Round and Oval Shoei Helmets

When shopping for motorcycle helmets, you may come across two different styles that look very similar to each other, but there are some key differences between them. Oval and round helmets both provide adequate protection against head injury in the event of an accident, but many riders prefer oval helmets over round ones due to the way they fit and their additional comfort features. If you’re considering buying an oval helmet, here are some things you should know about the differences between them and how they compare to round helmets.

What is a Shoei Helmet?

Every motorcycle rider should consider buying a quality helmet to protect their head. But with so many options available, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. The best place to start is by getting familiar with what differentiates a good helmet from a bad one. The most important thing to look for in any helmet—whether your motorcycle runs on gas or electricity—is safety. There are three primary components that make up every good helmet: Materials, fit, and design. Understanding how each work will help you find a helmet that meets your needs while keeping you safe on two wheels. Materials refer to all of the different parts used in making your motorcycle helmet.

Bestseller No. 1
Shoei Pinlock Anit-Fog Lens CWR-1 Street Motorcycle Helmet Accessories - Clear - for RF-1200/RF-1100/GT-Air/Qwest/X-Twelve
  • Shoei Pinlock Anti-Fog Lens CWR-1 Street Helmet Accessories
  • Size: One Size
  • Color: Clear
SaleBestseller No. 2
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet (Medium) (Matte Black)
  • Optimal shell aerodynamics reduce wind noise around the helmet
  • Vortex Generators on the sides of the shield reduce wind turbulence
  • All-new, airtight window beading provides wind/waterproof seal
Bestseller No. 3
Daytona Helmets Half Skull Cap Motorcycle Helmet – DOT Approved [Dull Black] [M] [W/Visor]
  • Lightweight, DOT-approved half shell skull helmet meets & exceeds D.O.T. FMVSS 218 safety standards
  • 1/2 shell biker helmet hugs head for a secure, snug fit that provides superior comfort
  • Y-strap lock retention system provides quick-release with sliding adjuster for precise positioning
Bestseller No. 4
ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Removable Winter Neck Scarf + 2 Visors DOT (L, Matte Black)
  • 2 Visors Included: Clear + Smoked and 1 Neck Scarf for Winter Use
  • Streamlined Aerodynamic Design Reduces Wind Noise and Drag
  • Advanced and Lightweight Durable ABS Shell
SaleBestseller No. 5
Shoei GT-Air II Helmet (Large) (Matte Black)
  • GT-Air II Design Concept.Released in 2013, as SHOEI's premium touring full-face helmet with an internal sun shield, the original SHOEI GT-Air established this type of helmet as a functional and stylish alternative appreciated by many riders, owing to
  • SHOEI has now released the all-new GT-Air II, a helmet that evolves the GT-Air's functionality, performance, and design primarily for touring use to a new, higher level of experience.The SHOEI GT-Air II integrates the optional SENA SRL 2 Bluetooth com
  • The GT-Air II is also equipped with a CNS-1 face shield and baseplate system; allowing the face shield to open slightly more in its "cracked open" position to reduce fogging of the shield at low speed.
Bestseller No. 6
Bell Qualifier Full-Face Helmet (Matte Black - Medium)
  • Helmet shown with optional tinted shield. (Ships with clear shield only)
  • Lightweight Polycarbonate/ABS shell Construction. Padded wind collar drastically reduces wind and road noise
  • NutraFog II UV-protected shield which is a ClickRelease shield for fast, easy and tool-free shield replacement
Bestseller No. 8
Shoei Chin Curtain Motorcycle Helmet Accessories, One Size
  • Shoei Chin Curtain X-Twelve On-Road Helmet Accessories
Bestseller No. 9
Shoei CNS-1 Pinlock-Ready Face Shield
  • CNS-1 Clear Shield with Pinlock Pins
  • NOTE: The CNS-1 Neotec shield should only accomodate the clear Pinlock lens
  • Tinted Pinlock lenses are not to be used on the Neotec CNS-1 shields
Bestseller No. 10
TCT-MT DOT Adult Helmet Carbon Fiber Flip Up Full Face Motorcycle Street Black Helmet (Adult, Small)
  • Condition: Brand New; Main Color: Carbon Fiber LOOK (Not real carbon fiber material); Helmet Size: Small (Adult); Sm Centimeter: 55-56CM=21 1/2 - 22 inches; Hat Size:6 7/8 - 7
  • Helmet Features: Beautiful glossy UV protective finished; Light weight extremely durable composite shell; Heavily cushioned and very comfortable interior; Removable and washable padding, adjustable circulation vents with flip-up visor; Anti-scratch visor; Well vented all purpose product for summer or winter riding
  • DOT Safety Standard! Comes with a Helmet Bag New In Box; NOTE: Please MEASURING YOUR HEAD Before Bidding. A small metal tape measure, or a cloth tape may be used to make your initial measurement.The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement.

What is the difference between an oval helmet and a round helmet?


If you’re shopping for a new helmet, you’ve probably noticed there are a few different shapes out there. For example, one of your options is an oval helmet. An oval bike helmet differs from a round or spherical shape in that it looks more like a beanie than one giant bubble; think about it, why would riders want their heads to look like marshmallows if they could avoid it? An oval design allows for better peripheral vision when compared to other styles of helmets on today’s market.

Does it matter which shape I choose?

The real question isn’t which one is better; it’s what type of rider you are. As a general rule, round helmets tend to be more compact (meaning less peripheral vision), while oval helmets offer greater visibility from all angles. If you have good peripheral vision or don’t do a lot of high-speed riding, an oval helmet might not be for you. But if you love doing sportbike rides at 100+ mph, there are definitely benefits to having that extra peripheral vision—and an oval helmet might just be right for you. In fact, many professional racers choose oval-shaped helmets over round models because they allow them to see cars entering their lane without having to turn their head as much. However, in studies conducted by Dr.

Is one better than the other?

First, let’s clear up one thing: The way a helmet fits is largely determined by its shape. Simply put, oval helmets are typically best for those with long heads (skull length is greater than width), while round helmets are generally for those with short or average-sized heads. That said, some people prefer one shape over another simply because it feels better. But what if you have an oval head but like round helmets? What if you have a round head but feel most comfortable in an oval helmet? It all comes down to personal preference—nothing more.

Syed Dabliz

Syed Dabliz is a bike rider and he crafts actionable content about Bikes and helmets. Some of his favorite bikes are Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki H2R.

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