Helmet Hunt: Top 5 half-face helmets that meet international safety standards
Riders must prioritise safety by selecting helmets that meet international safety standards. This ensures the helmet passes strict impact, resistance, penetration, and retention tests. For this issue of Wheels, we bring you five affordable half-face helmets that strike this balance
In the bustling cities of Bangladesh, half-face helmets are a common choice for motorcyclists due to their comfort, airiness and convenience. Although full-face helmets ensure the highest safety level, half-face ones are better for city commuting due to their lightweight design and better airflow. Yet, safety cannot take a backseat to convenience.
Riders must prioritise safety by selecting helmets that meet international safety standards like DOT (Department of Transportation) and ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) certifications. These certifications ensure the helmet passes strict impact, resistance, penetration, and retention tests.
There is good news for Bangladeshi riders — certified helmets are now easier to find and more budget-friendly than ever before. For this issue of Wheels, we bring together five affordable half-face helmets that strike the balance between safety, comfort, and affordability.
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1. KYT Flux
The KYT Flux stands out as a well-designed half-face helmet offering a mix of safety, comfort, and practicality. Although KYT is best known for its racing helmets, the Flux adapts similar attention to detail for city riders.
The helmet features a large, aerodynamic clear visor and a built-in sun visor, making it ideal for daytime city rides. It is designed with an Advanced Thermoplastic shell that keeps weight low and comfort high. The outer visor is scratch-resistant with UV protection and is perfect for riding on Dhaka's sunny roads.
The KYT Flux has soft, breathable padding made from hypoallergenic materials. The liners are removable, washable liners that enhance long-term comfort. Although local listings don't often show the certification, KYT usually meets DOT or ECE standards, especially for models sold internationally. A reinforced quick-release chin strap adds convenience and safety, making it an excellent choice for daily riders.
Price: Tk7,000
Where to buy: Gear Station BD
2. Axor Striker Ultron
The Axor Striker Ultron stands out as one of the most safety-focused half-face helmets officially sold in Bangladesh. Unlike many budget-friendly half-face helmets, this one meets DOT and ECE 22.05 certifications, ensuring it meets global safety benchmarks.
Constructed from high-impact ABS, the helmet ensures strong structural performance during impacts. Weighing around 1,200 grams, it balances lightweight comfort and robust protection.
What sets the Striker Ultron apart is its rider-centric design. It offers a broad visor view, a multi-density EPS liner for effective shock absorption, and efficient ventilation for airflow. The hypoallergenic interior is fully removable and washable, making it ideal for regular use in Bangladesh's humid conditions.
Paired with a micrometric buckle and Axor's stylish aesthetics, this helmet provides excellent value for riders seeking a balance of safety, aesthetics, and affordability.
Price: Tk3,950
Where to buy: Vulcan Lifestyle
3. Axxis Raven SV
Axxis is one of the most recent players in the market to offer premium-quality helmets at competitive pricing, and the Raven SV is a prime example. Despite its budget-friendly cost, it holds both DOT and ECE certifications — uncommon in its class.
The shell is made from light thermoplastic resin and has a clear visor blocking UV rays. Axxis also claims that the shell has a scratch-resistant finish and aerodynamic design, which helps reduce wind noise at reasonable speeds. Axxis has equipped the Raven Solid with multi-density EPS foam, enhancing impact energy absorption and distribution.
Its interior features removable, washable plush liners crafted from antibacterial material. A quick-release micrometric buckle adds convenience, particularly for urban use. The Axxis Raven SV is an excellent entry-level option for safety-conscious city riders with sleek styling in several solid colors.
Price: Tk4,200
Where to buy: Motorcycle Valley
4. Axor Retro Jet
With vintage open-face styling, leatherette touches, and a high-impact fiberglass shell, this helmet delivers classic charm with modern protection. This helmet brings you the best blend of both worlds.
It carries DOT certification and includes a high-impact fiberglass shell — a unique quality in the half-face segment. The leather-wrapped neck roll and cheek pads further enhance its cafe-racer appeal.
Despite its classic design, the Retro Jet prioritises modern comfort. It has a soft padding that you can take out and wash.
The helmet's shell has air vents to keep you cool. Though it does not have a sun visor, its compatibility with universal snap-on visors or goggles allows for personalization. At under 1,000 grams, it ranks among the lightest certified helmets, making it ideal for daily urban commuting with style.
Price: Tk3,500
Where to buy: Vulcan Lifestyle
5. MT Street S
MT Helmets, as a brand, is known worldwide for their safety, and the Street S keeps up that standard in a compact design for city riding. Certified under both ECE 22.06 and DOT standards, it reflects the latest in helmet safety.
MT uses a high-impact resistant polymer (HIRP) to construct the shell and keeps the helmet's weight at just 950 grams — ideal for daily urban use. A minimalist design and optically-correct, wide-angle visor enhance both style and visibility. The interior features have hypoallergenic padding, which is removable and washable for long-term comfort and hygiene. It also comes with a micrometric strap and a quick visor-release system, making it easy to use for the price. It is rare to find a half-face helmet offering such a high level of certification and modern features.
Whether on a scooter or a commuter motorcycle, the Street S delivers dependable safety and convenience.
Price: Tk3,650
Where to buy: Speedoz BD
