Your helmet is the one piece of gear you should never compromise on. Everything else protects your body. Your helmet protects your brain. This guide covers the best motorcycle helmets available in Australia right now, broken down by type and riding style, based on what we stock and what our customers actually ride in.
What actually matters when choosing a helmet
Safety certification comes first. In Australia, your helmet needs to meet AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.06. ECE 22.06 is the current gold standard and what most quality helmets now carry. If a helmet doesn't have one of these certifications, leave it on the shelf.
Fit matters more than brand. A poorly fitted helmet moves on your head, creates pressure points, and won't protect you the way it should in a crash. Sizing varies a lot between brands, so don't assume your size in one brand translates to another.
Shell material affects weight and how the helmet behaves in an impact. Polycarbonate is the most affordable and works well. Fibreglass composite is lighter and absorbs energy better. Carbon fibre is the lightest option and the strongest, with a price to match.
Ventilation is non-negotiable for Australian riding. A helmet that doesn't breathe well becomes unbearable in summer heat, and a hot, uncomfortable rider is a distracted rider.
Full face helmets
Full face helmets give you the most protection. They cover your chin and jaw, which is where a significant portion of helmet impacts occur. If you're doing highway speeds, commuting daily, or riding sport, full face is the right choice.
The Airoh REV '19 ($599.95) is one of our most popular mid-range full face helmets. Italian build, lightweight fibreglass-blend shell, wide field of view, and a ventilation setup that works in Australian heat. ECE certified and punches well above its price point.
Airoh REV '19 Matt Black - $599.95
The LS2 FF800 Storm II ($269.99) is where we send riders who want serious safety credentials without spending top dollar. ECE 22.06 certified, Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell, and an integrated sun visor. It's a proper helmet at an honest price.
LS2 FF800 Storm II - $269.99
The Bell Race Star DLX ($1,299.99) is for riders who want track-level protection on the street. Carbon fibre shell, MIPS technology, designed around performance riding. FIM-approved.
Bell Race Star DLX - $1,299.99
Browse the full range: sharkleathers.com.au/collections/full-face
Modular helmets
A modular helmet has a hinged chin bar that flips up, giving you full face protection when you need it and the convenience of an open face when you don't. Touring riders love them. So do commuters who spend a lot of time stopping and talking.
The LS2 FF901 Advant X ($739.99) is the best value premium modular we stock. ECE 22.06 certified, integrated drop-down sun visor, composite shell, and comfortable enough for all-day use. It handles highway touring in Australian conditions without complaint. A carbon shell version is also available at $949.99 for riders wanting maximum weight savings.
LS2 FF901 Advant X Solid Matte Black - $739.99
The Nitro F920 Modular Turismo DVS ($199.95) is what you buy if budget is the top priority but you still want full modular convenience. ECE-certified polycarbonate shell, drop-down sun visor, and proven on Aussie commutes. Punches above its price for a sub-$200 lid.
Nitro F920 Modular Turismo DVS Satin Black - $199.95
Browse the full range: sharkleathers.com.au/collections/modular
Adventure helmets
Adventure helmets are built for riders who ride both sealed and unsealed roads. They have a sun peak, usually a dual visor system, and ventilation that works whether you're crawling through bush tracks or sitting at highway speed.
The LS2 MX701 Explorer Spire ($449.99) is a solid all-rounder. Removable peak, internal sun visor, ECE certified, and priced sensibly. It's the helmet we sell most of in this category for riders who want adventure capability without the premium price tag.
LS2 MX701 Explorer Spire - $449.99
The AGV AX9 Matt Carbon ($799) is what you buy when you want adventure capability with race-helmet pedigree. Full carbon shell, dual homologated for road and off-road, removable peak for highway touring, and a no-fog visor system that makes it practical for year-round Australian riding.
AGV AX9 Matt Carbon - $799
Browse the full range: sharkleathers.com.au/collections/adventure-helmets
Carbon fibre helmets
Carbon fibre helmets are the lightest option available. If you're doing long distances regularly, the weight difference is noticeable. Neck fatigue on a 500km day is a real thing, and a lighter helmet helps. They're not cheap, but for serious touring riders the investment makes sense. Our carbon picks span full face (Bell Race Star DLX), modular (LS2 FF901 Advant X Carbon), and adventure (AGV AX9 Matt Carbon) — every category has a carbon flagship.
Browse the full range: sharkleathers.com.au/collections/carbon
Getting the right size
Measure the circumference of your head about 2.5cm above your eyebrows. Compare that to the brand's own size chart, not a generic one, because brands differ significantly. The helmet should feel firm and snug with no pressure points. Put it on and try to rotate it on your head. If it moves, it's too big.
If you're not sure, come into our Helensvale showroom. We'll fit you properly before you spend a cent.
About Shark Leathers
We're at 6/142 Siganto Drive, Helensvale QLD 4212, open seven days. We stock every helmet type covered in this guide. Our staff ride, so the advice you get is based on experience, not a script. Free shipping on all orders over $200 Australia-wide.
Full helmets range: sharkleathers.com.au/collections/helmets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest motorcycle helmet type?
Full face helmets provide the most protection as they cover your entire head and chin. Studies show the chin bar takes approximately 35% of impacts in crashes. For maximum safety, choose a full face helmet with ECE 22.06 or SHARP 5-star rating.
How often should I replace my motorcycle helmet?
Replace your helmet every 5 years, or immediately after any impact. The EPS foam liner degrades over time even without crashes. UV exposure and sweat also break down materials. If your helmet is over 5 years old, it is time for a new one.
What helmet brands does Shark Leathers stock?
We stock AGV, LS2, Bell, Airoh, Nitro, RXT, Kabuto, Simpson and Shark own-brand. All helmets are Australian Standards approved or ECE 22.06 certified. Visit us at Helensvale, Gold Coast or shop online with free shipping over $200.
How should a motorcycle helmet fit?
A helmet should fit snugly without pressure points. It should not move when you shake your head. Your cheeks should feel slight pressure. If you can fit more than one finger between your forehead and the padding, it is too loose. Always try on with the chin strap fastened.
Shop Motorcycle Helmets by Location
We ship Australia-wide with free delivery over $200. Find motorcycle helmets near you:
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