Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Review: Safety on a Budget, or a Compromise?

I still remember the feeling of walking into a gear shop for the first time. The smell of leather, the rows of gleaming machines, and a wall—an entire wall—of helmets. It was overwhelming. As a new rider, you’re bombarded with advice, brand names, and price tags that range from “surprisingly affordable” to “more than my first bike payment.” The temptation is to either overspend on a top-tier racing helmet you don’t need or, far worse, underspend on something that offers questionable protection. The real challenge is finding that sweet spot: a helmet that provides certified safety, genuine comfort for long rides, and a price that doesn’t make you question your new hobby. This isn’t just about following the law; it’s about investing in the single most critical piece of equipment that stands between you and the pavement. Choosing poorly can lead to discomfort, distraction on the road, or, in a worst-case scenario, failing to protect you when you need it most. That’s why we were so eager to get our hands on the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, a contender that promises DOT-certified protection and premium features at an entry-level price point.

Before You Buy: The Essential Checklist for Any Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet

A motorcycle helmet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for rider safety and comfort. Its primary function is to absorb impact energy and protect your head from catastrophic injury in the event of a crash. Beyond this, a quality full-face helmet shields you from wind, rain, debris, and insects, reducing fatigue and allowing you to focus on the road. The main benefits extend to noise reduction and even providing a platform for communication systems, turning a simple piece of safety gear into an integrated part of your riding experience.

The ideal customer for this type of product is anyone from a daily commuter to a weekend cruiser, a new rider taking their MSF course, or even an e-bike user seeking more protection than a standard bicycle helmet can offer. It’s for the rider who prioritizes certified safety and practicality over brand prestige or track-day features. However, it might not be the best fit for serious long-distance tourers or high-speed track enthusiasts who may require advanced aerodynamics, ultra-lightweight composite materials, and whisper-quiet acoustics found in helmets at a much higher price bracket. For those riders, a premium touring or racing helmet from brands like Shoei or Arai would be a more suitable, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Safety Certification & Materials: The non-negotiable starting point. Look for DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS-218 certification in the US, which ensures the helmet meets minimum impact absorption and penetration resistance standards. The Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is built with a durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell and a multi-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner, a proven combination for energy absorption in this category.
• Fit & Comfort: A helmet that doesn’t fit correctly can be dangerous and distracting. It should be snug all around your head without creating pressure points. Pay attention to the internal shape; some helmets are better for round heads, others for intermediate oval. Many users noted the Auboa MD-813 is a great fit for oval-shaped heads, and features like a fully removable and washable liner are crucial for long-term comfort and hygiene.
• Weight & Aerodynamics: A lighter helmet reduces neck strain on longer rides. At 1450 grams, the Auboa MD-813 is competitively lightweight for its class. The aerodynamic shape is designed to cut through the air smoothly, reducing buffeting and lifting at higher speeds, although its effectiveness can vary, especially concerning noise levels.
• Features & Ease of Use: Modern helmets come with quality-of-life features that make a big difference. Consider the visor system—is it easy to operate? Does it seal well? The Auboa MD-813 comes with a tinted shield. Also, look at the closure system. This model features a quick-release metal buckle, which many users find significantly more convenient for daily use than traditional D-rings.

While the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Auboa MD-813: A First Look at Matte Black Menace

Pulling the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet from its box, the first thing we noticed was the finish. The matte black is deep and uniform, giving the helmet a stealthy, modern aesthetic that looks far more premium than its price tag suggests. At 1450 grams (about 3.2 pounds), it felt surprisingly light in our hands, a quality you immediately appreciate when thinking about a long day in the saddle. The aerodynamic lines are aggressive but not over-the-top, flowing smoothly from the chin bar to the rear spoiler.

The pre-installed tinted visor adds to the aggressive look, with a beautiful UV protective finish that gives it an iridescent sheen. Running a hand over the shell and vents, everything felt solid and well-assembled. Inside, the padding was plush and substantial. We were particularly impressed by the liner material, which felt soft against the skin and is fully removable and washable—a must-have feature. The standout element, even before putting it on, was the chin strap. Instead of a fiddly double D-ring, it uses a robust, quick-release metal buckle that clicks into place with satisfying security. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about the helmet’s focus on user-friendliness.

