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Dual-sport and ADV motorcycling is a niche riding-style that requires specialized motorcycles and even more importantly, specialized gear.
Your equipment must equip you with the durability and functionality to withstand long highway rides followed by off-road mud-flinging action. With off-road riding being a highly intense and quite the workout, having a comfortable helmet option that won’t restrict your breathing and will keep you cool when sweating is highly important. Protection from the elements, and most importantly protection from hot-spots when your entire body is jostling around on a dirt path is key when selecting a helmet for long-term ownership.
We have collected the top-rated dual-sport helmet options for riders to buy in 2022 based on the level of safety, features, reviews, and tech in hopes to streamline the process when the time comes for you to purchase a new lid. Spending countless hours comparing helmets can be arduous, so we’ve taken the liberty of sorting through the data and presenting it here in this list, so you don’t have to. That means more time on the saddle and more adventures to be had.
Entry-Level Dual Sport Helmets
(Priced Under $250)
HJC DS-X1 Synergy
- Price: $199.99
- Buy it: RevZilla, Amazon
- Review: webbikeworld
- Warranty: 5 years
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.74lbs
The DS-X1 follows the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” ideology with this helmet. The Synergy graphic is new for 21/22 and it wraps an attractive look around a Polycarbonate Composite Shell, that some might try and call lightweight, but for me is average in this segment and that’s alright due to the price.
Where HJC excels with the DS_X1 is function. The eyeport is huge, and the whole helmet has a quality feel about it. The peak has a good design that is stable during high speed sprints adding no head wobble. The liner is plush and does a good job with sweat absorption, thankfully it is easy to wash. Amongst the liner are some decent speaker cutouts, there is no problem fitting any of the common Bluetooth kits.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- Outstanding build quality.
- Outstanding visibility.
- Very comfortable.
- Excellent price.
- DOT approved.
Other considerations to make:
- On the heavy side.
- Decent Airflow, might be an issue when temps climb.
Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Dalton
- Price: $229.95
- Buy it: RevZilla, Amazon
- Warranty: 5 years
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.74lbs
What makes the MX-9 so special? MIPS. MIPS technology is Bell’s ‘Multi-Directional Impact Protection System’ that allows for the helmet inner to slip to a degree and keeps your head far safer in any rotational impact you may encounter. Linear head impacts are typically rarer than rotational ones, so with the MIPS technology, you can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing Bell went the extra 10 miles with this design to keep you safe.
The MX-9 comes fully equipped with all the dual-sport goodness, too! An integrated face shield, removable peak visor, removable/washable liner (great for muddy off-road days), speaker pockets, and even allows for any dirt goggles to be worn with the shield flipped up.
Along with the MIPS tech, you’re also getting a DOT and ECE certified lid, so you know it’s safe. A great choice for any ADV rider.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- MIPS
- DOT and ECE
- Great price
- Aggressive styling
- 5-year warranty
Other considerations to make:
- On the heavy side
- ‘Visor/bill’ can catch wind, although it is removable
Sedici Viaggio Celare
- Price: $169.99
- Buy it: RevZilla
- Review: webbikeworld
- Warranty: 2 year
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
Sedici is exclusive to Revzilla and always provides tremendous value with this DS helmet being a perfect example. I am featuring one of the graphic options here, but this lid is also available in solid colors, and those can be had for just $140, insane value.
The ABS shell has a clean aggressive lines, and I love this Camo graphic. The visor and peak claim to be quick release, but you will need an Allen key to remove the peak. The vents are adjustable, and it will flow a reasonable amount of air, but you see the money savings with parts like the vent sliders. This is honestly a good riding helmet for a very low price.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- Excellent Price
- Nice big peak
- Light
- Two shell sizes
- DOT rated
Other considerations to make:
- Hot weather riders will want more airflow.
- No speaker cutouts
Mid Range Dual Sport Helmets
(Priced $250-$500)
Scorpion EXO-AT950
- Price: $269.95
- Buy it: RevZilla, Amazon
- Review: webbikeworld
- Warranty: 5 years
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.77lbs
The DOT approved Scorption EXO-AT950 features an ‘Advanced LG Polycarobonate’ shell exterior with a dual density milti-layer EPS liner. It has a drop-down sun visor, is comfortable to wear with eyeglasses, and is designed with more than enough room for speakers (communicatoin system) to be added down the line.
This helmet is actually modular (with a very easy release mechanism that works great with gloves), so the face shield has a much better overall seal meaning your helmet will be quieter at high speeds. The ‘peak’ (physical sun visor) is removable, giving this helmet perfect dual-functionality for street riding as well. There is also a carbon fiber version for riders willing to shell out a few more dollars.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- Modular
- Drop-down sun visor
- Great all-rounder
- DOT certified
Other considerations to make:
- Fits better on thinner faces
- Quite noisy
LS2 Explorer Carbon
Here is the lightest helmet in the price group. Under $500 by a wide margin and just barely over 3lbs, this will feel great on your head. To help that great feel, LS2 uses a plush, technical fabric interior with 3D laser cut cheek pads for high mileage comfort. This helmet has top-grade optics and large eye port, a drop-down sunshield and pinlock lens are included.
