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Open face helmets have built a loyal following among riders who value visibility and airflow without giving up the structure of a proper helmet shell. The style suits urban commuting, café racer builds, and classic bike ownership equally well, and the market has expanded considerably as retro riding culture has grown across the UK.
The helmets covered in this guide range from classically proportioned leather-lined options designed to complement heritage bikes through to more contemporary takes on the format with updated ventilation and current safety ratings. In this guide, we will be recommending open face helmets across different styles and budgets, whether you are after something to match a vintage build or simply want a more relaxed lid for city riding.
Take a closer look at the individual reviews below for the full rundown on each helmet. Let’s get into the best open face motorcycle helmets available right now.
| Product | Review | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGV Legends X3000 Helmet Review 2026 | Read Review | 4.7 | Check Prices |
| Shoei Ex-Zero Helmet Review 2026 | Read Review | 4.4 | Check Prices |
| Arai Freeway Classic Helmet Review 2026 | Read Review | 4.5 | Check Prices |
1. The AGV Legends X3000 combines vintage helmet design with modern qualities, making it a stylish yet reliable choice for riders.
2. Its hard-wearing fibreglass outer shell construction ensures durability and protection in case of an accident.
3. With three shell sizes and three EPS liner sizes, the helmet can be customized to fit almost any head size comfortably, providing maximum comfort and safety for the rider.
The AGV Legends X3000 is a great helmet that combines vintage design with modern features. The fibreglass outer shell is sturdy, and the interior is made of premium leather and suede fabric, which is comfortable to wear. It also has an anti-scratch visor with a micro-opening system, air vents for ventilation, and removable/washable interior and cheek pads. Overall, this helmet meets the highest standards for comfort, protection, and style!
1. The Shoei Ex-Zero features an AIM Multi-Composite fibre layered shell that provides optimal rigidity and shock-absorbent protection for the rider.
2. The EPS liner system with multiple densities ensures optimised protection by absorbing different levels of shock, resulting in a safer riding experience.
3. The E.Q.R.S (emergency quick release system) allows for easy helmet removal in case of an accident, ensuring the safety and well-being of the rider is prioritized.
The Shoei Ex-Zero is a stylish helmet that takes you back to the 80s with its retro design. But don’t let the vintage look fool you, safety comes first with organic and multi-composite fibres in various layers for shock absorption and EPS elements for optimum protection. The E.Q.R.S allows easy removal in case of an accident, while the adjustable visor and removable/washable pads ensure both comfort and convenience. Available in three different shell sizes, this helmet is perfect for anyone looking to ride safely without sacrificing style.
1. High-quality and genuine Arai helmet that is built to last for years
2. Five-year warranty ensures peace of mind and protection for investment
3. Fibre complex laminate construction provides maximum durability and safety while riding
The Arai Freeway Classic is a genuine UK helmet that comes with a five-year warranty. It has replaceable ear cups in different thicknesses, a leatherette interior and a goggle strap band. The triple-density inner shell and double-D retention system make it safe and comfortable to wear. This classic jet model is perfect for those who like to take it easy while experiencing the world around them on their motorcycle. It’s been popular among classic, cruiser, custom and streetfighter riders alike for years thanks to its traditional design, washable interior and removable peak.
1. The vintage design of the AGV Legends X70, combined with modern comfort and protection features, offers a stylish and timeless look for riders.
2. The hard-wearing fibreglass external shell construction ensures that this helmet will provide durable protection for wearers in case of accidents or collisions.
3. The premium leather and suede fabric interior, along with removable and washable cheek pads, offer a comfortable fit that can be easily maintained over time.
The AGV Legends X70 is a beautifully crafted open-face helmet that combines vintage design with modern comfort and protection. The fibreglass external shell construction is hard wearing, while the premium leather and suede fabric interior provides superior comfort. The classic 3 button top for a peak or visor adds to its retro charm, while the double-D strap retention system ensures it stays securely on your head. The removable and washable interior and cheek pads make it easy to keep clean. Overall, this is an excellent helmet for anyone looking for style and practicality in equal measure.
1. The Shoei Ex-Zero features an AIM Multi-Composite fibre layered shell that provides optimal rigidity and shock-absorbent protection for the rider.
