1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Review: Your Budget-Friendly Ticket to Trail Safety?

I remember the feeling vividly: the rumble of the ATV engine vibrating through the handlebars, the smell of pine and damp earth on the trail ahead, and the sudden, sobering thought—is my old helmet really up to this? For years, a hand-me-down lid had served its purpose for casual yard work, but as my adventures grew more ambitious, pushing deeper into rugged trails and picking up speed, the question of proper protection became impossible to ignore. The market is flooded with helmets costing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. The challenge for so many of us isn’t finding a helmet; it’s finding a DOT-certified, comfortable, and stylish helmet that doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage. Neglecting this crucial piece of gear is not an option, as a single mishap can have life-altering consequences. This quest for accessible safety is what led us to test and thoroughly evaluate the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, a contender that promises premium protection without the premium price tag.

What to Consider Before Buying a Motocross & Powersports Helmet

A Motorcycle & Powersports Helmet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for personal safety and confidence when engaging in high-adrenaline activities. Its primary benefit is, of course, impact protection, absorbing and dissipating the force of a crash to prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries. Beyond that, a good full-face helmet shields you from debris, dust, insects, and the elements, allowing you to maintain focus on the trail or track. It reduces wind noise, which can be fatiguing on longer rides, and provides a sense of security that lets you ride at your best. For any rider, from the weekend warrior on a quad to the aspiring motocross racer, a reliable helmet is the most critical investment you can make in your own well-being.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the need for certified protection for activities like ATV riding, dirt biking, BMX, or UTV exploration, but who is also working within a sensible budget. This includes parents outfitting their teens, new riders just getting into the sport, or seasoned veterans looking for a dependable secondary helmet. It’s for the rider who values safety above all but sees no reason to overspend on features they don’t need. Conversely, this helmet might not be suitable for professional racers who require ultra-lightweight carbon fiber shells, advanced ventilation systems for extreme endurance events, or specific FIM/Snell certifications. Those users might consider high-end specialty brands. For casual street motorcycle commuting, a dedicated street helmet with a built-in face shield might be a more practical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Sizing & Fit: This is the most critical factor. A helmet that is too loose can shift or come off in an impact, while one that is too tight will cause painful pressure points and headaches. Always measure your head circumference according to the manufacturer’s guide and pay close attention to user feedback regarding whether the helmet runs true to size, small, or large. A proper fit should be snug, with no wobble, but not uncomfortably tight.
• Safety Certification & Performance: In the United States, the bare minimum certification to look for is DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS 218. This ensures the helmet has passed rigorous testing for impact absorption, penetration resistance, and retention strap strength. Don’t even consider a helmet without it. Performance also includes features like aerodynamics, which reduce neck strain at higher speeds.
• Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly helmets, including the HF801, use a thermoplastic alloy shell. This material offers an excellent balance of impact resistance and cost-effectiveness. The inner liner is typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which is the part that crushes to absorb impact. Check for quality construction, a durable finish that resists UV damage, and sturdy hardware.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Long-term ownership is made much easier with practical features. A removable and washable liner is a must-have for off-road riding, where sweat and dust are constants. Look for a secure but easy-to-operate chin strap system. The overall weight is also a usability factor; a lighter helmet generally leads to less fatigue over a long day of riding.

Navigating the world of budget-friendly gear can be tricky, but understanding these core principles will empower you to make a safe and smart choice.

While the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White 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:

First Impressions: Aggressive Styling and Surprising Substance

Unboxing the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, the first thing that struck us was its appearance. It simply doesn’t look like a “budget” helmet. The glossy white finish is clean and bright, with a UV-protective coating that gives it a professional sheen. The aggressive, aerodynamic lines are pure motocross, evoking a sense of speed and capability. This sentiment was echoed by many users who noted the helmet looks “awesome” and “even better in person than in the pictures.”

In hand, it has a reassuring heft. At around 4 pounds, it’s not the lightest helmet on the market, but as one user correctly pointed out, “it’s not the heaviest either.” The thermoplastic alloy shell feels robust and solid. Inside, the padding is generous and feels surprisingly plush against the skin. We immediately appreciated that the liner and cheek pads are removable, a feature that’s indispensable for keeping the helmet fresh after a long, dusty day on the trails. It comes out of the box ready to go, with the visor attached and only minor adjustments needed for a personal fit. For its price point, the initial build quality and presentation are genuinely impressive, setting a high bar before we even hit the trail. You can see its sharp design and full feature set here.

