1. Best OVERALL-O’NEAL 5 SRS
For over 50 years’ experience designing and developing off road protection O’NEAL has emerged as a clear leader in off road helmets. O'NEAL is known for pushing boundaries when it comes to graphics on all products and the 5 SRS helmet lives up to that reputation. If you are looking for something that will make you stand out look no further than the O'NEAL 5SRS line. The helmet is packed with high end features while maintaining a $169.99 price tag. Truly incredible value here. They offer this Model in 9 colorways that will make sure you get noticed for all the right reasons at the track.
Streamlined and Race Ready The O’Neal 5 SRS Helmet is constructed using a lightweight ABS shell. This 5 SRS line pairs a Coolmax® liner with multiple air vents to help keep you cool and dry during longer rides and hot summer motos
PRICE: $169.99
FEATURES:
Why we choose the O'NEAL 5SRS for Best Overall MX Helmet:
When considering value, comfort, features, design, fit and safety, the O’NEAL 5 SRS just hits all criteria measured with high marks. Beyond just being a great helmet with key features, this helmet fits great and just looks mean. The angular lines on the shell make it look very aggressive and ready to attack. The fit, ventilation and comfort are excellent. The designers at O'NEAL really take their time with the graphics as well, making sure they highlight the shell and don't mask it. This line has a graphic for everybody that is sure to keep you looking sharp on the track with safety and comfort all packed into a great helmet at a reasonable price.
Streamlined and Race Ready The O’Neal 5 SRS Helmet is constructed using a lightweight ABS shell. This 5 SRS line pairs a Coolmax® liner with multiple air vents to help keep you cool and dry during longer rides and hot summer motos
PRICE: $169.99
FEATURES:
- Lightweight ABS shell construction
- Shell weight (size large): 1380grams (±50)
- Coolmax® liner Ultra-plush, removable/washable padded liner keeps you cool and dry by wicking away sweat
- Adjustable visor design
- Multiple air vents help keep you cool and dry
- Durable multi-colored matte coated graphics
- Replacement parts available
- Meets DOT, ECE 22-05 and AS/NZS safety standards
Why we choose the O'NEAL 5SRS for Best Overall MX Helmet:
When considering value, comfort, features, design, fit and safety, the O’NEAL 5 SRS just hits all criteria measured with high marks. Beyond just being a great helmet with key features, this helmet fits great and just looks mean. The angular lines on the shell make it look very aggressive and ready to attack. The fit, ventilation and comfort are excellent. The designers at O'NEAL really take their time with the graphics as well, making sure they highlight the shell and don't mask it. This line has a graphic for everybody that is sure to keep you looking sharp on the track with safety and comfort all packed into a great helmet at a reasonable price.
2. BEST QUALITY- Alpinestar M10 Carbon
Alpinestars approach to the creation of the advanced technology in the Supertech M10 draws on its depth of experience from over half a decade of world class innovation across the spectrum of motorsports and especially, its deep-rooted commitment to motocross. As with all other categories of technology that Alpinestars has mastered, bringing a new, highly complex, product to fruition requires specialist experience and know-how and a project plan led by the best brains in protection development.
Hence Alpinestars Helmet Development Department was created and given the brief to research and develop the most protective, most comfortable and lightest possible motocross helmet.The goal was to allow riders to push the limits of performance, benefiting from confidence inspiring safety technology, reduced weight distribution to minimize muscular effort in the neck, shoulders and back and improved physiological and cognitive performance with a supremely well-fitting and well-ventilated construction, optimizing comfort while riding. The M10 shell has been profiled with performance as a priority and with a design style that identifies the profile of the helmet and its sculpted surface as uniquely ‘Alpinestars’.
Another key feature is the M10 shell sizing solution; each helmet fit size has its own appropriate shell size to deliver the most anatomical solution for the wide variety of fit needs worldwide.
