Man on a dirt bike wearing helmet.

The Best Dirt Bike Helmets: The Complete Buying Guide

No matter what kind of dirt biking you’re into, having the best dirt bike helmet is essential for your safety. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s important to understand the different features and styles to choose the right helmet for you. In this buying guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about dirt bike helmets, including the different types, safety features, and how to choose the perfect helmet. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of the best dirt bike helmets for you.

Introduction

When you’re hitting the dirt trails and jumps, you want to make sure your head is well protected. With so many options out there it can be tough to know where to start – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here is a comprehensive guide for best helmets for dirt bike riding that provide superior performance, coverage, and comfort.

No matter what kind of dirt biking you’re into, having the best dirt bike helmet is essential for your safety. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s important to understand the different features and styles to choose the right helmet for you. In this buying guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about dirt bike helmets, including the different types, safety features, and how to choose the perfect helmet. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of the best dirt bike helmets for you.

Understanding the Specificity of Dirt Bike Helmets

A dirt bike helmet is a type of headgear designed to cater to the specific needs of off-road motorcyclists. It differs from other helmets due to its unique design elements, such as a visor or peak at the front for protection from the sun, wind, and debris, a chin bar and reinforced mouth guard for added protection to the lower part of the face and chin, a ventilation system to keep the rider cool and comfortable during long rides, and the ability to accommodate goggles to protect the rider’s eyes from debris. These distinctive features make a dirt bike helmet the ideal headgear for off-road motorcycling.

Types of Dirt Bike Helmets

Dirt bike helmets come in a variety of shapes and sizes to ensure a comfortable and safe ride. Before you begin shopping for the best dirt bike helmet for you, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of helmets available.

The full-face helmet is the most protective type of dirt bike helmet. It covers the entire head, and typically comes with a visor to shield eyes from mud, dirt, and debris. Several different materials are used in the construction of full-face helmets, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. These helmets also have additional features such as ventilation, detachable cheek pads, and adjustable straps.

The open-face helmet is similar to the full-face helmet but does not cover the face. It provides basic protection to the head but not the same level of safety as a full-face helmet. Open-face helmets also tend to be lighter and more affordable than full-face helmets.

The off-road helmet is designed specifically for trail and motocross use. These helmets are typically lightweight and provide excellent ventilation for added comfort. They also come with additional features such as a padded chin strap and removable visor.

Finally, there is the modular helmet. These helmets feature a flip-up face shield that can be flipped up to provide added ventilation. This allows riders to adjust the amount of air they want to let in, making them ideal for all-day rides in hot weather.

By familiarizing yourself with the different types of dirt bike helmets available, you can ensure that you get the best helmet for your needs. You should also ensure that you purchase a helmet that has been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell). It’s also a good idea to check the helmet’s warranty before purchasing to make sure you are covered in case of any accidents or defects.

For context, here they are in comparison to the off-road helmet type.

  • Off-Road Helmet: Dirt bike helmets are also known as off-road helmets. This helmet type is essentially a full face helmet that’s partially open face to give room for goggles that keep the eye free of dirt and mud and an extended chin guard that’s moved forward a bit for breathing room.
  • Full Face Helmet: The full face motorcycle helmet is just like the off-road helmet sans extended chin strap and open face. It’s designed to give you all-weather protection and a quiet ride with little wind resistance.
  • Open Face Helmet: The open face helmet is also available with the wider face design of the off-road helmet. It’s also known as the ¾ or three-quarters helmet because it leaves ¾ of your face open. Some have visors and some don’t, necessitating goggle usage.

Top Dirt Bike Helmet Brands

Here are some of the top brands you should check out when on the hunt for the best motocross helmet.

