Searching for the perfect motorcycle helmet is tougher than riding out San Juan Mountain Skyway. To make it even harder, the internet is filled with fluffy reviews that keep sales as the main priority. But in reality, even the finest motorcycle helmets come with some sort of problem. That’s why I thought of creating an unbiased Scorpion Exo helmet review, where I’ll be getting as deep as possible.
How to Choose the Right Scorpion Exo Helmet?
Scorpion has a variety of helmets in its collection. While that is great for stocking up the collection, it makes it hard for people who are only starting out their bike journey.
That’s why I’ve come up with a number of factors to help you pick the perfect Scorpion Exo helmet.
Application and Riding Style
With time, motorcycle manufacturers have been focusing on making purpose-built machines. The same goes for motorcycle helmets.
Regardless of what type of bike you’re needing, you’d want helmets for that specific purpose. Whether you’re planning on riding on-road/off-road, or both, figuring this out will help you choose what you need.
Full Face Helmets
When it’s about protection, full-face helmets are the best. These also show better results in terms of aerodynamics. As the air smoothly streams around the helmet, you get plain sailing even at higher speeds.
But they’re known for their issues with ventilation. As the entire helmet is enclosed, getting sufficient air inside gets harder. Moreover, the looks and design of these helmets make it tough to do anything besides riding the bike while wearing them.
Modular Helmets
Modular helmets are the perfect combination of full-face helmets and half-face helmets. Some people also know them as flip-up helmets. When you want to cruise, simply pull down the bottom part.
Similarly, you can remove or lift up the bottom when you’re not feeling it. That’s basically the selling point of these helmets. They offer you options for different situations. Whether it’s raining or you need some air, modular helmets have got you covered.
Open Face Helmets
As the name suggests, open face helmets leave the face part intact. Instead, you get protection on the top and side. People who need short rides go with this type of helmet thanks to the breathability they offer.
But this also makes them unsuitable for professional purposes or riding at high speed. The face stays bare, making it rather dangerous.
Half-Face Helmets
Half-face helmets are like the little brother of open face helmets. While open face helmets cover ¾ of the helmet, half-face ones only cover half.
This means your ears stay totally unprotected. But they’re great for short rides. The breathability is the best, and they’re quite lightweight when compared to others. However, they slack off in terms of protection.
Off-Road Helmets
Off-road helmets and city rides don’t go well together. But that’s to be expected when you design something for off-road tracks.
Because of the huge visors and chin bars, you get complete protection. However, they suck when it comes to eye protection.
Dual-Sport Helmets
Similar to modular helmets, dual-sport helmets are also a combination of two types of helmets. In this case, it’s full-face helmets and off-road helmets.
They have all the features off-road helmets have, and of course, there’s the protection from full-face helmets.
Protection
What’s a helmet’s real job? When we get down to basics, it comes to protecting your head. But protection doesn’t mean covering your head with a plastic shell. It’s more about how good it is at absorbing shock and dispersing the impact.
Thankfully, there are safety ratings to determine how safe a helmet is. However, you should keep in mind that safety certifications have a tendency to focus on the top part of the helmet.
They often don’t focus on the quality and shock-absorbing capability of the chin bars. The good news is, Scorpion Exo doesn’t have a track record of doing such things. Anyhow it’s better to be safe than sorry.
DOT
If you live in the US, you already know what DOT stands for. All motorcycle helmets in the US have to be certified by the standards set by the US Department of Transportation.
ECE
The ECE safety standard is almost too similar to DOT. It only has a different name because the Economic Commission sets it for Europe.
FIM
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme or FIM sets the standards for race track safety standards. Unless you’re a professional, don’t worry about this.
SNELL
SNELL is an advanced safety standard acceptable in many countries. But most manufacturers don’t really care about this safety standard as it’s voluntary.
Materials and Construction
If a helmet’s not well-made, it won’t give you the protection you need. It’s as simple as that. There are a number of materials used in making helmets, from carbon fiber to TPU.
