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We'd know - we've reviewed 450+ helmets since 2000!
Our picks are based on helmets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 19, 2023 by Devan Martel.
Entry-Level
Priced under $300.
Mid-Range
Priced $300 - $500.
High-End
Priced $500+.
About Our Dual Sport Helmet Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry-Level Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmets
Priced under $300.
Scorpion EXO-AT960
Price: $279.95 - 284.95
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | SoloMoto by webBikeWorld
Why?
One of our personal favorites - the EXO-AT950 - has finally been dethroned and replaced by it’s next generation counterpart, the EXO-AT960.
New to the market, the EXO-AT960 makes a big statement with an easily removable peak visor, an oversized eye port, and an extremely convenient flip-up chin bar. The helmet was designed to integrate with Scorpion’s EXO-COM Bluetooth communicate kit, as well as many other com systems.
As we believe all new helmets should, the EXO-AT960 comes DOT & ECE 22.06 certified.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4.09 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE 22.06 certified
Our Review
Check out what we had to say after some hands-on testing of the AT-960.
Sedici Viaggo Parlare Sena BT Adv. Helmet
Price:$290+
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If you’re new to the sport, then look no further! The Sedici Viaggio Parlare Sena Bluetooth Adv. helmet is the perfect 2-for-1 package to get you started.
The Viaggio Parlarre Adventure helmet is an injected molded ABS shell with plenty of ventilation to keep you comfortable and cool. Features, such as a flip-down tinted sun visor, quick-release shield, and removable peak visor add much-appreciated convenience.
Included in your purchase is an integrated Sena DWO-5 Bluetooth v3.0 System that’ll allow you to stay connected. Enjoy hands-free phone calls, universal intercom and music while you ride.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.75 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
The Sedici Viaggio Parlare Sena helmet received an amazing score after our review. This is definitely a good buy you don’t want to miss!
Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS
Why?
Bell's MX-9 MIPS utilizes a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) to maximize protection in the event of a crash. The MX-9 is also lighter than some of its peers, ringing in under 3.75 lbs. If you're planning on doing more off-road than on-road riding, that reduced weight will save your neck (and noggin)!
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.74 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
We had a chance to review the Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS helmet back in 2017 and have been in love with it ever since.
Best Mid-Range Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmets
Priced $300 - $500.
Sedici Duale Forged Carbon Helmet
Price: $350
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
While a bit on the heavier side, the shell of the Sedici Duale Forged Carbon is made out of a proprietary blend of forged carbon and DuPont Kevlar fibers for exceptional strength.
The triple-density EPS liner is channeled for airflow and available in 4 different sizes for improved rider comfort. The flat face shield is pinlock ready and treated with an anti-scratch coating to keep your vision free of any distractions.
The helmet sports a 2 position high flow chin vent, as well as a top intake across the crown. 3 rear exhausts work hard to maximize the extraction of hot air within the helmet.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.81 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE 22.06 certified
Our Review
Since it is new to the market, we haven’t had a chance to review the Sedici Duale Forged Carbon helmet yet. In the short time it’s been made available, it has received ample positive feedback. We hope to get our hands on one in the new year.
Scorpion EXO-XT9000
Price:Up to $499
Where to Buy: RevZilla | SoloMoto by webBikeWorld
Why?
Brand new to the market and ready to dominate the competition is Scorpion’s latest Dual-Sport release: the EXO-XT9000 Helmet.
A 3K Carbon fiber material shell is carefully hand-crafted for superior strength and extreme lightweight. The expertly redefined aerodynamics of the peak help keep buffeting and wind lift to an all time low. What’s more, Scorpion EXO helmets feature a unique airfit liner inflation system for a customized fit and ultimate comfort.
Riders rest assured your safety is in good hands with the EXO-XT9000 helmet as it comes equipped with both U.S. DOT Certification, as well as ECE 22.06 - the new ECE standard that requires a wider range of testing.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.48 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE 22.06 certified
Our Review
We were fortunate enough to get our hands on one of the all-new XT-9000 helmets for review.
LS2 Explorer Carbon
Why?
Weighing in at just 3.04 lbs, thanks to high-performance 6K carbon fiber shell technology, the Explorer Carbon makes long days in the saddle much more comfortable.
Vision out of this helmet is excellent, thanks to an ultra-wide eye port and optically correct “A Class” polycarbonate face shield. The LS2 also includes a pinlock lens and a built-in drop-down sun shield.
Airflow in this helmet should be quite good and easy to control, thanks to the adjustable chin and top vents. Available in the solid color shown above, there are also multiple graphic choices available.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: long oval
Weight: 3.04 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
We’ve had a chance to complete a hands-on review of the LS2 Explorer Carbon. See for yourself what makes this carbon fiber beauty a top pick here!
Best High-End Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmets
Priced over $500.
Shoei Hornet X2
Price: $640+
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Lauded in 2015 as a complete rethink of the dual sport helmet, the Hornet X2 is another demonstration of Shoei's sheer badassery in action.
