If you’ve read our article from last week you’ll know that an expensive helmet doesn’t automatically make it a good helmet. But are all 5 star rated helmets created equal? In this article we look at what we think are the five best 5 star rated helmets, both budget and premium. Money might not buy you extra safety in the case of some helmets, but it can buy you comfort, quality and features.
Nitro Aikido – From $139.95
Given its rock bottom price the Nitro Aikido is one helmet that just can’t be ignored. If you want good head protection at the cheapest price then the Nitro Aikido is the helmet for you. And despite the cheap price, the majority of rider feedback is that it’s a decent all around helmet.
Positives:
- Value for money
- Comfortable
- Aerodynamic. Minimal drag when turning the head at higher speeds
- Misting/Fogging clears up quickly when at speed
- Removable liner
Negatives:
- Noisy – earplugs are a must
- With vents open there is a fair bit of turbulence inside the helmet
- Average to poor vision. The eye slot is shortened on the ends, cutting off peripheral vision and requiring the rider to turn their head more than other helmets.
- Pinlock compatible but does not include a Pinlock insert
Caberg Vox – From $125
Caberg is a helmet manufacturer you’ve probably never heard of which is a real shame – they have six helmets rated at 5 stars by SHARP and the most expensive is only £145 ($226). The Caberg Vox can actually be purchased at some online retailers for only $125 which actually makes it cheaper than the Nitro Aikido.
Positives:
- Possibly the cheapest 5 star helmet you can buy
- Built in sun visor
- Removable liners
Negatives:
- Average ventilation
- Sun visor is prone to fogging
- Average noise
Shoei Qwest – From $366.99
Even though most helmets all look the same, Shoei somehow just manages to make their lids look that much better. And while the Shoei Qwest is one of Shoei’s cheaper helmets, it still pretty much has all the features you’d want.
Positives:
- Very lightweight
- Very quiet
Negatives:
- Some fogging of the visor when stationary
- Venting not as good as the Shark Race R Pro or AGV Corsa
Shark Race R – From $599.95
The top of the line helmet from Shark, it combines lightweight materials, race track aerodynamics and minimal wind noise in a highly attractive package. Shark might not have the same brand credentials as Arai or Shoei, but they make helmets just as good.
Positives
- Minimal wind noise
- Excellent ventilation
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Almost as good as the AGV Corsa, but $200 cheaper
Negatives
- Slight fogging in humid conditions
- Padding tight around the cheeks
AGV Corsa – From $799.95
The most expensive helmet featured here at a RRP of $799.95, which means for the price you could buy around 6 Caberg Vox’s. But that’s the same as saying you could buy a dozen Toyota Camry’s for the same price as a Porsche 911. You get what you pay for and while the AGV Corsa has the same 5 star safety rating as the other helmets here, it’s leaps and bounds ahead in quality and other features compared to some of them.
Positives:
- Excellent ventilation
- Lightweight
- Anti-lift rear spoiler (that dislodges in a crash)
- Expanded eyeport for improved visability
Negatives:
- Price
- Better suited to the track than the street
5 Of The Best 5 Star Rated Helmets
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