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Riding a dirt bike is a great adventure that’s always fun and exciting. However, this isn’t your typical commuting, as it often involves bumpy terrain and high speeds.
For this reason, you should wear all the most critical safety gear like gloves, pants, jacket and a helmet.
A helmet can save a life, but you can’t just wear any for motocross. Still, finding the greatest dirt bike helmet is sometimes challenging because these don’t look much different than any other models.
Take a few minutes to discover the best models and how to choose the one that fits your bike and riding style.
8 Highest Rated Dirt Bike Helmet Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
ILM  | ILM Features: Detachable visor, maximum ventilation Material: ABS Color: Matte Black, Blue/Black, Red/Black | Check Price |
MMG  | MMG Features: Well ventilated, removable and washable padding Material: High Quality Materials Color: Black | Check Price |
AHR  | AHR Features: DOT approved, full face protection Material: ABS Color: Passion Gray | Check Price |
YEMA  | Features: Removable linings, lightweight Material: ABS Color: Matte Black | Check Price |
Fuel Helmets  | Fuel Helmets Features: Front and rear air vents, removable visor and pads Material: Thermoplastic shell Color: Gloss Black | Check Price |
WOW  | WOW Features: Durable shell, cushioned and comfortable Material: Thermoplastic alloy shell Color: Matte Black | Check Price |
GLX  | GLX Features: Aluminum mesh protective screens, replaceable microfiber inner lining Material: High Quality Materials Color: Camouflage, Doodle, Graffitti, Modern Blue, Mate Black, Retro Blue... | Check Price |
O’Neal  | O’Neal Features: Washable liner, adjustable and comfortable Material: Durable polycarbonate Color: Flate Black, Flate White | Check Price |
ILM – With Visor
ILM is a good choice if you’re looking for a helmet with a visor. Having a visor makes all the difference as it protects your eyes from the wind and dust, eliminating the need for goggles.
It’s DOT-certified for safety, having met and exceeded FMVSS-218 safety standards. This means that’s it’s legal to use in the entire United States.
This one stands out because it’s durable and sturdy. However, you should keep in mind that it weighs 4.5 pounds, which may be a bit too heavy for some people.
It features a sleek aerodynamic design that’s ideal for high speeds as it allows the helmet to glide through the air. Also, it has front and back air vents.
The visor is removable, which means you don’t have to wear it all the time.
PROS
- Detachable visor
- DOT approved
- Maximum ventilation
CONS
- Slightly heavy
MMG – DOT Approved
MMG is another option if you’re looking for a DOT approved dirt bike helmet. It’s designed for off-road riding, ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, and motocross.
This one is solid black and comes in several sizes for you to choose from. Also, it includes goggles (see top dirt bike goggles here) for some added protection against the wind, dust, bugs, and other elements.
Its wide opening fits the goggles, but it’s up to you to choose when you want to wear them. Also, the helmet has several ventilation points for optimum airflow.
Another thing worth noting is the removable padded liner. It’s washable and easy to maintain, which is great if you’re riding on dusty and muddy terrain.
The sculpted shell is lightweight and helps to cut through the air, regardless of how fast you’re going.
PROS
- Well ventilated
- Goggles included
- Removable and washable padding
CONS
- Goggles tend to fog
AHR – Full Face
This AHR full-face helmet is DOT approved and safe to use in America. It’s lightweight and designed to fit dirt bike, ATV and motocross riders regardless of the terrain.
One of the best things about this one is its ventilation system. It has several vents in the back and front to provide ultimate airflow at all times.
Also, its shell is made of ABS, which is by far the most lightweight option. It has a comfortable and breathable liner that you can easily remove for cleaning and maintenance.
This one comes in several sizes, so make sure to consult with the manufacturer’s sizing chart so that you can figure out which would fit you the best.
It’s gray, although other color options exist as well, which is great if you want to match the rest of your riding equipment.
PROS
- DOT approved
- Full face protection
- Comfortable padding
CONS
- The sizes run small
YEMA – Ideal for Men and Women
This aerodynamic helmet is meant for dirt bikes, ATVs, mountain bikes, tourers, and other outdoor adventures. The design reduces drag as well as wind noise to make your adventures more comfortable.
It’s made of ABS, featuring multi-density EPS along with a reinforced chin strap. It also has a quick-release buckle so that you can easily remove the helmet even with gloves on.
This one has several air vents to provide the best ventilation and airflow. It’s meant to reduce the rider’s fatigue and sweating.
Plus, its inner linings are removable and easy to wash. They ensure some added comfort and breathability, which is especially important when riding in summer.
