Icon Mainframe $210-$300
Give 'em credit-the marketing machine that is Icon may have flashy ads, but at least its stuff is stout-the Mainframe is as good as any high-end hat we've worn lately (consequently it's at the top end of our price parameter). Skimpy side vents and overly complicated rear exhaust ports are probably more for aesthetics than anything, though an internal on/off chin switch and a removable molded breath deflector allow you to somewhat control escaping air. The cheek pads are also fully removable and washable, and an optically correct polycarbonate shield gives a clear wide view (with a toolless removal system). The Mainframe conforms to Snell and DOT standards and looks good doing it, too. Heavy but well built.
EXTRAS: removable breath deflector, removable chin curtain, cloth storage bag
CR RATED: 4 stars
Joe Rocket RKT 101 $250-275
The heaviest helmet in the bunch, the RKT 101 also has one of the plushest interiors, resulting in a snug and secure fit. In an effort to maximize the vents' real cooling potential the design team ensured the chambers were deep-you can see straight through the vent holes into the helmet. The vent controls feel solid, and the Joe Rocket 101 uses the same excellent shield mechanism as the HJC CL-15. The removable breath deflector works well, but there is noticeable air leakage around the face. We also discovered that the white rubberized paint is difficult to keep clean. All in all, however, the RKT 101 is a well-built and comfortable helmet.
EXTRAS: removable breath deflector, cloth storage bag; Nylex and Aquatrans liner is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking
CR RATED: 4 stars
KBC Magnum $190-$240
The KBC Magnum falls at the upper end of this guide's price spectrum, but it's reflected in the impressive design. The laminated shell helps keep the weight down near the lowest of the class on this DOT- and Snell-approved lid. The vent mechanisms are snappy and the shield replacement even snappier, taking just seconds to swap from clear to tinted. Where the Magnum really shines is the fit and comfort. There's no extra space front to rear, so this fits round-oval heads best. And the liner feels like buttah. The thick padding and the fabric are soft on the skin, the kind of thing that can make a big difference on a long ride. There's even a lip inside the top of the faceshield to provide a better seal. The Magnum's a real keeper.
EXTRAS: cloth storage bag, removable chin curtain
CR RATED: 5 stars
Scorpion EXO-400 $140-$160
Scorpion hasn't been on the scene as long as many of the other helmet companies, but it's certainly become a player. At the tail end of its helmet line, the EXO-400 feels like a much pricier lid. The finish is flawless, and all of the pieces of the helmet are well integrated. More of a round-oval shape, the head opening is somewhat short front to back. That said, once it's on your head you'll discover an excellent fit and very good comfort, though the liner fabric could be softer. Vent slides are stiff but easy to operate. The faceshield mechanism is quite solid, though the locator pins can hang up during shield installation. The weight is on the high side, but the EXO-400 is still a tremendous value.
EXTRAS: KwikWick liner, removable breath deflector, optional liners in different colors and patterns, cloth storage bag
CR RATED: 4 and 1/2 stars
Shark S 650 $199-$219
No stranger in Europe, Shark is relatively new in the U.S., with a range of helmets for street riders and roadracers alike. The S 650 is its almost-no-frills model, but don't let that deter you. In fact for old-school riders the relative lack of protrusions on the shell may be appealing. A/C consists of straightforward faceshield and forehead vents, plus vents to extract hot air from the facial area (an excellent feature for associate editor types). Sizing runs a little on the large side with a very comfortable inner liner. On this model only the cheek pads are removable for washing, and the chin bar doesn't have EPS. The shield mechanism is worth noting for its simplicity-just push a button on each side to slide the shield out, then slide it back in to install.
EXTRAS: cloth storage bag
CR RATED: 4 stars