PRICE: $599.99
FEATURES:
Alpinestar is a premium brand which only delivers top of the line products. A true boot manufacturer, A Star has expanded there offering as of late. This was a massive undertaking to bring something new and fresh into the helmet market and because of their brand status it was trusted by some of the best professionals including Chase Sexton and Dean Wilson. While certainly not an inexpensive helmet option, the Alpinestar is light, it is comfortable and it looks great.
Hence Alpinestars Helmet Development Department was created and given the brief to research and develop the most protective, most comfortable and lightest possible motocross helmet.The goal was to allow riders to push the limits of performance, benefiting from confidence inspiring safety technology, reduced weight distribution to minimize muscular effort in the neck, shoulders and back and improved physiological and cognitive performance with a supremely well-fitting and well-ventilated construction, optimizing comfort while riding. The M10 shell has been profiled with performance as a priority and with a design style that identifies the profile of the helmet and its sculpted surface as uniquely ‘Alpinestars’.
Another key feature is the M10 shell sizing solution; each helmet fit size has its own appropriate shell size to deliver the most anatomical solution for the wide variety of fit needs worldwide.
PRICE: $599.99
FEATURES:
- Shell construction utilizes a highly advanced molding technology with a multi-composite combination:
- 3K Carbon, high-density carbon outer layer that improves strength and efficiency of energy dissipation over the shell.- Uni-directional carbon composite layer that gives significantly greater radial strength around the shell, preventing compression but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy.- Aramid fiber layer which provides critical penetration protection.
• This combination of layers is given even greater performance with an epoxy resin bonding that offers the best possible strength and energy management; limited outer shell deflection means the energy spreads wider and is better absorbed by the EPS liner.
• The result of the unique shell lay-up process employed in the S-M10 construction results in extremely effective impact protection. With a fully equipped helmet testing facility, within Alpinestars Racing Development Center, an exhaustive impact research program has resulted in the Supertech M10 returning linear and oblique impact performance which far improves upon current helmet regulation standard limits. For direct, linear, impact by an average magnitude of 41% and for rotational acceleration, oblique, impact performance by an average of 48%.
Alpinestar is a premium brand which only delivers top of the line products. A true boot manufacturer, A Star has expanded there offering as of late. This was a massive undertaking to bring something new and fresh into the helmet market and because of their brand status it was trusted by some of the best professionals including Chase Sexton and Dean Wilson. While certainly not an inexpensive helmet option, the Alpinestar is light, it is comfortable and it looks great.
3. BEST VALUE-O’NEAL 3 SRS
Built for your weekend warrior or entry level rider the O'NEAL 3SRS is the most comfortable and well rounded helmet in its price range. With only a $139.99 investment you will get not only a great looking helmet but one you can trust.
Ready to RideThe O’Neal 3 SRS Helmet is constructed using a lightweight ABS shell and delivers full venting for improved aerodynamics and overall cooling. With a wide variety of graphics, we can safely say there is a 3 SRS Helmet for everyone in the family.
PRICE: $139.99
FEATURES:
Why we choose the O'NEAL 3SRS:
We choose to place the O'NEAL 3SRS Helmet in the category of best value simply because it is just that. This helmet fits and feels almost as good as the O’NEAL 10 SRS but is hundreds of dollars less expensive. While the O’NEAL 10 has a shell comprised of Fiberglass and Carbon Firber, the 3 SRS is their ABS shell offering. The ventilation is excellent as is the overall fit and finish. When comparing some of the other offerings in this price point the O’NEAL 3 SRS simply stood above the rest in fit, finish, graphic and shell design. Whether you are just getting started riding or have been riding for years, the O’NEAL 3 SRS serves everybody fashionably and on point and holds up to even the most grueling of conditions ride after ride.