Another thing worth noting is that YEMA is DOT certified for safety. It exceeds its FMVSS-218 safety standard and is legal to use throughout the USA.
PROS
- Removable linings
- For men and women
- Lightweight (2.8 pounds)
CONS
- The visor tends to go loose quickly
Fuel Helmets – Easy to Clean
This is another unisex full-face dirt bike helmet that’s durable and ideal for everyday use. It has a thermoplastic shell and is DOT approved for safety.
It weighs more than four pounds, so it might be a bit too heavy for some people. However, it’s quite comfortable, featuring supreme ventilation and interior paddings.
It features removable cheek pads that you can easily take out and clean whenever you need to. Also, it has a quick-release shield that protects your eyes from bugs, the wind, and other elements.
Another thing we should mention is its ventilation system. This one has a dual-vented diffuser that allows airflow, preventing rider’s fatigue and fogging.
Plus, it has a D-ring closure with retention strap as well as UV-clear coated paint.
PROS
- Front and rear air vents
- Removable visor and pads
- Comes in several sizes
CONS
- Somewhat heavy
WOW – Lightweight
WOW may be your best option if you’re looking for a lightweight yet durable dirt bike helmet. This one looks slightly different than the others we reviewed, although it’s a full-face model.
The first thing we should mention is that it’s DOT-approved. It comes in several sizes so that you can easily find the best fit.
It features a simple aerodynamic design that cuts through the air. Plus, the thermoplastic alloy shell is lightweight and suitable for long-hour riding.
The glossy UV protective finish allows you to wear it in direct sunlight and leave it on your bike as well. It won’t fade or show any signs of sun damage.
This one has heavy-duty cushions and a comfortable interior. It’s removable and washable, which is especially important if you’ll wear it every day.
PROS
- Durable shell
- Cushioned and comfortable
- DOT approved
CONS
- It whistles a bit at high speeds
GLX – Ideal for Kids
GLX is a great choice if you’re looking for a dirt bike helmet for your little one. It’s highly durable, safe, and secure while being lightweight and elastic.
It provides great impact absorption and is DOT approved for safety. Also, it features a high-density EPS liner that extends throughout the chin bar for some added protection
Its aerodynamic shell has 14 intake and exhaust vents for the best airflow. Also, the EPS liner adds even more to the overall comfort and cooling.
GLX has a monumentally secured opening that allows a cosmic peripheral field of vision. It comes with an adjustable shatter-resistant visor and a mouthguard.
Also, this one has a quick-release chin strap and removable and washable microfiber inner material. It’s meant for kids and comes with a pair of gloves and goggles.
More Reading: How to Ride a Dirt Bike
PROS
- Aluminum mesh protective screens
- Replaceable microfiber inner lining
- Durable and resistant
CONS
- Sizes run small
O’Neal – Adjustable Visor
O’Neal is worth considering if you’re looking for an adjustable full-face dirt bike helmet. It’s equally as suitable for women as it is for men as it comes in several sizes to choose from.
Its shell is made from durable polycarbonate and is resistant to shock and vibration. It features several intake and exhaust vents for some added cooling and ventilation.
Its padded liner is plush and comfortable, and you can remove it whenever you want to wash and refresh it. We suggest you wash it by hand and allow it to air-dry for at least 24 hours.
The adjustable visor design allows versatility and convenience. It makes it easy to adapt the helmet to the particular situation and weather conditions you’re riding in.
Also, this one meets DOT and ECE, and AS/NZS safety standards.
PROS
- Adjustable and comfortable
- Washable liner
- Great ventilation
CONS
- A bit loud at high speeds
What to Consider in Buying a Cool Helmet for Motocross
Design
As you’ve noticed, some models are sleek and simple, while others are graphic and colorful. Choosing between the two designs is up to you.
In most cases, riders want it to match the rest of their equipment. Luckily, helmets now come in all colors and styles, making it easy to find one to fit your style.
Although you probably won’t have to compromise here, we suggest you place safety and security over design and color.
Type
When it comes to motocross and dirt bikes, you probably want to avoid open-face helmets. Instead, focus on full-face and modular models that can protect your entire face and head.
Make sure that it has a visor or another shield to protect your face and eyes from dust, water, UV rays, bugs, wind, and other elements.
Although an open-face model has a wide field of view, it leaves sides of your head and chin exposed and unprotected.
Size
Sizing isn’t just about comfort but also about safety and security. A helmet that’s too big will hang loose and cause discomfort after a while of wearing it.
On the other hand, a model that’s too small would be too tight and pressing on your face and head. For this reason, you should take your time when selecting a size.
Consult with the manufacturer’s sizing chart and make sure to read customer reviews as well. Customers usually mention whether you should go a size up or down.
