For instance, the ECE 22.05 and newer 22.06 standards are specifically designed to reflect the lower average crash speeds in Europe, while SNELL and DOT (Department of Transportation) are US-based standards and designed to test helmets for the speed and type of impacts more prevalent across the pond. Bear in mind, though, that even if a helmet meets SNELL and DOT standards, it’s not legal for use in Europe or the UK unless it also meets the ECE or British Standards listed above.
If you want even more reassurance, then UK-based official safety standards bodies, such as SHARP, carry out additional, more rigorous tests over and above the legally required ones. SHARP is an official UK Department for Transport consumer information programme: it only tests helmets which have already received ECE approval, and further subjects them to a slew of impact tests to provide a more detailed breakdown of a helmet’s protective potential.
We’d recommend searching through SHARP’s test database before purchasing a helmet – at the time of writing, it has test data for 489 helmets from all the major brands. We’ve listed the results in the Key Specs section beneath each of our mini-reviews here. If you’re expecting performance to correlate with cost, you may be surprised.
So, is it worth spending more on a high-end helmet?
Spending more on a helmet doesn’t necessarily guarantee greater protection, but a great helmet needs to do more than just protect your head. High-end helmets will employ more expensive materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass and kevlar, which incidentally do tend to perform better in crash tests on average, but they’ll often feel lighter than cheaper helmets as a result. This also means they’re less tiring to wear for long rides.
More expensive helmets may also provide a more comfortable fit, better ventilation and they may also offer reduced wind noise – thanks to better insulation and a more aerodynamic outer shell. If you’re going to wear a helmet for hours on end, it makes sense for it to be one that keeps you safe and comfortable in all conditions.
How should a helmet fit?
When trying on a helmet, you should look for a snug fit that applies light but even pressure to all parts of your head. If a helmet fits loosely it’ll easily come off in an accident, and won’t be of any use. If a helmet puts pressure points around your head or gives you a headache, it’s almost certainly too tight.
Fasteners?
Most helmets will have a double-D fastener, which is tried, tested and secure – if not a little fiddly. However, an increasing number of helmets feature a modern micrometric fastener that can be easily plugged in and then detached – even with gloves on. Both are as safe as each other, provided they’re calibrated properly.
And visors?
The visor is a key part of the helmet you buy – if it has one – because it’s your sole window for making observations and seeing the road ahead. Most good visors have a Pinlock or are Pinlock-ready – and it’s something you’ll likely want your new helmet to have. Simply put, a Pinlock is a plastic insert that fits into your helmet’s visor and creates a double-glazing effect to stop mist and fog. Both are annoying and dangerous in practice, so a Pinlock system is worth having.
One more thing, visors must transmit 70% of light, so dark tinted visors are illegal. However, some helmets feature an internal dark visor that can be deployed in sunnier settings.
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The best motorcycle helmets you can buy in 2023
1. Shark Spartan GT: Best all-round helmet under £400
Price: £456 | Buy now from SportsBikeShop
The Spartan GT replaces one of Shark’s most popular helmets, but it’s significantly better in every area. In addition to an aerodynamic fibreglass shell, the Spartan GT features a range of helpful features; a safety mechanism keeps the visor closed, while ‘shark skin’ around the visor hinges aims to reduce noise.
Inside, the interior of the Spartan GT is snug and comfortable and does a good job reducing the amount of unwanted air coming under and into the helmet. What’s more, a chin guard helps to redirect breath away from the Shark’s Pinlock visor and out. The result? Less noise and less fog, which can only be a good thing.
Finally, the Spartan GT also features an internal sun visor and combines it with an intensive network of vents – so the Shark is good for summer as well as winter.
The Spartan GT is available in a range of colours and sizes, so there should be something to suit even the most discerning rider.
Key specs – Sizes: 6 (XS to XXL, 53-64cm); Colours: 4+; Safety ratings: ECE 22.05, ACE Gold; SHARP: 4 stars; Weight: 1,390g (Medium)
