Off-roading or dirt biking is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do as you twist, turn, and jump around the trail. However, these very twists and turns and bumps on the trail make this sport so extreme and dangerous.
We often hear about injuries and accidents related to this dirt biking. And the most vulnerable area to getting an injury is your head. So, it would be best if you had something over your head to protect it when in need. And you know falling off a dirt bike isn’t a new thing, and it can be painful.
We all have different choices, opinions, and priorities; this also applies to picking the best dirt bike helmet. And there are many options available out there on the market for these dirt bike helmets. We’ve done the grinding for you and brought out all the best dirt bike helmets under $300; there are 21 of them. Every Helmet here is budget-friendly and also good enough to be your next riding partner.
The Best Dirt Bike Helmets Under 200 Dollars
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Intermediate Oval
- Helmet Weight: 3.49 lbs.
- Shell Construction: Lightweight polycarbonate shell
- Helmet Size: XS (53-54 CM) to 2XL (63-64 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE approved
Key Features
- MIPS technology or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System included: MIPS is an advanced impact absorbing system. It’s a rotational impact energy management system, a great safety feature without a doubt.
- Velocity-flow quality ventilation structure: The velocity-flow ventilation structure of this Helmet works excellently. It’s designed to intake a massive amount of air inside the Helmet and keep your head cool.
- Comfortable and durable moisture-wicking inner liner: The interior of this helmet is of pretty decent quality. Also, it’s removable and washable; quite expected yet convenient after a dirt bike session.
- Adjustable peak visor: The peak visor on the top of this helmet is actually adjustable. And the air intake vents do their job properly, which helps the inside of the helmet cool.
- Dual-sport option available: The Bell MX-9 is a very good dirt bike helmet on a budget, but there’s a dual-sport version of it as well. The Bell MX-9 Adventure comes with a face shield and it’s also a pretty decent helmet
Reason to buy
The Bell MX-9 is a fan-favorite helmet on our list, and it’s a versatile one. It’s incredible not only as a quality dirt bike helmet but also as one of the best budget dual-sport helmets out there. It’s a DOT and ECE-certified helmet; it’s safe, as expected from Bell. What’s more, they added the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System or MIPS technology to the Helmet. In addition, there are three shell sizes available for this Helmet, so you have the option to choose the perfect fit for your head. And you are getting all these features at a very reasonable price point, which is another huge plus point of this Helmet.
Reason to avoid
The Bell MX-9 is a great off-road helmet overall. But people have faced some sizing issues so double-check before you place your order for this helmet. Also, it’s the dirt bike version of the MX9, it does not come with a face shield. If you want it with a face shield, you can go for the Bell MX-9 Adventure.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Oval
- Helmet Weight: 3.20 lbs (approx.)
- Shell Construction: ABS material shell.
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 2XL (65-66 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE 22-05certified
Key Features
- Great value for the money: The price of this O’Neal 2Series Helmet is quite budget-friendly, which makes it an excellent choice over its competitors.
- Aggressive stylings: This helmet got some cool graphics options. And all of the graphics of this Helmet look pretty awesome and aggressive. The paint is protected with a clear coat, which lasts forever.
- Adjustable peak visor: An adjustable peak visor is a pretty handy feature for dirt bikers. And the screw on top of the helmet helps you adjust the helmet easily and keep it in place.
- Lightweight helmet: This is a lightweight helmet with about 3.20 pounds or 1450 grams. And it’s going to help with dirt biking.
- Multiple intakes and exhaust vents: Multiple intakes vents let lots of air inside the helmet and flow it through the rear end vent. And it makes the helmet interior cool.
Reason to buy
It’s another awesome-looking helmet on our list, the O’Neal 2Series or the O’Neal 2 SRS. This Helmet got an aggressive vibe in it similar to the LS2 Subverter, and damn, it looks fantastic. Plus, it’s unbelievably budget-friendly. This is a lightweight and safe helmet for dirt biking. And the styling of this helmet looks pretty cool. So, you can go for the O’Neal 2 Series helmet if you want a cool aggressive-looking helmet on a budget.
Reason to avoid
This is a pretty cool helmet on a budget. However, unlike many top-tier motorcycle helmets, it has some minor issues. This helmet runs a bit small. So, you can order a size larger and make sure you check the size chart carefully. Also, this is not that good in the ventilation department.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Oval
- Helmet Weight: 3.15 lbs
- Shell Construction: ABS material shell
- Helmet Sizes: S (55-56 cm) to 2XL (63-64 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT certified
Key Features
- Great value for the money option: This is a great value option. In fact, this helmet is one of the most budget-friendly dirt bike helmets on our list.