But what matters more is how the helmet was made. It’s a no-brainer that a handcrafted individually made helmet will be better than a mass-produced one.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is a champ in almost every aspect. It’s lightweight and gives you maximum protection. The material is perfect for absorbing sudden impacts. On top of that, they do a good job with noise.
Kevlar
Kevlar is a combination of two different helmets. In terms of helmets, it ends up being carbon fiber. While carbon fiber itself is already light enough, Kevlar is even better.
With the extra-strong shock-resistance and lightweight feature, you can call it one of the best material for motorcycle helmets.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is not as lightweight as Kevlar, but it’s stronger. Moreover, it’s not expensive, making it one of the popular choices for a helmet’s outer shell.
TPU
Thermoplastic urethane or TPU is widely used in the shell of a helmet. The elastic material is also durable. But it’s not as good as polycarbonate.
Visor and Hardware
While it might seem something you don’t need to worry about, the visor plays a big role in determining the user experience. For example, if people can’t wear glasses with the visor down, then that’s going to be a problem.
Manufacturers usually go for these things to cut the cost down. That’s why you should look at the visor, especially if you’re thinking of a budget option.
Do some research about the visor pivot mechanism and find out which ones do better. Other than that, look out for anti-fogging features and how it is to replace the visor.
Closure System
Most helmets in the market come with a D-ring closure system. While that’s good enough, brands have been coming out with newer mechanisms like ratcheting chin-straps, Fid-locks, and other modern closure systems.
Other than that, look out for emergency removal systems. Any way you look at it, riding a motorcycle or any vehicle for that matter can result in unexpected accidents. With an emergency removal system, EMTs can do their work faster at stabilizing your head, neck, or spine.
Fit and Finish
This is something that distinguishes budget helmets from high-end ones. Well-made helmets go through several quality control processes, ensuring a solid construction with a good fit and plush feel.
You’ll somewhat notice that even the paint quality and design is also a lot better with these helmets.
Ventilation
Most top-graded helmets are thick and have padding all around for maximum protection. It’s true ensuring these factors make the overall quality of the helmet better. But these don’t make it comfortable or breathable in certain situations.
To get air inside and have an optimal temperature, it comes with intake and exhaust vents. Not to mention, there’s the visor.
However, the type of helmet you’re choosing plays a significant role. But manufacturers can’t add as many vents as they want. Finding the perfect balance between ventilation and aerodynamics is the key here. Not surprisingly, the top-notch helmets do excellent in this area.
Weight
The fact that you have to wear a helmet on your head, which makes weight a considerable factor when you think about comfort. On top of that, if you wear it for longer periods of time, it becomes even crucial.
The good news is Scorpion Exo is well known for its lightweight yet noteworthy protection. While you get to know about your preferred helmet’s weight without doing much extensive research, keep in mind that the material has a share here too.
Sound
Soundproofing is different for every helmet. It widely depends on what type of helmet you’re using. For instance, an off-road helmet will give you little to no soundproofing.
However, you need good soundproofing if you ride around the freeways. When you’re riding at speed, you’d want a helmet that stays quiet, allowing you to listen to the surroundings.
Nonetheless, it totally depends on your purpose. Unless you’re not passionate about racing or riding on the highways, soundproofing shouldn’t be a big deal.
Style and Aesthetics
Do people wear helmets for fashion? No. But does it hurt to ride with style? Still no. If you want to look while riding or you want a matching helmet with your bike, then go for it.
But don’t make it the primary factor. Just a helmet looks good doesn’t make it well-constructed to survive sudden impacts.
Extra Features
While every helmet has one specific job, you can always use a few extra features. For example, internal drop-down visors are one of my favorites. Or you could go for helmets with Bluetooth communication systems.
It’s not necessary to have these features but if your wallet’s by your side, then go for it.
1. ScorpionExo Covert Unisex-Adult Helmet
The ScorpionExo Covert is what you get when you combine a badass look and robust protective features. This head-turner with its unique design makes it one of the most unique products in the market.
With its fierce looks and sleek matte black design, this enclosed helmet is a treat to the eyes. The aerodynamic linings will go with any bike you want.
