An ECE 22.06 certified full-face helmet for less than two hundred dollars. Not a typo. The ScorpionEXO R330 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet brings the newest European safety standard to the mid-range price point and contains many of the features that typically can be found at the top of the line. The R330 comes equipped with an advanced polycarbonate shell, a Kwikwick 2 moisture-wicking liner, a large eye-port for excellent side-to-side visibility, an emergency release system for fast extraction by first responders, and a Pinlock-ready shield. ScorpionEXO is recognized for providing substantial value throughout its product offerings and the R330 follows suit. It is a legitimate candidate for anyone looking for a full-face helmet on a relatively affordable budget.
Specs and Build
While the R330 is the entry-level full-face street helmet from ScorpionEXO, it provides a feature list that seems to belong to a more costly helmet. The materials used in the shell construction, the liner materials, and the safety certification of the R330 exceed expectations.
Here is a summary:
- Shell material. Advanced polycarbonate composite with a multi-density EPS liner.
- Safety rating. Certified for ECE 22.06 and DOT FMVSS-218.
- Shield. Clear shield, ready for Pinlock inserts. Large eyeport for greater peripheral vision.
- Ventilation. Adjustable chin vent with channeled airflow to the shield, plus a top vent with rear exhaust.
- Liner. Moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, removable, washable Kwikwick 2 liner.
- Emergency release system. Kwikfit emergency release. Red pull tabs on the exterior of each cheek pad let first responders remove the cheek pads so the helmet comes off without excessive neck movement.
- Closure. Double D-ring chin strap with snap keeper.
- Sizing. XS through 3XL.
- Weight. A medium weighs approximately 3.4 lbs, which is light for a polycarbonate full face.
The polycarbonate shell utilizes a multi-density EPS liner system that absorbs impact energy at a wider range of speeds than a single-density EPS would. It is this type of design that allows the R330 to achieve compliance with the ECE 22.06 standard. ECE 22.06 is the newer version of the European safety standard and is harder to pass than ECE 22.05. It includes rotational force testing in addition to increased speed ranges of impacts and additional impact locations along the helmet shell. Thus, if your helmet has received certification to ECE 22.06, it has been subjected to more stringent testing protocols than either DOT or ECE 22.05.
The Kwikwick 2 liner represents a major advancement over traditional helmet foams. It draws moisture away from your skin while resisting bacterial growth. When you remove the liner from the helmet, it is a single piece that can be easily cleaned. The comfort of the liner material is far superior to the typical glued-in foams found in budget helmets. It is not quite the premium microfiber you find in an RF-1400, but it is much closer to that than to a basic budget lid.
The large eyeport is apparent immediately upon wearing the helmet. In comparison to lower priced full-face helmets, you enjoy a greater field of peripheral vision without needing to move your head as much to check blind spots. The shield is positioned closely enough to your face that you perceive a wide area of view without the helmet appearing excessively large from the outside.
Safety
The R330 is dual certified with both ECE 22.06 and DOT FMVSS-218. As noted earlier, this is important given that most helmets available under the two hundred dollar mark carry either only DOT certification or the older ECE 22.05 if you're lucky. ECE 22.06 became the required standard for new helmet approvals in 2024.
ECE 22.06 added rotational force testing to the evaluation process. Rotational forces are known contributors to traumatic brain injuries in motorcycle accidents. The helmet is evaluated on an angled surface, the anvil, that simulates a glancing blow to produce rotational acceleration. Pass and fail criteria are established using the brain injury criterion, similar to automotive crash testing metrics. Additionally, ECE 22.06 expanded the impact velocity range from approximately 4 to 7 m/s in 22.05 to 3 to 8 m/s in 22.06, representing more accident scenarios.
In terms of practical applications, the Kwikfit emergency release system is a beneficial safety feature that you'll likely never utilize. It is comforting to know that it exists if needed. Each cheek pad has brightly colored pull tabs on the outer surface. If a motorcyclist goes down, first responders can use these tabs to remove the cheek pads and lift the helmet off in a manner that minimizes neck movement.
This feature is the same kind used by Shoei and Arai, and it is encouraging to see in a mid-range product.
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What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Amazon customers provide very favorable reviews for the R330. Their comments give insight into how actual motorcyclists experience this helmet on an everyday basis.
What riders appreciate. Value for the price is almost always cited as a strength by reviewers. Almost universally, reviewers comment that the R330 offers ECE 22.06 certification and an emergency release system at a cost that should only yield a basic DOT-certified helmet. Many reviewers complimented the fit of the helmet. Multiple reviewers stated that their heads were rounded or intermediate oval-shaped and felt no pressure points after breaking in. The Kwikwick 2 liner receives accolades regarding comfort and ease of cleaning. More than one reviewer stated they had washed their liners after several sweaty summertime rides and that they looked like new afterward. Weight receives positive comments as well. At approximately 3.4 pounds, reviewers state it feels lighter on their necks than other polycarbonate helmets they have previously purchased.
