I remember my first time shopping for motorcycle gear. The sheer number of choices was dizzying, especially when it came to helmets. You have helmets that cost as much as a used motorcycle and others that seem too cheap to be true. It’s a classic dilemma for new riders and budget-conscious veterans alike: how do you find a helmet that provides genuine, life-saving protection without completely draining your wallet? It’s tempting to cut corners on gear to save money for the bike itself, but your helmet is the one piece of equipment where compromise is not an option. It is the single most critical investment in your personal safety on the road. A poorly made or ill-fitting helmet isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a catastrophic failure waiting to happen. This search for the intersection of safety, comfort, and affordability is what led us to take a long, hard look at the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet.
- 【Lightweight】Ultra Lightweight and Durable ABS Shell + Multi-Density EPS liner to meet or exceed FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standards
- 【Ventilated】Multiple vents for optimum ventilation and quick release metal buckle offer solid protection
What to Consider Before Buying a Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
A motorcycle helmet is more than just an item on a pre-ride checklist; it’s a key solution for survival and comfort on two wheels. Its primary function is, of course, to protect your head from catastrophic injury in the event of an impact. The combination of a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing inner liner dissipates energy that would otherwise be transferred directly to your skull and brain. Beyond this crucial task, a full-face helmet also shields you from wind, rain, road debris, and insects, reducing fatigue and allowing you to focus on the ride. It dampens the roar of the wind and engine, protecting your hearing over the long term. In essence, it creates a personal bubble of safety and relative tranquility, making every ride more enjoyable and secure.
The ideal customer for a helmet in this category is someone who needs reliable, certified protection without the bells and whistles of premium, high-cost models. This includes new riders getting their first set of gear, daily commuters, scooter and e-bike users seeking more protection than a standard bicycle helmet offers, or even experienced riders looking for a dependable backup helmet. However, it might not be the best fit for long-distance touring riders or track day enthusiasts who require advanced features like superior aerodynamics for high speeds, ultra-quiet interiors, or integrated communication systems. Those riders often benefit from investing in specialized helmets designed for those specific, demanding conditions.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Comfort: A helmet’s effectiveness is drastically reduced if it doesn’t fit correctly. A proper fit is snug all around your head without creating painful pressure points. It shouldn’t shift or rotate when you shake your head. Look for features like removable and washable liners, which not only aid in hygiene but can sometimes allow for minor fit adjustments.
- Safety & Certification: This is non-negotiable. In the United States, the minimum legal standard is the Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS-218 certification. This ensures the helmet has passed rigorous testing for impact absorption, penetration resistance, and strap retention. Never purchase a helmet without at least a DOT sticker.
- Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly helmets use a thermoplastic shell, like the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) found in the Auboa MD-813. This material offers an excellent balance of strength and cost-effectiveness. The inner liner is typically Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), designed to crush and absorb impact energy. The quality of these materials directly impacts the helmet’s protective capabilities.
- Features & Ease of Use: Consider the small things that impact the daily experience. How good is the ventilation? Is the visor easy to operate with gloves on? Does it have a quick-release chin strap for convenience, or traditional D-rings? Does the stock visor suit your typical riding conditions (e.g., clear vs. tinted)?
Keeping these factors in mind, the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet stands out in several areas, particularly for its price point. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
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:
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION - Ride, skate, or roll safely! Our adult bike helmets are lightweight yet durable, with a fully formed ABS shell and shock-absorbing EPS foam to effectively absorb impact energy...
- Made for Every Kind of Rider: Kids, teen, and adult helmet for biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, inline skating, longboard, hoverboard, scooter, skating and other outdoor sports
- ADULT BIKE HELMET: Designed for fitness and recreational rides, this sporty bicycle helmet fits riders ages 14+ with head circumferences from 58 - 62 cm. Wherever the road leads, you’re covered.
Unboxing the Auboa MD-813: First Impressions and Key Features
Pulling the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet out of its box, the first thing we noticed was the sleek, aggressive styling of the matte black finish. It has a modern, aerodynamic shape that looks far more expensive than it is. The finish was clean and evenly applied, giving it a premium feel right from the start. At 1450 grams (about 3.2 pounds), it felt surprisingly light in our hands, a quality we knew would translate to reduced neck fatigue on the road. The pre-installed tinted visor adds to the aggressive aesthetic and moves with a satisfyingly firm action through its detents. Tapping on the ABS shell, it felt robust and solid. Inside, the padding was plush and ample, promising a comfortable fit. The standout feature upon initial inspection was the quick-release metal buckle closure—a welcome convenience often missing at this budget level. Overall, our first impression was one of shock; this helmet presented a level of quality and thoughtful design that we simply did not expect for the price.