Padding
Padding is always important as it adds to the overall safety and comfort. However, if it’s too thick, it can be too warm to use in the summer.
Pads are usually made of different materials, microfiber being the most popular option. However, there’s more to it than just the choice of materials.
Make sure that its interior padding is removable and washable because you’ll probably want to wash away the dust and sweat at some point.
Ventilation
A full-face helmet with no ventilation will result in fatigue, fogging, and difficulty breathing. So, go for a model that has plenty of vent points, regardless of its design or type.
Intake and exhaust ports allow airflow, making the entire helmet more comfortable to wear for an extended period.
Keep in mind that some models have adjustable ventilation. These have vents that you can open and close as needed, which is especially suitable if you usually ride in different weather conditions.
Fitting
As we said, it’s vital that you choose the right size so that the helmet can perform as well as it’s intended. The size determines the fitment, which is equally as important.
Your helmet should fit you in all the right places. In other words, it shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. Also, it shouldn’t wobble when you move your head or pressure your ears and face.
Proper measurement is the best way of ensuring the best size and fit.
Weight
Weight is another critical factor that affects comfort and ease of use. Keep in mind that the weight of the helmet isn’t just in its shell, but in other components as well. Things like thick padding and a visor can add quite some weight to its construction.
A piece that’s too heavy would be too uncomfortable to wear for an extended period. Still, if it’s too lightweight, it may lack padding or another critical feature.
Safety Protection
Protection depends on the entire construction – the quality of materials and manufacturing. However, a few features can enhance your safety and are worth considering.
The first thing you should check is whether or not it’s made of durable material. Then, make sure that it has thick padding and a reliable ventilation system.
Also, having a quick-release chin strap makes all the difference in case of a crash. Another thing you should check if whether it has a visor or another type of face shield.
More Reading: Helmet Safety Ratings
Should You Buy a Motocross Helmet?
You should buy a motocross helmet if you ride a dirt bike, ATV, or any motorcycle. These are the best for people who ride dirt bikes and enjoy riding on off-road terrains. However, they’re equally as suitable for any other riding style.
These helmets are even mandatory to wear in some places around the world. Even if that’s not the case in your state, we suggest you consider wearing one to enhance your safety.
Although a simple motorcycle helmet you use for commuting might not be the best choice for dirt bike adventures, you can use a dirt bike helmet for commuting without any problems.
Benefits of Wearing a Dirt Bike Helmet
Prevents Death
By wearing a helmet, you increase your chances of surviving an accident. Keep in mind that some 60% of bikers escape death this way, as shown in the statistics carried by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A quality model can absorb shock and protect your head and face from direct contact with the ground.
Insurance Cover
Your insurance company is more likely to cover the expenses of your crash if you wear a helmet. If the firm realizes you never wore one, it probably won’t care as much.
So, not only you’re protecting yourself, but you’re ensuring that your insurance firm settles the bill.
Compensation
Compensation is another benefit you get by wearing a helmet. You’re unlikely to receive it if you didn’t wear one when you sustained your neck or head injury.
Still, laws on this vary between states, and you’ll maybe have to consult with your attorney for some help.
Prevents Serious Injuries
You protect your head, neck, and face by wearing a helmet. This way, you’re less likely to sustain any injuries to these parts of your body.
It serves as a barrier between you and the ground, featuring a durable shell and thick padding that’s meant to absorb as much shock as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a dual sport helmet for dirt bikes?
Dual sport helmets are much bulkier than those meant for dirt bike riders. These are fully closed and don’t have as many ventilation points. For this reason, dual-sport models are quiet but very hot.
On the other hand, dirt bike helmets are well-ventilated, lighter, and not as bulky.
What’s the best cheap motocross helmet?
Luckily, the market offers many motocross models at affordable prices. We suggest you think about your budget so that you can have an idea of a price you’re comfortable paying.
O’Neal, AHR, and Fuel Helmets have a few cheap models to offer, so make sure you check them out.
What’s the top dirt bike helmet for kids?
The GLX kid’s helmet we reviewed is a good choice if you’re looking for a comfortable piece for your little one.
It has a few safety features that are always good to have, especially if the kid is just starting. Also, it’s easy to use and maintain.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we helped you understand the importance of wearing a helmet. As we said, it makes all the difference when it comes to making your rides safer and more enjoyable.
Plus, it can even be a stylish accessory that matches the rest of your equipment. These come in different sizes and designs, which makes it easy to find one that fits your needs and preferences the best.
Make sure to consider all the safety aspects and other features we discussed. Our buyer’s guide can help you choose one of the models we reviewed if you haven’t already.