As the name suggests, you get a muzzle so that you don’t have to wear a bandana. Thanks to this, you don’t have to opt for a bandana for protecting your mouth and nose.
On top of that, the modular design with adjustable vents makes it easy to control the airflow. And it goes without saying that you can take advantage of the modular design depending on where you’re riding.
Overall, I’d say this is a unique and versatile helmet that gives a pleasant riding experience. While most people will look at the design first but keep in mind, there’s more than just that. If you want a helmet that fits all weather conditions, the ScorpionExo Cover should be at the top of your shortlist.
Pros
- Unique and attractive design
- Ensures adequate airflow
- Made out of durable LG polycarbonate shell
- Controllable vents for different weather conditions
Cons
- No room to install Bluetooth communicators
2. ScorpionExo EXO-GT920 Satellite Full Face Helmet
The ScorpionExo EXO-GT920 is a fantastic full-face helmet that’s also modular. Moreover, it’s made out of premium-grade polycarbonate. By switching out the material with an affordable yet durable material, they’ve added more exclusive features inside.
One great example would be their state of the art anti-fogging system, Ever Clear anti-fog face shield. On top of that, it’s combined with their unique SpeedView retractable sun visor. And it’s safe to say that there’s the anti-fog coating on both sides.
Being a modular helmet, weight is a crucial factor. Thankfully, the chin bar nails it in this department. It’s lightweight, and the removal process is relatively easy for a modular helmet.
On the downside, the size chart can sometimes go wrong. So, do some calculations to figure out your helmet size. Otherwise, you might end up returning it.
Overall, I’d say this is an excellent helmet for the price you’re paying. Whether it’s daily rides or occasional freeway riding, you’ll be satisfied with its soundproofing and durability.
Pros
- Comes with a double D-ring fastener
- Sporty and aerodynamic design
- Modular functions
- Made from premium polycarbonate
Cons
- The sizes can get confusing
3. Scorpion Unisex-Adult Full-face-Helmet
Design and affordability, the two strong points that make the Scorpion Unisex-Adult Full-face-Helmet one of the best value for money helmets in the market.
It lets it out of the black paradox of helmets. And you get not one, not two but ten different designs from neon to gold. But they didn’t leave it on the street with only great designs. The primary material is advanced LG polycarbonate, which is known for its durability and shock absorbing ability while being affordable.
The 4-pound helmet isn’t the lightest one in the market, but it makes it up with the newfangled Elliptic II ratchet system. Thanks to this, you get a comfortable riding experience along with a perfect fit.
On top of that, there’s the KwikWick II comfort liner. Like every other top-notch helmet, you could wash it whenever you want. No one wants a stinky helmet, right?
All in all, this is a great deal as you’re getting tons of features and amazing designs at an affordable rate. And obviously, there are the iconic no-fog shields from ScorpionExo.
Pros
- Comes in 10 amazing designs
- Made from high quality LG polycarbonate
- Has an emergency release system
- Latest ratchet system
Cons
- The soundproofing isn’t that good
4. Scorpion EXO-R710 Golden Motorcycle Helmet
Let’s welcome the first fiberglass helmet on this list, ScorpionEXO R710. Along with its other features, this fiberglass helmet is one of the best helmets under 200. I’m not saying there aren’t any other good helmets in this price range but this one exceeds in almost every set of areas.
Remember when I said manufacturers don’t take the hassle to get most of their helmets a SNELL certification? Well, turns out this is a SNELL M2015 certified helmet.
Despite being a full-face helmet, the helmet is relatively good. Even though you won’t get pin drop silence the soundproofing is decent enough for a full-face helmet in this price range.
What I like most about is how it focuses on the tiny details. For example, it has a few notches in the interior if you need to wear prescription glasses. At the end of the day, these are the little things that make the overall riding experience better.
However, it does have some problems. The biggest one for me is the paint job. I know many people like the matte design but that hits it on the soundproofing to some extent. And you might get minimal fog in extreme conditions. But keep in mind that the EverClear visor will give your clear riding experiences in most cases.
