7 Cheaper Alternatives To Shoei X-Fifteen

Many riders see the Shoei X-Fifteen as the ultimate sport motorcycle helmet. However, the price is steep—not many can afford to spend around $1,000 on a helmet. Are there cheaper alternatives to Shoei X-Fifteen?

Some cheaper alternatives to Shoei X-Fifteen include:

• Bell Race Star Flex DLX
• HJC RPHA 11 Pro
• AGV K6S
• LS2 Arrow Evo
• Shoei RF-SR
• Arai Signet-X
• Scorpion EXO-R420

In this article, I take up the challenge of finding affordable sports helmets that can give you that coveted X-Fifteen experience. 

7 Cheaper Alternatives To Shoei X-Fifteen

How Do I Select These Helmets?

Let’s face it: It may be hard to find helmets as well-tested and high-quality as a Shoei X-Fifteen without paying a lot of money. This means cheaper helmets will not be able to compete head-to-head with it. 

However, some helmets may have some of the qualities the X-Fifteen has at a lower price. I try to feature these helmets here. 

When selecting the helmets, I focus on two major areas:

• They Have To Be Cheaper Than X-Fifteen
• They Have To Perform Up to X-Fifteen’s standards in at least some areas

For example, since the X-Fifteen is certified for DOT, ECE, and Snell, I try to look for helmets that are equally certified but more affordable. 

Ready to see what I found? Here are the 7 Cheaper Alternatives To Shoei X-Fifteen.

Bell Race Star Flex DLX

Bell Race Star Flex DLX: Buy On
RevZilla | Amazon

The Bell Race Star Flex DLX is of the best cheaper alternatives to Shoei X-Fifteen. It offers many features similar to the X-15 but at a lower price. Depending on discounts and variations, this helmet saves you around $100- $350.

The Bell Race Star Flex DLX and the Shoei X-15 share features such as:

• Advanced carbon fiber construction
• Multi-density impact liners for improved safety
• Aerodynamic designs developed in wind tunnels

Both also have emergency quick-release mechanisms and are Snell-certified. The X-15, however, has a Snell M-2020 certification, while the Bell helmet only passes the Snell M-2015.

Features aside, I enjoy its Panovision ProTint Photochromatic shield, which adjusts to light conditions very well. It is also a very comfortable and quiet helmet, thanks to the The Virus Cool Jade Mesh Liner.

HJC RPHA 11 Pro

HJC RPHA 11 Pro: Buy On
RevZilla |MotoSport |Amazon

HJC can surprise me with its range of helmets—they are usually well-built yet rather wallet-friendly. After trying around, I think the RPHA 11 Pro may be one of the best, cheaper alternatives to Shoei X-Fifteen.

Like the Shoei X-15, the RPHA 11 Pro boasts a lightweight and aerodynamic design. Its shell is constructed from carbon fiber, aramid, fiberglass, and organic fibers, while the X-15 uses a blend of materials.

I think the RPHA 11 Pro offers a similar level of performance to the X-15. Multiple intake and exhaust vents are strategically placed to enhance airflow and heat dissipation. Both helmets also have a multi-density EPS liner.

I don’t think you are losing out too much with an RPHA 11 Pro compared to the X-Fifteen. The only glaring issue is that the RPHA 11 Pro does not have Snell certification, meaning you may not be able to wear it for some track events.

AGV K6S

AGV K6S: Buy On
RevZilla | Amazon

The AGV Pista GP RR is just as iconic a helmet as the X-15. Still, AGV has other more affordable sport motorcycle helmets in its range. 

Let’s look at the AGV K6S. This premium street helmet would not look out of place on the track. It features a carbon aramid fiber shell that is both lightweight and strong, with ECE and DOT ratings.

The AGV K6 and X-15 share many similarities. One is the use of multi-density EPS for good impact protection. There’s also the cheek pad safety release system, which makes it easy for medical helpers. It also offers a plush interior with moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, similar to the comfort features found in the Shoei X-15.

To me, the AGV K6 Helmet is a cheaper alternative to Shoei X-15. It provides many of the same features and performance aspects as the Shoei X-15 but at a more affordable price.

