Best ECE 22.06 Helmets

Jan 19, 2024

Check out the latest and greatest ECE 22.06 helmets that are worth every cent

ECE 22.05 wasn’t enough for the modern crotch rockets, so the Economic Commission of Europe responded to our increasing shenanigans with the ECE 22.06 homologation. This new certification method promises to make modern helmets safer than ever — as long as you don’t look at the race-spec certifications like FIM. This new standard also forced manufacturers to innovate and push their boundaries.

Since ECE 22.06 tests are much more comprehensive, helmet manufacturers are scrambling to update their helmet lineup, and out of the scramble, these brands are giving us some of the best helmets we ever hoped to see. From HJC and Scorpion to Shoei and Arai, and of course, AGV, the best helmet manufacturers, have released mind-blowing, pun intended, helmets that meet the ECE 22.06 standards. These are the best ECE 22.06 helmets you can buy.

Related: 10 Coolest Retro Motorcycle Helmets

AGV helmets are drool-worthy, and so is the K1-S. Don’t let its smaller price-tag fool you; it’s as much of an AGV helmet as any other. This road-oriented sport helmet is favored for its aerodynamics, offering a smooth and quiet experience, and its profile is stylish even when it’s resting on your bike. And since it’s inspired by the AGVs used in MotoGP, you won’t feel like you’re compromising on anything with this helmet.

Did you think we’d forget retro-inspired helmets? For this segment, you shouldn’t look at anything other than the Sheoi Glamster 06. This premium retro helmet looks classy but does not cut corners on comfort, safety, and a premium feel only Shoei can provide. It features an AIM shell, a multi-density EPS liner, and retro mesh vents. So, if you ride a retro motorcycle and want an ECE 22.06 helmet to go with your aesthetic, place your bets on the Shoei Glamster 06.

The Shark Spartan RS may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying just how good this helmet is. Let’s start with its unique feature: it’s the first ECE 22.06 helmet with a dropdown sun visor to be your perfect companion on sunny days. And even though it looks like a race helmet, it is more of a road helmet that serves on all fronts, whether on your commutes or weekend joyrides.

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If you are looking for a touring helmet, you’d be foolish not to consider Schuberth, and the C5 is the best this brand offers. This is the first modular helmet with an ECE 22.06, but if that wasn’t enough, it’s also P/J certified — it passes ECE tests with the front bar raised. And for a flip-up helmet, it is surprisingly light, and since it’s a Schuberth, it’s like wearing a pillow around your head.

In a list of the best helmets, not including Arai would be a cardinal sin. This Japanese brand is known for making some of the best motorcycling helmets, and the Quantic is no different. Arai Quantic is one of the first helmets to don the ECE 22.06 homologation, but it offers much more. This composite fiberglass helmet is handmade, one of the safest you can buy, and if you want a sport-touring lid, you can’t go wrong with this one.

The HJC RPHA-1 is a through-and-through race-spec helmet you can wear on the street. This premium helmet from HJC is not only ECE 22.06 certified but also FIM approved (FRHPhe-01 safety certification), so it’s about as safe as a motorcycling helmet can get. This multi-composite shelled helmet is for racers that prioritize speed over anything else.

Related: Love Call Of Duty? Then, The New HJC RPHA-11 Is THE Helmet For You

Shoei pushed its resources, technology, and team of the best engineers and designers to the limits to produce the NXR2 helmet, and the results show. This wind-tunnel-tested race helmet uses high-quality materials and is built to the most stringent quality assurance practices in the industry. This is also one of the lightest and most compact 22.06 helmets you can buy currently. And did we mention just how premium this helmet feels?

ECE 22.06 is the safest road-oriented homologation for helmets, but it’s not limited to road-going helmets. You can get an excellent adventure helmet that comes with the same homologation, and the best one in this category is the Scorpion ADF-9000. This is a serious ADV helmet that prioritizes airflow and comfort, thanks to the adjustable vents, Airfit customizable cheek pads, and an integrated sun visor. Put simply, the Scorpion ADF-9000 is the best ADV helmet you can buy.

The best ECE 22.06 helmet shouldn’t come at the cost of your emergency funds; you can have a pretty good helmet in the form of the HJC C10. This sub-$100 ECE 22.06 helmet is the best value for money, featuring a polycarbonate shell, a wide field of vision, and high-quality components and liners. Yes, it isn’t as good as other premium helmets on the list, but it’d be impolite to complain at this price. But if you want to nitpick, you should crib about the micrometric buckle, a noisy design, and liners that prove you get what you pay for. Still, the HJC C10 is the best ECE 22.06 helmet for most new bikers.

The AGV Pista GP-RR is the ultimate motorcycle helmet for most bikers; the creme-de-la-creme features the very best AGV has to offer. This ECE 22.06 helmet is also FIM homologated — it’s a proper race replica you can buy right now. Where do we begin with this helmet? It has a 100% carbon fiber shell, 5-density EPS liner, an aerodynamic shape that is as stable as it is stylish, Pro Spoiler and race suit fitment, collarbone-safe profile, and the list goes on and on. Let’s end it with this: it’s the best ECE 22.06 helmet you can buy. Period.

Meet Aayush, a motorcycle-loving writer from Goa. With almost a decade of riding experience and a (not so) trusty Dominar 400, you can find him exploring the Western Ghats on Sundays or tinkering with motorcycles during his free hours. From touring tips to DIY maintenance, he's got you covered. So, grab your helmet and join the ride!