Premium Dirt Bike Helmet Comparison

Premium Dirt Bike Helmet Comparison main image

A helmet is the most important piece of motocross riding gear, and at the top-end of the market, there are so many options available. 

We've compiled the best dirt bike helmets in the over $700 category, highlighting their key benefits and features.

Thor Reflex Carbon helmet:

The Thor Reflex Carbon is the newest helmet to hit the market, being part of Thor's 2021 gear release. The Reflex is one of many helmet that has adopted MIPS, but it also uses unique Koroyd technology. The technology is integrated into a premium dual-density EPS liner and is designed to work alongside MIPS. The Koroyd uses 'welded tubes' that crumple instantly and consistently on impact, absorbing maximum force in a controlled manner and minimising energy transferred to your head.

Price: From $729.95

Weight: 1280g 

Key features: MIPS, Koroyd technology, quick release cheek pads

Fox V3 helmet:

Fox overhauled its V3 for 2020, and it's their most advanced motocross helmet to date! The key feature of the V3 it's tech, which includes MIPS, MVRS visor system, Multi Composite Technology Shell and Varizorb EPS. It's one of the most advanced helmets on the market!

Price: From $749.95

Weight: 1270g

Key features: MIPS, MVRS visor system, Multi Composite Technology Shell, Varizorb EPS, carbon fibre D-rings

Fly Racing Formula helmet:

Fly Racing's made its entry into the premium helmet market with the Formula model, which utilises the latest in helmet technology alongside a lightweight carbon fibre shell. The Formula uses a system named Adaptive Impact System (AIS), and it boasts three key components - the first is a series of Impact Energy Cells made of RHEON that absorb low speed linear and rotational impacts, Conehead EPS Technology provides a softer liner where the cones help manage or absorb an impact force more efficiently. Lastly, expanded volume EPS means strategic areas of the helmet have more impact-absorbing EPS - basically, more suspension between your head and the ground.

Price: From $799.95

Weight: 1290g

Key features: Adaptive Impact System, Impact Energy Cells, carbon fibre shell, True Functional Ventilation, padded helmet bag

6D ATR-2 helmet:

It's safe to say 6D revolutionised the helmet industry with its ATR-1, and the ATR-2 is an even further advancement of the helmet that broke new ground in motocross. The key component of the ATR-2 is the Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS), which basically acts as suspension for your head. Accompanying it is an inner EPS liner that is the first layer of defence, where it has its own in-moulded PVC that nests into the ODS, aiding in reducing angular acceleration forces.

Price: $849.00

Weight: 1480g

Key features: Advanced ODS, tri-composite shell, 9 intake ports, 6 exhaust ports, emergency quick-release cheek pads.

Alpinestars S-M10 helmet:

Alpinestars has always been a leader when it comes to protective gear, and when it finally entered the helmet market, it delivered with the premium S-M10, or SuperTech, helmet. The S-M10 has adopted MIPS technology, and it boasts a unique A-Head fitting height and angle adjustment system, which allows the helmet to be tuned exactly to the rider's preference for the height and angle at which the helmet sits on the head.

Price: From $849.95

Weight: 1260g

Key features: MIPS, A-Head height & angle adjustment, carbon shell, collarbone protection, emergency release system, spare visor & helmet bag included

Bell Moto-9 Flex helmet:

The Bell Moto-9 Flex has been a leader when it comes to off-road motorcycle helmets, and there's no questioning why it's one of the most popular lids. The Flex technology on the Moto-9 is what makes it like nothing else - the protection system made by Bell itself is a three-layer impact liner that uses a number of different densities of material to more comprehensively disperse impact energy and reduce rotational energy transfer.

Price: From $949.95

Weight: 1300g

Key features: Flex technology, Magnefusion Emergency Removal System (MERS) cheek pads, Velocity Flow Vent system, Flying Bridge Visor, padded lined bag included.

Shoei VFX-WR helmet:

When you think of the top helmet brands, Shoei comes to mind. The VFX-WR is renowned for its fit and protective qualities, which is thanks to the Motion Energy Distribution System (M.E.D.S.). It's designed with dual-liners to absorb impacts in response to linear acceleration and is also reduced rotational energy by 15% compared to previous models.

Price: From $999.90

Weight: 1522g

Key features: Motion Energy Distribution System, Matrix AIM+ shell, 16 intake/exhaust ports, Emergency Quick Release System.

Airoh Aviator 2.3 helmet:

Airoh has become synonymous with lightweight helmets, and the Aviator 2.3 weighs in at just 1070 grams! This helmet sports Airoh self-developed technology called the AMS² (Airoh MultiAction Safety System). Much like most protective systems, it's made to reduce accelerated forces from impacts, however, it uses two interconnected shells that are joined by a central rubber dampening ring. This allows the lid to best distribute the rotational forces.

Price: From $1050.00

Weight: 1070g

Key features: Extremely lightweight, AMS technology, emergency release cheek pads.

Troy Lee Designs SE4 Carbon helmet:

Not only is the Troy Lee Designs SE4 Carbon helmet one of the most stylish dirt bike helmets, but it's also one of the most protective lids available. The helmet uses an ultra-light carbon fibre shell and boasts the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). It also rates well in the comfort department with a superb fit and advanced ventilation system. This helmet is also available in a more affordable composite shell.

Price: From $1099.95

Weight: 1325g

Key features: MIPS technology, lightweight carbon shell, 20 intake ports and six exhaust ports, quick-release cheek pads.

Bell Moto-10 Spherical helmet:

The Bell Moto-10 Spherical is the latest, most advanced helmet to hit the market with brand-new technology. The Bell Spherical technology, powered by MIPS, was created in the Bell+Giro testing dome, where the tech features a Ball-and-Socket design that helps redirect impact forces away from the brain, allowing the outer liner to rotate around the inner liner during a crash.

Price: From $1299.95

Weight: 1450g

Key features: Spherical technology, Carbon fibre shell, Flying Bridge Visor, Magnefusion Emergency Release cheek pads, Thermal Exchange Ventilation System.

Learn more about dirt bike helmets:

How To Wash Your Motocross Helmet

Ultimate Guide to Dirt Bike Helmets

Dirt Bike Helmet Technology Guide

Dirt Bike Helmet Buyer's Guide

Entry-Level Dirt Bike Helmet Comparison

Mid-Level Dirt Bike Helmet Comparison


Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up