Deep Dive: Putting the 1Storm HF801 to the Test

A helmet’s true worth is revealed not on a store shelf, but out in the dirt, dust, and demanding conditions of a real ride. We spent considerable time with the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet, evaluating it across the core pillars of safety, comfort, and everyday usability to see if its performance matches its promising first impression.

Shell Construction and Safety: The Non-Negotiable Foundation

The absolute primary function of any helmet is protection, and this is where the HF801 begins to build a strong case for itself. The shell is constructed from a durable thermoplastic alloy, a material widely used in the industry for its proven ability to resist penetration and distribute impact forces effectively. The aerodynamic shape isn’t just for looks; it’s designed to cut through the air more cleanly, reducing drag and the potential for neck fatigue on faster sections of trail or track.

Most importantly, the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is DOT Approved, meeting FMVSS 218. This isn’t just a sticker; it’s a certification confirming the helmet has withstood a battery of standardized tests simulating real-world crash scenarios. This is the baseline for any helmet we would ever consider wearing or recommending. While some riders chase more exotic certifications like Snell or ECE, for the vast majority of recreational ATV and dirt bike use, DOT certification provides a robust and reliable standard of safety. The most powerful confirmation of this came not from our testing, but from the real-world experience of a user whose 12-year-old son had an ATV accident while wearing this exact helmet. They reported that while the visor broke away as designed, the helmet shell remained intact and protected his head from injury. There is no better testament to a helmet’s core purpose than that. This commitment to certified safety at an accessible price is the helmet’s single greatest strength.

Fit, Comfort, and All-Day Wearability

If a helmet isn’t comfortable, you won’t want to wear it, which completely defeats its purpose. 1Storm has equipped the HF801 with what they describe as a “heavily cushioned and comfortable interior,” and we found this to be accurate. The padding is soft and substantial, creating a snug and secure feeling once on. The soft-touch material feels good against the skin and does a decent job of wicking away initial sweat.

However, the most critical aspect to discuss here is sizing. Across a significant number of user reports, and confirmed in our own testing, the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet runs small. We strongly recommend measuring your head and then ordering one size larger than the chart suggests. One user, who is usually a small, found the medium to be a “perfect” fit. Another noted it felt “a tad tight” initially but expected it to loosen up over time, which is typical as the padding breaks in. A great tip from another rider was that the fit improved after removing some of the ear padding, which is a simple modification. Getting the size right is paramount. Once you do, the helmet feels secure and stable, with several users confirming it still “fits like the day I got it” even after years of use.

At four pounds, its weight is perceptible but well-balanced. It doesn’t feel overly cumbersome, and we didn’t experience significant neck strain during multi-hour rides. For cold-weather riding, some found the somewhat restricted airflow to be a benefit, keeping them warmer. Overall, with the crucial sizing caveat addressed, the HF801 proves to be a comfortable companion for long days of adventure.

Aesthetics, Ventilation, and Practical Features

Let’s be honest: looks matter. A huge part of the appeal of the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is its sharp, aggressive design. It captures the modern motocross aesthetic perfectly, and many users agree that it “looks really cool” and far more expensive than its actual price. The glossy white finish on our test model was flawless and proved easy to wipe clean after being splattered with mud.

The ventilation system consists of several intake and exhaust ports. We found the airflow to be adequate for most recreational riding, though perhaps not as robust as what you’d find on a premium racing helmet. As one user noted, this can actually be an advantage in cooler climates. In the heat of summer, you will build up a sweat, which is where the removable and washable liner becomes invaluable. Being able to pull out the liner, wash it, and have a fresh helmet for the next ride is a feature we consider essential for any off-road helmet, and it’s executed well here.