- Adjustable peak visor: There’s a steel screw on the top that lets you adjust and lock the peak visor in place.
- Maximum airflow with 14 vents: There are 14 vents in this Helmet pulling in a decent amount of air inside and keeping it cool.
- Mouthguard with aluminum mesh protectors: The aluminum mesh added mouthguard of this helmet does a good job of blocking dirt and dust.
- Removable and washable microfiber interior: For the interior, it’s pretty basic. Removable and washable; not too fancy but gets the job done.
Reason to buy
The most significant selling point of this GLX GX23 helmet is the affordable price point. It’s a reasonably decent dirt bike helmet with DOT safety ratings and basic motocross helmet features. And the Helmet is lightweight compared to other helmets that come within this budget, and a light helmet is what you need for dirt biking. If you are searching for a dirt bike helmet with a stringent budget, the GLX GX23 can be the best one for you.
Reason to avoid
The GLX GX23 is definitely a bang for the buck motocross helmet and as you can guess, it got its shortcomings. First of all, as a budget helmet, the performance quality might not be as good as a mid-range helmet. And the reported issue with this helmet is its fitting. This helmet runs small. So, it might be better to get a size larger to ensure the fitting.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Intermediate to Long Oval
- Helmet Weight: 3.44 lbs
- Shell Construction: Kinetic Polymer Alloy or KPA shell
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 3XL (65-66 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- Unique aggressive-looking: If there was a bonus point for looks, you have to give this helmet a point. This helmet looks unique, aggressive, and fantastic; especially in all the styling options LS2 comes with.
- Reasonably lightweight: This is pretty lightweight with 1560 grams or 3.44 pounds. This is something you rarely see in entry-level dirt bike helmets.
- Hypoallergenic, breathable interior: The interior is pretty decent, made with breathable and non-allergenic materials.
- Emergency cheek pad release mechanism: This is a feature that makes the removal of the cheek pads easier without further damage if you happen to crash.
- The in-mold mechanism manages rotational forces: There’s also an impact management mechanism in this helmet similar to the MIPS we see in Bell helmets. It’s a rotational energy management system that reduces impact force.
Reason to buy
The LS2 Subverter is an excellent helmet, stuffed with great features, and comes at an entry-level price point. It’s one of the top picks if you are planning to get a dirt bike helmet for around 200 dollars. An aggressive look with proper ventilation and the impact-absorbing tech make this a really good choice. Also, there’s an emergency cheek pad release mechanism in an entry-level helmet. This is why we love the LS2 helmets.
Reason to avoid
The LS2 Subvert get some fitment and ventilation issues. It’s true that there are tons of vents in this helmet but they aren’t that large in size. So, it might be a bit hot on a summer day. Also, this helmet is kind of intermediate oval to long oval fit. It might be a bit narrowish from the sides.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: N/A
- Helmet Weight: 4.4 lbs (approx.)
- Shell Construction: Polycarbonate ABS shell
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 2XL (63-64 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- MIPS technology: MIPS is a rotational energy management system. It helps reduce impact energy in case of an accident.
- Multiple shell sizes are available: There are 4 shell sizes and 4 EPS liner sizes available for this helmet. So, you can get your perfect fitting.
- Magnetic Visor Release System: The peek visor on this helmet has a magnetic system similar to the next Alpinestar helmet on our list. And in an event of a crash, it’ll release on its own to prevent further injury.
- Detachable and washable cheek pads and interior: The cheek pads and the interior of this helmet are removable and washable. That’s a standard feature but it’s a necessary one if you are doing dirt biking.
- Optimum airflow with nine intake and four exhaust vents: There are nine intake vents in this helmet. And the huge jaw vents intake tons of air inside keeping you cool.
Reason to buy
The Fox Racing Trev V1 is a quality helmet under the two hundred dollars price point. And this V1 comes with a bunch of unique features while not costing you an arm and a leg. First of all, this Helmet comes with MIPS technology, a rotational energy management system. And, of course, this adds an extra layer of security to the Helmet. The magnetic visor release system is also a well-developed energy management system. That releases the peak visor when it faces a certain amount of pressure, and that can reduce some rotational impact force. So, this Fox Racing V1 Helmet can also be a quality option for you under the $200 price point.