  • 6D: 6D helmets offer helmets for bicycles (BMX), street bikes, youth riders, and motocross. It’s an experienced maker of dirt and mountain bike helmets. The motocross ones are of particular interest in this helmet review.
  • Arai: The 50-year-old Arai Helmet brand claims to pursue innovation and improving the riding experience. This motto of theirs is seen from their 100% handmade helmets that meet and exceed the safety standards of DOT, ECE, and Snell.
  • O’Neal: O’Neal is a producer of top-of-the-line motorcycle helmets for the USA and beyond for over 40 years. They also make gear and accessories such as gloves, helmets, jerseys, pants, and MTB boots.
  • Fox Racing: Unlike the other companies on this list, Fox Racing is an all-around sports gear manufacturer that makes its own brand of motocross or dirt bike helmets on top of sports clothing and accessories for men, women, and the youth.
  • Troy Lee Designs: Troy Lee Designs or TLD is a sports gear maker that makes helmets for BMX, mountain bikes, and motocross on top of jerseys, shorts, pants, gloves, bibs, base layers, socks, jackets, protection, and accessories for men, women, and youth.
  • Bell Racing: Bell Racing Helmets for men, women, and youth offer innovative and technically superior racing helmets and accessories that enhance driver comfort and maximizes their protection when all is said and done.
  • Alpinestars: Alpinestars is an Italian company that produces high-quality dirt bike helmets and other protective gear for motorsports and action sports. Their dirt bike helmets are designed using advanced materials and technology to offer superior protection, comfort, and performance. The company has a global presence and is distributed in over 100 countries worldwide.

The Best Dirt Bike Helmet By Brand

6D ATR-1 Flo Solid Matte Black Helmet – Best Dirt Bike Helmet

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The 6D ATR-1 Helmet is replete with specs, such as its unique and propriety omni-directional suspension technology that you won’t find in any other helmet out there. It improves low-threshold energy transfer and reduces angular acceleration as you ride your dirt bike.


In other words, you’re afforded extra brain protection over a broader impact energy range, since low-threshold energy is common in most bike accidents and is the primary cause of second impact syndrome and concussions. If you want extra protection, the 6D ATR-1 Helmet propriety tech might be what you need.


This makes you go faster with less drag or delay as you race in motocross. Meanwhile, the shell is made of full 3K Carbon Fiber Shell, which is some of the toughest yet most lightweight material known to man. In regards to the comfort liner, it’s made of Cool Max anti-bacterial fabric on top of being washable and removable.


This helmet model also features the Clavicle Cut-Away that increases clavicle clearance without any strength compromise while at the same time reducing the mass and weight of your helmet. This helmet type even comes complete with its own 6D Works Helmet Bag for easier storage and better portability.

The Arai VX-Pro4 Helmet

Arai Tip off-road motorcycle helmet

For the hefty price, you can avail of the rather spiffy and well-designed (in my humble opinion) off-road helmet with an eye-catching color scheme of orange and white. This medium-sized dirt helmet is made by Arai, a company that’s been around for over 50 years.

It’s not over-designed with exaggerated protrusions or edges for practicality’s sake. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shell shape so that it doesn’t easily crack or break when faced with real world impact and blunt-force trauma. The helmet is reinforced with super fiber complex laminate construction shell with consistent roundness and smoothness to it.

Furthermore, compared to its previous model, it is 5 millimeters wider and 14 millimeters taller to boot. This slightly bigger helmet gives riders improved ability to deflect flying debris and roost because the added millimeters are placed at the right places for your protection rather than mere ornamentation.

The O’Neal 3 Series Helmet 

O'neal 3 series dirt bike helmet

The O’Neal helmet features a hard shell made of polycarbonate that’s both lightweight and durable (the two main things all motocross drivers expect from their helmets). It weighs about 1.5 kilograms or 3.3 pounds. Its liner from within its interior is made of washable and removable padded material that’s ultra plush can keeps you dry through absorbing or wicking away your sweat.

You don’t have to worry about the smell because you can always wash the plush material down. As for the visor, it’s adjustable as well so that you can put it on or take it off whenever you want. Meanwhile, the helmet also comes with exhaust and intake vents mainly to cool your head down or give it ample ventilation.

The clear-coated and multi-colored designs of the helmet make it a must-have for motor sport enthusiasts who want to imbibe and submerge themselves with motocross culture. The designs of this helmet serve of as your means of customization, even if it’s as simple as a grey and white color scheme over a more subtle design.

If your helmet ever breaks down, you don’t need to fret. There are replacement parts available to fill in missing visors, chin guards, and other moving and non-moving parts of this motocross accessory. Additionally, it meets all ECE 22-05, DOT, and AS/NZS safety standards (probably including Snell’s standards as well).

The Fox Racing V2 Motocross Helmet

Fox Racing V1 drit bike helmet

The Fox Racing V2 Motocross Helmet is the ultimate protective gear for off-road motorcyclists. This helmet is engineered to provide superior protection without sacrificing style or comfort. The V2 features a unique shell construction using advanced technology, combining fiberglass, and Kevlar for maximum impact resistance.

