As a rider, you know the importance of wearing a good motorcycle helmet to protect yourself.
What about protecting yourself from road noise and wind on those long rides?
This is why you should look at the quietest motorcycle helmets available with noise-reduction features.
This might not be something you have considered before, but wind noise plays a huge role in how well you’re able to ride. Think about the times you drove in the car with the windows down.
The noise of the wind can be pretty annoying. Well, imagine that when you’re on a motorcycle, added to the noise of the engine and other cars whizzing by. This damages your hearing and could cause problems down the line.
This review will list some of the quietest motorcycle helmets on the market and what you should consider when you purchase a quiet motorcycle helmet.
Top 10 Quietest Motorcycle Helmets:
What to Consider When Choosing a Quiet Helmet?
First thing first: there are tons of options for helmets on the market, and it may seem impossible to choose. There are plenty of reputable brands that people swear by. But there are certainly some things that you will need to consider before you go on the hunt for the quietest motorcycle helmet.
Cost:
The consensus seems that the quietest helmets on the market are the most expensive. This might not be that much of an issue, but if you’re on a budget, then this is something you need to consider. Not everyone has the ability to shell out several hundred dollars for a high-end helmet. There are plenty of great options at the lower end of the scale, but remember that they might not keep noise out as some more expensive options do.
Brand:
Some motorcycle helmet brands have gained a positive reputation- and rightfully so. Some of these include HJC, Shoei, and Arai. While their products tend to run on the more expensive end, they are considered some of the best-quality helmets on the market. Their products also tend to be quietest, and you will find some examples on our list.
Size:
Sizing is also important. There are many helmet companies whose helmets tend to run smaller in size, so you will want to keep an eye out for this and make sure that you purchase accordingly for your head shape. Also, make sure that the retailer you purchase from has a good return policy (if purchasing online) because you don’t want to end up in a messy situation if the helmet you purchased doesn’t quite fit. The better a helmet fits you, the less room there will be inside for too much wind noise to get in. So, sizing also plays a huge role in the wind noise you will be exposed to.
Internal lining:
If a helmet has adequate padding, the padding will absorb a lot of the wind noise, and you won’t receive as much exposure. While too much padding might be a bit uncomfortable for you, most helmets allow you to remove it and adjust the internal lining to a level that suits you.
The neck roll is also important, as it fits tightly around your neck to provide added wind resistance. Ensuring the narrow neck roll is not too small is crucial for comfort.
Aerodynamic Design:
The more aerodynamic the helmet is, the less wind noise will occur. This is because the helmet’s surface is smooth, so the rushing wind does not vibrate for a quieter ride. The air vents should be well-positioned to avoid vent noise.
The chin guard is built-in to full-face helmets, but the open-face helmet has an independent chin bar. In either case, the area under the chin bar is suspected of letting in wind noise, especially with upright riding.
Most companies will test their helmets in a wind tunnel to make sure the design provides wind noise reduction. An aerodynamic helmet is a quieter helmet.
Motorcycle Earplugs
The final thing that you should consider is earplugs. Unfortunately, no matter how well a helmet claims to reduce wind noise, the fact remains that there is no completely soundproof helmet on the market.
Even the absolute best ones still let in a little wind noise, especially when riding at higher speeds. So, most motorcyclists recommend that you purchase a high-quality pair of noise-canceling motorcycle earplugs to protect your hearing even further.
Before you choose which product is the best for you, make sure you read the detailed reviews below.
1. HJC IS-MAX II Modular Motorcycle Helmet
HJC is one of the most trusted brands for high-quality, quiet helmets. This model, in particular, has plenty of padding inside and a chin curtain, an additional accessory to increase noise protection.
The large cheek pads give a snug fit with a neck roll that can reduce noise in any riding position. This is the quietest flip-up helmet compared to other helmets.
While it was still necessary to wear earplugs with this product (as with all helmets), most people agreed that it was quiet compared to many other helmets in its price range. It’s also lightweight (at 4.5 pounds) and comfortable. You can buy this HJC IS-MAX II Modular Helmet in several colors and 9 sizes: from X-small to 5X-large.
2. LS2 Stream Solid Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
LS2 is known for being a more budget-friendly brand, so if you’re someone who doesn’t have the ability to shell out hundreds for a top-notch helmet, this model is worth looking into. This is easily the quietest budget motorcycle helmet. Plenty of people who reviewed it said that the helmet did a great job of preventing a lot of noise from getting in, which is not always so common in cheaper helmets.
Many were surprised by the lack of excessive noise. The main reason for the relative quietness is the thick internal lining. The LS2 Stream helmet uses breathable fabric so that you will be dry and comfortable during your motorcycle rides. In addition, this helmet is DOT and ECE-approved and comes with a 5-year warranty against defects.
Those looking for the quietest motorcycle helmets on a budget will appreciate this model.
This is a full-face motorcycle helmet with an aerodynamics shell and ventilation system. With the YEMA helmet, you can enjoy cool, quiet, comfortable rides. Moreover, it comes at a very affordable price, considering its features.
