you guys are cool and I love all the give aways shows how much character and appreciation yah have to us viewers as well! Means a lot! Besides I need gloves and some gear 😅

[@gregates4351]

I've wrecked out in a scorpion RX420. And I can tell you that they work.🙏❤️

[@louie5237]

Daaaaamn, no fun fact at the end. You’re Slippin Yamster

[@andydragon69]

The only thing I wanted to see added would be how eye glasses fit with the helmet...both putting them on and how they affect wearing glasses for a longer ride.

[@nathanminer1100]

Also find number of shell sizes important. Size L in Scorpion 420 (which is same shell for L-3XL) felt like a bobblehead. In comparison, Qualifer comes in 3 different shell sizes.

[@BasiliskVampire]

Nice 🎉 my modular scorpio helmet just got delivered from Amazon 😏

[@Drobium77]

Always loved Shoe helmets, for the past 30 years. to me they tend to be the least noisy and most comfy, but not as stupidly expensive as Arai. In the UK we pronounce Shoei as "shoo-ee" and Arai as "a ray". I must have heard a thousands different pronunciations of the two brands over the past 30 years 😁

[@LeGrandPleb]

Being that they're both Japanese brands and names, there's only one way they're supposed to be pronounced. Arai is Ah-rye. The diphthong "ai" in asiatic languages is pronounced with an "I" sound, whereas the diphthong "ei" (as seen in Shoei, or more well know, "sensei") is pronounced with an "A" sound. It's the opposite with Germanic languages. I will say Shoei is an odd one as the two syllables can be broken up as "show-e" (making the "e" silent and relying on the "I" at the end to achieve the "E" sound) or "show-ay" (pronouncing the diphthong "ei" at the end).

[@carolbaez5891]

​@@LeGrandPlebYou must be fun at parties. And my wife loves your username. So which Shoei pronunciation is most probably the right one?

[@LeGrandPleb]

@@carolbaez5891 I don't go to parties. If I have the opportunity to talk about diphthongs, I'm taking it. As for the Shoei thing, I'll have to ask my friend or more specifically her mum 'cause Japanese is her first language

[@massivemikeh]

Shaw-aye. O is awe in japanese.

[@LeGrandPleb]

@@massivemikeh I don't know where you got that info, but that is not correct. If that were the case, words like Shouta would be pronounced "shaw-tah" and it's not

[@ΧρήστοςΜουσιάδης]

I think the HJC c-10 is worth mentioning....

[@MuhdFitriAbdulHakim-df2nh]

I think you guys miss out the LS2 brand especially the LS2 Storm/Assault. That helmet really is good for the price point. It got the looks,comfort,built quality and the best they included pinlock lens in the box. Hope you guys can cover the LS2 brand after this

[@lil_lazy.26]

Loved the video but I think you should have a design category

[@weltraumputze8268]

Since I made the decission to take finally the course for my license with the next season start (I was quite sure with 18 that I would kill myself if I take it and now beeing 44 years old and maybe in midlifecrysis), I can't stop watching Yammies videos. If it is about gear, beginer bikes or the It came from craigslist stuff very informative / entertaining. Appreciate it! 🙂

[@XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

It’s not my first helmet I’ve had many and been riding since the late 1970’s, but I just got myself the Bell Q Dlx w MIPs for motovlogging and love it. I’ve tried Shoei but they hurt my head.

[@stahoo8544]

I strongly recommend Shark helmets, very good looking, light and affordable as well. Just to mention as Pole, I'd never wear anything with SS brand on forehead....

[@ZeroKitsunei]

As someone who has been riding for 5 yrs now and has had just as many helmets. Just spend the money on a helmet out of the gate. I ride in a RF1400 now. If I had taken the money from all my previous helmets, I could've had a RF1400 carbon. If it's comfortable, you'll want to wear it more. Instead of being like "oh it's a short ride maybe I'll go without."

[@WallyST675]

How did you manage to drop this one as I'm browsing for a new helmet? Thanks!

[@wjstreams]

do a video on how to convert from handlebars to clip on's, cause I just ordered some and can't find any good videos on it. Preferably on a 2023 Ninja 650 lol

[@jacknight10]

I bought a Bell Qualifier DLX for more winter time ridding in San Diego county and love it I did not have money to get another Shark Evo but I like the Bell if I had to get another one I would and use it like how I am planning on using it when I can get a new Shark Evo or a helmet with the same thing.