Take it from a real user of the helmet:
I ride mostly trail/enduro at a relatively aggressive pace, and there’s a fine line between lightweight and durable/reliable protection. This helmet covers all the bases in such a well made and affordable package. It looks great, is super comfortable, and the materials are holding up well to some tough riding. Have worn $300 helmets, and they hardly have any benefit over this helmets. This helmet is great for the money. Will be my go to. - Christian Armstrong
Ready to RideThe O’Neal 3 SRS Helmet is constructed using a lightweight ABS shell and delivers full venting for improved aerodynamics and overall cooling. With a wide variety of graphics, we can safely say there is a 3 SRS Helmet for everyone in the family.
PRICE: $139.99
FEATURES:
- Lightweight ABS shell construction
- Shell weight (size large): 1340grams (±50)
- Ultra-plush, removable/washable padded liner keeps you cool and dry by wicking away sweat
- Adjustable visor design
- Intake and exhaust vents for ventilation and cooling
- Durable multi-colored clear coated graphics
- Replacement parts available
- Meets DOT, ECE 22-05 and AS/NZS safety standards
Why we choose the O'NEAL 3SRS:
We choose to place the O'NEAL 3SRS Helmet in the category of best value simply because it is just that. This helmet fits and feels almost as good as the O’NEAL 10 SRS but is hundreds of dollars less expensive. While the O’NEAL 10 has a shell comprised of Fiberglass and Carbon Firber, the 3 SRS is their ABS shell offering. The ventilation is excellent as is the overall fit and finish. When comparing some of the other offerings in this price point the O’NEAL 3 SRS simply stood above the rest in fit, finish, graphic and shell design. Whether you are just getting started riding or have been riding for years, the O’NEAL 3 SRS serves everybody fashionably and on point and holds up to even the most grueling of conditions ride after ride.
Take it from a real user of the helmet:
I ride mostly trail/enduro at a relatively aggressive pace, and there’s a fine line between lightweight and durable/reliable protection. This helmet covers all the bases in such a well made and affordable package. It looks great, is super comfortable, and the materials are holding up well to some tough riding. Have worn $300 helmets, and they hardly have any benefit over this helmets. This helmet is great for the money. Will be my go to. - Christian Armstrong
4. BEST SAFETY/PROTECTION -Shoei VFX-W
SHOEI has evolved the already superior VFX-W helmet into the next era of off-road motorcycling. Sporting all-new safety and stability features, easy adjustability and maintenance, and an aggressively modified yet recognizable look, the VFX-EVO stands ready to command the arena and meet riders' needs for this challenging sport.
PRICE: $689.99
FEATURES:
Why we choose SHOEI:
Having been around for 63 years Shoei has been long in the forefront of motocross helmet evolution. In an era when riders are going faster and bigger than ever before safety is the most important thing in a helmet. Shoei's proprietary M.E.D.S system gives peace of mind for every caliber of rider. We like the Shoei fit and the finish on the helmet is flawless. The weight is a big heavy but if safety is your primary concern the Shoei is an excellent choice.
PRICE: $689.99
FEATURES:
- Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ Shell:
- Proprietary technology integrates a multi-ply matrix specifically designed to meet both SNELL M2015 and DOT standards.
- Hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass with lightweight organic and high-performance fibers.
- SHOEI's strongest, lightest, most elastic shell provides optimal impact absorption.
- Ventilation Performance:
- Boasting sixteen intake and exhaust vents in total.
- Wind tunnel-tested for optimal vent port shapes, sizes, and locations.
- Improved negative air pressure suction for enhanced cool-air intake and hot-air expulsion.
- Cooling air channels in the dual-layer EPS liner further enhance airflow.
- Optimized to excel in the demanding confines of off-road and motocross environments.
- 3D Max-Dry Interior System:
- Fully removable, washable, replaceable, and adjustable.
- Max-Dry liner material absorbs and dissipates sweat two times faster than traditional nylon interiors.
- Soft yet durable lower cheek pad fabric for a plush fit and feel.
- Multi-layer cheek pads for maximum comfort and superior helmet stabilization.