The helmet’s interior is designed with a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps the rider cool and dry, ensuring maximum comfort on those long and dusty rides. The V2’s ventilation system is unmatched, providing excellent airflow throughout the helmet to reduce heat and maintain a constant temperature.

The Fox Racing V2 Motocross Helmet is not just about protection, but also style. The sleek, aggressive design is available in a range of eye-catching graphics that are sure to make you stand out on the track. With a range of colors and sizes to choose from, finding the perfect fit for your head has never been easier.

In terms of safety, the V2 is DOT and ECE certified, meeting the most stringent safety standards. It also features a magnetic visor release system that allows for quick and easy visor changes, so you can customize your helmet to suit your style and riding conditions.

In summary, the Fox Racing V2 Motocross Helmet is a top-of-the-line helmet that offers the perfect balance of style, comfort, and safety. It is perfect for anyone looking to take their off-road motorcycling to the next level, whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting. With its unique design and advanced technology, this helmet is a must-have for any off-road rider.

The Troy Lee Designs SE4 Strike Helmet

Troy Lee SE4 helmet

The Troy Lee Designs SE4 Strike helmet is the ultimate headgear for off-road enthusiasts seeking style, comfort, and unbeatable protection. The helmet is a testament to the brand’s dedication to crafting premium quality protective gear, featuring advanced design and construction that meet the highest safety standards.

The SE4 Strike helmet has a shell made from a unique blend of carbon fiber and composite material that provides unbeatable impact resistance, making it a go-to choice for riders looking for maximum protection. Its lightweight construction allows for excellent mobility, and it won’t weigh you down when you need to focus on the ride.

The interior of the helmet is constructed with a high-quality, moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable during long and intense rides. Its airflow system is designed to ensure that fresh air is always circulating, keeping the temperature of the helmet constant, and reducing heat buildup.

The SE4 Strike helmet has a visor that’s adjustable, and it’s held securely by a lightweight titanium screw. The visor itself is built to protect the rider from the sun, wind, and debris, and can be easily detached and replaced, depending on the rider’s preference.

The Troy Lee Designs SE4 Strike helmet is certified by the DOT and ECE, making it one of the safest helmets on the market. Its unique design and construction provide superior protection for the rider’s head, jaw, and facial areas, without sacrificing style.

In terms of style, the SE4 Strike helmet is available in a range of eye-catching graphics and colors that are sure to make you stand out on the track or trail. The helmet is easy to clean, and its sleek design ensures that it stays in style even after multiple uses.

In summary, the Troy Lee Designs SE4 Strike helmet is a top-of-the-line headgear that offers unbeatable protection, style, and comfort for off-road riders. Its advanced design, construction, and safety features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their off-road adventures to the next level.

The BELL MX-9 Adventure Helmet

Bell MX-9 Dirt Bike helmet

The BELL MX-9 Adventure Helmet is the perfect headgear for the avid off-road adventurer. This helmet is designed with advanced features that cater to the specific needs of adventure motorcyclists, such as its unique design, comfortable fit, and versatile features that allow for easy customization.

The helmet’s construction is a blend of polycarbonate and ABS materials, which provide unbeatable protection and durability. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to wear, and it won’t weigh you down on long and demanding rides. The MX-9 Adventure is equipped with an adjustable peak to provide protection from the sun, wind, and other debris that may come your way.

The interior of the helmet features a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry during long and intense rides. The helmet is designed with an advanced ventilation system that promotes airflow, keeping your head cool and comfortable, and reducing heat buildup. This feature allows for maximum comfort, no matter how hot or humid the weather is.

The BELL MX-9 Adventure Helmet is equipped with a removable and washable interior liner. This feature ensures that the helmet stays fresh, clean, and odor-free, even after multiple uses.

The helmet also has a unique and versatile feature – it is equipped with a flexible camera mount that enables riders to capture all the action on their adventure rides. This camera mount is a great addition to the helmet, allowing you to document your off-road adventures in high-quality videos.

The BELL MX-9 Adventure Helmet is certified by the DOT and ECE, making it one of the safest helmets on the market. Its advanced design and construction provide unbeatable protection for the rider’s head, jaw, and facial areas, without sacrificing style.

In terms of style, the MX-9 Adventure Helmet is available in a range of eye-catching graphics and colors that are sure to make you stand out on the trail. The helmet is easy to clean, and its sleek design ensures that it stays in style even after multiple uses.

