Key takeaways
- Looking for the best full face motorcycle helmets for wide heads? Compare six picks by head shape, size range, visors and liners before you choose one.
The Bell Qualifier is the safest starting point for riders with wide heads who want a plain, full-face street helmet: Bell publishes its head shape (intermediate oval) and ships it in an extra-large shell size, so you know what you are buying. “Wide head” here means a head that is broad side to side or large in circumference, which makes narrow, long-oval helmets squeeze the temples and cheeks. The ILM WS206 modular in XXL suits riders who need the most room and want a flip-up chin bar, while the TRIANGLE, Orthrus and AUBOA models are budget alternatives that require careful sizing.
Quick List
- BELL Qualifier (XL) – best for a published head shape and a brand fit guide
- TRIANGLE Full Face – best for a spare tinted visor and a storage bag in the box
- Orthrus Full Face – best for a budget street helmet sold through XXL
- VEVOR Full Face – best as a runner-up for riders who like a dirt-bike profile
- AUBOA MD-813 – best for a light shell with a tinted visor and metal buckle
- ILM WS206 Modular (XXL) – best for the largest size and a flip-up chin bar
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| need the biggest size on this list and want to flip the chin bar up | ILM WS206 Modular XXL |
| want a stated head shape and a well-known maker | BELL Qualifier XL |
| want a clear and a tinted visor included from day one | TRIANGLE Full Face |
| prefer a plain street helmet and need sizes up to XXL | Orthrus Full Face |
| like a dirt-bike look with a clear visor | VEVOR Full Face (runner-up) |
| want a light ABS shell, a tinted shield and a metal buckle | AUBOA MD-813 |
Only one listing in this group states a head shape, so most of these picks are chosen on size range and features rather than a documented round-oval fit. Measure your head, try the helmet on at home with the tags still on, and be ready to return it if you feel pressure at the temples after ten minutes. If you want the least risk, begin with the Bell for its published shape and the ILM for sheer room, then use the budget models when you already know your size in other brands.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. BELL Qualifier Full-Face Helmet (XL) – Best for a published head shape and a brand fit guide
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The Qualifier is Bell’s entry-level street helmet and the listing shows the extra-large size in matte black. Bell lists the head shape as intermediate oval, which sits in the middle between long oval and round oval, so it often works for people who find narrow helmets tight at the sides without needing a very round shell. It suits commuters and new riders who want a recognizable name and a clear shield with anti-fog treatment.
- NutraFog II anti-fog shield (clear shield; a tinted one is optional)
- Velocity Flow ventilation with an adjustable control
- Intermediate oval head shape per the maker
- Sold in three shell sizes, with the XL to 2XL range sharing the largest
- Removable, washable liner and speaker pockets for headsets
- DOT certification, with ECE also listed on the maker’s page
Pros
- Clear head-shape information makes comparison easy
- Tool-free shield change and adjustable vents
Cons
- Intermediate oval may still feel snug on a truly round head
- Ships with a clear shield only
Against the ILM WS206, the Bell is simpler and lighter at about 1.5 kg, while the ILM offers more room and a flip-up chin bar.
2. TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best for a spare tinted visor and a storage bag
This TRIANGLE helmet is aimed at street riders who want extras in the box. The listing says it includes clear and tinted visors plus a storage bag, and it has a washable liner. The title does not state a head shape or the size shown, so wide-headed riders should read the size chart and be ready to go up a size.
- Full-face street design with DOT approval claimed
- Clear and tinted visors included per the listing name
- Storage bag included
- Washable liner
- Head shape: not stated, confirm on listing
Pros
- Two visors cover day and night riding
- Bag keeps the shield scratch-free in storage
Cons
- No head-shape information in the title
- Sizing runs the usual budget-brand range, so check the chart carefully
Who might skip it: riders who need an XXL or larger and want the size confirmed in the title. The listing does not show the size, so it is worth checking the chart for your head circumference before ordering. Riders who want a documented shape should look at the Bell first.
Compared with the Orthrus, the TRIANGLE gives you an extra visor, but the Orthrus lists a clearer size range.
3. Orthrus Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best for a budget street helmet sold through XXL
The Orthrus full-face helmet is a street-oriented shell that the maker sells in sizes from small through XXL. The title mentions tinted and clear visors and advanced ventilation, which suits warm-weather riders and commuters who want to switch visors as light changes. The XXL option is the main reason it fits a wide-head list.
- Tinted and clear visors per the listing
- ABS shell with an EPS impact liner
- Sizes reported from small to XXL
- Advanced ventilation described in the title
- Removable, washable liner
- DOT approval claimed by the seller
Pros
- Big size range for the money
- Two visors included
Cons
- Head shape is not published
- Certification is a seller claim you should verify by looking for the label
Who might skip it: riders who want a recognized maker’s fit guide, because the listing gives no head shape. Check that the visor tint suits your riding hours, and confirm that the DOT label is present when the helmet arrives.
