Best Motorcycle Helmets in Singapore: Perfect for Riding and Movie Nights 

Call me paranoid, but if I ever ride a motorcycle.

(Not that my wife or parents would ever approve…)

I’ll probably buy the best motorcycle helmet that I can afford, because if anything happens… (touchwood)

I want to make sure that my head is well protected.

And if you’re going to catch a movie in a cinema near you, it’s not a bad idea to invest in one either…

That’s a piece of a cinema hall’s ventilation system, which came crashing down in the midst of a movie screening.

Only two patrons were injured and they were promptly taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

(Aside: really hope that they’re okay)

All other patrons were evacuated and their tickets were refunded.

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TL;DR: Where To Find the Best Motorcycle Helmets in Singapore 2020?

Laugh all you want.

But 2020 has made a pretty strong case so far that it’s a year where anything that CAN go wrong WILL go wrong.

So when it comes to road safety and… erm… cinema safety.

I’m going err on the side of caution.

When it comes to finding the best motorcycle helmet for riding on the road OR for catching a movie.

The best motorcycle helmet is not necessarily the most expensive one in the market.

You just need to get one which is from a reliable brand and is properly fitted to your head.

I’ve also learnt that if you can, always go helmet shopping with someone who knows their stuff.

This way, they can help you check how well it fits and make sure that the salesperson doesn’t upsell you something which you don’t need.

Especially if you’re a beginner rider…

Or are just heading back to the cinemas after they’ve been allowed to re-open.

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What’s the Best Helmet Money Can Buy?

I’ve checked motorcycle forums and online communities.

And asked a couple of friends (who are riders) what are some of the best motorcycle helmets in Singapore.

Since I was very concerned about safety, all of them recommended a full-face helmet instead of a half or open face helmet.

Something like this HJC RPHA-70 Black Panther Marvel Full Face Helmet:

Pretty badass, huh?

(Aside: Rest in Power, Chadwick Boseman)

So no matter how you land if you’re accidentally thrown off the bike, you can be sure that your noggin has 360° protection.

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In terms of quality and safety (whether it is PSB certified or not)…

All, if not most of my rider friends recommend getting a helmet from the following brands:

• ARAI
• HJC
• SHOEI

But the most important part of helmet shopping is getting a helmet which fits CORRECTLY.

Apparently, a lot of bikers default to a size “M” as it has the highest resale value.

FYI: since brand new helmets can get pretty pricey, there’s a second-hand helmet market which sells, well… pre-loved helmets for a much lower price.

But this is usually not recommended because:

1. Helmets have expiry dates and will age: a polycarbonate helmet lasts about 4 years, while a composite helmet lasts about 6 to 7 years before it should be replaced.
2. The outer shell might be intact but the inner shell could be damaged after an impact (read: you won’t have the full protection of a brand new helmet)
3. Worn out interior: the helmet’s interior will shape to your head over time, wearing someone else’s old helmet means that it will not fit your head properly

How To Measure and Fit the Right Helmet

To get the right fit, you’ll need to know the size of your head.

You can get this measurement by placing a measuring tape just above your ears and about a half-inch above the eyebrows.

Take the measurement at the forehead.

P.S. get someone to help you with this to get a more accurate reading.

Compare the measurement to this size chart to get a sense of what your helmet size should be like:

Next, visit the shop and physically try on the helmet which you intend to buy.

Measurements aside, trying on a helmet in-person is one of the most important things to do when going helmet shopping.

Here’s why.

When you put the helmet on

• it should be a little tight as it goes over your head
• it should sit on your head evenly with the eye port’s upper edge just above your eyebrows
• it should still offer a good peripheral vision so that you can see side-to-side

Stick a finger between the helmet interior and your head.

If you can do so easily, you might need to try a smaller size.

Some helmets allow you to adjust the cheek pads for a better fit, so consider this when doing your helmet sizing.

Lastly, when it comes to helmet style, you have tonnes of design and colours to choose from.

But you’ll want to keep in mind that a brighter colour means that drivers can spot you easier from a distance.

Do I Really Need a Motorcycle Helmet When I Go To the Cinemas?

Y’know that I’m kidding, right?

BUT…

I know how Singaporeans all kiasi (Hokkien: afraid of dying) one.

And hey, no one’s gonna fault you for taking extra precautions right?

So, here are some cheaper options to consider if you can’t splash a few hundreds on a full-face motorcycle helmet.

Midori Anzen Helmet Shield with Ventilation Holes ($38 from Monotaro.sg)

3M Safety Helmet H701V White ($29 from Horme Hardware)

SAF-Issued No.4 Combat Helmet

Technically free (okay, fine, taxpayer’s money paid for it) as long as you’ve served in the SAF.

For the guys who’re serving or have served in the SAF, you should have this in your bunk or storeroom at home.