It has a reinforced chin strap with a chin curtain. The visor system is UV and scratch-resistant. This YEMA helmet is DOT approved and can be used by both men and women. You’ll be able to buy it in 5 sizes and two colors.
The interior of a helmet plays a huge role in determining how noisy it will be because the interior lining absorbs a lot of the noise. This helmet also has an aerodynamic design, a major plus for those who want a quiet helmet. One customer has said that this helmet is fairly quiet and rated it at 7.5 on a scale from 1-10. Riding your motorcycle with your visor closed under 45 MPH can get noisier at higher speeds.
4. Shoei Neotec Motorcycle Helmet
Shoei is also a brand that plenty of motorcyclists trust with their helmets. Many who reviewed this product said it isn’t as noisy as plenty of other competitors on the market, making this a great option for those who want to protect their hearing. Due to shell innovations, this model has less noise than its predecessors and competitors.
The helmet also has a dual-liner inside that you can remove if you want to. And this internal lining helps to absorb some of the noise. The chin curtain is also a feature that helps to reduce the amount of wind noise in helmets.
This model is not as expensive as some of the other ones on this list. So, this is a good option if you’re on a budget and might not be as prepared to shell out a lot of money on a helmet.
5. Bell Qualifier Street Helmet
Bell is another brand that is known in the helmet industry. The Bell Qualifier Street helmet has a padded wind collar, drastically reducing wind and road noise. This helmet allows you to enjoy a quiet ride at low and high speeds.
It comes with a UV-protected shield, which is anti-fog and scratch-resistant. You can order it with a clear visor or a dark self-darkening drop-down sun visor. Many customers have said it’s very comfortable and quiet, concurs with Bell wind tunnel testing.
Bell is a great choice if you want the quietest helmet from a well-known brand.
This is the quietest Bluetooth motorcycle helmet on our list, with noise cancellation, an extremely aerodynamic design, and an anti-scratch sun shield. all Shoei helmets come with a Pinlock anti-fog system and automatic transition visor. The noise reduction features have been rigorously tested in wind tunnels.
SHOEI’s new RF-1200 Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet has an integrated microphone and speaker system that allows hands-free communication while riding. This innovative design provides superior noise reduction and voice clarity. The RF-1200 can be paired with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology. Using the convenient button on the helmet’s side, you can easily switch between devices.
Product Features:
- Integrated Microphone & Speaker System
- Built-in Bluetooth Technology
- Easy Switching Between Devices Using the Button Located On the Side Of the Helmet
- Noise Reduction And Voice Clarity
- Adjustable Head Restraint For Comfort
- Removable Ear Pads
- Anti-Microbial Material
- Impact Absorption And Ventilation
- Soft Foam Lined Interior
- Waterproof Construction
- Quick Release Buckles
- One-Year Warranty
The Schuberth C4 Pro is a new generation of a modular helmet, upgraded from the previous version to make it quieter and more comfortable. Schuberth helmets provide incredible noise reduction
The well-designed neck roll provides a snug fit, the visor seals well, and the acoustic foam of the inner liner is perfect for blocking noise.
The helmet provides great noise reduction, especially when your head is tilted forward in the riding position, as the helmet provides protection from both the headwind and the updraft from the tank.
A thick, tight-fitting neck roll and a well-sealed visor with insulated acoustic foam greatly dampen vibration and noise.
Bell’s new RaceStar Flex CLX racing helmet has been engineered to be lighter than its predecessor while maintaining the same level of performance. The new shell construction uses an innovative carbon fiber weave process that provides superior strength and durability without adding weight. A triple-density cheek pad system offers more padding and improved comfort. And the addition of speaker pockets allows riders to listen to music or talk on their cell phone without removing their helmets.
This helmet was put through rigorous testing in harsh wind tunnel conditions.
Product Features:
- Lightweight yet durable shell construction.
- Innovative carbon fiber weave process.
- Triple-density cheek pads offer increased comfort and support.
- Speakers built into the shell allow riders to listen to music and make/receive phone calls without removing their helmets.
- DOT approved. Meets FMVSS 218 standard.
- Available in three colors: Black, White, and Red.
- Includes Bell’s exclusive ProTint photochromic shield technology.
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 standards.
- Adjustable chin strap.
- Removable visor.
- Helmet weighs only 1 lb. 8 oz.
Sena Communication Devices are built to last. The helmets are tough enough to withstand the elements but offer an elegant design. And they’re easy to install and operate. What’s more, this has been rated as the Quietest Touring helmet.
With Sena Momentum Evo, you can talk hands-free without taking your helmet off. You’ll be able to hear incoming messages and make outgoing calls too. Plus, you’ll have access to your phonebook, calendar, email, and more.
You can also connect up to three Bluetooth® enabled devices simultaneously. So if you want to listen to music, watch videos, or play games, you can do it all hands-free.
And when you’re done riding, remove the battery pack and store it safely inside the helmet. The battery will charge itself over time, so there’s no need to worry about running out of power. You get all of this in one of the quietest motorcycle helmets on the market.
Product Features:
- Built-in microphone and two way radio headsets allow you to communicate hands-free.
