An ECE 22.06 certified full face helmet for well under two hundred dollars. That is not a typo. The ScorpionEXO R330 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet brings the newest European safety standard to the mid-range price bracket, and it packs in features that normally live higher up the lineup. You get an advanced polycarbonate shell, a Kwikwick 2 moisture wicking liner, a large eye port for wide peripheral vision, an emergency release system for quick removal by first responders, and a Pinlock-ready shield. ScorpionEXO has a reputation for offering strong value across their lineup, and the R330 continues that pattern. It is a serious contender for anyone shopping for a full face helmet on a reasonable budget.
Specs and Build
The R330 is ScorpionEXO's entry level full face street helmet, but the feature set reads like something from a more expensive model. The shell construction, liner materials, and safety certifications all punch above their weight class. Here is the breakdown.
- Shell material. Advanced polycarbonate composite. Multi density EPS liner.
- Safety ratings. ECE 22.06 certified. DOT FMVSS-218 certified.
- Shield. Clear shield with Pinlock ready posts. Large eye port for wide field of view.
- Ventilation. Adjustable chin vent with channeled airflow to the shield and a top vent with rear exhaust.
- Liner. Kwikwick 2 moisture wicking, anti-microbial, removable, and washable.
- Emergency system. Kwikfit emergency release system. Pull tabs on the cheek pads allow first responders to extract the pads and remove the helmet with minimal neck movement.
- Closure. Double D-ring chin strap with snap keeper.
- Sizes. XS through 3XL.
- Weight. 3.4 pounds for a medium. Lightweight for a polycarbonate full face.
The polycarbonate shell uses a multi density EPS liner system that absorbs impact energy across a broader range of speeds than a single density EPS would. That is part of what lets the R330 meet the ECE 22.06 standard. ECE 22.06 is the newest version of the European safety standard and it is harder to pass than the old 22.05. It includes rotational impact testing, a larger range of impact speeds, and impacts at more locations on the helmet shell. A helmet that carries the 22.06 stamp has been tested against a more demanding set of conditions than DOT alone or the previous ECE standard.
The Kwikwick 2 liner is a real upgrade over basic helmet foam. It wicks moisture away from your skin and resists bacterial growth, and it comes out in one piece for washing. The liner material feels noticeably nicer than the fabric in cheaper full face helmets. It is not quite the premium microfiber you find in an RF-1400, but it is much closer to that level than to the glued in foam of a basic budget lid.
The large eye port is something you notice right away when you put the helmet on. You have good peripheral vision without having to turn your head as much to check blind spots. The shield sits close enough to your face that the field of view feels wide without making the helmet look oversized from the outside.
Safety
The R330 is dual certified with both ECE 22.06 and DOT FMVSS-218. That is significant for a helmet at this price point. Most helmets under the two hundred dollar mark carry DOT only or the older ECE 22.05 if you are lucky. The ECE 22.06 standard was introduced in 2022 and it is a real step up from the previous version.
ECE 22.06 adds rotational impact testing to the certification process. That matters because rotational forces are a known cause of brain injury in motorcycle crashes. The helmet is tested on an angled anvil that simulates a glancing blow, which produces rotational acceleration. The pass/fail threshold is based on the brain injury criterion, the same metric used in automotive crash testing. The standard also expands the range of linear impact speeds from roughly 4 to 7 meters per second in 22.05 to a range of 3 to 8 meters per second in 22.06. That means the helmet is tested at both slower and faster impacts, covering more crash scenarios.
The Kwikfit emergency release system is a practical safety feature that you hope you never need but want to have if you do. The cheek pads have bright red pull tabs on the outside. If a rider goes down and first responders need to take the helmet off without moving the neck, they pull the tabs to remove the cheek pads. That creates enough room to slide the helmet off straight without putting pressure on the cervical spine. It is the same kind of system used in premium helmets from Shoei and Arai, and it is good to see it in a mid-range model.
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What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The R330 is picking up solid reviews on Amazon. The feedback gives a good picture of what riders actually experience with this helmet day to day.