In summary, the BELL MX-9 Adventure Helmet is a top-of-the-line headgear that offers unbeatable protection, style, and comfort for adventure motorcyclists. Its advanced design, construction, and versatile features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their off-road adventures to the next level.

The Alpinestars 8300319 Helmet 

Core Forster off-road helmet

The Alpinestars 8300319 Helmet is a top-of-the-line dirt bike helmet that provides superior protection, comfort, and style for serious off-road riders. The helmet is constructed using advanced materials and technology to ensure that it meets the high standards of quality and performance that Alpinestars is known for.

The helmet features a lightweight, multi-composite shell that provides exceptional impact resistance while remaining comfortable to wear. It is also equipped with an advanced ventilation system that allows for maximum airflow, keeping the rider cool and comfortable during long rides.

The interior of the helmet is designed with comfort and performance in mind. The liner is made of moisture-wicking fabric that helps to keep the rider dry and comfortable, and it is also removable and washable for easy maintenance.

The Alpinestars 8300319 Helmet also features a range of safety features that make it one of the most secure helmets on the market. It has an emergency release system that allows for quick and easy removal of the helmet in case of an accident, and it is also equipped with a double-D ring chin strap that provides a secure fit.

In terms of style, the Alpinestars 8300319 Helmet is one of the most eye-catching helmets available. It features a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads on the trail or track. The helmet is available in a range of colors and sizes, making it easy to find a helmet that fits your style and preferences.

Overall, the Alpinestars 8300319 Helmet is an exceptional dirt bike helmet that offers a winning combination of style, comfort, and safety. Whether you’re a serious off-road racer or a weekend warrior, this helmet is a top choice for anyone who wants the best in off-road head protection.

Buying Guide

In order to score the best motocross helmet for you, you need to know the following first.

1- Helmet Weight: Motocross off-road helmets tend to weigh between 1.4 to 1.8 kilograms or 3 to 4 pounds. To make sure you won’t feel like a top-heavy baby with a gigantic head while wearing this helmet type, you should make sure you got a properly fitting helmet. The more evenly distributed the weight of the helmet is to your shoulders and head, the less off-balance or imbalanced you will feet while wearing the safety gear.

2- Helmet Construction: The composition of the helmet itself directly influences many other factors and attributes it has (such as safety, comfort, and weight). In motocross, having a speed advantage is the key to winning competitions whether it’s freestyle biking or straight-on racing. Having a top-heavy helmet that weighs a ton is out of the question.

Most helmets are made of carbon fiber, fiberglass composite, and polycarbonate. These materials are favored by off-road helmet manufacturers mainly because they combine (or balance out) the benefits of being relatively lightweight and incredibly durable or hardwearing together at the same time. There’s less of a drawback from them by being lightweight.

3- Styling: For some motocross racers, bland generic gear is not enough. In order to imbibe in the motocross culture, they need to look the part. They also want helmets with eye-catching graphics in order to impress their peers and show off with an impressively “sick” accessory or gear. That’s part and parcel of being part of motocross.

However, if you love wild eye-catching graphics, it will cost you extra to get them. Something more subtle will tend to have a higher price than the same helmet sans the ornate design. The cost will increase if you add special designs and graphics to the helmet. If you want a plain solid color look then that can usually save you a few bucks.

4- Safety Standards:Here are the safety standards commissions for helmets for North America (U.S.A.) and Europe.

  • ECE22.02: This is the European safety standard for helmets. This standard level of helmet protection was established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
  • DOT: This is the North American (or simply American) safety standard for helmets. The U.S. Department of Transportation (hence, DOT) has set this minimum standard level of helmet protection.
  • Snell2010: This is a voluntary nonprofit U.S. standards giver named after the late Pete Snell (a sports car racer who kicked the bucket due to injuries on the head). Snell’s stringent standards are debatably better and harder to meet than the ECE or DOT.

5- Helmet Liner: If your helmet’s liner is removable, then you can wash them. If it’s not, then better avail of material that’s both antimicrobial and antibacterial because you’re going to need such liners for helmets you can’t wash from the inside. Loads of sweat and germs can end up within your helmet otherwise, such that the best course of action for an old stinky helmet that’s been sweated on for years is to replace it with a new one.

FAQ

What’s the best off-road helmet for beginners?

As touched upon at the start of this article, if you’re a beginner, a high-priced and high-end helmet might not be the best option for you. It’s much better to buy a simpler helmet and adapt to your bike first in order for you to decide whether motocross is something you’re truly passionate about.

