Dirts bikes are truly an adventurous luxury that people enjoy riding on. Either for the competition purposes or for the recreational riders, dirt bikers need to stay away from possible dirt encounters on their face as well as hurting falls when riding on the bike. For those reasons, they need some protective gear and best dirt bike helmets are no doubt, a must-have for every dirt bike rider.
To find the best dirt bikes you must understand which helmets offer the features that assure your safety from getting hurt during the race and keep you away from possible dirt spills and splashes on your face as well.
To help our fellow dirt bike riders, we have sorted the most needed info as well as some of the best off road dirt bike helmets so that you can choose the best ones quickly without wasting your time and money.
Things To Consider When Buying Dirt Bike Helmets
Table of Contents
A helmet is a mandatory item, which everyone should purchase at the time, they buy a dirt bike. You need to put in almost the same amount of effort, as much as you did in buying your motorbike. It is mainly because of the immense variety in bike helmets that extends from its different types, construction and a number of other features.
Size
Helmets come in different sizes. Therefore, you must choose one that is according to the size of your head. Getting the best fit and a nice feel after wearing helmet is key to satisfactory purchase.
Type
There are different types of helmets available and broadly you need to pick one either from the recreational, road bike and mountain bike helmets category.
Construction
Construction of the element actually determines how sturdy your helmet is to safeguard from any head injuries while riding a bike. This also determines how much weight would be of the helmet along with the expected sturdiness of the construction. There are the following 2 main parts of helmet’s construction:
Shell
It is polycarbonate to stick together the lining during any impact and also serves as a sturdy wall against solid objects on the road
Liner
Liner is made from Expanded Polystyrene foam and its responsibility is to transfer collisional impact somewhere away from the skull.
Weight
Lighter the weight, better the feel in longer rides and it is much dependent on the construction discussed above.
Visor
A visor at the front of the helmet helps in protecting the bike rider from the sun.
Ventilation
It is extremely important for your helmet to have generous ventilation, especially when you are riding in hot and humid places.
Cushioning
Cushioning inside the helmet enhances comfort. It should ideally be removable for easy washing.
Aerodynamics
It is important in fast-paced riding in order to allow the air to smoothly flow over the head with ease.
Ponytail Option
People with longer hairs should look for helmets with ponytail option, which is a specialized feature and only available in fewer helmets.
Safety Standards
The helmets must compliant to the safety standards, which should come from different renowned regulatory bodies existing in different parts of the world.
Extra Protection Against Dirt
You must know that when biking on dirt bikes you may need to get into the dirty zone and protect your eyes and face from getting splashes frequently. In that case, the helmets you have could perform as your best protection gear against the dirt that may be splashing in front of you.
So you can look for shade or extra cover on your helmet to keep your face safe without interfering the view to make sure you will be on the track easily.
Different Types of Dirt Bike Helmets
Helmets for biker especially for the dirt bike users were primarily designed to ensure safety as head injuries while riding a bike could be fatal. The helmets today are highly sophisticated and are available in different types to serve a specific purpose with extreme customization. Moreover, the helmets today have also become a style symbol and people see a lot more aspects in a helmet than just safety.
The bike helmets come in 3 different types and those are described in detail below. One thing common in all below helmet types is that they are primarily designed to safeguard head from any possible impact. They are also lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear.
Recreational Dirt Bike Helmets
This type of helmet is the most economical choice for mountain, road, recreational and dirt bikers and commuters. Apart from bikers, such type of helmet is also highly popular among the inline skaters and the skateboarders as well. Most of such helmets also come with a highly useful visor in order to protect users from the sun.
Road Bike Helmets though they are not used for dirt bikes but still sometimes in use
This is a highly preferable option for the roadies and biking enthusiasts, who are more inclined towards wearing helmets having extremely lightweight and proper ventilation. The aerodynamic design is actually the specialty of such helmets. In order to keep weight light, visors are not available with such helmet types. No visor also means that the rider has a completely unobstructed view and this especially helps when riders are set in a much aggressive bike riding position.
Mountain Bike Helmets for Dirt Bikers
This type of helmet is typically used by the cyclocross riders and are essentially designed to provide generous ventilation, even at very low speed. They are identified by their visors and also by the super protective rear-head protection.
They also come with a highly secure and firm fit on the head of the rider and this especially helps them when they are on rough and uneven terrains or on mountains ride. A few of such helmets also have full face protection, which is ideal for the downhill riders and as well as the park riders.