It is a close cousin to the TRIANGLE, with the Orthrus being the better pick if you need an XXL.
4. VEVOR Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best as a runner-up for a dirt-bike profile
The VEVOR listing calls itself an adult motocross and dirt bike helmet that also works as a street bike helmet, so it only partly matches the street full-face theme of this guide and ranks as a runner-up. Related VEVOR listings describe an eyeglass-friendly fit, speaker pockets and a lightweight shell around 1.4 kg in the extra-large size, which is helpful if you need space but the style leans off-road.
- Clear visor included; the maker sells tinted-visor versions separately
- Lightweight shell described in the title
- Motocross-style profile with a longer chin bar
- Related listings describe an XL for roughly 24 to 24.4 inch heads; confirm for this version
- Removable, washable liner
Pros
- Light enough for long days
- Off-road shape that some riders find less restrictive around the face
Cons
- Not a pure street shape, so wind noise may be higher
- Certification and head shape need to be confirmed on the page
Who might skip it: riders who mainly commute on highways, where a peak-style chin bar and motocross shell shape can produce more wind noise and buffeting than a smooth street shell. It is also not the best choice if you need a documented head shape, because the title does not give one.
Against the AUBOA, the VEVOR offers a more off-road look but fewer street-focused features.
5. AUBOA MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet – Best for a light shell, tinted visor and metal buckle
AUBOA’s MD-813 is a lightweight ABS and EPS full-face helmet. The listing highlights a tinted visor, multiple vents, a washable liner and a metal buckle. It suits commuters on a budget and riders who want a sun-friendly tinted shield from the start.
- Lightweight ABS shell with an EPS liner
- Tinted visor installed; a clear visor is sold separately or in some variants
- Multi-vent design
- Metal quick-release buckle
- Removable, washable liner
- Weight figures differ between listings (about 1,450 g in one); confirm for your size
Pros
- Light and well ventilated
- Metal buckle feels more secure than plastic
Cons
- Tinted shield only in some versions, which limits night use
- No published head shape
Who might skip it: riders who need both a clear and tinted visor right away, or those who commute at dawn and dusk, since the version shown carries a tinted shield. Another visor is available separately for the line, but confirm that the one you want fits the exact model.
Compared with the Bell, the AUBOA is lighter but offers less fit information.
6. ILM Adult Modular Full Face Helmet WS206 (XXL) – Best for the largest size and a flip-up chin bar
The ILM WS206 modular helmet is the roomiest option here, and the listing shows the XX-Large size in matte black. A flip-up chin bar and an internal sun visor make it easier to wear glasses and to talk at a stop. It suits wide-headed riders who also want convenience features and don’t mind a heavier helmet.
- Modular flip-up chin bar
- Dual visor: clear outer plus internal sun visor
- XXL listed for roughly 24.8 to 25.2 inch heads in the maker’s chart
- ABS shell with EPS foam; around 1.78 kg in one listing
- Removable, washable liner and cheek pads
- DOT certification claimed; ECE not stated
Pros
- Largest size and lots of internal room
- Flip-up design helps with glasses
Cons
- Heavier than the fixed-chin-bar models
- Modular helmets are often noisier
Who might skip it: riders who dislike wind noise or who want the lightest possible helmet. Hinges and the chin-bar mechanism add weight, and the opening can create more turbulence at highway speed than a fixed chin bar. Modular helmets in this class are also generally meant for street use, not dirt.
It is the best fit for larger heads, while the Bell is easier to carry all day.
Specs Compared
| Helmet | Type | Size in listing | Visor(s) | Head shape | Certification claimed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BELL Qualifier | Fixed full face | X-Large | Clear NutraFog II shield | Intermediate oval (maker) | DOT; ECE on maker page |
| TRIANGLE Full Face | Fixed full face | Confirm on listing | Clear and tinted | Confirm on listing | DOT claimed |
| Orthrus Full Face | Fixed full face | Confirm on listing | Clear and tinted | Confirm on listing | DOT claimed |
| VEVOR Full Face | Motocross-style full face | Confirm on listing | Clear | Confirm on listing | DOT claimed |
| AUBOA MD-813 | Fixed full face | Confirm on listing | Tinted (clear varies) | Confirm on listing | DOT claimed |
| ILM WS206 | Modular full face | XX-Large | Clear plus internal sun visor | Confirm on listing | DOT claimed |
How We Chose These
This guide is built from research and spec comparison, not from a physical evaluation. We started with the six listed products and read their titles, the manufacturers’ published descriptions and the sizing information they publish. We prioritized helmets sold in large sizes, models that state a head shape, removable and washable liners, flexible visor options and modular designs that help with comfort. Where a listing did not state a value, we say to confirm it on the product page. One product with a motocross profile is labelled a runner-up because it only partly matches the street full-face focus.