Putting the Auboa MD-813 Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Road Test

A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true character is only revealed on the road. We spent several weeks with the Auboa MD-813, using it for everything from short city commutes to longer stints on open highways to truly understand its performance in different environments. We focused on the pillars of any great helmet: its core protective capability, its all-day comfort, its real-world features, and, of course, its potential drawbacks.

Core Protection: The ABS Shell, EPS Liner, and DOT Certification

Let’s start with the most important job a helmet has: saving your life. The Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is built upon a foundation of an Ultra Lightweight and Durable ABS shell paired with a Multi-Density EPS liner. This is the gold standard for helmet construction in this price category. The ABS shell provides the first line of defense, resisting penetration and distributing the force of an impact across a wider area. The multi-density EPS foam underneath is the critical component, designed to crush and compress at different rates to absorb and dissipate the deadly energy of the impact before it reaches your skull.

Meeting or exceeding DOT FMVSS-218 standards means it has passed rigorous testing for impact attenuation, penetration resistance, and retention system strength. While we don’t perform destructive crash tests ourselves, the ultimate validation comes from real-world user experiences. We were profoundly impacted by multiple user accounts where this exact helmet was credited with preventing serious head injury. One rider, after a high-speed crash over the handlebars of their e-bike, stated simply, “Doctor said it saved me.” Another rider, who broke their leg and was banged up badly after a motorcycle crash, noted the helmet did its job perfectly. This is not just a spec on a page; it’s undeniable proof that when called upon, the Auboa MD-813’s safety systems perform as designed. For any rider, but especially one on a budget, this peace of mind is invaluable.

All-Day Comfort and Fit: From Commuting to Cruising

Protection is paramount, but if a helmet is uncomfortable, you won’t want to wear it. We found the Auboa MD-813 to be remarkably comfortable, especially considering its price point. Sizing was spot-on with our measurements; it was snug and secure without any painful pressure points, a sentiment echoed by many users who called it “true to size” and a “perfect fit.” Several riders specifically mentioned it’s an excellent choice for those with oval-shaped heads, which is a common head shape that can be hard to fit in more rounded helmets.

The internal padding is generous and soft. The breathable, sweat-absorbing liner did an admirable job of wicking moisture during a ride on a particularly warm day, keeping us relatively cool and comfortable. The ability to easily remove the entire liner and cheek pads for washing is a feature usually found on more expensive helmets and is a massive bonus for keeping the helmet fresh over the long term. At just 1450 grams, the helmet feels light on the head, and we experienced minimal neck strain even after a two-hour ride. One minor issue, noted by a few users and something to be aware of, is the chin strap’s position. For some riders, it had a tendency to dig into their Adam’s apple. While we didn’t experience this, it highlights the importance of trying a helmet on to ensure its specific geometry works for you.

Functionality in the Real World: Ventilation, Visor, and That Brilliant Buckle

Day-to-day usability is where the Auboa MD-813 truly shines. The ventilation system, comprised of multiple intake and exhaust ports, provides surprisingly effective airflow. On a hot, nearly 90-degree day, we could feel a distinct channel of air moving over the scalp, which made a significant difference in preventing overheating during stop-and-go city traffic. The vents are easy to operate even with gloves on.

The pre-installed tinted visor is a mixed bag. Aesthetically, it’s a home run, giving the helmet a premium, aggressive look. In bright sunlight, it cuts down glare effectively, functioning like a good pair of sunglasses. However, as many users rightly point out, it is simply too dark for safe use after dusk or at night. Visibility becomes severely compromised. Thankfully, the brand offers a clear visor for separate purchase, which we would consider an essential accessory if you plan on riding at night. The visor mechanism itself is basic but functional, holding its position securely.

The feature that drew universal praise, from us and other riders, is the quick-release metal buckle. Unlike the traditional double D-ring system that can be clumsy with gloves, this “ski boot” style latch is incredibly intuitive. You slide the ridged plastic tab into the metal buckle, and it clicks securely into place. Releasing it is as simple as pulling a red tab. It makes gearing up and down faster and less frustrating, a quality-of-life improvement that we came to love during our testing. It’s a thoughtful, practical feature that elevates the entire user experience.

