Rider Gear

Airoh cross and enduro helmets: 2026 Buying Guide to Choosing Right

By Jack Dancède , on 28 February 2026 , updated on 28 February 2026 - 10 minutes to read
Airoh aviator helmet FIM 202+

On the world market of Off-Road Helmet, Airoh has established itself as the undisputed leader through an obsessive quest for lightness. For 2026, the Italian brand takes a new step by adapting its entire catalogue to the standard ECE 22.06. This development is not limited to mere administrative certification: it guarantees a Absorption of rotary shocks much higher than the previous standards, making a Airoh Headphones one of the safest equipment for motocross, enduro, trail or quad.

Choosing an Airoh helmet in 2026 means investing in state-of-the-art wind tunnel technology tested by the world’s best pilots. Whether you are a beginner or a pro competitor, the range is now divided into four distinct families, each meeting specific weight, ventilation and budget requirements. Here is our comprehensive analysis to help you make the right choice.

Airoh safety and technologies: What protects your head in 2026?

Before analysing models, it is essential to understand the patented safety systems that justify price differences. In 2026, protection is no longer measured solely by the thickness of the cap, but by the helmet’s ability to dissipate energy before it causes head trauma, a crucial issue since the FIM has unveiled new strict rules on concussions.

  • The AMS² / AMS² Plus system: Present on the top of the range (Aviator 3), it rests on two mobile inner caps separated by silicone inserts. In an oblique shock, the inner cap slides to reduce the rotational forces transmitted to the brain.
  • ASN (Airoh Sliding Net): a 3D mesh structure placed between the head and the polystyrene. It allows a micro-slip movement during an impact, acting as an accessible rotational damper on the Ace 2 and Twist 3 ranges.
  • AEFR (Airoh Emergency Fast Release): a crucial passive safety device that allows rescuers to remove cheek foams by pulling on two red straps. This allows the helmet to be removed without exerting pressure on the cervical spine in the event of an accident.
  • AHS (Airoh Hydration System): Exclusive to the Aviator 3 range, this system integrates the passage of the hose of your Camelbak directly into the cheek foams and chin strap.
  • AMLS (Airoh Magnetic Lining System): The inner foams are magnetized, allowing removal and rest in 2 seconds for regular washing.


1. Airoh WRAAAP range: Excellence at the best price

Positioned as the brand’s strategic entry point, the Wraaap is the ideal helmet for pilots who take their first steps off-road without sacrificing their safety. Although it is the most financially accessible helmet, it retains Airoh’s DNA with a High Resistant Thermoplastic (HRT) injected plastic shell with a record weight of only 1260 g, a rare performance for a thermoplastic material. To ensure optimum comfort and avoid the ‘big head’ effect, it has a triple-cap structure (XXS-XS / S-M / L-XXL), making it the best value for money for those looking for a ECE 22.06-approved helmet for less than €200.

  • Material of the hull: HRT Injected Plastic (High Resistant Thermoplastic). It is a robust thermoplastic material but less lightweight than fibre.
  • Security: approval 22.06 complete, but without internal slip systems (ASN/AMS).
  • Weight: record weight for plastic (1260 g).
  • Decline: available in 3 sizes of caps (XXS-XS / S-M / L-XXL) for precise morphological adjustment.

Ideal use: beginners, leisure, hike enduro soft, amateur motocross, quad

2. Airoh TWIST 3 range: The redesigned multipurpose icon

A true world bestseller, the Twist 3 is the versatile "everything" helmet par excellence. Its shell, designed in injected plastic HRT (High Resistant Thermoplastic), has beenCompletely redesigned in wind tunnel for 2026 to provide superior aerodynamic stability and improved acoustic comfort, even at high speeds. Now more protective, it increases its range by integrating the ASN (rotary protection) and AEFR (emergency withdrawal) security systems, while becoming natively Bluetooth Ready to facilitate the integration of your communication system.

  • Material of the hull: Optimized HRT Injected Plastic. The hull is worked to reduce air resistance.
  • Security: now integrates the rotary protection system ASN and the emergency system AEFR.
  • Weight: 1330 g ± 50 g.
  • Decline: new front ventilation system and pre-equipment Bluetooth Ready for intercom.

Ideal use: enduro hiking, regular motocross, quad and trail.

3. Airoh AVIATOR ACE 2 range: lightest in the 2026 range

More financially accessible than its older brother, the Aviator 3, the Aviator Ace 2 stands out as the lightest model in the entire Airoh off-road range. Its shell, available in HPC Carbon Composite Fibre or 6K Full Carbon, is specifically designed to eliminate cervical fatigue. On the safety side, it integrates the ASN (rotary protection) and AEFR (emergency foam removal) systems. Its comfort is ensured by optimized ventilation and a premium interior in Coolmax® (high performance fabric), benefiting from Microsense and Sanitized 2dry technical treatments. The set is completely removable, washable and hypoallergenic for impeccable hygiene.