LS2 Arrow Evo

LS2 Arrow Evo: Buy On
RevZilla | Amazon

My impression of LS2 is that they may be hit-or-miss, but they generally make decent helmets at a competitive price. 

With the R420, they delivered one good sports motorcycle helmet, good enough for me to see it as one of the cheaper alternatives to Shoei X-Fifteen.

The LS2 Arrow EVO Helmet is a high-performance full-face helmet designed for racers by racers. It features a High-Performance Fiberglass Composite (HPFC) and a fully adjustable multiport ventilation system.

While the LS2 Arrow EVO and the Shoei X-15 are designed for high-speed racing, they share several key features. 

Both helmets have multi-density EPS liners for optimized impact absorption and an emergency release cheek pad system. I also found the ventilation on the LS2 not too bad compared to the X-15.

However, the safety rating is an issue. The LS2 Arrow Evo only passes DOT and ECE 22.05, compared to the X-15’s more updated ECE 22.06 and Snell.

Shoei RF-SR

Shoei RF-SR: Buy On
RevZilla | Amazon

While Shoei’s X-15 represents the top of their sports motorcycle helmet, there are, fortunately, more affordable ones. I’ll do justice to Shoei and put their RF-SR into the list. 

The Shoei RF-SR Helmet is less sporty but focuses on giving you a quiet, comfortable ride. Its design is optimized for reduced wind ingress and turbulence. 

The RF-SR shares several features with the high-end Shoei X-15 Helmet, including the Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus (AIM+) shell and multi-density EPS liner for superior impact absorption and strength. 

Both helmets are also designed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and offer a high level of customization for the interior fit. Shoei’s Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS) in both helmets will also be found. 

To me, the RF-SR practically offers about 60-70% of the X-15 at a 50% discount—I think it’s a pretty good, cheaper alternative to Shoei X-fifteen.

Arai Signet-X

Arai Signet-X: Buy On
RevZilla | Amazon

You can’t talk about Shoei without including Arai. These two Japanese helmet makers have been competing with each other for a while now, competing to produce the best helmets for riders. It only makes sense if I try to include an Arai in this list. 

After looking around, I think the Arai Signet-X should represent the brand well as a cheaper alternative to the Shoei X-Fifteen.

Like the Shoei X-15, the Signet-X boasts a robust shell construction. It uses a PB SCLC (Peripherally Belted—Super Complex Laminate Construction) outer shell, which I think is rather similar to Shoei’s AIM+ (Multi-Ply Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) shell.

I also found both helmets comfortable and excellent for spirited, sporty riding. At slightly cheaper prices, you also receive similar certification on both helmets. Both pass the DOT and Snell tests. 

Scorpion EXO-R420

Scorpion EXO R-420: Buy On
RevZilla | Amazon

I set myself a challenge to find a sub-$200, cheaper alternative to Shoei X-Fifteen, and I think I found the answer in the Scorpion EXO R-420. 

The Scorpion EXO-R420 and Shoei X-15 offer advanced aerodynamic designs, emergency release systems for cheek pads, and excellent ventilation systems. Their aerodynamic design gives them an aggressive, racer look.

Both helmets are also well-certified for safety—they pass DOT and Snell M2020 certifications. This means you can actually slip on an R420 and take part in quite a few motorcycle races if you enjoy those things.

However, the EXO-R420 is priced much lower, at around $200, compared to the X-15’s hefty round-$1,000 mark.

Look Beyond Traditional Brands For Good Value

So there you have it, a list of some of the best helmets I consider cheaper alternatives to Shoei X-Fifteen. There are a couple more helmets I would like to include, actually, but limiting it to 7 should help you avoid analysis paralysis. 

I think the key here is to look beyond the traditional brands of helmets to seek good value. Sure, Shoei may be the best helmets out there, but there are immense values in other brands, too, provided you are willing to look past Shoei. 

I have also made a couple of lists of popular helmet types, so if you are keen to check them out, feel free to click on the links below:

• 10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets
• 7 Best AGV Helmets 
• 5 Best Carbon Fiber Helmets

Michael’s Summary & Conclusion

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations:

• HJC 
• AGV
• Shoei
• LS2
• Nolan
• Arai
• Bell
• Scorpion

NO/NO