The Sound and the Fury: Addressing Wind Noise

No helmet is perfect, and the most significant compromise we found with the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is wind noise. Up to around 45-50 mph, the noise levels are perfectly acceptable for commuting and city riding. However, once we hit highway speeds, the wind noise becomes pronounced. This is a common characteristic of budget-friendly helmets, which often lack the advanced aerodynamic sculpting and intricate visor sealing systems of their premium counterparts. One female rider noted that for speeds over 50 mph, she needed to wear earplugs. We can confirm this finding; on the interstate, the roar of the wind was loud enough to be fatiguing over time. While it’s not a deal-breaker, especially for those who primarily ride at lower speeds or already wear earplugs (which is always a good practice), it’s the most noticeable trade-off for the helmet’s accessible price.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we scoured user feedback to see how our experience aligned with the broader community. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the helmet’s core value. The most powerful testimonials are from riders who experienced accidents. One user, who was sent flying over his handlebars, credited the helmet with saving his life, stating there was “no damage to my head.” This real-world validation of its DOT certification is the single most compelling reason to consider this helmet.

On the positive side, praise for the comfort, lightweight feel, and “amazing” quick-release chin strap was nearly universal. Many were “stunned by how beautiful this helmet is” and “shocked on how high the quality is for the price.” On the critical side, our findings on wind noise were consistently corroborated. Multiple riders described it as “so loud” at highway speeds, recommending earplugs as a necessary accessory. The other common critique was the tinted visor being too dark for night riding, confirming our assessment that a separate clear shield is a wise investment for all-season, all-day riders.

How Does the Auboa MD-813 Compare to the Competition?

The Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is a fantastic all-around street helmet, but the powersports world is vast. It’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular, albeit different, styles of helmet, especially those geared more towards off-road or youth riders.

1. WOW Youth Kids Motocross Helmet Shark Blue

The most immediate difference is the target audience. The WOW helmet is designed specifically for youth riders in sports like Motocross, BMX, and ATVing. It features a classic motocross design with a large peak visor for roost protection and an open-face design that requires separate goggles. While it is also DOT approved, its features are tailored for off-road environments. The Auboa MD-813, in contrast, is an adult helmet designed for street use with its integrated, sealing face shield and more streamlined aerodynamics. If you’re an adult street rider, the Auboa is the clear choice; if you’re outfitting a young rider for the dirt, the WOW helmet is the specialized tool for the job.

2. GLX GX623 Youth ATV/Dirt Bike Helmet Combo

Similar to the WOW helmet, the GLX GX623 is a youth-focused, off-road helmet. It often comes as a combo package with included goggles, which is a great value for parents. Its design prioritizes maximum ventilation for low-speed, high-exertion off-road riding and features a prominent chin bar and sun peak. The Auboa MD-813’s full-face design with an integrated visor is far better suited for the higher speeds and variable weather of street riding. The choice here is simple: the GLX is for kids on dirt bikes and ATVs, while the Auboa MD-813 is for adults on street bikes, cruisers, and scooters.

3. Oumurs Adult Motocross Helmet with Goggle Gloves Mask

This is the most direct competitor, as it’s an adult helmet in a similar price range. However, the Oumurs is a dedicated motocross/off-road helmet. It’s designed to be used with goggles, offering a wider field of view and better ventilation for physically demanding off-road conditions. The Auboa MD-813 is a street helmet, built to provide a quieter, more weatherproof enclosure with its integrated shield. An Oumurs rider would likely find the Auboa too warm for trail riding, while an Auboa rider would find the Oumurs (with required goggles) too noisy and exposed for highway commuting. The Oumurs is the pick for trail and dirt enthusiasts, while the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is superior for anyone riding primarily on pavement.

The Final Word: Is the Auboa MD-813 the Best Budget Helmet for You?

After weeks of testing and poring over user feedback, our verdict on the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is overwhelmingly positive. It represents one of the best values in the motorcycle gear market today. It successfully delivers on the most important promise: providing proven, DOT-certified safety that has been validated in real-world crashes. It wraps this essential protection in a package that is stylish, surprisingly comfortable, and lightweight.

The trade-offs, while present, are reasonable for the price. The significant wind noise at high speeds and the unsuitability of the stock tinted visor for night riding are the main drawbacks. However, for its target audience—new riders, daily commuters, e-bike users, and anyone looking for a dependable secondary helmet—these are manageable issues. The sheer convenience of the quick-release buckle and the comfort of the washable liner are features that make it a joy to use every day. If you are looking for a helmet that punches far above its weight class without emptying your wallet, we can wholeheartedly recommend it.

If you’re ready to invest in a helmet that masterfully balances safety, style, and unbeatable value, you owe it to yourself to check the latest price and available colors for the Auboa MD-813 today.