If you ride Motocross or off-road whether you're on a dirt bike or ATV, the helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you can invest in.
Just ask Eli Tomac.
But not everyone can afford a 6D Helmet. Many helmet brands the pros wear easily push well past the $500 mark and for someone wanting to ride the expense of buying the dirt bike then investing in all the necessary riding equipment can easily put the brakes on their dream.
There is much truth to the fact that you should never skimp on head protection. If money is no object buying a 6D, Arai, Bell or any of the other high-end brands is a yes-brainer.
However, not everyone can afford to shell out the cash for an expensive helmet and if that was a requirement the Moto landscape would look drastically different. Many high quality helmets exist that provide maximum comfort and durability along with state-of-the-art protection approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), and in some cases certified by the more stringent SNELL, all without emptying your bank account. Some helmets include information on ECE (Europe) and AS (Australia) safety compliance. Read The Big List of DOT, Snell & ECE Approved Motocross Helmets for more information on safety certifications.
The biggest difference between the affordable dirt bike and ATV helmets from their more expensive counterparts is weight and features like the venting system and inside lining. Most of the helmets featured below use an injection molded polycarbonate construction for the outer shell which is heavier than carbon fiber and fiberglass which is often used in the more expensive helmets. In fact, many brands offer a higher-end model line along with a more affordable model line and incorporate the same safety technology.
Just remember, the right helmet for you fits correctly, is comfortable and doesn't hinder or impair your visibility or ability to ride. A $1000 helmet that you hate wearing because it hurts, impacts your ability to ride or keeps you from performing your best is little better than a $100 knock-off.
Check out our Dirt Bike Helmet Buying Guide for more information on choosing a helmet, sizing and features. The following helmets are all under $200 and we've included some additional details to help with the decision process. More specifications can be found by clicking on the individual links provided.
Bell MX-9 MIPS
The Bell MX-9 MIPS is a popular off-road helmet that combines Bell's established motocross design with MIPS technology. It is a versatile option for riders looking for a feature-rich helmet for motocross, trail riding and general dirt-bike use.
Shop Bell HelmetsO'Neal 2 Series
The O'Neal 2 Series is a long-running choice for dirt-bike riders who want a straightforward motocross helmet from an established off-road brand. Its combination of styling, ventilation and rider-focused features makes it a versatile option for recreational and aggressive riding.
Shop O'Neal HelmetsLeatt Moto 2.5
The Leatt Moto 2.5 is a current off-road helmet designed specifically for dirt riding. Its lightweight construction, ventilation and removable, washable interior make it a practical option for motocross and trail riders.
Shop Leatt HelmetsO'Neal 3 Series
The O'Neal 3 Series builds on the brand's established motocross helmet lineup with a variety of graphics and configurations. It is worth considering for riders looking for an off-road helmet with a broader feature set while staying in the value-focused segment.
Shop O'Neal HelmetsFly Racing Kinetic
The Fly Racing Kinetic is a motocross-focused helmet from a major name in off-road gear. Its dirt-specific design, ventilation and lightweight-focused construction make it a natural option for riders who spend their time on tracks and trails.
Shop Fly Racing HelmetsHJC C50
The HJC C50 is a versatile off-road helmet from a manufacturer with a long history of producing motorcycle helmets. It offers a practical combination of ventilation, removable interior components and dirt-bike-specific styling.
Shop HJC HelmetsGMAX MX-46
The GMAX MX-46 is a dedicated off-road helmet that gives riders another alternative to the larger motocross brands. It combines an aggressive design with extensive ventilation and multiple available configurations.
Shop GMAX HelmetsAiroh Wraaap
The Airoh Wraaap brings another established off-road helmet brand to the lineup. It features a thermoplastic shell, multiple shell sizes and a removable, washable interior designed for dirt-bike riding.
Shop Airoh HelmetsLS2 Gate II
The LS2 Gate II is a current off-road option for riders who want to look beyond the traditional motocross helmet brands. Its dirt-specific design, ventilation and range of available configurations make it a versatile choice for off-road riding.
Shop LS2 HelmetsFox V Core
The Fox V Core provides an accessible entry into Fox Racing's off-road helmet lineup. Its motocross-oriented design makes it a natural choice for riders who want Fox styling and a helmet built specifically for dirt riding.
Shop Fox Helmets









