The Best Cruiser & Half Helmets for 2022
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 400+ Helmets Since 2000
Choose Your Next Helmet:
Entry-Level
Priced under $100, these helmets are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.
Mid-Range
Priced $100-$200, these helmets are feature rich and offer excellent protection.
High-End
Priced $200 and up. Simply the best of what is available in the half/cruiser segment.
A note about our recommendations:
There’s a lot of fake “review sites” online today. We get it. We aren’t one of them. Founded in 2000, the team at wBW has extensively tested more than 2,500 pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, add-ons, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews. Read our review policies.
Priced under $100
Best Entry Level Cruiser/Half Helmets
HJC IS-Cruiser Helmet
Price: $99.99
Where to Buy
Why?
Priced near $100, the HJC IS-Cruiser is a polycarbonate composite shell that meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS 218 standards. Compared to most half helmets, the HJC design offers protection further over the ears and back of the head.
The IS-Cruiser is a simple, no-frills piece of riding gear with a clean overall shape that includes a small visor peak and a drop-down internal sun visor. Internally a moisture-wicking interior will help keep rides dry and it can be removed for easy cleaning. Slots for eyewear are fitted within the padded liner.
Overall, the IS-Cruiser should prove a comfortable and safe lid for Cruiser riders. Sizing ranges from 2XS all the way to a 5XL, and six solid colors are available.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.64lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We haven’t reviewed this one yet, but we have reviewed similar HJC’s in the past. See our extensive coverage of HJC helmets.
GMax HH-65 Full Dressed
Price:Â $85.46
Where to Buy
Why?
The HH-65 Twin from GMax is definitely a half helmet worth considering if features are a priority. The smooth clean shell is made from polycarbonate, and the dual-density EPS core is designed for maximum venting to reduce heat at the top of the head.
Now for the long list of features. The removable Coolmax interior will keep you dry and comfortable and is easy to clean. The small visor peak is removable, but Gmax goes further by providing both dark and clear drop-down shields that can be changed without tools.
A removable snap-in neck/ear curtain for cool weather riding is included, and the neck curtain features speaker pockets for Bluetooth compatibility. Finally, the chin strap uses a quick-release ratchet strap closure with micro-adjustment.
With this many features, it is not surprising that this helmet weighs in at 2.11 lbs. GMax offers the HH-65 in 3 solid colors and 5 graphic options with sizes ranging from XS to 2XL.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.11lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We have not personally reviewed this helmet. However, GMax as a brand is one we are very familiar with and they’ve generally proven themselves to be a good choice. See our GMax coverage.
AFX FX-89
Price: $79.95
Where to Buy
Why?
This is a helmet that is all about style. You will know straight off if this is the look you are after.
Reminiscent of a German WW2 helmet, the FX-89 offers the shape and protection that works for certain cruiser riders. Shaped from a thermoplastic poly alloy, AFX makes 2 shells to cover a size range of XS thru 2XL.
The nylon lining is hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial, and a square type D-ring chin strap will keep the FX-89 securely on the rider’s head. Simple does not mean lacking in safety and the FX-89 meets full DOT standards.
Good luck choosing from the 4 colors offered, but I suggest the Matte Olive.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.38lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We haven’t reviewed this one yet, but we have reviewed similar AFX’s in the past. See our extensive coverage of AFX helmets.
Priced $100 – $200
Best Mid-Range Cruiser/Half Helmets
LS2 Rebellion
Price:Â $129.98
Where to Buy
Why?
The LS2 Rebellion is the half helmet I personally use. Made from Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA), the Rebellion fits an intermediate oval head shape and comes in 2 shell sizes.
LS2 claims the KPA material is absolute state-of-the-art in energy management materials, offering a bit of built-in flexibility to disperse energy, the penetration resistance of high-end fiber products, and a lightweight shell. At just 948g the Rebellion is light and comfortable.