2. The EPS liner system with multiple densities ensures optimised protection by absorbing different levels of shock, resulting in a safer riding experience.
3. The E.Q.R.S (emergency quick release system) allows for easy helmet removal in case of an accident, ensuring the safety and well-being of the rider is prioritized.
The Shoei Ex-Zero is a stylish helmet that takes you back to the 80s with its retro design. But don’t let the vintage look fool you, safety comes first with organic and multi-composite fibres in various layers for shock absorption and EPS elements for optimum protection. The E.Q.R.S allows easy removal in case of an accident, while the adjustable visor and removable/washable pads ensure both comfort and convenience. Available in three different shell sizes, this helmet is perfect for anyone looking to ride safely without sacrificing style.
1. The AIM Multi-Composite fibre layered shell provides excellent protection and durability, ensuring the safety of the wearer.
2. The compact, simple shell design gives the helmet a sleek and stylish look that is perfect for anyone looking to make a fashion statement while riding.
3. The Classic styled CPB-1 visor with 3 position adjustment allows for optimal vision in any riding condition, making it easy to see clearly even when faced with bright sunlight or low light conditions.
The Shoei Glamster is a fantastic helmet that blends vintage style with modern safety features. With its retro-inspired design and classic CPB-1 visor, this full visor helmet looks great on the road. The compact shell houses plenty of features including air intakes, removable inner liner and modular EPS liner system for maximum comfort and safety. Available in three different shell sizes, the Shoei Glamster is a top quality option for any rider looking for the perfect blend of style and safety.
1. The Shark Citycruiser has an injected thermoplastic resin shell construction, ensuring a high level of protection for the wearer.
2. It features an integrated UV380 anti-scratch internal sun visor, providing added convenience and comfort during sunny rides.
3. The micro lock quick release chin strap allows for easy and efficient fastening and unfastening of the helmet, enhancing overall user experience.
The Shark Citycruiser is a top-notch helmet that provides ultimate protection and comfort. With its injected thermoplastic resin shell construction, integrated UV380 anti-scratch internal sun visor, micro lock quick release chin strap, and removable and washable lining, this helmet has everything you need for a safe ride. It’s also available in two shell sizes and designed to accommodate the Sharktooth Bluetooth communication system. Plus, it offers optimal comfort for wearing glasses. Overall, the Shark Citycruiser is an excellent choice for any rider looking for quality and safety in their gear!
1. The Shark Drak offers excellent protection with its injected thermoplastic resin construction and facial protection mask.
2. The anti scratch and anti fog treated smoked goggles provide clear vision even in challenging weather conditions.
3. The helmet is designed to cater to glasses wearers, making it a comfortable fit for all riders.
The Shark Drak is perfect for anyone who loves the streetfighter style. With its quick release goggle system, built-in facial protection mask, and micro lock buckle retention system, it’s designed to keep you safe and comfortable on your rides. The anti-scratch and anti-fog treated smoked goggles are a bonus for glasses wearers. Plus, with two shell sizes available, you’re sure to find the right fit.
1. Lightweight construction: The Arai Debut V is designed with a lightweight PB e-cLc outer shell construction, making it comfortable for long periods of wear.
2. Optimal airflow: With 5 intake and 6 exhaust vents built into the shell, as well as dual brow with 3-way chin flow vents, this helmet provides optimal airflow to keep riders cool and comfortable while riding.
3. Strong and durable design: The VAS visor mounting system enables a stronger shell, while the shatterproof and UV-resistant pinned visor ensures that the helmet is both strong and long-lasting. Additionally, the Double-D ring closure system offers added strength during impact forces.
The Arai Debut V is a top-quality helmet with lightweight construction and plenty of features to keep you safe on the road. The VAS visor mounting system ensures a strong shell, while the shatterproof and UV-resistant pinned visor provides excellent visibility. With 5 intake and 6 exhaust vents built into the shell, airflow is optimized for maximum comfort even in hot weather. The one-finger action visor release mechanism is easy to use, while the washable and fully removable cheek pads make cleaning simple. Overall, this helmet delivers excellent protection without sacrificing style or comfort.