- Three-dimensionally shaped to match the contours of a rider's head.
- Motion Energy Distribution System (M.E.D.S.):
- Proprietary, SHOEI-exclusive rotational energy absorption technology.
- Anchored by larger center column, inner layer that swings during impact.
- Strategically-designed perimeter columns absorb rotational energy.
- Significant reduction of rotational forces to the rider's head.
- Preserves the lightweight, impact-absorbing characteristics of SHOEI's traditional EPS liner systems.
- Dual-Layer / Multi-Density EPS Liner:
- Provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam.
- Allows cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created by the EPS.
- Precise placement of multi-density EPS material yields a more compact layer design.
- M.E.D.S. technology helps absorb and reduce rotational energy.
- High-quality EPS liner material throughout the entire chin bar for enhanced impact absorption.
- V-470 Visor:
- Specially designed for a seamless connection with the shell.
- New flange mechanism easily finds home position and prevents unexpected movement.
- High-grade polycarbonate screws are capable of shearing off on impact to help prevent forces to the rider's head.
- Emergency Quick Release System (E.Q.R.S.):
- Allows emergency medical personnel to easily and safely remove the cheek pads from an injured rider's helmet.
- Helmet can be gently removed from the rider's head with minimal load placed on his/her neck.
- Five-Year Warranty: Five-year warranty from purchase date. Seven-year warranty from helmet manufacture date. Whichever comes first.
- Weight: 3.36 pounds / 1522 grams (approximate, based on size medium solid color).
- Standards: SNELL and DOT-218 Approved.
Why we choose SHOEI:
Having been around for 63 years Shoei has been long in the forefront of motocross helmet evolution. In an era when riders are going faster and bigger than ever before safety is the most important thing in a helmet. Shoei's proprietary M.E.D.S system gives peace of mind for every caliber of rider. We like the Shoei fit and the finish on the helmet is flawless. The weight is a big heavy but if safety is your primary concern the Shoei is an excellent choice.
5. MOST INNOVATIVE- 6D ATR-2
The ATR-2 is the most advanced helmet ever manufactured for off-road motorcycle riding or competition. Its high-tech ODS system combined with its ability to be rebuilt after most moderate to severe crash impacts separate this helmet from all others. Designed and engineered to provide the most active and progressive energy management solution possible, the ATR-2 outperforms all others in impact mitigation across the broadest range of impact demands. 6D is at the forefront of helmet technology, becoming students themselves they have thoroughly analyzed the impact of proper helmet performance in regards to our sport.
PRICE: $699.99
Features:
Why we choose 6D:
Beyond the sleek race designs and colors, 6D has really become a large player in the motocross helmet market. We are impressed with their desire and determination to bring their customers some of the most innovative safety helmets on the market and becoming continuous students in the field of impact protection. Hats off to 6D for truly paving the way in helmet innovation. This drive and their continued product improvement allows us to confidently place this helmet as the Most Innovative on the market.
PRICE: $699.99
Features:
- Removable, washable comfort liner features Genuine Dri-Lex® anti-bacterial fabric
- Emergency Quick-Release Cheek Pads
- PU-over molded EPP lined chin bar includes Sternum Pad
- Goggle band integrated shell recess at the eyeport area improves goggle fit and seal
- Shear-Away Visor Screws designed to reduce angular acceleration potential
- Nose guard provides improved roost protection
- Titanium D-Rings
- Light weight with improved center of gravity (+/- 1480 grams Size M)
- Exceeds DOT, ECE, ACU and ASTM Standards
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
Why we choose 6D:
Beyond the sleek race designs and colors, 6D has really become a large player in the motocross helmet market. We are impressed with their desire and determination to bring their customers some of the most innovative safety helmets on the market and becoming continuous students in the field of impact protection. Hats off to 6D for truly paving the way in helmet innovation. This drive and their continued product improvement allows us to confidently place this helmet as the Most Innovative on the market.