7 SNELL Rated Cafe Racer Helmets (Up to date Nov 2022)

All bike helmets are usually not created equal. The protection requirements ranking system launched by the Snell Memorial Basis is famend for being one of many world’s most stringent—and the helmets that meet its standards are markedly totally different from those that don’t.

The SNELL system was developed as a extra rigorous testing course of for motorsports the place the probabilities of excessive impression collisions are larger. In contrast to DOT, SNELL is a nonprofit group and buying a SNELL certification is elective. This implies any helmet with a SNELL ranking has been voluntarily submitted to bear extra rigorous testing to be able to present riders with the perfect safety doable.

Throughout SNELL testing, helmets are impacted by 5 totally different formed anvils (versus the 2 used throughout DOT assessments). SNELL additionally performs drop assessments from a larger top than DOT and assessments the chin bar and visor power for 360 levels of authorised safety. So should you’re planning on shopping for a brand new helmet to fit your cafe racer and need the perfect safety, a SNELL-certified lid is a giant step in the proper route.

Take a look at the 2 newest SNELL requirements: the SNELL M2015 customary, and SNELL M2020 customary. If you wish to see SNELL in motion, try this text from my colleague Jim Pruner at webBikeWorld: See Inside a Helmet Torture Chamber: wBW Goes to SNELL.

In the meantime, that will help you in your helmet buying journey, listed below are 7 SNELL-rated cafe racer helmets we’d suggest testing. Preserve your head secure whereas using, and thank us later!

SNELL Helmet #1: Arai Defiant-X HA Helmet

Arai are an enormous advocate of SNELL—and as such, many helmets of their vary put on SNELL certification. Amongst them you’ll discover their newest addition to the retro helmet market: the Defiant-X.

Now obtainable in a variety of finishes, the Arai Defiant-X HA colorway is our choose of the bunch. It is available in both blue, inexperienced, or a extremely seen yellow, with daring retro Arai branding and a slick white racing stripe.

Together with reaching a SNELL security ranking, Arai created a retro styled helmet that doesn’t scrimp on efficiency. The Defiant-X includes a shell constructed with Arai’s Particular Fibre Laminate, which is designed to disperse impacts over the widest space doable. On the within you’ll discover a handmade, multi-density EPS inside core (created as a single piece for superior power).

A number of vents on the outside of the helmet channel cool air by a Free Move System, which is designed to cut back wind noise whereas extracting heat air from contained in the helmet. The gentle liner is anti-microbial and may be eliminated and washed to increase the helmet’s lifetime. Extra options embody inside pockets for comms audio system and a detachable chin curtain for when the temperature drops.

Accessible from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld overview: Arai Defiant-X HA

SNELL Helmet #2: Bell Star MIPS DLX Lux Checkers Helmet

Whereas the Bell Star MIPS DLX isn’t what most would contemplate a restaurant racer helmet, this ‘Lux Checkers’ variant provides a contact of ton-up fashion. Constructed with MIPS (Multi-directional Impression Safety System) know-how, it provides the newest in crash safety options and is each DOT and SNELL licensed.

The Bell Star MIPS DLX comes with each a transparent and a photo-chromatic visor, which is able to tint or lighten based on the quantity of ambient UV mild. The helmet’s race-bred shell has been redesigned to have a smaller profile with out sacrificing efficiency and provides distinctive aerodynamics in upright using positions.

This feature-packed helmet has been particularly designed to attenuate wind noise, can accommodate prescription eyewear, provides a large area of view, and comes with built-in speaker pockets. The Bell Star MIPS DLX Lux Checkers additionally is available in 6 totally different shell sizes to make sure an ideal match.

Accessible from: Revzilla, Amazon

SNELL Helmet #3: LS2 Road Fighter Helmet

At a contact beneath $150, it’s exhausting to imagine that the LS2 Road Fighter helmet is SNELL licensed. Relaxation assured although, that is no mistake. This tough-looking helmet was created with aggressive riders in thoughts however will look proper at residence on a performance-focused cafe racer or fashionable basic.