Reason to avoid
This is a cool helmet under 200 dollars with some decent features but it kind of runs small. Some users faced sizing issues with this helmet. So, make sure you order a size larger.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Oval
- Helmet Weight: 3.04 lbs
- Shell Construction: Thermoplastic polymer shell
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 2XL (63-64 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- Lightweight design: This is a pretty lightweight helmet. With only 3.04 pounds or 1380 grams weight, it’s very light compared to other helmets in this category.
- Five-layered EPS liner: The 5 layered EPS liners add another level to the safety and comfort of this helmet.
- Innovative peak visor release system: The peek visor is a cool feature of this helmet. It releases automatically in an impact and that prevents further damage.
- Emergency cheek pads release system: The emergency cheek pads release system helps the cheek pads be removed effectively. This can be really helpful to remove the helmet without hurting more in case of an accident.
- Integrated collarbone protection: The collarbone protection structure of this helmet is also another cool feature.
Reason to buy
SM5 is a fantastic helmet from Alpinestars and a good choice for a dirt bike helmet around the $200 price point. It’s a helmet with a bunch of features, and at a mid-range price, I’ll say. The multiple-density inner liner is also another quality safety feature. The emergency cheek pads release system’ is a must-mention when talking about safety features. You don’t see too many helmets at this price point with this feature. So, this is sure a good option for a budget dirt bike helmet.
Reason to avoid
Similar to the previous helmet, this Alpinestars S-M5 runs small in size. So, double check you order a size larger when ordering this helmet.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Long Oval
- Helmet Weight: 2.53 lbs (approx.)
- Shell Construction: Kinetic Polymer Alloy or KPA shell
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 3XL (65-66 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- Impressively lightweight: This is the most lightweight helmet on our list. And most likely one of the best lightweight dirt bike helmets out there with only 2.53 pounds or 1150 (+/- 50g) grams.
- Emergency cheek pads release system: This feature allows the cheek pads to be removed effortlessly in case of an injury.
- Flex energy management system: The KPA or Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell is flexible yet strong. And it works as an energy management system in this helmet.
- Wide viewport for modern goggles: The viewport in this helmet is huge and it adjusts with most modern goggles today and it gives great visibility. It’s a glasses-friendly helmet, so it’s a nice bonus feature.
- Flow-through ventilation structure with multiple intakes: The multi-port ventilation structure of this helmet is really impressive. This helmet got good customer feedback for the ventilation, and that’s impressive.
Reason to buy
LS2 Gate is another excellent dirt bike helmet from the company. The thing that sets this LS2 apart from all the other helmets out there is the weight for sure. This LS2 Gate helmet is super light, 2.53 lbs or 1150g +/-50g, and that’s insane. Many people like the light Helmet to feel like a feather, and you can hardly tell if you have something over your head. Also, it’s a well-ventilated helmet, there are tons of vents all over the Helmet, and those keep you cool and dry. This LS2 Gate helmet is for you if you want a light and safe motocross helmet on a budget.
Reason to avoid
The LS2 Gate helmet got some sizing issues. Especially in the cheek pads area. The cheek pads are slightly narrow and that might feel a bit stuffy and tight. That’s why some users found this helmet a bit tight. Also, The cheek pads aren’t the easiest to put back in the helmet if you remove them.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Intermediate Oval
- Helmet Weight: 2.88 lbs (approx.)
- Shell Construction: Polycarbonate shell
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 4XL (66-67 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- Lightweight Helmet: This is another lightweight helmet on our list with only 1300 grams or 3.88 pounds.
- Custom-fit interior EPS: 509’s interlocking dual-density EPS structure ensures the safety and it’s good enough as it got DOT and ECE certifications.
- Awesome aggressive looks: One of the unique selling points of this helmet is its cool and aggressive look. This thing looks fantastic with the matte and vibrant color combinations it comes with.
- Max peripheral vision eye-port: You can fit all 509 goggles and most other goggles with this helmet, thanks to the large viewport.
- Good value for the money: Even with the awesome looks and lightweight features, this helmet is quite budget-friendly.
Reason to buy
The 509 Tactical is an attractive-looking helmet, the same as the LS2 Subverteror or O’Neal 2Series. You can use this Helmet both as a snowmobile helmet and a dirt bike helmet. The Helmet is DOT and ECE certified and comes with a Polycarbonate shell. There’s also the dual-density interlocking EPS liner, which keeps you safe from the inside. Overall, this 509 Tactical is another decent option if you want a quality helmet that is also good-looking and not too expensive.
