Rider Gear
The 7 best motocross and enduro helmets in 2026
Summary
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The choice of a motocross or enduro helmet is a fundamental purchase for any motocross or enduro driver. Much more than just a styling accessory, it is the first line of defence against serious injuries in a sport where impacts are inherent...
In recent years, manufacturers have redoubled their ingenuity, integrating advanced technologies such as: the MIPS, the 360° Turbines or Smart Sensors. Result: helmets designed to meet the highest requirements in terms of protection, comfort and lightness, let us be one beginner or more experienced pilot.
This guide aims to help you make an informed choice, by orienting you towards the most reliable models (all ECE 22.06 approved) and best suited to your practice (motocross / enduro / trail). A good helmet does more than just protect: it improves your concentration, reduces cervical fatigue, and contributes to your riding pleasure.
Transparency note: The comparative links below are affiliated. If you order through these links, we receive a small commission that finances the site, without any additional cost to you.
Top 3 Motocross and Enduro helmets
1 : Bell Moto-10 Spherical – The absolute reference: Premium helmet par excellence, the Bell Moto-10 combines advanced protection (Spherical MIPS), exceptional ventilation and ultimate comfort. This is the choice of the pros.
2 : Airoh Aviator 3 - Lightness and performance : Much appreciated by endurists, the Aviator 3 offers an excellent compromise between safety, ventilation and feather weight. Its Kevlar carbon shell is a reference.
3 : Leatt 8.5 – Best value for money : The Leatt 8.5 incorporates 360° Turbine technology for excellent rotational protection, all in a well-ventilated helmet and sold at a competitive price with the mask included!
Our selection of 7 quality off-road helmets (safety / comfort)
We have selected here the 7 best off-road helmets of the moment, based on our field tests, customer feedback and an in-depth analysis of their technical specificities (real weight, ventilation, ease of washing).
Bell Moto-10 Sphérical helmet: the ultimate reference in 2025!
A true technological showcase of the American brand, the Bell Moto-10 Spherical embodies what is done better today when it comes to motocross and enduro helmets. It combines innovation, maximum safety and premium comfort.
Tech expertise: Spherical Technology
Co-developed with MIPS, it allows the inner shell to rotate independently the outer shell in the event of an oblique impact, such as a kneecap in its housing. That rradically educates the rotational forces transmitted to the brain, This is a major cause of concussions.
Co-developed with MIPS, it allows the inner shell to rotate independently the outer shell in the event of an oblique impact, such as a kneecap in its housing. That rradically educates the rotational forces transmitted to the brain, This is a major cause of concussions.
The Moto-10 does not neglect any detail: CoolJade virus lining to keep your head cool, magnetic cheek foams to facilitate emergency extraction, self-breaking screws... Everything has been designed to offer a overall level of protection, well beyond the usual standards (beyond ECE 22-06).
With a contained weight, a irreproachable stability (it does not move at high speed), and a exceptional ventilation, the Bell Moto-10 is aimed at the most demanding riders who do not compromise.
⁇ Read our full field test of the Bell Moto-10
Airoh Aviator 3 helmet: the Italian Bestseller
The Airoh Aviator 3 is one of the references of the segment for many years, especially in Enduro. Equipped with Carbon fiber and kevlar shell, this helmet offers a cPerfect shade of lightness and resistance. The AMS2 Plus Technology (Airoh Multiaction Safety System) provides additional protection against rotational forces.
The Airoh Aviator 3 is distinguished by its feather weight (often below 1300g) which relieves the cervical during long driving days. Its magnetic cap system (AMLS) makes foam washing ultra-fast.
Tester's note: Attention, Airoh often size a little “narrow”. If you have a round head, try it well before or take a size above it.
Leatt GPX 8.5 headphones: The smart choice (Mask included!)
The Leatt GPX 8.5 is one of the top-of-the-range helmets the most affordable on the market. It incorporates exclusive technology 360° Turbine : small, flexible blue discs that harden on impact and absorb rotational energy. A truer in terms of brain protection simple and effective.
Its composite shell offers a light structure, while ventilation is among the best (air channels are wide). The big bonus? It comes with a Leatt Velocity 5.5 mask included in the box, perfectly adapted to the opening of the helmet.
Bell Moto-9S Flex Headset: Accessible icon
Little brother of the Moto-10, the Bell Moto-9S Flex bets on a Proven Advanced Protection. His Exclusive Flex Technology is based on a three-layer calotin of different densities, capable ofeffectively absorb shocks at low, medium and high speeds.
Probably the best ventilated helmet on the market (you can feel the air circulating on your skull). Despite a slightly higher weight than the Airoh, its balance is perfect, which makes it very comfortable. It is a safe, ultra-reliable value.
