# Best open face motorcycle helmets for cruisers and scooters Source: https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-open-face-motorcycle-helmets Publisher: Lid & Visor. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://lidandvisor.com/how-we-pick Open face helmets suit cruiser, scooter and around-town riders who want more air, a wider view and an easier time talking at stops. The trade-off is plain: there is no chin bar, so your face and jaw are exposed in a way they are not under a full face. If you choose one anyway, the details still matter. Look for the certification the listing states (DOT FMVSS 218 is the US legal minimum, and some models add ECE 22.06), the shell material, and how the helmet deals with wind, sun and bugs. Some models carry a full shield and an internal sun visor, others are a bare shell meant for goggles or a snap-on bubble. This guide compares six open face and 3/4 helmets from about $170 to $700 using only what each Amazon listing says, and marks anything it leaves out as not stated. ## Picks ### 1. SHOEI J-Cruise 3 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Certification: DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06; Shell material: AIM+ shell, multi-density EPS; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CJ-2 face shield, QSV-2 sun visor A touring open face with a full CJ-2 shield, a QSV-2 drop-down sun visor and a slot for the Sena SRL 3. The listing names both DOT and ECE 22.06, which few open face helmets here do. What the listing offers: - Lists both DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06, the widest certification in this guide - Full CJ-2 face shield plus QSV-2 internal sun visor covers wind and glare - Built to take the optional Sena SRL 3 intercom with no external clamp Limits to know: - At about $700 it costs four times the Bell and HJC options - Weight and size range are not stated on the listing ### 2. Shoei J-Cruise II Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Certification: DOT FMVSS 218; Shell material: AIM shell; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: Face shield, QSV-2 sun shield The previous J-Cruise with an AIM shell, a face shield and a QSV-2 sun shield with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. Often priced below the J-Cruise 3 for a similar touring layout. What the listing offers: - QSV-2 internal sun shield has anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, per the listing - AIM shell is described as lightweight with aerodynamic noise reduction - Usually priced below the newer J-Cruise 3 for a similar setup Limits to know: - Only DOT is listed, while the J-Cruise 3 adds ECE 22.06 - No mention of built-in intercom integration like the newer model ### 3. ScorpionEXO Covert X Open Face Half Shell 3/4 Motorcycle Helmet Comm Ready Speaker Pockets DOT Solid (Matte Black - Large) Certification: DOT FMVSS 218; Shell material: Not stated; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Listing is size Large; Pinlock/Visor: Dark smoke sun shield installed, clear shield included A convertible helmet with a removable front guard and rear sleeve that give Full, 3/4 and 1/2 modes. Dark smoke and clear anti-fog shields are both in the box. What the listing offers: - Removable front guard gives Full, 3/4 and 1/2 riding modes, per the listing - Both a dark smoke and a clear EverClear anti-fog shield are included - Ear covers have speaker pockets for a Bluetooth headset Limits to know: - Shell material and weight are not stated in the listing - The removable guard is not described as a certified chin bar, so treat it as a 3/4 ### 4. BELL Custom 500 Helmet, Matte Black, Large Certification: DOT, FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06; Shell material: Fiberglass composite; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Large (this listing); Pinlock/Visor: Not stated The classic bare 3/4 shell, now listed as meeting DOT and ECE 22.06, with a fiberglass composite shell and quick-drying padding. Pairs with goggles or a snap-on shield. What the listing offers: - Lists DOT and ECE 22.06 at around $180, a low price for both ratings - Fiberglass composite shell rather than plastic, per the listing - Ionic+ padding is described as quick drying and odor fighting Limits to know: - No shield or visor is listed, so wind and bugs need goggles or an add-on - The listing gives no weight or venting details ### 5. Arai Helmets Classic-V Solid Helmet (Small, Black) Certification: DOT FMVSS 218; Shell material: PBcLc shell; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Small (this listing); Pinlock/Visor: Not stated A heritage-style open face with Arai's PBcLc shell, stitched faux leather trim, a removable liner and hidden ventilation. Suits cruiser riders after a classic look from a premium maker. What the listing offers: - Proprietary PBcLc shell from Arai's premium line, per the listing - Patented hidden interior ventilation keeps the classic outer look clean - Removable liner and stitched faux leather trim are listed Limits to know: - The listing does not mention a shield or visor, so plan on goggles or an add-on - Only DOT is listed; no ECE or Snell rating is stated ### 6. HJC i31 Solid Open Face Motorcycle Helmet, DOT Approved (Semi Flat Black, Large) Certification: DOT FMVSS 218; Shell material: Polycarbonate and ABS compound; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Large (this listing); Pinlock/Visor: HJ-43 Pinlock-ready visor, sun shield A budget open face with a Pinlock-ready HJ-43 visor, a dark smoke sun shield and glasses grooves. Good for commuters and scooter riders who want a shield near $170. What the listing offers: - Includes a Pinlock-ready HJ-43 visor and an installed dark smoke sun shield - Glasses grooves make room for riders who wear eyewear - Removable, washable pads that swap across shell sizes Limits to know: - Polycarbonate and ABS shell instead of the fiberglass or composites above - Only DOT is listed; no ECE rating is stated As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.