Best Motocross Helmet: A Top 10 List For 2023

In Motocross, one of the most important parts of your body that needs to be protected is your head, and the only way to accomplish that is to use the best motocross helmet. A study done by the Journal Of Neurosurgery showed that nearly half of all motocross competitors under the age of 18 reported at least one concussion symptom during a single season of racing.

By wearing a modern Motocross helmet that is fitted with the newest safety technology (such as MIPS), you’ll have the best chance of avoiding a head injury in the instance that you are unlucky enough to have a crash, and with Motocross, this is almost inevitable. A common term among dirt bike riders is “If you don’t fall down, you’re not going fast enough” – with this being said, why not take every preventative measure that you can to avoid injury before it even has a chance to rear its head?

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10. Bell MX-9 Helmet

Bell Helmets have been a staple in the motocross industry for decades. The MX-9 Helmet features a combination of great styling, safety features, and a low cost – making it a great choice whether you’re a beginner on a budget or an experienced racer who needs a helmet upgrade for next year’s season.

This helmet features MIPS technology (or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System). It is essentially a liner within your helmet that allows for the helmet to slightly rotate and move upon impact, dispensing the crash energy, and in turn, reducing the stress placed on the brain. Apart from the modern technology, this helmet boasts a good-looking design with over 30 colors to choose from.

9. Alpinestars Supertech S-M5 Helmet

Alpinestars’ rise to the top was mainly due to their prominent lineup of motocross boots that have been favored among a majority of riders for decades. It can easily be said that this success has carried over to other safety gear like chest protectors and helmets, with the brand now being a leader in nearly every category of riding gear.

The Supertech S-M5 Helmet resides on the lower end of the brand’s price range – but don’t let that fool you. It features many of the goodies and modern tech that some of the high-dollar options boast, like multi-air inlets and exhaust ports, an impact-resistant thermoplastic shell, and more. The sleek lines paired with the aggressive shape make this helmet, in our opinion, one of the best-looking ones on the list – although the fit is so snug that you’ll probably need to go with a size bigger than normal.

8. Troy Lee Designs SE4 Polyacrylite Helmet

Troy Lee Designs, or TLD, started as a kid painting helmets for friends in his mom and dad’s garage. Over the course of nearly 40 years, this passion blossomed into a full-fledged business that is part of some of the biggest teams in motocross like Red Bull KTM and TLD GasGas.

The SE4 Polyacrylite helmet serves as a great option for riders who want a slick-looking helmet that features MIPS technology, while also staying on a budget. The lightweight and optimal airflow, thanks to the plethora of vents, further add to its appeal – making the helmet worthy of competing with some of the more expensive options.

7. Fox Racing V1 Helmet

The Fox Racing V1 is an entry-level helmet that is designed to provide all of the crucial aspects that the best motocross helmet needs – such as comfort, fit, safety, and a budget-friendly price tag. This helmet is ECE 22.06 and DOT-approved while also featuring MIPS technology, meaning you don’t have to worry when you take a spill and bump your head.

The Fox Racing V1 helmet is priced similarly to the previously mentioned helmet, the TLD SE4 Polyacrylite – meaning both of these are great options if you’re a new rider or someone who prefers to drop the flashy and expensive helmets for something that has all of the same features while remaining cost-effective.

6. Shoei VFX-EVO Helmet

The VFX-EVO is Shoei’s premier helmet in its motocross lineup. It features some of the most effective safety and comfort features on the market, easily making it one of the best motocross helmets available.

Apart from the helmet’s generous list of attributes such as the Multi-Pli Matrix AIM+ shell and the MEDS system, Shoei also has a prestigious history that spans back to 1959 – meaning you’ll get top-notch performance out of the VFX-EVO, although it does come with a pretty hefty price tag.

5. Bell Moto-10 Spherical Helmet

Being another leader in the helmet market, Bell Helmets are up to par with some of the most well-performing brands in the sport such as Arai, Shoei, AGV, and more. The Moto-10 Spherical helmet is Bell’s premier-level helmet, just like Shoei’s VFX-EVO.

The Moto-10 Spherical helmet features 20 different color/design options and utilizes multiple technologies that set it apart from its competition – such as a Thermal Exchange Airflow System, a segmented 3k carbon shell, spherical technology, and more.

4. O’Neal 5SRS Helmet

If you’re noticing a trend here with entry-level helmets – there is a good reason for this. Technology has allowed for incredible advancements in motocross helmets in just the last decade. Stronger, yet more cost-effective materials are being utilized and this leads to cheaper helmets that can perform just as well as their break-the-bank counterparts.

The 5SRS is O’neals helmet offering within the low-cost segment, remaining under $200 while also offering great features such as a lightweight ABS construction, a Coolmax Ultra-plush inner liner, great air ventilation, and more. Not to mention – the aggressive styling and unique designs put it up top as one of our best-looking motocross helmets.

3. Troy Lee Designs GP Helmet

The TLD GP helmet shares many of the same features as the SE4 Polyacrilite helmet mentioned above, however, it comes with a price tag that is a solid amount lower. Both helmets utilize a Polyacylite shell and weigh the same (1,500 grams), while some of the notable differences include the number of airflow ports and the absence of MIPS technology on the GP.

With 23 total color/design choices, the GP has slightly less variety when compared to the SE4 – but keep in mind, the GP is the entry-level, whereas the SE4 is the mid-level option. For TLD’s premier option, you can opt for the SE5, but this will cost you over three times more than the GP.

2. AGV AX-8 Evo Helmet

The AX-8 by AGV is, by no means, the “new kid on the block”. This helmet has been around for a long time – over 10 years to be specific, and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Great for serious riders and racers, the SSL (Super Super Light) fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon shell will make you forget that you’re even wearing a helmet.

This helmet has an integrated ventilation system utilizing air channels formed directly into the outer shell. This, combined with the feather-like weight turns it into one of the best options on the list. And even though it is AGV’s best motocross helmet, it can be had for under $500 – making it significantly cheaper than the premier helmets from some other brands. *Cough* Bell!

1. Fox Racing V3 RS Helmet

The V3 RS is Fox Racing’s premier helmet for the motocross market. Being priced similarly to the AGV AX-8, this helmet is perfect if you’re insistent on getting something newer that features the MIPS technology. On top of this, the V3 RS has various design/color options when compared to the AX-8.

Apart from the safety tech, the V3 RS also flaunts quite a few other features worth mentioning; a carbon composite shell, a magnetic visor designed to release in the event of a crash, and the fact that this helmet is basically covered in ventilation ports. The insane amount of ventilation is a benefit for most riders, however, if you ride in cold weather you may want to take that into consideration.

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