Pros
- SNELL certified helmet
- Durable and lightweight
- Made from fiberglass and aramid
- Decent visors
Cons
- A bit noisy
5. Scorpion EXO-R320 Full-Face Solid Helmet
When it comes to budget deals, nothing on this list can beat the Scorpion EXO-R320. This full-face helmet comes with all kinds of basic features you’d want in a budget helmet. But that means you won’t be getting some of the unique features.
Forget about unique features, when the budgets low, manufacturers usually cut off accessories that you can buy separately. In this case, ScorpionExo went with the dark shield. You will obviously get a visor but you’ll have to spend some money on the shields.
Moreover, this one doesn’t come with their latest ratcheting system. Instead, it opted with the Ellip-Tec ratcheting system.
Other than that, this DOT certified helmet is made from the well-known LG polycarbonate. So, you don’t have to worry about the protective features.
However, it did catch my eyes with one feature. It has pockets for communication systems. It’s true that you can’t expect Bluetooth communicators in this price range. But you can install it whenever you like as the spot will always be there.
Pros
- Lightweight helmet
- Affordable price tag
- Sleek design
Cons
- You need to buy dark shields separatelyA bit noisy
6. ScorpionEXO EXO-AT950 Tuscon Helmet
The ScorpionEXO AT950 is a versatile mid-range modular helmet with DOT and ECE certification. If you’re someone who rides in the city most of the time, this helmet can be your perfect companion.
But it also means this helmet isn’t suitable for off-road riding. The noise levels aren’t right for those routines. Moreover, off-road helmets need better ventilation that you can’t expect from modular helmets.
Other than that, the Exo-AT950 is an excellent riding asset. The interior is filled with dual density EPS, making the overall experience a lot better. On top of that, the helmet itself is made out of advanced LG polycarbonate. As I’ve already sung the praises of this material, let’s move on to other topics.
Whether it’s a helmet or something, it’ll have some pros and cons. But the pros of the ScorpionEXO AT950 are somewhat heavier on the scale. You get excellent peripheral vision and visibility. On top of that, KwikWick II linings ensure a comfortable riding experience all the time.
Overall, I’d say this is the best modular helmet from ScorpionExo. You get a durable and stylish helmet without emptying your pocket that much.
Pros
- Great on-road riding experience
- EverClear anti-fog coated visors
- Comes with dual density EPS
- Adequate space in the eye-port
Cons
- A bit heavy at 5.5 pounds
7. Scorpion ST1400 Carbon Helmet ,Large
The Scorpion ST1400 is one of the best carbon fiber helmets you’ll find in this price range. This full-face helmet is perfect for riders who want to cruise freely on the freeway. In fact, it was designed for that specific purpose.
That’s why there’s the cutout for the visor to give you a great peripheral vision. Moreover, it comes with one thing I’ve always wanted in other ScorpionExo helmets, a pin-lock visor.
Thanks to the Pinlock Max Vision anti-fog visor you get fog-free vision regardless of the weather condition. On top of that, you get the famous drop-down visors also known as SpeedView visors.
It’s clear that the Scorpion ST1400 is a classy helmet. Along with the basic features such as fine-tuned aerodynamics, comfortability, it has a handful of extra features that come in handy.
Moreover, this is the lightest helmet from this lot. Weighing only 3.05 pounds, the sleek design makes the helmet as comfortable as possible. Most importantly, it has a reasonable price tag even with all these features.
Pros
- Durable carbon fiber build
- Extremely lightweight
- Aero-tuned ventilation
- Comes with a washable hypoallergenic liner
Cons
- A bit pricey
8. Scorpion R420 Black Helmet ,Small
The Exo-400 series is famous for its budget-friendly and well-constructed helmets. And it’s no wonder the new model Exo-R420 keeps everything in check from performance to comfort.
Interestingly, ScorpionExo has managed to improve itself without messing up the price. And it’s slightly more expensive than the previous models but I’ve got no complaints as the performance hasn’t dropped a bit.
Even at this price point, you get a Double D-ring closure. I know this closure system is school but the reliability bar is quite high for this tech. But it makes sense to things basic when you’re trying to come up with an affordable helmet with extra features.