[@Particle-001]

i have the shoei rfsr got it as my first helmet too and its a awesome ! light and not to much wind noise and the vents work really well . and its nice at high speeds . looking at getting a shoei x-15 escalate red white and green but thats $1,000 8/10 for the shoei rfsr

[@jasonbond4248]

Shoei is no brainer choice. You get what you pay for.

[@nesto9889]

Just what I needed. Thank you

[@fenrir324]

for me I will probably choose the rf-sr and buy the photochromatic shield that fit with it. my eye are over semsible to the light so a shield like that is pretty much necessary.

[@shauns5278]

If you can hold off until the fall we will be getting an influx of the new ECE 22.06 helmets with internal Sun Visors. Currently none on the US market with internal visors meet the higher standards but ECE22.06 has really forced manufacturer's hands. If you noticed all the sales this summer that's been manufacturers dumping old stock to make way for the new product lines. AGV just started rolling out theirs through their official site and Scorpion reps told me and a friend their's are coming late this fall along with their "competitors". If not the Shoei's a good lid I'm just definitely in the crew of sensitive eyes where the in-between lighting phases + chromatic lenses make me day blind. Also try the Shoei on in person if you can their liner personally causes me skin irritation it's sort of this fuzzy almost fabric car seat material. Scorpion, HJC, AGV and some other brands have more of a silky anti-microbial mesh material.

[@fenrir324]

@@shauns5278 I will buy my gear in person anyway so yes I want to check other. and chromatic lense work best for me. if the interior lense is not a part of the exterior lense,the space at the bottom is enough to blind me. isf a helmet have a lense like that and is confortable I will probably choose it instead. the chromatic lense cost a arm.

[@shauns5278]

@@fenrir324 If the models are the same you can try ordering your lens from a German site and likely pay 1/3-1/2 the normal price. Something about their import system makes bike gear incredibly cheap even compared to their neighboring countries. Probably not as much as the Shoei visor but got my silver Scorpion R1 visor for around $24 versus $65. I bundled it with my helmet and a cardo bundle so shipping was like $40-50 but I checked and the visor on its own would have been like $14 shipping.

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

I have the Shoei Hornet. It’s quiet and a good fit for a round head.

[@ReefHeater]

Yam, could you make a non-beginner helmet video? Higher budget?

[@synissilent9235]

You guys could have thrown in the Icon Airform. Really nice helmet, costs the same as the Scorpion, has speaker cavities, and pretty decent airflow. It's also one of the only Icon helmets that isn't crazy looking. It just comes in Matte Black (mine), Gloss Black, and Gloss White. No hentai tentacles to be found. It was my first helmet and I was really happy with it until I sold it with my first bike. Only gripe was the lack of a chin curtain but that's not too big of a problem.

[@karpooooff]

the downside to the Speed and Strength SS900 helmet is that chin mounts doesn't make a mount for it if you want to use your gopro

[@onerider808]

Can I just get an expensive Shoei or Arai and protect TF out of my head?

[@teagan73191]

Icon helmets are my favorite. Run about 250 and have great designs and comfort. Though in my experience have an uncomfortable break in period

[@skywalker7517]

I have a icon airframe from 2009 dot and snell rated bought it used as a second helmet, became my favorite helmet wore it almost every time for 2 years, still wear it but I developed some neck problems,I can't wear heavy Helmets anymore, I wear it some times when my neck feels good, but I have 4 other Helmets most of them are carbon 1.2-1.4kg,from the best brands,but the icon is awesome with the theme on it, and it's really Comfortable and it's not noisy,ventilation is good not the best but overall it's a really good helmet

[@shauns5278]

If you have only tried Icons definitely find a buddy with a similar head size and be blown away. Icons look ABSOLUTELY incredible and definitely meet their safety standards, they're not some Amazon or Wish helmet with a print shop safety label, but tbh they are HOT garbage they are sooooooooo loud with poor fit and finish on the seals and to give you an idea NONE of them have managed to pass ECE 22.06 and you can't even find Icons on European sites right now. I would honestly rate Ruroc above Icon after they released the Atlas 4.0.

[@shauns5278]

​@@skywalker7517The old Airframe was definitely their one decent helmet it is so far above the other Icons it's an absolute joke even a $330 Airflite makes a R420 feel super premium. My buddy has one and dear lord it was like a good 50% louder than my old Scorpion when I tried it out.

[@LethalProjectz]

I've been wanting to purchase the exo r420 but feel It'll look bulky on me as it only come in 2 shell sizes... Do you find it to be bulky compared to other size small helmets??