Loaded with features, the Rebellion includes an internal sun visor, my preferred ratchet-style chin strap closure, and an adjustable vent, which is rare on a half helmet. I personally like the visor peak that LS2 adds to the Rebellion; it provides enough additional shading for your eyes and flows smoothly in the air at higher speeds.
LS2 offers a specific Bluetooth system for the Rebellion called LinkIn Ride Pal. Developed with Sena, the kit comes with ear pads for the speakers and will drop right into this helmet with ease.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.1lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We don’t tend to review a lot of half helmets hands on, and this one is no exception. However, we have considerable experience will LS2 helmets. See our complete coverage.
Bell Pit Boss
Price:Â $136
Where to Buy
Why?
If you’re wanting to capture that retro cafe vibe with your gear, the Pit Boss is the helmet you’re looking for.
While maintaining the classic cafe look (as well as having a removable neck curtain), the Pit Boss also covers the front, top, and back of your head with a lightweight kevlar/carbon/fiberglass blended shell. It also has Bell’s “Speed Dial” adjustment system, allowing you to customize your perfect fit.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.44 lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We don’t tend to review a lot of half helmets hands on, and this one is no exception. However, we have considerable experience will Bell helmets. See our complete coverage.
Scorpion EXO-C110 Azalea
Price: $140
Where to Buy
Why?
Okay, here’s something a bit different. Scorpion is one of the best value for money brands out there, and you can see it here in the EXO-C1110 Azalea. The styling alone sets it apart, but it also comes with some excellent value-add features: an anti-microbial liner, slick retractable sunshade, and pockets for Bluetooth intercom integration.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.47lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We haven’t reviewed this one hands-on, but we’ve worn plenty of Scorpion lids over the years. Check out our Scorpion coverage.
Priced $200+
Best High-End Cruiser/Half Helmets
Bell Rogue
Where to Buy
Price:Â $259
Why?
The “I want to cover my face some of the time” helmet. This interesting design is a hybrid: attach the mouth/noise/chin guard when you want to, or detach it to ride open-face.
Like any high-end helmet, the interior is removable/washable and it comes ready for Bluetooth intercom/speaker integration.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.03bs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
Another half we haven’t actually worn hands on. We based this recommendation on our extensive coverage of Bell helmets over the years, which you can see here.
Sena Cavalry
Where to Buy
Price:Â $349
Why?
Bluetooth communications have grown to become one of the most important considerations around a helmet purchase—but until the Sena Cavalry half helmet, riders were very limited in terms of options for adding these systems.
Sena is a leading provider of Bluetooth systems, and they have seamlessly incorporated their leading proprietary system into this premium fiberglass half shell. The microphones are tucked neatly into the brim and do a great job of picking up the rider’s voice at speed.
Sena’s advanced sound processing filters out road and wind noise so that your conversations will be surprisingly clear. The speakers live in neat little pockets just above the ears, and Sena provides ear plates to help direct the sound at higher speeds. The system connects with up to 4 riders and has a half-mile range.
All this technology does add a bit of weight, and the Cavalry comes in at 2.25lbs. Like the Model-T, you get a color choice of either black or matte black. This great system is also DOT approved.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 2.25bs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
Another half we haven’t actually worn hands on. We based this recommendation on our extensive coverage of Sena products over the years, which you can see here.
Scorpion EXO Covert X
Price: $299
Where to Buy
Why?
This is the helmet you wear when you just can’t decide. The Scorpion EXO Covert X is a 3 in one lid. The unique multi-configuration design featuring a removable front mask and rear comfort sleeve results in 3 distinct riding configurations: Full face, 3/4 Mode, and half helmet.
Scorpion includes a dark smoke EverClear® anti-fog sun shield with an easy pull-down style. It is also anti-scratch coated and offers 95% UV-A & UV-B protection. Available in solid colors and cool graphics, the Covert X is worth a look.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.31lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
We have a detailed review of this one hands-on, Check it out here.