Best Dirt Bike Helmets Review
This is a classy high-end modular helmet that will make you spellbound with its impeccable range of features. It was first introduced in 2011 and evolved a lot since then with its later model. The best part of this versatile helmet is its lightweight and have a super aerodynamic shell. Riders feel comfortable especially in noisy surroundings where it's advanced noise reduction capability do the trick.
Moreover, optimal vision protection enhances visibility through the glass. The helmet is quite easy to use and carry. The design is spectacular and most probably second to one. Shoei Neotec II modular design is definitely the next big thing in modular helmets world.
This motocross professional-grade headgear is designed for both men and women by Yema. Endorsed by DOT FMVSS 18 standard is a good enough reason to invest in this helmet. The design is immaculate with a range of advanced features. You can use for your needs in racing, street bikes, scooter, cruiser and a lot more.
This motocross professional-grade headgear is designed for both men and women by Yema. Endorsed by DOT FMVSS 18 standard is a good enough reason to invest in this helmet. The design is immaculate with a range of advanced features. You can use for your needs in racing, street bikes, scooter, cruiser and a lot more.
As expected with such a top-class helmet, it has aerodynamic ABS shell capability. Not only this, but you will be inspired with its multi-density EPS, a quick release buckle and also reinforced chin strap. Then there are removable liner and pads, which are washable as well. You can find supplementary space for Bluetooth speakers and glasses within the helmet. Therefore, it is recommended to order a size larger than your current size.
This unisex helmet is liked both by men and women for its lightweight shell. The exterior of the helmet is catchy with beautiful design and color. The interior is stuffed with ultra-plush padded liner, which is removable as well.
The value-added features for this headgear include a rubber nose guard that comes very light and smoothly in contact with the nose.
The helmet has numerous air vents available to let air pass in and keep you cool while riding using this helmet. The helmet is designed keeping industry standard and user needs in mind. It is endorsed with the DOT ECE 22-08 industry standards. The overall weight of this helmet is only 1450 grams.
This rugged-looking unisex helmet from O’Neal inspires a whole lot of adults, regardless of gender. Firstly the helmet is constructed with polycarbonate/ ABS shell and has an overall weight of just 1380 grams. The interior of the liner is branded as Coolmax, which is stuffed with ultra-plush padding. The best part is that the padding is removable and washable so that keeps your helmet clean with no sweat or bad odor issues.
The helmet is stuffed with a large number of air vents, which helps in keeping you dry and cool throughout your journey. The headgear from O’Neal meets the DOT ECE 22-05 and the AS-NZS standards. It will be hard to find a better product from O’Neal that satisfies all needs for both men and women.
This elegant looking headgear is your best bet, especially when you are up for off-road or dirt biking activity. According to many experts and users of the helmets, this one is packed with a great range of technological features. The outer shell of the helmet is lightweight with a sturdy polycarbonate built.
There is multi-channel airflow mechanism that is supported with a completely vented EPS system.
The max-flow plush liner system is not only removable and replaceable, but you could wash it as well for keeping it clean and odor-free all the time. What else, you get it with 5 years exclusive industry-leading warranty.
A dapper looking helmet fulfilling all safety features and comfort levels and that too with an O’Neal stamp is all that a biker needs. This masterpiece is available in distinct colors (Black & White). The multi-color coated graphics adds more charm to the headgear.
The shell is made from durable poly carbonate stuff and has a total weight of just 1500 grams.
The inner padding liner is removable and washable as well for keeping helmet clean and sweat-free all the time. The visor is designed keeping user comfort in mind and you can adjust it as per your comfort level. Moreover, the intake and exhaust vents provide much need for cooling and ventilation.
This helmet gives you great reasoning to enjoy dirt biking with full confidence and style. The headgear is DOT approved having FMVSS No. 218. In hot and humid weather or during long biking sessions, you will be facilitated with exceptional airflow to keep you comfortable. The helmet is available in black color.
It also comes with highly stylish and useful googles totally free of cost.
The headgear in the front has reasonably wide opening to accommodate the goggles with utmost ease. The padded liners are comfortable and top quality. You can easily remove them for washing purposes and even replace them if required. The helmet weighs about 4 pounds, which is acceptable for a feature enriched gear like this one.
O’Neal is hands down the most popular brand in bike helmets. This one specifically inspires with its exceptional color scheme, designing and a number of useful features. The headgear DOT E2E 22-05 approved and meets the much-in-demand AS/ NZS safety standards. The padded liner is ultra-plush and can be removed for safe washing. You can do so after every ride to have your helmet dry and sweat-free.
The visor is fully adjustable so you can set it according to your comfort. This is a great value deal and would serve as a long term investment and that can be safely said as replacement parts for helmet are also easily available. The helmet is available in dapper-looking white or black color.