[@hps1955]

Yo Yammie you should have skipped the Speed and put in the HJC

[@jamesbrownjr4756]

Awesome. I'm buying my first helmet and you guys were very detailed about the helmet types for head shapes and the features vs price relevance. Any advice for a first time scooter rider. I'm buying the TEVERUN FIGHTER. What's your advice on helmet. I want safety without the Darth Vader space balls look! Don't mind spending $580.

[@gosoku2771]

SS900 does Not come with a tinted visor out of the box. Even says so on your own website.

[@rekkriendo]

Can we please add a visibility category

[@Nyanaas]

i bought a r420 as my first helmet . then i bought a Nolan N87.... the Nolan is super loud on the highway compared to the R420.

[@joee8795]

I went with an Icon Airform, cheap ($200CAD), fairly quiet, DOT & ECE rated, great shield and has a drop-down sunshade 👍🏻 The only real issue I have with it, is it could use some better Air Vents 🤷🏼‍♂️ That said I daily an ADV so for that I use my Bell MX-9, has DOT, ECE & MIPS 🤘🏻

[@waltertodd4281]

Great review!

[@M82RKY]

Bell Broozer👌

[@mattmccauley5561]

I love my bell qualifier but not the dlx. They changed the neck roll on them and idk why they would do that. The regular qualifier I better imo

[@damacknificent151]

You forgot to mention HJC i10 snell approved 👌 for under $170.00

[@roywalls5595]

I got Scorpion T1200 mainstay white Touring full face helmet weight 3.5!

[@starseeddeluxe]

I've spent a lot of time trying on and buying and returning helmets and I've examined the fabric and padding carefully and I'm highly skeptical of $500 foam padding feeling any different than $165 Scorpion padding. I tried one $500 helmet and returned it, because it was louder than the $165 Scorpion. Saying that something "feels premium" makes sense, but are we just imagining things? Is the fur actually finer and softer? The R420 Scorpion has extremely soft fur and is so comfortable, it's basically perfect.

[@ltjorge16]

I know it’s sacrilege but have you tried the atlas 4.0? I just like the look and honestly I’ve heard good things from “honest reviews” on KZbin.

[@nightcoremetal2518]

I have the white yin yang Scorpion Exo 420, it looks great.

[@SkynetUmbrella]

Mr Yammie, I am a heavy sweater and more than likely going to get the budget friendly Bell. Will air flow be an issue?

[@sehmusakbas]

AGV K-5 S Vulcanum is a great alternative around 280-310€ price range

[@atylorb]

Do you have to be a member to buy gear? Website doesn't show anything but Merch and subscription packages

[@julieoliver8170]

Bell Q is a super quality helmet. I feel better in yhe bell than my 500 dollar Arai.

[@jimscarnivorekitchen4731]

Beginner helmet? So am I to believe that a helmet a more experienced rider picks would protect my head better? Never heard of a beginner helmet.

[@densetsu_vegas]

Please do an HONEST review about Rurock 4.0! is it actually better?? is it still loud? Is it safe? I love the looks, but so many bad reviews about the 3.0...and the 4.0 is supposed to be better, but only hear from people that got them free.

[@brandonv9478]

I have an atlas 4.0 that I bought on sale. It's very comfortable, quieter than my old agv k3 helmet, and has the new ece2206 certification so I trust it. Downside is a slight whistling noise at speed (wind protection on your bike may help - I ride a dual sport everywhere). But earplugs and a Cardo system make it into a very nice place to be

[@Drifthaze]

What do you think about Arai helmets.

[@sidwithstuffs]

Hey Yammie, any help how to buy them here in India? Kindly let me know

[@pedroquiles6457]

Next time it’ll be cool to get random people in the office and let them blind test them to see their opinions

[@shershahrex]

Love you yam

[@decryi9701]

Hey what do you think about the mt-03/ the r3 as a begginer bike. My parents say 321cc is plenty for a first bike, my dad has been riding for over 30 years, currently own a ducati supersport 950.

[@TheSouthpawSharpshooter]

Which one is the most quiet?

[@morgankovarik3649]

How do you browse the store without becoming a member?

[@johnantonopoulous6381]

If you get lucky and know we're to shop you can get the shoei rf-sr for around 350 it is Great

[@Domibun_]

I got the Speed and Strength SS900 but I still don't know where to find a Camera mount for it.