Positive features:
1. Direct Fibre Processing (DFP) outer shell construction for durability and safety.
2. Top air vent with integrated channels provide high air circulation, keeping the rider cool and comfortable.
3. Noticeable aerodynamic shape assists directional stability with zero uplift and lower buffeting effects, ensuring a smooth ride even at high speeds.
The Schuberth M1 Pro is a versatile and comfortable helmet that’s perfect for any riding style. With its aerodynamic shape, optimized ventilation intake, and integrated sun visor with anti-fog coating, it provides high air circulation and directional stability with zero uplift and lower buffeting effects. The micro lock ratchet chin strap fastening is adjustable from both sides for added comfort. And if you want to ride without the long external visor, you can! It also comes pre-installed with microphone and speakers ready for SC1M communication system compatibility.
1. Drop down internal sun visor: The MT Avenue SV comes with an integrated drop-down sun visor that protects the rider from harsh sunlight and glare, providing a clear vision while riding.
2. High impact absorption inner shell: The helmet is designed with a high-impact absorption inner shell that provides maximum protection to the head in case of an accident or collision.
3. Aerodynamic design and ventilation system: The aerodynamic design of the helmet reduces wind resistance, making it comfortable for long rides, while the ventilation system ensures proper air circulation inside the helmet, keeping the rider cool and sweat-free.
Looking for a lightweight, urban helmet? Look no further than the MT Avenue SV. With its aerodynamic design, high impact absorption inner shell and multiple density EPS liner, this helmet will keep you safe on your rides. Plus, the lockdown visor and ventilation system make it comfortable to wear too. And with ECE/ONU.22.05 and DOT certification, you can rest easy knowing you’re protected by a quality product.
1. Exceptionally strong and lightweight carbon fibre construction for maximum safety and comfort.
2. High-quality sun visor with UV resistant treatment, providing superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
3. Removable and washable hypoallergenic comfort liner, ensuring a clean and hygienic fit at all times while also being gentle on skin.
The helmet is certified ECE 22.05 and has a high quality, scratch resistant sun visor with UV protection. The multi density EPS and reinforced chin strap provide excellent safety features, while the double-D ring fastening and magnetic strap system keep it securely in place. The hypoallergenic comfort liner is removable and washable, making it easy to maintain hygiene standards. A leather skin liner adds an extra touch of luxury to this already impressive helmet, which comes complete with a peak included for added flexibility during use.
1. Wide moulded visor provides excellent face coverage for city and out-of-town touring.
2. Vision Protection System (VPS) sunscreen vanishes into the shell, giving it a unique and compact look.
3. Meticulously designed ClimaComfort interior padding offers lightweight comfort of a jet helmet with the close fit of a full-face helmet.
The Nolan N21 Visor is a stylish and versatile helmet suitable for both city and touring use. It boasts a wide visor that provides excellent face coverage, while the VPS sunscreen disappears into the shell giving it a sleek look. The vintage inspired design features clean modern lines with multiple colour combinations available for the inner padding, shell edge, VPS edge and side plates edge. The interior padding offers both lightweight comfort of a jet helmet and close fit of a full-face helmet. Additionally, features such as Microlock retention system and Helmet lock ring ensure extra security when riding on your motorbike. Overall, this helmet offers good quality at an affordable price point making it an excellent choice for any rider!
1. Lightweight and durable carbon fibre outer construction for added protection without sacrificing comfort.
2. Removable and washable lining allows for easy maintenance and hygiene, ensuring a comfortable fit every time.
3. Anti-scratch, Max Vision Pinlock ready visor provides clear visibility in all weather conditions, making it suitable for use in different environments.
The Caberg Ghost Carbon is a great open-face helmet that comes with a carbon fibre outer construction and is available in black gloss. It also features a removable and washable lining, an anti-scratch Max Vision Pinlock-ready visor, a micrometric buckle and a removable nose shield. The helmet has ECE 22.05 approval rating and comes with a 2-year warranty.
1. Classic and timeless design.
2. Meets industry safety standards with EC2205 approval.
3. Easy to use with quick-release fastening and removable peak for added versatility.
The thermoplastic construction is durable and the quick-release fastening makes it easy to use. Plus, it’s EC2205 approved for added safety. If you’re looking for a classic open face helmet with modern features, this one ticks all the boxes!
