GLX has been manufacturing budget-priced helmets in Southern California since 2002, and the GX11 is the embodiment of GLX's entire philosophy: eliminate the premium finish and invest the cost where a crash will matter. They advertise it as a low-cost, certified full face, and for once the advertising wasn't attempting to hide something.
Buy it for what it is. This isn't a quiet highway helmet and it's certainly not a track helmet. It's the helmet you recommend to a buddy who spent all his money on the bike, and it performs that function better than almost everything else available at the bottom of the price list. You can see how it stacks up against other budget shells in the motorcycle helmet comparison table.
Build Quality and Safety
The DOT sticker on the back is authentic. The GX11 meets FMVSS 218, the federal standard, and GLX supports it with a multi-density EPS liner instead of the single-density foam used on helmets sporting fake stickers. The EPS liner is the component that really manages a crash, and having different densities of foam to absorb different levels of impact severity represents actual engineering, not marketing.
GLX also manufactures its own shells. Many budget manufacturers use generic shells and stick a logo on them. By manufacturing their own shells, GLX produces a more tightly constructed, consistently-shaped outer shell, and you can see that in how the shield fits and the trim lines up. The quick-release shield features reinforced ribs along the edges, so it flexes and vibrates less than those inexpensive polycarbonate shields that rattle around at speed.
Ventilation is another area where the GX11 quietly outperforms expectations. There are three intakes on top and four vents at the rear, and GLX states these were wind-tunnel tested. Wind-tunnel testing claims are often overstatements, except numerous reviewers confirm this one is true. Reviewer after reviewer confirms that this helmet provides adequate ventilation during warm weather riding. As such, the claim has proven true in practice. Ventilation is important to consider when purchasing a compact shell like this one because of the reduced volume of helmet to move air through.
Comfort and Fit
The compact nature of the shell is the comfort story. Shortening both the overall length and height reduces weight. Owners consistently report that the GX11 is lightweight and very comfortable to wear for extended periods, which is rare at this price level. The liner is completely removable and washable, adjustable, and replaceable, unlike many budget helmets that feature glued-in permanent padding that becomes a science experiment by mid-August.
Use the GLX size chart when determining your size with a flexible measuring tape. Hat sizes lie. If you're between sizes, multiple reviewers suggest going up one size for comfort, regardless of whether you plan to wear a balaclava or speakers underneath the shell. The chin strap is quick-release and one-hand operated, which may seem inconsequential until you need it at a gas stop. Also included with every helmet is a pre-installed tinted visor, providing no need for an additional purchase for riding in bright conditions.
What Do Amazon Customers Think of It?
There is a massive review base for a budget helmet, over 8,000 ratings with an average rating of 4.5 stars. The major consensus among buyers is value. Several buyers stated they received more helmet for their money than they thought possible, and many felt they had purchased a higher-priced helmet due to its quality appearance and fit.
Lightweight comfort was repeatedly noted throughout buyer commentaries. Airflow receives similar praise from commuters experiencing hot weather on their daily rides who initially expected to "cook" with a small full-face helmet.
Complaints are generally clustered as you might anticipate. Wind noise is by far the largest complaint, as several owners reported this helmet produces noticeably more wind noise at speed compared to premium helmets. Several buyers ordered the incorrect size and had to complete exchanges. There were a few instances of buyers reporting fogging issues in cold weather, although this issue relates primarily to all polycarbonate-shielded helmets rather than being a problem specific to the GX11.
Who Is This Helmet Suitable For?
- First-time riders looking to purchase a first serious helmet.
- Daily commuters seeking reliable coverage for each day's ride.
- Anyone who wishes to have a second helmet stored in their garage that is certified, comfortable, yet inexpensive.
For urban riding, backroads and daily commuting, the tradeoff equation clearly favors this helmet. This is not suitable for long stretches of highway cruising due to excessive wind noise, nor is it designed for racing on tracks. However, for honest daily commuting and weekend cruising, the GX11 offers excellent value for money. View the GLX GX11 on Amazon for current prices, or visit our helmet reviews page to view comparisons to other budget full face helmets, and check the GLX GX11 listing for size availability before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GLX GX11 DOT Approved?
Yes. The GX11 meets FMVSS 218, the federal standard, and is therefore street-legal in America. GLX is an established manufacturer, and the certification here is genuine rather than merely decorative.
Does the Helmet Come with a Visor?
Yes. A pre-installed tinted visor comes with every helmet, so you won't require an additional purchase for daytime riding.
How Do I Determine My Correct Size?
Measure your head with a flexible measuring tape and compare that measurement to GLX's sizing chart. Don't trust your hat size. If you're between sizes, several reviewers have recommended going up one size for comfort, even if you don't intend to wear a balaclava or speakers beneath the shell.
Can the Interior Liner Be Removed and Cleaned?
Yes. The liner is entirely removable for cleaning, and it is adjustable and replaceable, unlike most budget helmets that have glued-in permanent padding.
Is the Helmet Noisy on Long Highway Rides?
Some amount of yes. Wind noise is by far the largest complaint relative to premium helmets. While not necessarily unridable, we'd highly advise either bringing ear protection (as most motorcyclists should anyway) or saving money for a quieter helmet.
What Type of Riding Is Best Suited to the GX11?
City commuting, backroads, and daily short-to-medium rides. It is not built for sustained high-speed freeway touring, mostly because of the wind noise rather than protection.
Does the GX11 Work with Bluetooth Headsets?
Yes. There is room for slim speakers under the cheek pads, and several owners run budget headsets with it. The compact shell does not have the interior volume of a touring full face, so bulky speaker housings are a tighter fit.