Just lately, LS2 drastically improved the Road Fighter by reducing its weight by a whopping 20%. This helmet additionally includes a multi-density EPS liner, adjustable air flow, and a complicated polymer alloy composite shell.

In case your price range is tight however you don’t wish to scrimp on security, the LS2 Road Fighter helmet has you (and your head) lined.

Accessible from: Amazon

SNELL Helmet #4: Arai Basic Groovy Helmet

Sure, retro open face helmets can obtain a SNELL ranking too. In fact, it took the expert engineers at Arai Helmets to make it occur.

The Arai Basic Groovy Helmet options their Peripherally Belted Advanced Laminate (PBcLc) shell to make sure optimum safety. Beneath the shell, you’ll discover a one piece, multi-density EPS core that’s lined in an antimicrobial liner with fake leather-based accents on the outer going through edges.

Air flow in an open face helmet might sound pointless, however Arai didn’t assume so. Conserving the within of the Basic Groovy cool are a sequence of discrete vents that channel air over the top and out by way of exhaust holes on the rear of the helmet.

Together with an ideal vary of retro color schemes, the Arai Basic Groovy Helmet options snap button clasps which can be utilized to suit a variety of various Arai visors.

Accessible from: Revzilla, Amazon

See additionally

SNELL Helmet #5: Simpson Outlaw Bandit Helmet

If you wish to appear to be a badass in your cafe racer, the Simpson Outlaw Bandit helmet is simply the ticket. Simpson Efficiency Merchandise have been round for the reason that late fifties, specializing in merchandise for the race monitor. These American made helmets turned vastly widespread after High Gear’s Stig wore one throughout his excessive pace antics (and because of this are homologated to be used in most international locations).

The Simpson Outlaw Bandit is without doubt one of the firm’s motorcyclist-specific kinds. Designed with excessive pace using in thoughts, it options an aerodynamically-optimized design that reduces wind turbulence and helmet elevate.

A large area of view helps you to maintain an in depth eye on what’s occurring round you and you may select from an expansive choice of visor tints to finish your new look.

Accessible from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld overview: Simpson Outlaw Bandit helmet

SNELL Helmet #6: Shoei RF-1400 Helmet

Many individuals imagine that the Shoei RF-1400, their most up-to-date flagship mannequin, is the best helmet obtainable for using on metropolis streets. After countless hours within the wind tunnel, the RF-1400’s drag and elevate had been lowered by 4% and 6%, respectively, over the older RF-1200. 

For the brand new RF-1400, Shoei completely reengineered the protect mechanism. It’s a well-executed improve over the RF-1200. It’s SNELL 2020 authorised, extremely quiet, has wonderful air flow, and this lid feels premium in each approach. Shoei provides the RF-1400 in a big selection of stable colour and graphic choices, and there may be actually a scheme to match your cafe construct.

Accessible from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld overview: Shoei RF-1400 Evaluation

SNELL Helmet #7: Scorpion EXO R420 Helmet

It’s one factor to assert a helmet is race-inspired, however to again it up with a race-ready security certification reveals you imply enterprise. The Scorpion EXO R420 helmet does precisely that.

That includes a modern, clutter-free design, this contemporary helmet will look proper at residence on bikes of most kinds—from cafe racers to sports activities tourers. Conserving your melon secure is Scorpion’s LG polycarbonate shell design, which is each DOT and SNELL authorised.

The EXO R420’s fast launch visor is optically clear, 100% UV protecting, and scratch-proof, so that you’ll don’t have any situation taking in your environment. A washable, antimicrobial liner will provide help to maintain the helmet smelling candy whereas a specially-designed air flow system helps to forestall sweat construct up.

Emergency launch tabs on the liner supply extra peace of thoughts, whereas inside speaker pockets mean you can keep related on the go.

Accessible from: Revzilla, Amazon
webBikeWorld overview: Scorpion EXO R420 helmet