If you’re an adventure rider or someone who loves to hit the trails, you know the importance of having the right gear, especially a good motorcycle helmet. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose.

That’s why in this blog post, I’m going to dive into the technical features of some of the best adventure and dual sport motorcycle helmets available today.

From ventilation and noise reduction to comfort and safety features, I’ll cover it all. And at the end of the post, I’ll share my personal likes and dislikes about these helmets to help you make an informed decision when selecting your next adventure or dual sport motorcycle helmet.

#1 Bell MX-9 Adventure

Bell MX-9 Adventure

What Customers Think

• Very comfortable
• Fits Just As Described
• Protint Visor Worth Its Weight In Gold

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry-level dual sport helmet, the Bell MX-9 Adventure with MIPS is a great option to consider. 

This helmet has been worn by many riders on adventure rides, including myself. One of the best features of this helmet is the MIPS liner system, which is a great safety feature. The MX-9 Adventure is also really comfortable to wear.

However, it’s important to note that this helmet isn’t the quietest option out there. Bell essentially took their off-road MX-9 helmet and added a visor and shield to create the Adventure version. 

So, if you’re going to be wearing this helmet for hours on end, you may notice wind noise. Keep that in mind when making your decision.

The MX-9 Adventure retails for under $300, which makes it a great option for those on a budget. 

There’s also a DLX version available that comes with a photochromatic lens that automatically tints in sunlight. 

This version is about $100 more expensive, but it’s worth considering if you ride in areas with varying light conditions.

#2 Scorpion EXO-AT950

Scorpion EXO-AT950

What Customers Think

• Comfortable
• Impressive Functionality
• Not Just For Adventure Riders

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The Scorpion EXO-AT950 is a modular option that has gained popularity since its release. A rider from Kings motorcycle gear has been using it for a few years and has praised its quietness and comfort. 

Additionally, the helmet’s shield does not have a bevel at the bottom, making it easier to crack open for some airflow without impeding the rider’s vision.

One of the key features of this helmet is its modularity. The chin bar can be flipped up using a lever located at the bottom, making it a convenient option for riders who need to stop and talk to someone or take a drink or snack while on the road. 

This feature also allows for easier communication, as riders don’t have to shout through a closed visor. 

The Scorpion EXO-AT950 also comes with a drop-down sun visor, which is another useful feature for riders.

Overall, the Scorpion EXO-AT950 seems to be a great modular helmet option for those on a budget. At under $300, it offers a lot of features that make it a convenient and comfortable option for riders.

#3 Klim Krios Pro

Klim Krios Pro

What Customers Think

• Excellent Quality
• Helmet Vents Air Very Well
• Very Light And Comfortable

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Now, if you’re looking for an even more premium option, there’s the Klim Krios Pro. This one is going to run you north of $700, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for the ultimate lightweight helmet. 

The Krios Pro is even lighter than the Krios, thanks to the use of a material called “choroid,” which is unique to this helmet. 

I won’t go into too much detail about choroid here, but it’s worth doing your research to learn more.

I can tell you that in a medium size, the Krios Pro weighs in at just under three pounds, making it an excellent choice for long rides where weight is a concern. 

We actually have a rider here at Kings motorcycle gear who has been using the Krios Pro for a couple of seasons now and swears by it. 

If you’re willing to invest in a premium helmet and weight is a priority for you, the Klim Krios Pro is definitely worth considering.

Read the Klim Krios Pro Full Review

#4 Arai XD4

Arai XD4

What Customers Think

• Very Quiet
• Very comfortable
• I Had To Size Up From L to XL

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The Arai XD4 helmet is one of the most popular adventure helmets in the market. Its fit and build quality are some of the features that make it stand out among the rest. 

The Japanese company knows how to make a comfortable helmet, and the XD4 is no exception.

One of the unique features of the Arai XD4 is its shield. It can be barely cracked to let in some airflow without obstructing the rider’s vision. 

The vents on the shield also help combat fogging, making it a favorite of adventure riders who go through different weather conditions. 

Additionally, the helmet is quiet, which is another plus for riders who prefer a quieter ride.

Another unique feature of the Arai XD4 is its R75 shell shape. It has a round shape, which Arai believes is better at glancing off objects in case of impact. 

This reduces the risk of generating more force on the rider’s head or neck, potentially leading to injury.

While the Arai XD4 is pricey, it has been one of the favorite adventure helmets for years. At Kings motorcycle gear, some of the riders have tried on all the helmets and found the Arai XD4 to be one of their favorites. 

Its fit, shield, ventilation, and shell shape are some of the reasons why it continues to be a popular choice among adventure riders.

#5 Shoei Hornet X2

Shoei Hornet X2

What Customers Think

• Works Well On The Interstate
• Fit My Head Better Than Other Helmet
• Perfect Helmet For Adventure Touring

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As a rider, I have had the opportunity to test out several dual sport and adventure helmets, but a few really stand out. 

One of these is the Shoei Hornet X2. It’s Snell certified, making it a great option for safety-conscious riders. 

But what really makes this helmet a winner is how comfortable it is. The Shoei helmets have always had a reputation for fitting well, and this one is no exception. I love how it feels when I wear it.

Another feature of the Shoei Hornet X2 that I appreciate is its wind resistance. The visor has a unique shape with built-in louvers, making it more stable at high speeds and preventing buffeting. 

Plus, the shield has more detentes than any of the other helmets I’ve tried, allowing for more customization. 

The vents can also be opened and closed to adjust airflow, and the helmet is remarkably quiet. I can hardly hear any wind noise when I wear it, which is great when I’m on long rides.

The only downside to the Shoei Hornet X2 is that it’s a bit heavy compared to other helmets. But for me, the comfort and features make it worth the extra weight. 

Overall, the Shoei Hornet X2 is a well-built, high-quality helmet that I would recommend to any rider looking for a comfortable, safe, and feature-rich option.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the dual sport and Adventure helmet buyers guide provided a comprehensive overview of some of the top-rated helmets on the market. 

We discussed each helmet’s key features and benefits, such as safety certifications, comfort, ventilation, noise reduction, and other important factors that riders should consider when selecting a helmet for their needs. 

It is important to keep in mind that every rider has their unique preferences, and it’s essential to find a helmet that meets those needs to ensure a comfortable and safe ride. 

By following this guide, riders can make informed decisions when selecting the right helmet to protect their head and enjoy their adventures on the road

The post Best Adventure & Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmets: Our Top 5 first appeared on Kings Motorcycle Gear.