Shoei VFX-WR headphones: Quality Made in Japan
Shoei VFX-WR is a choice premium for pilots looking for the perfect finish. Handmade in Japan, this helmet exudes quality. The Shoei integrates the system M.E.D.S. (Motion Energy Distribution System), designed to reduce rotational forces via a movable central insert in the cap.
In terms of comfort, it is the ‘shoe’ of the motorcycle: Max-Dry 3D foams are soft and hold well over time. It is a helmet that ages extremely well.
Alpinestars SM-10 helmet: The futuristic look
The Alpinestars Supertech M10 helmet is the choice of drivers looking for pure performance. Equipped with 3K carbon fibre shell, it offers exceptional rigidity while being very light.
It is equipped with the MIPS E-2 System (a low-friction layer) to reduce rotational energy. Its strong point? The design of the lower hull is raised on the sides for avoid breaking the collarbone in case of shock, a biomechanical detail very well thought out by Alpinestars. The visor is designed to detach instantly in the event of a fall so as not to twist the neck.
Fly Racing Formula S Carbon helmet: Embedded intelligence
Fly Racing's Formula S Carbon is the most “Geek” helmet on the market. His Carbon shell 12K (the widest and lightest fiber) houses the technologies RHEON (energy absorption cells) and Conehead®.
But the real revolution is the Quin Race Sensor integrated: a smart sensor capable of detect a fall and automatically send an SOS alert via SMS to your loved ones with your GPS position. A major advance for safety, especially if you ride alone in enduro.
Fox Racing V3 RS helmet: MIPS Integra Security
The Fox V3 RS helmet is distinguished by its system MIPS Integra Split, an evolution that separates the MIPS layer into two parts to better manage impacts. Its shell made of carbon composite and FRP resins makes it one of the best performing ECE 22.06 helmets.
It comes with many replacement foams to adjust the "fit" to your face, and a replacement visor. It is a very comprehensive package.
The 5 criteria for choosing a motorcycle helmet (Guide Expert)
1 : Safety standards: ECE 22.06 mandatory
In 2025, do not ride with the old standard 22.05. The news ECE standard 22.06 is much more demanding:
- 18 impact zones tested (compared to 6 before)
- Tests ofoblique impacts Mandatory (rotation)
- Tests at high AND low speed (small shocks count too!)
This means choosing realistic protection against the real risks on the ground.
2 : Materials of the hull: Carbon or Composite?
The material influences weight and absorption:
- Polycarbonate (Injected): Heavy and bouncing. Good to start cheap, but quickly tires the cervicals. Shorter lifespan (3-5 years).
- Glass fibre / composite: The best compromise. Absorbs the shock wave well by deforming slightly.
- Carbon fibre: Ultra-light and rigid. The best for the competition, but more expensive and sometimes more "sound" inside.
| Material | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Polycarbonate | Robust, low price | Heavy, transmits energy |
| Glass Fiber | Good absorption, durable | Intermediate price |
| Carbon Fiber | Ultra-light, resistant | High price, easy marking |
3 : The importance of “Fit” (Size and Shape)
A €800 helmet that is not your size is useless. He must not don't move when you shake your head, but should not make you a bar in the forehead.
Tip: Airoh and Shoei often cut “narrow”. Bell and Fox often cut more “standard/round”. If you are between two sizes, take the smallest: foams are packed from 5 to 10% after a few outings.
4 : Anti-rotation technologies (MIPS, Flex, Turbine)
This is the modern vital criterion. The brain is liquid in the cranial box. In the event of a bias shock (90% motorcycle falls), the brain turns and taps the wall of the skull: This is concussion.
Systems like MIPS, Flex (Bell) or Turbine 360 (Leatt) allow the headset to rotate slightly around your head to absorb this rotational energy instead of your brain.
5 : Double-D loop: The only choice
Forget the fast ‘micrometric’ road fasteners. In the All-Terrain, only the Double D Loop is accepted in competition. It is the safest system, which never loosens and has no mechanics that can bind with the mud.
Maintenance & Lifespan: Golden rules
Absolute rule:
A helmet is for single use in case of violent shock. Even if the hull looks intact, the inner polystyrene calotin (EPS) has compressed to save you and will no longer play its role at the next impact. If in doubt, change it.
How to wash your helmet?
- Inside: Unclip the foams and wash them by hand (warm water + baby shampoo) or in a machine (delicate program 30 ° C in a net). Drying in the open air (never tumble dryer!).
- Outside: Warm water and microfiber cloth. Avoid aggressive glass products on plastics. For ‘Mat’ finishes, do not use polish!
Theoretical lifetime: 5 years of regular use. Beyond that, the foams settle, the glues dry and the polystyrene hardens, losing its effectiveness. But there is no legal limit for a motorcycle helmet. Just pay attention to its condition and do not take risks if the foams seem damaged or packed, or if the shell of your helmet has impacts, change helmets.
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