Best Low Profile Half Helmet

SOA Inspired DOT Helmet

In search of the thinnest and lightest DOT helmet on the market? We've done the research to bring you our top pick! If you love the look of the novelty helmets, but actually care if it meets DOT safety standards, or even if you are reluctantly searching for a helmet to satisfy your state's helmet laws, the Micro DOT Blister is a great choice.

Style

When it comes to half helmets, style is often the priority. For years, bikers have searched for a small low profile beanie style helmet that still meets DOT safety standards while avoiding the dreaded mushroom head. Micro DOT has several great options that do just that. They offer their Micro DOT Blister helmet in both a ABS plastic shell and a Fiberglass shell. The DOT minimum thickness for the protective foam layer is .75 of an inch. The Micro DOT Blister comes in at .8". This makes for a very low profile design, which eliminates the mushroom effect. In addition to the profile of the helmet, the design slopes down slightly behind the ear. This visual cue helps reduce the mushroom effect as well. You also have the option between a matte or gloss finish to the helmet, depending on your preferences. I personally prefer the matte, as I feel it lessens the visual appearance of the helmet. The downside to a matte finish is that fingerprints and smudges to show very easily and it is a little more difficult to clean. If you opt for the fiberglass version, flat black is the only option. Of course, if you wear a half helmet, you have to have a great looking pair of riding glasses.

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Safety

The Micro DOT Blister does meet DOT requirements. It has the minimum thickness of polystyrene protection layer, as required by DOT standards. The ABS Shell is very common in motorcycle helmets, especially the half helmet market. It is often the go-to material selection because of it's lightweight and able to distribute energy in an impact. The fiberglass version of this helmet is coated in a high impact resin that accomplishes the same results. The chin straps are securely anchored to the helmet with sturdy rivets as required. Safety is always important and something every rider should consider when choosing a helmet. If safety is your primary concern, you should probably not be buying a half helmet. The more of your head you cover, the safer the helmet will be. With that being said, if you choose to wear a half helmet (that's what I wear most of the time) make sure you select one that meets the DOT standards.

Comfort

Interior Lining

This Blister is designed for a snug fit. The fit of the helmet not only reduces the profile of the helmet, but it also reduces lift. Lift is the feeling of the helmet raising up as you increase speed. A poorly designed or ill-fitting helmet can feel as if the chin strap is choking you. If you decide the Micro DOT Blister is the right helmet for you, be sure to check out the sizing chart on the website so you order the correct size. There is also a quick video to show you how to size their helmets. There are 7 different sizes offered to ensure the proper fit. The Blister is best suited for someone with a round head to an intermediate oval. If your head is more of a long oval shape, the same company makes a helmet called a Twister 2.0. It has the same sleek low profile look in a slightly different style. The Twister 2.0 claims to be a reversible helmet. It has a peak to the helmet. I like the look and style of this helmet, but can't imagine ever wearing it with the peak facing forward as it could cause lift.

Many of the helmets that claim to be the slimmest and smallest DOT helmets skimp on the interior lining. It makes sense because that is just added thickness to the helmet. Of course, that can greatly reduce the overall comfort of the helmet. The Blister does include a nice helmet lining, which makes it much more comfortable for everyday wear and for longer trips. Though the fiberglass version of this helmet is lighter than the ABS helmet, it is still a very light weight helmet. Of course, it cannot and should not be as light as a novelty helmet, but meeting DOT standards and achieving a design as lightweight as this one, is a big accomplishment. The lightweight design of the Micro DOT beanie style helmet adds a lot to the comfort of the helmet. It has a barely there feel, which helps eliminate head bobble and neck fatigue.

Features

This is a stripped down, bare bones helmet that offers an old school biker style. There isn't really room for features. The only real feature worth note is the ratcheting chip strap. It makes adjusting the tightness of the strap easy and removing the helmet even easier. If it doesn't have a lot of features, why is our selection for best low profile helmet more expensive than others? There are a lot of cheaper half helmets on the market that meet DOT standards and even offer more features. Most of them claim to be low profile helmets and most all of them give that mushroom head look. I can't tell you how many of the cheap helmets I've bought searching for the one that didn't just look goofy when I put it on. Save yourself a lot of time and money and spend a little more on the right helmet from the start.

Check Price On Micro DOT Blister