  • Material of the shell (2 versions):
    • Ace 2 Standard: Inshell Composite Carbon Fiber (HPC Carbon). A high-performance fibre blend.
    • Ace 2 Carbon: Full Carbon Shell 6K (wide fiber weaving). It is the lightest Airoh helmet in history.
  • Security: system ASN integrated to limit rotating trauma.
  • Weight: 1250 g (Standard) and only 1190 g for the Carbon 6K version.

Ideal use: Enduro engaged, crossing, motocross /enduro competitions.

4. Airoh AVIATOR 3 range: the Champions ' Helmet

The Aviator 3 is the helmet of the global elite (Josep Garcia, Sacha Coenen, Steve Holcombe, etc.). It is the legendary model of the brand and the most technologically advanced helmet in terms of protection and the best ventilated with 8 air intakes.

  • Material of the hull (3 versions):
    • Aviator 3 Standard: Inshell HPC Carbon Fiber (high performance composite).
    • Aviator 3 Carbon: noble finish in full carbon 3K apparent (tighter weaving for maximum structural resistance).
    • Aviator 3 EVO: Optimized version meeting standards ECE 22.06 and FIM Racing 02. (the FIM Racing 02 is a new FIM pilot safety requirement that goes beyond ECE22-06)
  • Security & Comfort: only model with AMS² Plus (mobile cap), hydration system AHS and magnetic foams AMLS.
  • Weight: approximately 1270 g (Carbon 3K) to 1330 g (Standard/EVO).

Ideal use: national and international competition, rally, extreme hard enduro or simply for those who want a exceptional helmet among the most secure on the market.


Comparative summary: Which Airoh helmet to choose in 2026?

Range / ModelMaterial hullWeight (approx.)Key pointsPrice
WraaapHRT plastic1260 gTriple HRT Cap189€
Twist 3HRT plastic1330 gASN + AEFR249€
Ace 2HPC Carbon1250 gASN + AEFR469€
Aviator 3Full Carbon 3K1270 gAMS² Plus + AEFR + Hydra759€

 

Airoh helmet size guide: how to measure well?

Use a tape meter and measure the circumference of your head, about 2 cm above the eyebrows.

  • XXS: 51-52 cm | XS: 53-54 cm | S: 55-56 cm | M: 57-58 cm | L: 59-60 cm | XL : 61-62 cm | XXL : 63 cm

Freenduro Pilot Airoh Aviator Helmet

Frequently asked questions/FAQs: Carbon 3K vs 6K and approval

What is the lightest Airoh helmet?
The title of the lightest helmet goes back toAviator Ace 2 Carbon. Thanks to its structure in Carbon 6K, it weighs only 1190 g on the balance, which makes it the global benchmark of the segment.

What is the difference between 3K and 6K carbon?
The number indicates the number of filaments (3000 or 6000) per wick of fiber. The Carbon 3K is a thinner and denser weave, favoured for rigidity and maximum protection on the Aviator 3. The Carbon 6K offers a wider weave to make a lighter shell, hence the record weight of 1190g of the Ace 2.

What is the HRT hull at Airoh?
The HRT (High Resistant Thermoplastic) is an injected plastic resin. It is the material used for the Wraaap and Twist 3 ranges to offer safe and approved helmets at an affordable price.

Are the Airoh 2026 helmets all in 22.06?
Yes, the entire catalogue (Wraaap, Twist 3, Ace 2 and Aviator 3) is now certified according to ECE standard 22.06.

What is the quietest Airoh helmet?
The Twist 3 was the most worked in wind tunnel to limit aerodynamic whistles.

The Freenduro verdict

In 2026, Airoh succeeded without fail. For the budget, the Wraaap is unbeatable. For versatility, the Twist 3 remains the safe bet. But for the exceptional, theAviator Ace 2 Carbon (1190 g) and lAviator 3 are the global benchmarks for the premium segment.

Technical focus on ECE 22.06

Since July 2023, the standard ECE 22.06 has become mandatory for the manufacture of helmets. It brings major improvements compared to the previous 22.05:

  • Enhanced impact tests: 18 checkpoints against 6 previously, including low and high speed crash tests.
  • Rotary protection: measurement of rotational acceleration to better protect the brain during “side” falls.
  • Visor strength and accessories: more stringent tests on projectile resistance and fastening systems.

To find out more about the details of this regulation, see our file: What changes with ECE 22.06.

Avatar photo

Jack Dancede

Founder of Freenduro.com since 2002, I am editor-in-chief, field photographer and enduro bike tester. With more than 20 years of experience in the sector, I have carried out hundreds of product tests on motorcycles, pilot equipment, and many accessories. My passion for enduro and my field experience have allowed me to create a site that has become an essential reference for amateurs and professionals alike. By regularly sharing detailed field trials, relevant news and technical advice based on my experience, I strive to offer enthusiasts the best possible content.

See the publications of this author

Comments

Leave a comment

Your comment will be revised by the site if needed.