A helmet that’s loaded with features is worthless in the hands of a beginner since he probably won’t even use half or even a quarter of those extras due to his motocross or dirt bike inexperience. It’s better to gather experience first then get a fancy helmet only when you’ve invested enough time and passion on this hobby.

What is your head measurement and how do you get it?

In order to better decide whether you should get a small, medium, large, or extra-large helmet for dirt bikes and motocross without first trying the helmet on, you should know your head measurement. This knowledge is especially handy when it comes to buying motocross helmets online.

To measure your head, you should get your head circumference by putting a tape measure around your head midway to your occipital bone (the little bump in the middle of the back of your head). Even though you can get the head circumference right, your helmet might still not fit due to differences in head shape (as covered below).

How important is head shape when it comes to helmet fitment?

Head shape is important when it comes to getting the right fit on your helmet. While all heads from the top view are supposed to be egg-shaped, vary in terms of their horizontal length or their vertical length. Having an ill-fitting helmet can lead to pressure points and discomfort when wearing your helmet.

In other words, here are the three types of head shapes to look out for:

  • Long Oval: This head shape involves having an elongated head from the back to the front of your head. It’s the standard egg shape since eggs themselves are longer lengthwise than widthwise.
  • Intermediate Oval: This head shape is more circular. In other words, there’s more of a balance between the length of the head from the front to the back as well as the width from side to side (or ear to ear).
  • Round Oval: This is when the width of the head from ear to ear or temple to temple is longer than the length from back to front of the head, leading to a squashed ball look at the top of your noggin.

Why are dirt bike helmets shaped differently?

Dirt bike helmets are shaped differently from other types of helmets, such as those worn for road biking or skiing, because they are designed specifically for the unique needs of off-road motorcycling.

One of the key differences is that dirt bike helmets typically have a visor or peak at the front, which helps to shield the rider’s eyes from the sun, wind, and debris such as rocks and branches. This feature is not typically found on road bike helmets, which are designed for use in more controlled environments.

Dirt bike helmets are also designed to provide more protection for the lower part of the face and the chin, which are more vulnerable in off-road riding. They often have a chin bar and a reinforced mouth guard, which can help to prevent injury in the event of a crash.

Another difference is that dirt bike helmets are designed to be worn with goggles, which help to protect the rider’s eyes from dirt, dust, and other debris. The shape of the helmet is designed to accommodate the goggles and provide a secure fit, while still allowing for good visibility.

Overall, the shape of dirt bike helmets is specifically designed to provide maximum protection and comfort for off-road riding, taking into account the unique challenges and hazards of this type of activity.

How much do dirt bike helmets cost?

Price ranges for these helmets can go for as little as $290 to as high as $730. You can also get prices like $660, $630, $520, and $340 depending on the brand. That should give you a rough idea of how much these helmets cost (and how expensive they are). You want to buy relatively lightweight helmets for good measure.

Your budget matters when it comes to getting an off-road helmet protection. After all, the helmet is just part of your necessary motocross gear. Spending money on your dirt bike helmet alone makes no sense if you leave your hands, eyes, knees, and feet unprotected. You should have money for all of your accessories.

Conclusion

If you’re reading this article in order to get an upgrade or replacement off-road helmet, then that’s a good thing. It means you’ve graduated from merely trying out motocross as a hobby to needing a more sophisticated helmet because you’ve “outgrown” your simpler helmet (not physically but mentally). Once dirt bike riding has moved from hobby to lifestyle, then getting a higher-end helmet with loads of features becomes a sound investment by someone who can maximize its usage.

Dirt bike helmets are tougher full face motorcycle helmets with bigger free space for your goggles and improved ventilation because motocross is a tough race to handle with a street bike helmet. Shopping for the best dirt bike helmet is no joke in light of how expensive its price range is (the cheapest helmet is about $300 and the high-end ones are about $700.

The ventilation of your helmet is crucial because a motocross rider exerts more energy at lower speeds. He needs to cool off somehow, and a helmet vent that can redirect even the slightest wind resistance to your head is a good one. Naturally, as the FAQ and buying guide suggests, fitment is also a major concern, so make sure you have your head circumference measurement handy.

You specifically need to take into consideration your experience level, whether you’re getting a replacement or a new helmet, your budget range (you should have a minimum of $300 available for low-end helmets), helmet weight, helmet construction, helmet liner, and even styling. Styling costs extra, so decide if you’re willing to pay for style along with helmet substance.

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