Key Benefits
- Proven life-saving protection with DOT certification
- Excellent comfort and lightweight design reduces rider fatigue
- Extremely high value for its budget-friendly price
- Convenient and secure quick-release chin strap
- Effective ventilation system for warm-weather riding
Limitations
- Significant wind noise at speeds above 50 mph
- Stock tinted visor is unsuitable for night riding
- Some reports of minor quality control inconsistencies
On the Road: A Deep Dive into the Auboa MD-813’s Performance
A helmet can look great on a shelf, but its true character is only revealed out on the open road, facing wind, noise, and the demands of real-world riding. We put the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet through its paces across various conditions, from slow city commutes to spirited highway runs, to see if its performance matched its promising first impression. We focused on the core pillars of what makes a helmet great: its fundamental ability to protect, its comfort over time, and the usability of its features like ventilation and visibility.
The Core of Protection: Shell, Liner, and DOT Certification
The absolute, number-one job of a helmet is to protect your head in a crash. Everything else is secondary. The Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is built around an ultra-lightweight yet durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell, paired with a multi-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner. This is the classic construction method for modern, safe helmets. The ABS shell provides the first line of defense, resisting penetration and spreading the force of an impact over a wider area. The EPS liner underneath is the crucial shock absorber; it’s designed to compress and crush upon impact, absorbing kinetic energy and slowing the deceleration of your head to prevent brain injury. This helmet meets or exceeds the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, earning it the all-important DOT certification.
While technical specifications are important, the most powerful evidence of a helmet’s protective capability comes from those who have unfortunately had to test it firsthand. In our research, we were profoundly moved by the real-world stories from riders whose lives were impacted by this helmet. One user, after a serious e-bike crash that sent them flying over the handlebars, shared a powerful endorsement from their doctor. The doctor, after examining the damaged helmet and running tests, concluded that the rider had no concussion and that the helmet “100% took the full impact and saved me from a trip to the trauma center.” Another rider, who crashed their motorcycle and suffered a broken leg and other injuries, stated unequivocally, “this helmet SAVED MY LIFE.” These are not marketing claims; they are raw, powerful testaments to the fact that the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet performs its most critical function when it matters most. For any rider on a budget, this provides immense peace of mind.
Comfort and Fit for the Daily Ride
An unsafe helmet is one you don’t wear, and an uncomfortable helmet is one you’ll be tempted to leave at home. We found the fit of the MD-813 to be excellent, particularly for those with intermediate oval head shapes, a common observation among other riders. Our medium-sized helmet fit true to size, providing a snug, secure feeling without any uncomfortable pressure points. The lightweight construction is a massive benefit, especially on longer rides where heavier helmets can cause significant neck strain. After an hour in the saddle, we almost forgot we were wearing it, which is high praise for any helmet, let alone one at this price.
The interior padding is generous and soft against the skin. A huge plus is that the liners are fully removable and washable. After a hot, sweaty day of riding, being able to pop out the liner and cheek pads and give them a wash is a game-changer for long-term hygiene and keeping the helmet feeling fresh. One rider noted that the helmet is easy to disassemble to install a communications unit, a nod to its practical design. The one minor comfort issue we encountered, echoed by one other user, was the chin strap’s tendency to press against the Adam’s apple. However, the star of the show for ease-of-use is the quick-release buckle. Many users praised this feature, comparing it to a “ski boot” style clip. We agree; it’s incredibly fast and easy to secure and release, even with gloves on, making it far more convenient for quick stops than traditional D-ring systems. If you want a helmet that is as comfortable as it is protective, you should seriously consider the Auboa MD-813 available here.
Ventilation and Visor: Seeing Clearly and Staying Cool
A helmet’s ventilation and visor system is crucial for both comfort and safety. We tested the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet on a particularly warm day, and its ventilation performed admirably. With multiple vents—typically a chin vent to direct air across the inside of the visor and top vents to cool the scalp—we experienced great airflow. One rider confirmed our findings, noting that on a nearly 90-degree day, the “ventilation in it is amazing,” preventing them from overheating. For a budget helmet, the cooling is surprisingly effective, making it a viable option for summer riding.
The pre-installed tinted visor is visually striking and highly effective during the day. It provides excellent UV protection and significantly cuts down on glare, reducing eye strain in bright sunlight. As one user aptly put it, the tint “helped with the sun in my eyes SO much.” However, this strength becomes a weakness as the sun goes down. The tint is too dark for safe night riding, a sentiment echoed by several users who stated you “can’t really see through it in the dark.” Auboa does offer a clear visor for separate purchase, which we would consider an essential accessory for anyone who rides after dusk. We also noticed, as did another rider, a slight tendency for the visor to fog up when fully closed at a standstill. It’s a minor issue that quickly clears once you’re moving, but it is something to be aware of in cool or humid weather.