Reason to avoid
This is a good helmet for both dirt bikes and snowmobiles. However, sometimes it comes without a breath box, which is needed for winter or snow riding. So, make sure you are getting all the accessories with this helmet.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Intermediate Oval to Long Oval
- Helmet Weight: 4.8 lbs or less
- Shell Construction: Advanced Polycarbonate Shell
- Helmet Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 2XL (63-64 am)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- Eyewear-friendly: This helmet got glasses grooves that allow the rider to comfortably ride with glasses on.
- Bioceramic Nylex interior: The Nylex interior is made with moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial materials. And this will ensure better comfort in rough dirt biking conditions.
- Good value for the money: This is another budget-friendly dirt bike helmet. You can get this around a hundred-dollar price point, which is great!
- Large eye-port: The large eye-port of this helmet endures great visibility and it fits with most goggles out there.
- ACS or Advanced Channeling Ventilation System: The ACS ventilation structure is an impressive feature of HJC and this helmet also got the same design. It flows the air through the interior and EPS liner and makes it cool and comfortable.
Reason to buy
The HJC CS-MX 2 is an excellent helmet that you can get around the hundred-dollar price point or so. The ACS or Advanced Channeling Ventilation System is pretty effective. They developed this ventilation structure using 3D technology along with the interior. The interior is Bioceramic Nylex interior, which is anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking. So, this HJC CS-MX 2 is another excellent dirt bike helmet you can get within a budget.
Reason to avoid
This is a great budget helmet from HJC but budget helmets got budget helmet issues. The sizing of this helmet runs a bit small, so you can order a size larger to get the right fitment.
Specifications
- Helmet Shape: Intermediate Oval
- Helmet Weight: 3.36 lbs
- Shell Construction: KLIM’s Structure Mapped Composite base material
- Helmet Sizes: S (54-55 cm) to 3XL (64-65 cm)
- Safety Standards: DOT and ECE certified
Key Features
- Lightweight shell: This Klim F3 has a lightweight shell. The 3.36 pounds or about 1525 grams weight is good enough for dirt biking.
- Effective ventilation structure: There are 13 intake vents and 6 exhaust vents in this helmet. And these vents work great to deal with the hot weather.
- Neck fatigue optimized design: This helmet is designed to minimize neck fatigue and it’s neck brace compatible, which is great!
- Wide viewport: A large viewport is a huge plus point for this helmet. With the huge viewport, this helmet can intake pretty much all types of goggles out there.
- Moisture-wicking removable interior: The Klimatek Fabric liner system is completely removable and washable. And it’s made with a standard moisture-wicking interior.
Reason to buy
The Klim F3 comes at the mid-range price of the off-road or dirt bike helmet market. It’s a reasonably good-looking helmet with an aggressive vibe, but it’s not overly flashy; that’s what I like about these helmets. The ventilation structure is improved, and the air channel in the Helmet works nicely. Overall, this Klim F3 is a fantastic helmet if you want a nice mid-range dirt bike helmet.
Reason to avoid
This is a good lightweight off-road helmet, and you can even use it on snowmobiles. However, it’s on the higher side of the best budget dirt bike helmets list. But it can be worth it if it fits your head. About the fitting, the cheek pads might feel a bit tight but they should break in after you use the helmet for some time. Also, there’s a Carbon fiber shell version of this helmet, the Klim F3 Carbon, you can also check that out!
Helmets to Avoid
Non-DOT rated helmets
A helmet is safety equipment; you wear it to keep your head safe on the streets and off-road trails. So, wearing or even buying a non-DOT-rated or unsafe helmet is more or less equal to not wearing one. And if you ride a dirt bike, more likely you are going to fall off the motorcycle. And in that case, a safe helmet over your head is the best thing after sliced bread for you. You can check motorcycle riding safety guideline by NHTS here.
Used Helmets
It’s never a good idea to buy or sell a used helmet, we are talking about safety here folks! Buying a used or damaged motorcycle helmet puts you in huge danger. Because you think the used old helmet is protecting you but it’s not. So, don’t buy an old or used helmet.
Also, check out the best Supermoto helmet, you’ll find some quality helmets there!
Conclusion
No matter what type of motorcycle rider you are, one thing you must have is a good helmet because this is the layer that will be between your head and rock-hard asphalt if you happen to crash. That being said, motocross is a sport where riders tend to get injured often.
So, you need a quality helmet over your head; at least it needs to be DOT approved. On the list above, we found out the best dirt bike helmet under $200 all over the market and brought it to you.
You can choose any of those, of course, according to your requirements and choice. And hopefully, you’ll love it; Good Day!