Carbon motocross and enduro helmets: compare prices

Frankly, there are plenty of reasons to buy a carbon helmet, if only for the crazy look of carbon fiber, when it is not painted. But is this the miracle solution to protect our heads?  Not necessarily, but carbon helmets, in addition to their looks, have strong arguments, such as lightness (an advantage that will become less pronounced with the adoption of standard 22-06* in 2024) and increased resistance to violent shocks.

Why choose a carbon helmet for off-road?

Carbon off-road helmets have several advantages. First of all, carbon is a lightweight material, so carbon helmets are lighter than plastic or fibreglass helmets. In addition, carbon helmets have a better weight-to-performance ratio, which means that they are more effective in protecting the skull against severe shocks. On the other hand, although carbon offers better resistance to violent shocks, it can sometimes be a little less resistant on certain types of shocks, such as low-speed shocks.

The main disadvantage of carbon helmets due to their more complex manufacture is that they are more expensive than composite or fibreglass motorcycle helmets. But does the security of your head come at a price?

Buying guide for carbon off-road helmets

No special classification for this purchasing guide other than in alphabetical order.

* The weights indicated are those indicated by the manufacturers and are generally understood for a helmet of size M. It should be noted that helmets that are already approved ECE 22-06 (22-06 will become mandatory in 2024 for helmet manufacturers, but some manufacturers already offer helmets that meet this new CE standards) are more than ECE 22-05 approved helmets. This overweight for ECE 22-06 helmets is explained by the fact that this new standard is more stringent in terms of impact resistance, thus forcing manufacturers to review their manufacturing processes by integrating new safety systems and/or different and/or thicker materials.

Acerbis Steel Carbon Headset

Weight : 1000g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : no

Alpinestars S-M10 Carbon Headset

Weight : 1200g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : yes

Airoh Aviator 3 Carbon Headset

Weight : 1330g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : yes AMS2 system

Bell Moto-10 solid helmet

Weight : 1390g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : yes

FLY Formula Carbon Headset

Weight : 1290g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : Yes RHEON System

FOX V3 RS Headset

Weight : 1070g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : yes

Kenny Titanium Carbon Helmet

Weight : 950g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : no

Headset Klim cross F3 carbon

Weight : 1110g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : no

Leatt 9.5 2023

Weight : 1195g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : Yes 360 ̊ Turbine System

O’Neal 10SRS Carbon Race

Weight : 1080g | Approval : ECE 22-06 | MIPS technology : Yes IPX® ACells System

Troy Lee Designs SE5 Carbon team

Weight : 1350g | Approval : ECE 22-05 | MIPS technology : yes

 * Approval standards for helmets: ECE 22-05 vs ECE 22-06

The homologation standards for ECE 22-05 and ECE 22-06 helmets are European regulations that establish the minimum requirements for motorcycle, scooter and off-road helmets.

ECE 22-05 has been in force since 2005 and was updated in 2010. It establishes safety criteria for motorcycle, scooter and off-road helmets, in particular as regards impact resistance, penetration, helmet retention on the head, visibility and impact force distribution.

The ECE 22-06 standard was implemented in 2020 and is an update of the ECE 22-05 standard. It introduces additional criteria for motorcycle, scooter and off-road helmets, including rotary impact protection, visor and restraint systems.

ECE 22-06-certified helmets are therefore considered to offer better protection than ECE 22-05-certified helmets, although both standards meet high safety requirements. Manufacturers must certify their helmets to an accredited body to ensure compliance with one of these standards before they can be marketed in Europe.

Please note that from 1st January 2024 motorcycle helmets complying with ECE 22-05 will be banned from sale (but not from use).

For the tests under the aegis of the FFM, interviewed by us in 2022, the Director of Sports and Regulation of the FFM stated “ECE 22-06 helmets are already accepted in our races. The ECE 22-05 helmets are still in 2022 and 2023. But no decision has yet been taken for 2024.”

What is MIPS technology (or equivalent)

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology is an innovation for pilot safety. This has been an important feature of modern off-road helmets in recent years. This technology consists of a slip layer between the outer shell of the helmet and the inner lining. This layer is designed to reduce the rotational forces that can occur during an oblique impact on the head.

When an oblique impact occurs, the force may cause the head to rotate. This rotation can cause serious injury to the brain. The MIPS sliding layer reduces the rotation of the head by absorbing some of the energy from the impact.

All-terrain helmets equipped with MIPS technology offer better protection against head injuries. This technology has become very popular in the off-road helmet industry and is increasingly common on high-end models.

MIPS technology is used for carbon helmets of the brands BELL / Alpinestars /FOX. Other systems equivalent to MIPS exist.  At 6D, the equivalent of MIPS is called ODS, at LEAT it is 360° turbines, at Airoh: AMS2 at FLY: Rhéon, at O’neal: IPX® ACells , and finally at THOR, it is the Koroyd system