- Connects to two Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously.
- Includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- Removable battery pack stores easily inside the helmet.
- Easy installation and operation.
- Adjustable strap system provides a secure fit.
- Available in black, white, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, grey, silver, and gold.
- DOT approved.
SHARK has been developing helmets since 1996. We are proud to be the first company to offer a modular helmet With the Shark Evo. Our goal was to create an innovative product allowing our customers to customize their helmets as they see fit. This new Shark Evo One 2 helmet design offers many advantages over traditional helmets, including increased ventilation, better aerodynamics, more safety options, better noise protection and much more. This is one of the quietest motorcycle helmets available from Shark.
The Shark Evo One 2 Features:
- Double-certified full-face/open helmet.
- Fully adjustable headband.
- Adjustable cheek pads.
- Removable and washable CoolMax liner.
- Integrated inner sun visor and removable and washable.
- Removable attachable and detachable visors.
- Removes easily and quickly.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Quick-release buckles.
- Ergonomic shape.
- Anti-fog coating.
The quietest helmets still need earplugs
Even with how quiet your helmet is (even in these cases), wearing earplugs should always be a must for everyone. There are many plug options today, from disposable filters to special products. As part of our review, we tested noise-cancellation earplugs for motorcycling that reduce unwanted noise inside helmets. Earpeace earplugs are popular.
Prolonged exposure to noise caused by wind air flows or motorcycle engine noise can cause hearing damage. It’s important to wear the proper ear protection for noise reduction while riding.
Do motorcycle helmets reduce noise?
Motorcycle helmets reduce noise with their curved and smooth front design, improving aerodynamic properties. This reduces friction while driving a motorcycle at high speeds and helps counteract noise. Any protrusion can create vibration, which produces noise if they are unrecognized.
Another helpful feature is the padding inside, which blocks wind from entering the helmet.
Some helmets provide noise cancellation with internal speakers and a mic.
How do I reduce the wind sound on my helmet?
There are a few ways to reduce the wind noise in your helmet. Adding additional padding to a helmet is often an option. Often riders wear earplugs under their helmets, and some use foam and fleece to muffle the sound.
A new helmet can also provide padding for the headrest. Some riders even like wearing earplugs under the helmet, while others insert foam or fleece in the chin bar or under their cheeks to dampen the noise.
What is the Quietest motorcycle helmet?
The quietest motorcycle helmets are the Bell RaceStar racing helmet or Shoei Neotec.
The quietest type of motorcycle helmet would be the full-face helmet made with a carbon fiber shell or modular flip-up helmet. Carbon fiber makes lighter helmets with fewer creases, but flip-up helmets are better than open-face ones for noise.
If you are worried about how much noise comes from the motorcycle engine or helmet’s surface, any of the quietest motorcycle helmets above will work great.
Are modular helmets quieter than full-face?
Compared to a full-face helmet, modular is noisier. But compared to open-face helmets, the modular version is much better. This stops air from entering due to riders’ faces covering their faces.
Nevertheless, an affordable module helmet is quieter and less expensive than some full-face helmets. A modular design features excellent noise-reduction capabilities but not as well as a complete full-face design. Adaptive components in modular helmets may offer low resistance to wind.
The modular helmets of XC908 are generally quieter but less noisy. An adjustable helmet offers excellent noise control. Flip-up parts in modular versions may provide minimal wind protection.
Is carbon fiber the quietest helmet?
Compared to aluminum, carbon fibres have an aerodynamic coefficient that helps reduce sound. Tell me how fast your speed goes in traffic. Carbon fiber motorcycle helmets offer an added benefit because it reduces wind noise. Carbon fiber also produces lighter helmets.
What is the quietest open-face helmet?
The helmets showed all very good results in quieting sound, but the JC RPHA 70 Carbon, HJC RPHA 90S Carbon, and the Shoei GT AIR2 were able to do some of their best and thus may take their place in the list.
Which helmet is best for wind noise?
The Shoei RF-1400 is one of the best helmets for reducing noise on motorcycles. In its time, Shoei was very pleased with its old RF-1200, but Shoei aimed to make the model better by launching the new RF-1400. Compared to previous versions, it’s significantly improved sound quality, making it a quieter helmet.
Conclusion
We’ve heard about the importance of wearing helmets since we were children and started riding bikes. It’s even more important if you enjoy riding bikes or motorcycles as your main method of transportation. You’re out on the main road, and not everyone pays attention to cyclists.
But aside from all helmets’ regular protection features, many on the market nowadays provide riders with extra features for added convenience. One of these is the ability to cancel out wind noise.
While we all know how important it is to wear a helmet to protect our heads in case of an accident, it’s just as important to consider helmets that offer ample protection against wind noise. This is because you will be exposed to many different noises. In contrast, on the road, including motorcycle noises, wind noise, and the noises caused by other cars, you may experience major damage to your hearing.
This is why it’s important to look at quiet helmets that will provide you with a lot of protection against the wind. Even though these tend to be on the more expensive side, it’s surely worth considering how much you will be protecting your hearing.
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