What to Look For
Head shape and what “wide” really means
Motorcycle helmets are built around three common head shapes: long oval, intermediate oval and round oval. A person who describes a “wide head” usually has a round oval, where the head is nearly as wide as it is long, and they feel pressure at the temples and cheeks in a long-oval shell. A rough rule of thumb is to measure the width and length of your head at the widest points with a ruler against a wall; if the width is more than about 80 percent of the length, a round-oval or intermediate-oval helmet is more likely to fit. Treat this as a starting point, since each brand shapes its shells differently.
Circumference and sizing steps
Wrap a soft tape about one finger-width above your eyebrows and around the fullest part of the back of your head. Convert the reading to the helmet chart: for example, the ILM chart lists roughly 24 to 24.4 inches for XL and 24.8 to 25.2 inches for XXL. If you are between sizes, the smaller size is usually correct because the liner compresses with wear, but a wide head can make the smaller size press at the sides, so judge by pressure rather than by number alone.
Removable pads, liners and cheek pads
For a wide head, the biggest comfort tool is a liner that can be removed or swapped. Cheek pads often come in different thicknesses from the manufacturer; thinner cheek pads create room at the sides, and thinner crown pads can lower pressure at the top. All six listings mention washable or removable liners, but not all brands sell alternative pad thickness, so check the brand’s parts catalog before you buy.
Eye port, shield and nose room
Wide heads often come with a broader face, so check the opening and the room inside the chin bar. A shield that sits tightly against the cheeks can press on the sides of the nose, and a narrow eyeport may touch eyeglass frames. The Bell uses a tool-free shield system that makes it easy to swap shields, while the modular ILM lets you lift the whole chin bar if the lower face feels cramped. Remember that a tinted shield should come off after dark.
Modular versus fixed chin bars
A modular helmet like the ILM WS206 lets you flip the chin bar up, so you can put the helmet on without dragging it over your jaw and ears, which many wide-headed riders find easier. The trade-off is weight and wind noise. A fixed full-face helmet such as the Bell or AUBOA is lighter and quieter, but the opening is smaller.
A worked example: choosing between two sizes
Imagine your tape reads 24.4 inches and your head measures about 6.4 inches wide by 7.6 inches long, a ratio of roughly 84 percent. That suggests a rounder shape. A chart that puts XL at 24 to 24.4 inches puts you at the top of the range, so the XL may feel snug at the temples while the XXL could feel loose on top. In that situation, start with the XL, check the temple and cheek contact, and ask the brand whether thinner cheek pads exist for that helmet. If the XL still hurts after twenty minutes, move to the XXL and add a thicker crown pad or a snug balaclava rather than forcing a shell that is too small. The goal is even contact all around the head, not just a number that matches the chart.
Padding, comfort and long rides
A helmet that feels fine for ten minutes can become a problem after two hours, especially on a wide head where pressure concentrates at the temples. Look for liners with soft, moisture-wicking fabric, cheek pads that can be removed and replaced, and enough ventilation to keep the head cool. Many riders find that a thin cotton skullcap or a balaclava makes the first week more comfortable, because it spreads the pressure and keeps sweat off the liner. Give the padding time to settle, but do not ignore a hot spot that gets worse.
Certification and the trial fit
Look for the DOT label inside the shell and check whether the manufacturer also lists ECE 22.06. Keep the tags on and wear the helmet at home for at least twenty minutes: if the pain at the temples grows or you get a headache, it is the wrong shape. A good fit has even pressure around the head, with cheeks slightly squeezed but no sharp spots.
Questions
How do I know if I have a wide head?
If helmets in your usual size squeeze your temples or cheeks while feeling loose on top, you probably have a round-oval head. Measuring the width and length of your head gives a rough ratio, and a trial fit confirms it. Ask a friend to measure so the tape stays level across the forehead.
Should I size up for a wide head?
Sizing up is a common fix, but a helmet that is too large moves on your head and reduces protection. Try thinner cheek pads or a different brand first, and use the shake test: with the strap fastened, a correctly sized helmet moves your skin rather than sliding over it.
Is an intermediate oval helmet suitable for a wide head?
It can be, especially if the head is only slightly rounder than average. A truly round head may still need a round-oval shell, which few budget makers publish.
Are modular helmets better for wide heads?
They can be easier to put on and take off because the chin bar lifts away, though the shell shape is what decides pressure. They are usually heavier than fixed full-face helmets.
Do these helmets work with glasses?
Modular models are the easiest because you can flip the chin bar and fit the temple arms from the front. Fixed full-face helmets work if the cheek pads are soft or thin.
Can I stretch a helmet that is too tight?
The padding compresses a little over the first weeks, but the shell does not stretch. Do not cut or sand the foam liner, since that can reduce protection. If the helmet is clearly the wrong shape after a week, return it instead of forcing it.
Update History
- October 14, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer product and specification pages for Bell, ILM and VEVOR
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for TRIANGLE, Orthrus and AUBOA
- Published descriptions of DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 helmet standards
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