If we evaluate the helmet firstly on the basis of its standards, then it is DOT approved, which meets the basic safety requirements to invest in a helmet. Performance-wise, it is exceptional and keeps you cool and dry with its immaculate ventilation system with excellent airflow ensured. The shell is reasonably lightweight and comes with breathable padded liner. The helmet with all its features and performance becomes a unanimous choice for dirt bike, motocross, ATV and other off-road activities on a bike. The block color with silver lining makes an eye-catching combination. The visor is highly useful and secure, but it cannot be removed.
The first look of the helmet is that of a quiet sturdy and dapper one. Quality-wise, it impresses with its ABS making that makes it highly durable and lightweight. The headgear is DOT certified and meets FMVSS-218 safety standards. From the design perspective, it has a sleek and aerodynamic design, which enhances speed of the bikers.
Air vents for maximum airflow and ventilation are available both on the back and front of the helmet. The inner pads are plush and high comfortable. They can be easily removed so you could wash them after every ride or when required. The visor is sturdy and flexible as well. You can detach visor from the helmet, if not needed. You can also rotate the visor slightly in order to set it against the rays of the sun.
Dirt Bike Helmet FAQs
What is a DOT approved helmet?
A DOT approved headgear actually meets the minimum safety standards for the helmets that are sold for biking on and off the streets. The associated standard is known as FMVSS 218 - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
How much protection does a bike helmet gives me?
Helmets do have their limits about which the bike riders need to beware of. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce or prevent any possible head injuries. It is advised to choose helmets which are DOT approved as they meet the minimum industry standards for safety.
What does ABS helmet shell construction mean?
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is actually a dense thermoplastic and an amorphous polymer. Thermoplastic assurance in the helmet’s shell controls how it responds to heat. For this very characteristic, ABS helmets are preferred for controlling or preventing heat from getting inside the helmet. Then the other part in ABS is the amorphous material, which does not support any characteristics of the unwanted crystalline solids and is also known for having sharp melting points.
Why do some motorcycle helmets, especially Motocross ones have pointed chins?
Pointed chins help with better ventilation or airflow to reach easily till the face of the biker. It helps in keeping them cool for longer periods. Better airflow is highly desirable as the bikers exert a lot of energy when in motion and any deficiency of airflow can possibly result in heavier breathing and as well as elevated heart rates. Therefore, a pointed helmet chin actually has a good gap between the mouth of the rider and helmet and that helps riders to breathe heavily.
How heavy bike helmets in general are?
An average bike helmet for an adult is around 1500 grams. However, this is just an estimate and depends on user preference in weight. A low or high weight helmet doesn’t at all means that a particular helmet is of low or high quality. The weight of the helmet is just what suits the user.
When should I look to replace my bike helmet?
You should immediately replace your helmet if it is involved in a crash or an accident. If you have taken good care of your helmet and it isn’t involved in any crash then you should think about replacing your helmet after a period of 3 years, if used regularly. It is because of the wear and tear of the helmet and its parts, which deteriorate with time.
How to wash the padded liners of my bike helmet?
If your helmet’s cheek pads and the liner are removable, then it is highly advised to hand wash them. You may use some mild soap or something like baby shampoo, which could be gently rubbed onto the pads and liners. Rinse it off thoroughly and allow it to dry, before putting it back in your helmet. You may also wash them in a machine, but a specific manufacturer’s instruction should be referred to in this regard.
What are the benefits of a bike helmet visor?
A bike helmet visor can help bike in multiple ways. It can protect the biker from the sun just like a baseball cap would do. Moreover, a visor also helps in keeping sprayed up mud, and rain, etc. away from the face of the biker.
How ventilation is ensured in bike helmets?
Bike helmets usually have one or more small holes or vents on the top or front of the helmets. These vent holes help the air to pass through the shell of the helmet and allow the biker head to cool off.
How can I find the right size of the helmet?
Use a measuring tape and wrap it around the broadest part of your head. This would just be right above your ears and something about ½ inch above the eyebrows. Also, take the measurement Now of the forehead as well. The manufacturers usually advertise their helmets in sizes such as medium, large or X-large, etc. You may find out with the manufacturer’s size chart that where exactly your specific measurements fit in. Further, it is advised to take a size larger than your actual one, so that you have enough space to properly breathe and also to accommodate goggles if required.
As we can see above, different types of helmets for dirt bikers serve different purposes and comes with distinguishable features and construction. The ideal helmet should suit the needs and most importantly serve the purpose of protecting the head from any injuries.
You can easily select from the available size and the needed features as per your needs so that you are never in trouble and enjoy your dirt bike ride as much as possible without getting hurt.