Let's cut through the B.S. about the budget full face helmet. Most of these things are low-quality plastic shells with "DOT" written on the back somewhere, and that's about it. The VCOROS WS609 full-face helmet, however, is attempting to be better than that. For the money, the WS609 includes a quality ABS shell, decent ventilation, a removable and washable liner, and two visors. Those features combined are rare at this price point, and contribute to the WS609's continued popularity among budget riders.
Build Quality & Safety
A helmet's DOT approval (and subsequent compliance with FMVSS 218) is more important than many realize. In the United States, FMVSS 218 outlines federal standards for impact absorption and penetration resistance. Therefore, when a helmet manufacturer applies for DOT approval, they are stating their helmet's shell and inner lining meet the minimum safety requirements outlined by FMVSS 218. Unfortunately, many untested, no-name helmets omit this critical detail altogether. Thus, seeing it listed here is the first of several boxes you should check before even considering fit or comfort.
The helmet shell is made from ABS plastic. While ABS is certainly not carbon fiber, many manufacturers (including VCOROS) don't pretend it is either. Instead, ABS is simply a cost-effective, everyday plastic material used extensively throughout the budget motorcycle helmet industry. The true test of any helmet lies not in the type of plastic it uses for construction, but rather in how well it was assembled. The WS609 uses a relatively thick outer shell paired with a high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) cushioning layer beneath. The EPS layer absorbs energy during impact, while the outer shell helps distribute the forces associated with such impacts.
Keep in mind that DOT is the minimum safety standard required for sale in the U.S., not some maximum performance benchmark. A helmet rated "DOT-approved" satisfies the federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS 218). The fact that your helmet meets this minimum safety standard does not mean it is necessarily the best helmet available, it simply indicates that your helmet provides the barest minimum of safety for riders. However, for those looking for a budget-friendly solution for casual street and occasional track riding use, meeting this baseline is an acceptable starting point.
The WS609 has a number of ventilation points: mouth intakes are located near the bottom of the helmet and above, along with a rear exhaust port to allow heat to exit. The flow of air from the front to back of the helmet provides excellent cooling on hot days. Many budget helmets have vents that seem like they could provide adequate airflow, but really don't. On the other hand, the design of the WS609 creates actual airflow through the helmet shell. Additionally, having the rear exhaust port minimizes drag at higher speeds, making it easier to maintain a steady pace on long stretches of road.
Fit & Comfort
When selecting a full-face helmet, fit is far and away the most important factor, although many budget helmet options fail miserably in this regard. Fortunately for riders looking for a reliable full-face helmet within a reasonable budget, the WS609 does a pretty good job. The liner is removable and washable. This feature may seem trivial now, but trust us when we say it becomes incredibly important once you've owned a helmet that can't be cleaned for a season or two.
Additionally, the quick-release chin strap buckle makes removing and putting on your helmet infinitely faster and easier when wearing gloves or attempting to quickly remove your helmet from your face. While a traditional D-ring style buckle offers greater adjustability in theory, in reality it is slower to operate than a quick-release buckle, especially when using gloved hands.
The WS609 is offered in five sizes: S, M, L, XL and XXL. Regardless of whether you are ordering online or shopping locally, take a moment to accurately measure the circumference of your head prior to ordering. A poorly fitted helmet (too large or too small) can cause the helmet to shift about upon impact (if too loose), or become unbearably painful to wear for extended periods (if too tight).
What Amazon Reviewers Say About the Product
Amazon reviewers gave this product a 4.6-star average rating based on 373 total reviews, which is an extremely impressive rating given its budget-friendly price tag. The majority of reviewers tend to break into two distinct groups: the first group consists of riders who purchased this helmet as their initial entry-level helmet or as a spare, and were pleased overall with the value received compared to what they paid. The second group contains riders who had already determined specifically what they wanted in terms of a full-face helmet and merely needed something that wouldn't fall apart, and were more focused on identifying specific shortcomings related to minor details.
Throughout the reviews, there are several recurring themes. Praise for ventilation is very common, with many riders indicating that unlike many budget helmets, the ventilation provided real cooling benefits during warmer riding conditions rather than mere aesthetics. Another popular positive comment relates to the inclusion of a second visor shipped free with purchase, since many budget helmets only include one visor and require additional purchases elsewhere.
Negative comments, though fewer in number, typically revolve around difficulty determining the correct fit and slight stiffness of the visor mechanism upon opening and closing. Neither negative comment represents a major flaw in comparison to other features present, but they are worth noting before purchasing.
Who Is This Helmet Best Suited To?
This helmet is best suited toward riders seeking a genuine DOT-rated full-face helmet that does not involve breaking-the-bank prices. If you plan to commute, perform weekend street rides or engage lightly in track riding activities, then the WS609 provides you with DOT-rated protection, effective ventilation, an easily washable removable liner and two visors all packaged into a single affordable product. The WS609 does not represent an optimal selection for riders requiring lightweight shells for ultra-high-performance applications (such as competition level track events) nor for riders demanding carbon-fiber quality materials. Rather, the WS609 represents an optimal option for those willing to accept lesser weight savings and quality materials in exchange for a lower price point while providing equally effective safety capabilities. To see how it stacks up against the field, compare it against other options in our motorcycle helmet comparison table and read more helmet reviews on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VCOROS WS609 DOT approved?
Yes. It is DOT certified and compliant with FMVSS 218, the federal safety standard for motorcycle helmets in the US. You can check the current details on Amazon.
What visors come with the helmet?
It ships with a clear visor and a chrome red visor. Both are scratch resistant and use the quick release system for fast swaps, and an anti fog film is included too.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the circumference of your head and compare it against the WS609 size chart. It comes in S, M, L, XL, and XXL, and getting that measurement right is the difference between a comfortable fit and a constant headache.
Is the liner removable?
Yes. The liner is removable, washable, and replaceable, so you can keep the helmet fresh over years of riding instead of replacing it because it got gross.
Is this helmet good for racing?
It is marketed for street and racing use and the DOT rating covers the safety baseline. For serious track work you would step up to a higher tier helmet, but as a budget street and casual track option it is a solid choice.
Does the ventilation actually work?
Yes. It has mouth and top inlet vents plus a rear outlet, and that front to back airflow does real work at speed instead of being decoration.