Shoei made numerous deviations from the established "dual sport helmet" convention, and in so doing built a helmet that is quieter than most while flowing just as much air as the best of them.
Notably, the Hornet X2 also meets the SNELL M2015 designation (see why that matters).
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.92 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & SNELL certified
Our Review
Rick called out that the Hornet X2 raises the bar in dual sport helmet design, and that's still very much the case seven years after its introduction. The Hornet X2 is a great on or off-road helmet. Read our Shoei Hornet X2 review...
Arai XD-4
Price:$640+
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If the Shoei Hornet X2 is Batman, the Arai XD-4 is Superman. Both helmets are built by the best companies in the space, and both have great features (which makes choosing between the two rather difficult).
Arai has a similar history and 'legend status' in professional motorsports as Shoei, so you know when buying their top-of-the-line dual-sport helmet you won't be missing out on any key features.
The XD-4 is a comfortable dual-sport helmet that gets you the same DOT and Snell M2020 certification that the Hornet X-2 provides. With the pricing between the two being so similar, the choice comes down to which fits better, due to their features and safety ratings being so similar.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.66 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
Although the Arai XD-4 is getting old—and the styling shows it—the industry-leading safety and performance from this helmet is matched by very few other lids on the market.
Is it time for an updated XD-5 to hit the shelves? I would say it's long overdue, but despite that, the helmet is still readily available in most stores with thousands of riders backing it via positive reviews.
Feel free to check out our Arai XD-4 review here if you want to see our thoughts on this lid (spoiler alert we called it one of the best dual-sport helmets we have ever reviewed).
Klim Krios Pro
Price:$750
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
While it’s hard to compete with Arai and Shoei, Klim has got themselves a top contender in the Dual Sport market with their Krios Pro helmet.
Hand-laid carbon fiber shell, transition photochromic lens, refined aerodynamics and vents, fid-lock strap closure and Sena compatibility are all but a few features of this lightweight high-end contender.
The visor and spoiler have been specially designed to minimize buffeting and wind lift at high speeds. For street configuration, you need only a quarter turn the release mechanism to effortlessly swap out the shield and visor.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.4 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
There’s a reason this helmet made our list and our review is a great place to find out why.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Sport Helmets
What is a dual-sport helmet?
A dual-sport helmet combines features of both dirt bike and street bike helmets, offering a large aerodynamic visor and a lower chin bar for improved soundproofing compared to dirt bike helmets
Are dual sport helmets worth it?
Whether or not a dual sport lid is "worth it" depends on where and how you ride.
Dual-sport helmets are ideal for riders who frequently ride both off-road and on highways. They offer the functionality of both off-road and highway helmets and are often lighter weight than other helmet types.
What are the benefits of a dual-sport helmet?
Dual sport helmets offer better visibility due to their broad visors, effective sun shielding, and better ventilation, making them suitable for versatile riding conditions.
They are often affordable and lighter weight than full face or modular helmets, making them a good choice for riders that prioritize comfort and versatility.
What are the disadvantages of dual-sport helmets?
Dual-sport helmets can get foggy in cold, wet conditions, provide less noise insulation than full-face helmets, and can be uncomfortable for long road trips due to their weight.
Most lack amenities, such as an integrated sun shade or integrated bluetooth coms system.
Are dual sport helmets suitable for dirt biking?
As an of/off-road hybrid helmet, dual sport lids are designed to be useful in all riding conditions. That said, they make fewer compromises for dirt riding than they do for on-road riding. These are a great choice for dirtbikers.
Are dual sport helmets safe?
Any DOT or ECE helmet meets the relevant regional safety requirements. The most important factor in safety, after design and regulatory requirements, is fit and comfort. A poorly fitting helmet can compromise safety and protection. Always look for helmets that meet recognized safety standards and are appropriate for the specific type of riding you'll be doing.
What To Look For In A Dual-Sport Helmet
Like all helmets, dual-sport helmets come with a list of items to pay particular attention to. More complex than every other type of helmet, knowing what to look for can be the difference between an awesome experience and a terrible one.
Look For:
DOT/ECE certifications—Many inexpensive dual-sport helmets showing up on Amazon and eBay are not DOT or ECE certified. This certification may save your life. Don’t cheap out—remember, you’re preparing for the slide, not the ride.
Comfort— Most of the helmets featured on this page use lightweight materials to minimize neck strain—useful, especially on long rides.
Head shape—While most people are an intermediate oval, not all are. Make sure you get a helmet designed for your head shape.
Shell material—Polycarbonate is okay, but you’d be better served with carbon fiber (expensive) or fiberglass. All the helmets called out here (save for one) are fiberglass.
Interior liner—All the helmets featured here offer removable liners that are anti-moisture and anti-bacterial. Avoid non-removable liners (found in cheap helmets)—it’ll be a stink factory before you know it.
Read the complete motorcycle helmet buyer's guide for more information.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it?Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sendingJimtoItaly. AndJapan. AndFrance… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflectbest value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