In the ventilation department, it has two intake vents. The intake vents take care of the front side while the always open exhaust lets all the air out.
Moving to the interior, you’ll find ScorpionExo’s all famous KwikWick II. These removable linings will suck in all the moisture keeping your head dry at all times. And obviously, they maintain an optimal temperature inside.
Overall, the ScorpionExo R420 is a great piece of helmet that keeps things simple. Although it doesn’t have a lot of extra features, the price tag makes up for it.
Pros
- Well-constructed helmet
- Decent ventilation
- DOT and SNELL certified
Cons
- Needs to work on the weight
9. Scorpion EXO-CT220 Street Motorcycle Helmet
Let’s bring in the final contender from this list, the Scorpion Exo-CT220. As you’ve already noticed this is the only open-face helmet till now. I know some of you are a bit skeptical about open-face helmets as most of them have little to no modern features.
But that’s when you think about this old school helmet with modern features. This polycarbonate build helmet comes with a versatile design that’ll hand in hand with your free soul.
And the best thing is ScorionExo packed all the latest features while keeping the price tag low. For example, you get the unique SpeedView sun visor that allows you to bring down the visor even when you’re riding at speed. On top of that, it’s equipped with the EverClear no fog face shield, which is known for its effectiveness.
Other than that, I liked how they kept an extra space for people who wear glasses. If you didn’t know, many helmet brands mess up the cheek pads, resulting in a situation where you can’t wear glasses properly. Fortunately, you won’t face that issue with this helmet.
Pros
- Open-face helmet with modern features
- Ensures comfortable riding experience
- Lightweight
Cons
- The visors don’t do well in extreme conditions
Tips for Buying a Scorpion Helmet
Suppose you’ve bought a new helmet with all the features you need. But when you wear it, the fit makes your head want to burst. So, are you going to wear a helmet like that for a long time? I’m guessing the answer is no.
Find the Right Shape of Helmet
Your head has one of three shapes, round, oval, or intermediate oval. While you can’t do anything about your head, you can match it with the shape of the helmet. Don’t ignore this factor as it can result in having certain pressure points and hot spots, making the overall experience bitter.
Wear It for a While Before You Ride
I know this sounds weird. But trust me, wearing a brand-new helmet for a good 45 minutes to 1 hour to find out the hot spots. It’s better to have them at home rather than when you’re riding freely.
Calibrate the Padding
If you see that the helmet isn’t your perfect fit, don’t lose hope yet. The final thing you can do is calibrate the padding. While this isn’t the ideal thing, you might make a custom fit by doing this.
FAQs
Are Scorpion Exo helmets worth it?
Scorpion Exo helmets are slowly becoming more and popular in the US. Their dedication to making well-constructed helmets resulted in some of their helmets having the SNELL standard. On top of that, they’re stepping up their game in Europe too.
Where are Scorpion Exo helmets made?
Scorpion Exo makes their helmets in their state of the art factory, the Big Nest. This enormous campus has almost 400 employees for making top-notch helmets right in the US.
How long does a helmet stay certified?
Most manufacturers will tell you a helmet will survive for five years. While that is true, you can use it for a bit longer. The thing is, after five years, the seals and padding of the helmet start losing their integral qualities, reducing the effectiveness of the helmet.
How do I know if my Scorpion Exo helmet is still good?
The math here is simple. If the helmet is older than five years, then throw it away. However, don’t even think of using the second if you’ve ever had an accident with it.
Parting Words
There’s no denying that ScorpionExo makes a variety of helmets suitable for every riding style. While most of them are amazing helmets they do have their share of disadvantages. Nonetheless, I tried to make this Scorpion Exo helmet review as neutral as possible.
Jason, a helmet enthusiast, is the owner of HelmetsAdvisor.com shares his innovative idea that helps people get the proper knowledge of helmets and their accessories to go ahead!
Helmets are usually life-saving elements to run! That's why, an expert on helmets, Jason built this site to express his gathering knowledge and first-hand user experience over decades.
