The Best Budget Motorcycle Helmets

ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf + 2 Visors DOT (M, Matte Black)

As most people realize, the helmet is the most important part of protecting yourself from injuries during an accident. However, in my opinion, manufacturers take advantage of the fact that most people are willing to spend any amount of money to justify the added protection. Does it actually add protection, though? In most cases the only additions you get from purchasing an expensive name brand helmet are comfort, and style. 

​ILM is a Chinese brand of helmet. That doesn't mean that it's a bad brand. The helmets provide many of the same safety features as a helmet that costs $400, but you pay $70-$200 depending on if you want bluetooth capability. I took the time to ride with the bluetooth enabled helmet, and here is what I thought.

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​I was very impressed by the ease of use and sound quality out of the bluetooth. I did a few impact tests on the lower priced models and was shocked at how durable they are. The helmets took direct hammer strikes to the face shield, and dome at full swing. In fact, my only concern with wearing the entry level model helmets was how light weight they were; It felt like some dampening material was sacrificed and that a hard blow would be slightly less protected compared to the larger bluetooth enabled helmets. A helmet is not going to save you from a head on collision regardless of the brand. Helmets are mainly designed to protect against falling to the ground, and during the slide. A head on collision will not be protected against no matter what you decide to wear.

​Most of their designs come with a flip down sunglasses visor. ILM makes several modular helmets which is very nice for the moments that you want to flip the helmet up and feel like its not there.  The chin strap is an easy to use ratchet system that easily secures into place without having to feel around for those metal rings. They are slightly heavier than most helmets, but that is to be expected for a bluetooth enabled helmet. Comfort was not an issue for me, although I would recommend ordering one size larger than normal as they tend to fit a bit tight. 

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The world of helmets is a saturated market, and has become one that is very fad prone. What I mean by that is that helmets have become all about style, and much less about safety. After all, you can now buy a helmet that makes you look like Predator, or Iron Man. However, there are still traditional designs out there that provide superior protection at low cost, and that's pretty much what I would stick with. ILM is really just what I need in a helmet; safety, and savings. 

Cost                  8/10
Comfort   8/10
quality      5/10