The one area where we found room for improvement was the visor. While it adds to the helmet’s style, its functionality is limited. One user was disappointed that even in its farthest forward position, it didn’t do much to block the sun. We concur; it’s more of a roost guard than a sun shield. You’ll definitely want to pair this helmet with a good set of goggles, which is standard practice for this style of helmet anyway. We tested it with Smith ski goggles, and as another rider confirmed, they fit perfectly within the helmet’s eye-port. The chin strap is a standard D-ring system—secure and reliable, though one user reported difficulty with adjustment, suggesting some minor inconsistencies in manufacturing may exist.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling dozens of user experiences, a clear and consistent picture of the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, centering on its incredible value. Phrases like “killer value,” “price is hard to beat,” and “awesome-looking helmet for a really great price” appear constantly. Riders are consistently impressed that they can get a DOT-approved helmet with such aggressive styling without breaking the bank. One long-term user who has been riding with it for nearly two years stated they have “always felt safe” through “a few loops & mishaps,” giving it a strong five-star endorsement.

However, the feedback also provides valuable warnings for potential buyers. The most prominent issue is sizing, with a strong consensus that you should order one size up. The second area of concern relates to fulfillment and quality control. Several customers reported receiving the wrong color or even what appeared to be a used or returned item with a damaged box. Others noted minor manufacturing flaws like seams coming unstitched on the padding or a missing visor clip. While customer service was reportedly helpful in resolving these issues, it’s a clear indicator that at this low price point, the consistency might not match that of premium brands. You can check the latest user reviews and feedback to see the most current experiences.

Competitor Face-Off: How the 1Storm HF801 Compares to Alternatives

The 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet carves out a strong niche in the budget off-road market, but it’s not the only option. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. Oumurs Adult Motocross Helmet with Goggles & Gloves

The Oumurs helmet package is the ultimate all-in-one starter kit. Its main advantage over the 1Storm HF801 is that it includes goggles, gloves, and a face mask right in the box, providing everything a new rider needs to get started immediately. Like the 1Storm, it is DOT FMVSS-218 certified, ensuring a baseline of safety. This is the ideal choice for a parent outfitting a new rider or someone who values the convenience and cost savings of a bundled package. However, the 1Storm HF801 may appeal more to those who already own or have specific preferences for their goggles and gloves, focusing solely on the quality and design of the helmet itself.

2. BEON Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visor

The BEON helmet represents a completely different category of head protection. As a 3/4 open-face helmet with a retro style and dual visors (one clear, one tinted), it is not designed for motocross or aggressive off-road use. Its primary audience is riders of scooters, cruisers, mopeds, and classic motorcycles who prioritize wind-in-the-face freedom and convenience for urban commuting. While it is DOT approved, it lacks the chin bar protection that is absolutely critical for off-road riding. This is not a direct competitor but rather an alternative for a completely different style of riding; if your adventures involve dirt, the 1Storm is the appropriate choice.

3. 1STORM Full Face Mechanic Helmet

This alternative from the same brand, 1Storm, offers a different aesthetic. The “Mechanic” model features a more street-oriented design and graphics, though it maintains the full-face protection. It could be a solid choice for riders who use their ATV for both utility work and trail riding, or for those who simply prefer its unique visual style over the more traditional motocross look of the HF801. Since they come from the same manufacturer, you can likely expect a similar level of build quality, comfort, and DOT-certified safety. The choice between the HF801 and the Mechanic largely comes down to personal preference in style and intended primary use.

Our Final Verdict on the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the 1Storm HF801 Glossy White Full Face Motorcycle Helmet represents one of the best values in the powersports market today. It successfully delivers on the two most important fronts for a budget-conscious rider: certified DOT safety and a style that instills confidence. It proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a helmet that is both protective and looks fantastic. Its plush, removable liner is a feature typically found on more expensive models, adding significant long-term value.

Its weaknesses, while notable, are manageable. The consistent feedback that it runs small is a critical piece of information—simply order one size up, and you’re likely to get a great fit. The potential for minor quality control issues is a trade-off for its incredibly low price point. For beginner to intermediate trail riders, ATV enthusiasts, and anyone needing a reliable and great-looking off-road helmet without a hefty investment, we give it our strong recommendation. It makes the essential gear of safety accessible to nearly everyone. If you’re ready to hit the trails with confidence, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and available sizes for the 1Storm HF801 today.