The Sound of the Ride: Wind Noise and Real-World Aerodynamics
This is the area where the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet shows its budget-friendly roots. While the helmet’s shape is billed as aerodynamic, the reality of wind noise is a significant factor to consider. During our testing around town at speeds below 45-50 mph, the noise level was perfectly acceptable and comparable to many other helmets. However, once we hit the highway, the roar of the wind became prominent. This was a consistent piece of feedback from other riders as well. One woman noted that “the wind is super loud that I need to wear earplugs when riding at high speeds (50mph+).” Another user returned the helmet after one ride, stating, “I’ve never had a helmet that was that loud.” This is a classic trade-off in helmet design. Premium helmets from brands like Shoei or Arai invest heavily in wind tunnel testing and complex shell designs to achieve a quiet ride, and that R&D is reflected in their high price tags. The Auboa MD-813 prioritizes impact protection and comfort over acoustic refinement. For city commuters or those who stick to backroads, the noise level is manageable. For riders who spend a lot of time on the freeway, investing in a good pair of earplugs is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity to protect your hearing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is overwhelmingly positive, especially when factoring in its price. The most powerful theme is its proven ability to protect. We found multiple, unrelated accounts of riders crediting the helmet with saving them from serious head trauma in real-world crashes, with one user simply stating, “Doctor said it saved me. Instant 5 stars.” This is the highest praise any piece of safety equipment can receive.
Users consistently celebrate the helmet’s lightweight feel, comfortable fit, and stylish looks. The quick-release chin strap is a frequently mentioned favorite feature for its convenience. However, the feedback isn’t without criticism. The most common negative point, as we also discovered, is the significant wind noise at highway speeds. Several riders mentioned the need for earplugs as a mandatory accessory for any ride over 50 mph. The other notable issue appears to be occasional quality control inconsistencies, with a few users reporting their helmets arriving with minor scratches or stains, or in one case, a strap beginning to fray after minimal use. While these appear to be outliers, they are worth noting.
How the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Compares to the Competition
The Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet exists in a crowded market, but it holds its own by offering a fantastic core experience. To understand its place, let’s compare it against three distinct alternatives.
1. JQF Gear WS-607 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
The JQF Gear WS-607 is a direct competitor to the Auboa MD-813, occupying a very similar space in the market. It is also a DOT-approved, full-face helmet aimed at the budget-conscious rider. Like the Auboa, it features a lightweight shell, a comfortable interior, and multiple vents. The choice between the JQF Gear and the Auboa will likely come down to subtleties in fit, specific aesthetic preferences, and current pricing. If the aggressive styling of the Auboa isn’t quite for you, or if you find the JQF Gear on a better deal, it represents a very similar value proposition of providing essential, certified protection at an entry-level price point.
2. TRIANGLE Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Dual Visor
The TRIANGLE helmet represents a significant step up in features and convenience. Its standout feature is the dual-visor system: a main clear face shield for all-conditions visibility, combined with an internal, retractable tinted sunshield. This completely solves the Auboa’s primary visor issue of being unsuitable for night riding. A rider with the TRIANGLE helmet can enjoy the protection of a clear shield at night and instantly deploy the sunshield with the flip of a lever during the day. This added functionality comes at a slightly higher price but is a massive quality-of-life improvement for riders who frequently transition between bright and dark environments and don’t want to carry a second visor.
3. CARTMAN Cruiser Motorcycle Half Helmet
The CARTMAN Half Helmet is an alternative for a completely different type of rider. While also DOT-approved, it offers fundamentally less protection than a full-face helmet by leaving the face and chin exposed. Its appeal lies in the classic cruiser aesthetic and the feeling of openness and maximum airflow. Riders of cruisers, choppers, and some scooters who prioritize style and a “wind in your face” experience might prefer this helmet. It is not a direct competitor in terms of protection but serves as an alternative for those whose riding style and risk tolerance differ from that of a typical street bike or commuter rider who would choose the full-coverage security of the Auboa MD-813.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Auboa MD-813 Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is a resounding yes, with a few important caveats. This helmet represents an almost unbelievable value proposition. For an astonishingly low price, you get a stylish, lightweight, and comfortable helmet that carries the all-important DOT certification and has been proven by real riders to be life-saving in a crash. Its effective ventilation and convenient quick-release strap make it a pleasure to use for daily commuting.
Its weaknesses—significant wind noise at speed and a stock visor that’s only suitable for daytime—are direct consequences of its budget price point and are, in our opinion, acceptable trade-offs. The noise can be mitigated with earplugs, and a clear visor is available for purchase. We wholeheartedly recommend this helmet to new riders, e-bike and scooter users, city commuters, and anyone looking for a dependable secondary helmet. It provides the essential protection you need without the financial barrier. It proves that you don’t have to break the bank to keep your head safe on the road.
If you’ve decided the Auboa MD-813 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API