For an additional $30 you can have some sweet graphics to help your swag factor.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- Cause carbon fiber is awesome
- DOT and ECE 22.05 rated
- Internal sun visor
- Good airflow
Other considerations to make:
- No speaker cutouts
Klim Krios Karbon
- Price: $499.95
- Buy it: RevZilla, Amazon
- Review: Cycle World
- Warranty: 5 years
- Head shape: Intermediate Oval
- Weight: 3.25 lbs
Carbon fiber is really cool. That’s just a fact. Being the guy that shows up to the group-ride with a carbon fiber lid is an easy indicator of how serious they are about the sport. The Klim Krios carbon fiber construction provides an ECE and DOT approved helmet that tips the scales at almost a half-pound lighter than most other helmets in this list.
In addition to the big carbon-fiber main course, the helmet comes with the typical sides you will find in most middle-ground dual-sport helmets: chin curtain, removable peak, quick-release face shield, good ventilation, pin-lock face shield, and for an extra $250 you can get a Sena communications system integrated from the factory.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- Carbon fiber is extremely safe
- It’s both DOT and ECE approved
- Pin-lock ready face shield
- Dropdown visor
- Ready for attachable face shield
Other considerations to make:
- Not the best fit
- The liner can be a struggle
- Designed for Klim Radius goggle (may not work with all goggles)
- Only 2 shell sizes
High-End Dual Sport Helmets
(Priced $500+)
Check out these three going head to head!
Arai XD-4 Cover
- Price: $769.95
- Buy it: RevZilla, Amazon
- Review: Badass Helmet Store
- Warranty: 5 year
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.66lbs
When buying a premium dual sport helmet, the same standards apply as they would in any other helmet style. Arai and Shoei dominate the high-end market. That’s just the way it is, but it makes it very easy to narrow down your selection when deciding to shell-out upwards of $500 for the most important piece of safety equipment.
The XD-4 has been designed with aerodynamics in mind and comes with all the features you would expect (except for a drop-down sun visor. I’m not sure why Arai omits this on almost all helmets they provide). The liner is removable and washable, the ventilation is great, and the face shield is sturdy and high-quality. The main feature your precious $600 will be going towards is the Snell M2020 safety certification that won’t be found in any other helmets under this price bracket. Extra safety for a risky riding-style is always a plus.
Why you should buy this helmet:
- Snell M2020 approved
- Arai is a leading manufacturer of high-quality helmets
- Great ventilation
- Comfortable’
- Almost 500 reviewers on RevZilla despite higher price tag
Other considerations to make:
- Reviewers say the visor has scratched up the helmet over prolonged use
- You’d prefer to take the Shoei route
Shoei Hornet X2
- Price: $599.99-$609.99
- Buy It: RevZilla, Amazon
- Review: Badass Helmet
- Warranty: 5 year
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
- Weight: 3.92 lbs
Every time you say the word ‘Arai’, a Shoei angel falls from the sky. We couldn’t have the top 2 helmets on this list without them being red vs blue. If there’s a great Arai helmet option available for your riding style, you can bet your ass Shoei has an amazing helmet ready to compete.
I’m not sure if Shoei’s marketing team is stronger or what (it is), but the feature list for this helmet reads like a terms and conditions contract with the sheer amount of stuff crammed into this helmet. That’s probably why this helmet comes in at almost four pounds, making it the heaviest on this list.
If you can face the symphony of weight, you will be handsomely paid off with an array of features such as the easily removable CNS-2 pinlock-ready face shield (comes with pins and insert, phew), emergency release system, Snell and DOT approval, removable liner, peak, and earpads, and a plethora of other stuff that will make sure you don’t regret your $600 helmet purchase.
I wouldn’t let the 4-pound weight scare you away, 1/3 of a pound increase in weight compared to competitors will be almost negligible and many riders mention they adjusted very quickly. Personally, a little extra weight is fine for me when I know my head is being protected by a Shoei.
Reasons to buy this helmet:
- Snell and DOT approved
- Very quiet
- Pin-lock ready face shield (comes with inserts and pins!)
- Made by Shoei
Other considerations to make:
- Heavy
- Weaker ventilation than the Arai
Klim Krios Pro Rally
- Price: $699.99
- Buy It: RevZilla, Amazon
- Review: webbikeworld
- Warranty: 5 year
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
It is impossible to think about Dual Sport gear without Klim being a part of that conversation. Klim is legendary for high-end DS gear and this helmet offering is their best. A full carbon fiber shell with Koroyd materials aids the dispersion of impact energy to reduce head trauma. Showing that the price tag is warranted beyond the safety aspects, the liner fabrics are sublime, and you will love the FIDLOCK chinstrap closure. Trust me it’s slick.
Finally, the aerodynamics are first-rate, as are the vents and visor. Okay maybe the visor is better than first-rate, it is a Transitions Photochromic lens. Yes, it adjusts itself based on the available light. This lid is Sena compatible, and DOT approved. In short, it pretty much has it all.
Reasons to buy this helmet:
- Transitions Photochromic lens
- Koroyd is a big deal
- Quieter than most carbon fiber helmets
- Excellent Ventilation
Other considerations to make:
- Transitions visor limited lifetime – high replacement cost
- Only 2 shell sizes