Alpinestars S-R7 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet vs ILM Z501 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
Buy the Alpinestars S-R7 if you ride sport or track and want a light, ECE 22.06-certified composite helmet with Pinlock included. Buy the ILM Z501 if budget is the deciding factor and you need a DOT full-face with a quick-release buckle. The S-R7 costs far more; the Z501 has held at $129.99 since October 31, 2026, and no current S-R7 price was given here.
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Alpinestars S-R7 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
Choose the Alpinestars S-R7 if you want a 1,390 g carbon-aramid-fiberglass shell, ECE 22.06 plus DOT certification, a Pinlock 120 MaxVision lens in the box, and room for the A-Connect comms system.
Pros
- ECE 22.06 and DOT certified
- Light composite shell, 1,390 g quoted in size M
- Pinlock 120 MaxVision lens, breath deflector and chin curtain in the box
- Seven-piece EPS in six densities with low-friction coating
- 220° peripheral and 57° vertical vision
Cons
- Costs much more than the Z501
- D-ring strap is slower to fasten than a quick release
What separates them
| Alpinestars S-R7 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | ILM Z501 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | ECE 22.06 and DOT | DOT, FMVSS-218 |
| Shell material | Carbon, aramid fiber and fiberglass composite | ABS |
| Quoted weight | 1,390 g in size M | Not stated |
| Shell sizes | Three outer shell sizes with matched EPS | Not stated |
| Anti-fog | Pinlock 120 MaxVision lens included | Not stated |
| Chin strap | D-ring | Metal quick-release buckle |
| Comms | Ready for Alpinestars A-Connect (sold separately) | Not stated |
| Price |
Price history
$736.39$129.99
- Alpinestars S-R7 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet: lowest $736.39 on Nov 2 at The Visor Shop.
- ILM Z501 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet: lowest $129.99 on Oct 31 at ilmotor.com; $129.99 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Alpinestars S-R7 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- On Yer BikeCheck price at On Yer Bike
- The Visor ShopCheck price at The Visor Shop
ILM Z501 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
- ilmotor.comCheck price at ilmotor.com
- ILMCheck price at ILM
- Bean's Moto BoothCheck price at Bean's Moto Booth
Specs compared
| Spec | Alpinestars S-R7 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet | ILM Z501 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Motorcycle | Riding at High Speed |
| Style | Full Face | — |
| Department | Men's / Unisex | — |
| DOT Certified | Yes | — |
| ECE Certified | Yes | — |
| Homologation | ECE 22.06 and DOT | — |
| Shell construction | carbon, aramid fiber, and fiberglass layers | — |
| Outer shell sizes | three different outer shell sizes | — |
| EPS liner | seven pieces in six densities | — |
| Peripheral vision | 220° | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is safer, the S-R7 or the Z501?
- Both meet DOT. The S-R7 also meets ECE 22.06, a stricter standard that includes rotational-impact testing. The Z501 is DOT and FMVSS-218 only.
- Is the S-R7 worth the extra money?
- If you ride sport or track, yes: lighter composite shell, ECE 22.06, Pinlock included and three shell sizes. For short commutes on a budget, the Z501 covers the basics.
- Which is lighter?
- Alpinestars quotes 1,390 g for the S-R7 in size M. ILM does not publish a weight for the Z501, and an ABS shell is typically heavier than a composite one.
- Can I wear glasses in either helmet?
- The S-R7 has cheek pad channels for glasses. ILM lists the Z501 as eyeglasses friendly. Both should work with most frames.
- Which has better ventilation?
- The S-R7 has 10 ports: 6 intakes with a sliding top section and 4 exhausts. ILM does not publish vent counts for the Z501.
- Which works with a Bluetooth headset?
- The S-R7 is built for the Alpinestars A-Connect system, sold separately. The Z501 has no listed comms provision, so a universal clamp-on unit is the usual route.