Common issues experienced by reviewers. Some reviewers comment about wind noise at highway speeds. While the R330 is quieter than a budget-priced helmet, it is not as quiet as a premium touring helmet. Some riders note that the chin curtain significantly reduces wind noise, and others comment that they wish it came standard. A few reviewers mention that the shield mechanism appears somewhat stiff when brand new and requires operation several times before loosening up sufficiently. Reviewers agree that once broken in, the shield forms an effective seal against air leaks around the gasket. Finally, a number of reviewers reported that sizing runs slightly smaller than other manufacturers' helmets. If you are near a size boundary, go up to avoid potential fitting issues.
Additional comments regarding build quality. Overall, reviewers indicate build quality for a helmet at this price point is good. Paint finishes on solid color schemes receive compliments. Ventilation ports operate smoothly without feeling fragile. Two longer-term reviewers report the shield remains leak-free even after a season of wear.
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Who Is This Helmet For
The ScorpionEXO R330 is designed for street riders seeking true safety certification without purchasing high-end products. It fills the gap between budget DOT-only helmets and the high end Shoei and Arai models.
Commuters and daily riders. Daily commuters will benefit from ECE 22.06 certification for enhanced assurance that their helmet meets current safety standards. The Kwikwick 2 liner performs extremely well during hot-weather commuting, and the broad eye-port enables riders to check intersection traffic with greater ease, which is especially valuable for city commuting.
Riders buying their first full-face helmet. The R330 makes an excellent first helmet option because it combines true safety certification with affordability. Most new riders purchase an inexpensive helmet simply to save cash and then plan to upgrade later for better protection. With the R330 there is no reason to upgrade on safety grounds. You may choose to upgrade later for reduced weight or better aerodynamics, but the protection is already built in.
Budget-conscious riders unwilling to sacrifice safety for price. This group represents the intended target audience. If you understand that ECE 22.06 is the standard you want, yet you cannot rationalize spending three hundred dollars or more on a helmet, the R330 is one of the few options that delivers. It may not be the lightest nor the quietest full-face helmet on the market, but it hits the safety requirements that matter most.
Who should look elsewhere. Motorcyclists wanting the lightest possible helmet will find lighter options in the premium segment, though the R330 is competitive at 3.4 pounds. Riders with long oval head shapes may determine that the R330 fits too round. Riders requiring an integrated sun visor should examine modular or sport-touring helmets such as our HJC C91 modular review instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ScorpionEXO R330 come with a Pinlock insert?
The shield is Pinlock-compatible, however you must obtain your own Pinlock insert, either a Pinlock 70 or a Pinlock 120. The 70 is sufficient for casual riding, whereas the 120 is recommended for extreme cold, rain, or high humidity. The two mounting posts are already installed on the shield.
Is the R330 quieter than the ScorpionEXO R420 or R410?
Reviewers indicate that the R330 is generally quieter than the older R420 and R410 models. ScorpionEXO revised the shell contours and shield sealing for improved wind-noise performance on the R330. It is still not a quiet helmet compared to top tier touring helmets, but it is a noticeable step up from the previous entry level ScorpionEXO models. Adding a chin curtain helps if you find the noise level too high.
What head shape does the R330 fit best?
The R330 fits intermediate oval and round oval head shapes best. This represents the majority of head shapes among North American and European riders, so it fits most people well. Riders with long oval head shapes may experience pressure at the forehead and temples. If you require a long oval fit, look toward manufacturers such as Shoei.
How do you clean the Kwikwick 2 liner?
Remove the liner from the helmet in one piece by releasing it from the clips at the rear of the helmet, then gently pulling it forward. Hand wash it in lukewarm water using mild soap. Do not use fabric softener or bleach, as they will degrade the moisture wicking treatment. Allow the liner to fully air-dry prior to installing it again. Do not run it through the dryer.
Does the R330 accept a Bluetooth intercom system?
Yes. The EPS foam inside the shell has pre-cut speaker pockets for virtually all Bluetooth intercom systems currently available, so there is nothing for you to carve out yourself. The large eyeport and shell shape work exceptionally well with universal mounts that attach via clamp or adhesive. Review our intercom reviews for compatible options.
What is the warranty on the ScorpionEXO R330?
ScorpionEXO warrants the helmet for five years from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects, with a one year warranty on the shield and other components. They also provide a crash replacement program, offering a discount toward a replacement helmet if your original is damaged in a crash within the warranty period.