What riders praise. The value proposition is the most common theme. Reviewers consistently say the R330 gives you ECE 22.06 certification and features like the emergency release system at a price that should only get you a basic DOT helmet. The fit gets a lot of love too. Multiple reviewers mention that the R330 fits a round or intermediate oval head shape well with no pressure points after break in. The Kwikwick 2 liner gets called out for being comfortable and easy to clean. Several reviewers said they washed the liner after a few sweaty summer rides and it came out like new. The weight also gets positive mentions. At around 3.4 pounds, riders say it feels light on the neck compared to other polycarbonate helmets they have owned.
Common complaints. A few reviewers mention wind noise at highway speeds. The R330 is quieter than a budget helmet but it is not a quiet helmet by premium standards. Some riders said the chin curtain helps a lot with noise reduction and wish it came standard. Others mentioned the shield mechanism feels a bit stiff when it is new and takes a few cycles to loosen up. The shield does create a positive seal once it is worn in according to those same reviewers. A handful of people said the sizing runs slightly small compared to other brands. If you are on the edge of a size, going up is the safer bet based on their feedback.
Build quality notes. Reviewers generally say the build quality is good for the price. The paint finish on solid colors gets positive comments. The vent mechanisms operate smoothly and do not feel flimsy. A couple of long term reviews mentioned that the shield seals well even after a season of use with no air leaks around the gasket.
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Who Is This Helmet For
The ScorpionEXO R330 is aimed at street riders who want real safety certification without paying premium prices. It fills a gap in the market between budget DOT only helmets and the high end Shoei and Arai models.
Commuter and daily riders. If you ride every day, the ECE 22.06 certification gives you confidence that your helmet has been tested against modern standards. The Kwikwick 2 liner handles the sweat of daily commuting in hot weather. The large eye port makes checking traffic at intersections easier, which is a real benefit for urban riding.
New riders buying their first full face helmet. The R330 is a strong choice for a first helmet because it combines serious safety certification with a reasonable price. New riders often buy a cheap helmet to save money and upgrade later. With the R330, you get ECE 22.06 from the start, so there is no reason to upgrade for safety. You might want to upgrade for weight or aerodynamics down the road, but the protection level is already there.
Budget conscious riders who refuse to compromise on safety. This is the main audience. If you know ECE 22.06 is the standard you want but you cannot justify spending three hundred dollars or more on a helmet, the R330 is one of the few options that delivers. It is not the lightest or quietest full face on the market, but it hits the safety requirements that matter most.
Who should consider something else. Riders who prioritize light weight above everything else will find the R330 competitive at 3.4 pounds but there are lighter options in the premium tier if weight is your primary concern. Riders with long oval head shapes may find the R330 fits too round. And riders who want a built in sun visor should look at 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 ready but the insert is not included. You need to buy a Pinlock 70 or Pinlock 120 separately. The 70 is fine for general riding. The 120 is better for extreme cold, rain, or high humidity conditions. The shield has the two mounting pins already installed.
Is the R330 quieter than the ScorpionEXO R420 or R410?
The R330 generally tests quieter than the older R420 and R410 models based on reviewer feedback. ScorpionEXO improved the shell contours and shield sealing for 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 is designed for intermediate oval to round oval head shapes. That is the most common head shape among North American and European riders, so it fits most people well. Riders with long oval heads may feel pressure at the forehead and temples. If you know you need a long oval fit, look at brands like Shoei that offer that shape specifically.
How do you clean the Kwikwick 2 liner?
The liner removes as a single piece. You unclip it at the back of the helmet and pull it out. Wash it by hand in lukewarm water with mild soap. Do not use fabric softener or bleach because they break down the moisture wicking treatment. Let it air dry completely before reinstalling. Do not put it in the dryer.
Does the R330 accept a Bluetooth intercom system?
Yes. The shell has pockets in the EPS foam designed to accommodate speakers from most Bluetooth intercom systems. The EPS pockets are pre-cut into the liner foam, not something you need to carve out yourself. The large eye port and overall shell shape work well with universal intercom mounts that attach with a clamp or adhesive. Check our intercom reviews for compatible options.
What is the warranty on the ScorpionEXO R330?
ScorpionEXO offers a five year limited warranty against manufacturing defects from the date of purchase and a one year warranty on the shield and other components. They also have a crash replacement policy where they offer a discount on a replacement helmet if yours is damaged in a crash within the warranty period.
