If you love riding both on and off-road, you might be looking for a helmet that can handle any terrain and weather condition. You might be wondering: what is the best helmet for dual sport riding? How do you choose a helmet that offers comfort, protection, and versatility? What are the features and benefits of dual sport helmets?
In this guide, we will answer these questions and more. We will introduce you to the world of dual sport helmets, which are designed to combine the best of both worlds: the comfort and convenience of a street helmet, and the protection and ventilation of a dirt helmet. We will also review some of the best dual sport helmets on the market, based on our research and customer feedback. By the end of this guide, you will have a better idea of what to look for in a dual sport helmet, and how to find the perfect one for your riding style and preferences.
What are dual sport helmets?
Dual sport helmets are also known as adventure helmets, hybrid helmets, or crossover helmets. They are a type of motorcycle helmet that can be used for both on-road and off-road riding, without compromising on safety or performance. Dual sport helmets have a few distinctive features that set them apart from other types of helmets, such as:
- A peak or visor: This is a protruding piece of plastic or carbon fiber that extends above the eye port, and helps to protect against roosts, debris, and sunlight. The peak or visor can be adjusted, removed, or replaced, depending on the rider’s preference and riding conditions. Unlike motocross helmets, dual sport helmets have a more aerodynamic peak or visor, that reduces wind resistance and noise at high speeds.
- A large eye port: This is the opening in the front of the helmet, where the rider can see through. Dual sport helmets have a larger eye port than street helmets, to provide a wider field of vision and accommodate goggles or sunglasses. The eye port is also compatible with a face shield, which can be flipped up or down, or removed entirely, depending on the rider’s preference and riding conditions. The face shield offers protection from wind, dust, rain, and insects, and can be tinted, clear, or anti-fog, depending on the model.
- A chin bar: This is the part of the helmet that covers the lower part of the face, and provides protection from impacts and injuries. Dual sport helmets have a more pronounced chin bar than street helmets, to provide more space for breathing and ventilation. The chin bar also has a chin vent, which can be opened or closed, to regulate the airflow and temperature inside the helmet.
- A ventilation system: This is the system of vents, channels, and exhausts that allow air to circulate inside the helmet, and keep the rider cool and comfortable. Dual sport helmets have a more advanced ventilation system than street helmets, to cope with the varying temperatures and humidity levels of different terrains and climates. The ventilation system can be adjusted, depending on the rider’s preference and riding conditions. Some models also have a removable and washable liner, which helps to absorb sweat and moisture, and prevent odors and bacteria.
Why choose a dual sport helmet?
Dual sport helmets offer several advantages over other types of helmets, such as:
- Versatility: Dual sport helmets can be used for both on-road and off-road riding, without having to switch helmets or compromise on safety or performance. They can adapt to different terrains and weather conditions, by adjusting or removing the peak or visor, the face shield, the chin vent, and the ventilation system. They can also accommodate different types of eyewear, such as goggles, sunglasses, or prescription glasses, depending on the rider’s preference and riding conditions.
- Comfort: Dual sport helmets are designed to provide comfort and convenience for long-distance and multi-day rides. They have a larger eye port, a more spacious chin bar, and a more advanced ventilation system, which allow the rider to breathe easier and stay cooler. They also have a removable and washable liner, which helps to keep the helmet clean and fresh. Some models also have a padded chin strap, a quick-release buckle, and a speaker pocket, which add to the comfort and convenience of the helmet.
- Protection: Dual sport helmets are designed to provide protection and durability for challenging and unpredictable rides. They have a peak or visor, a face shield, a chin bar, and a ventilation system, which protect the rider from roosts, debris, sunlight, wind, dust, rain, and insects. They also have a strong and lightweight shell, which can be made of polycarbonate, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite material, depending on the model. The shell is designed to absorb and disperse the impact energy in case of a crash, and prevent penetration and deformation. Some models also have a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS), which reduces the rotational forces on the brain in case of an angled impact.
How to choose a dual sport helmet?
When choosing a dual sport helmet, there are a few factors to consider, such as:
- Fit: The fit of the helmet is the most important factor, as it affects the comfort, safety, and performance of the helmet. The helmet should fit snugly, but not too tightly, on the head, and should not move or rotate when the rider shakes or nods their head. The helmet should also match the shape of the head, which can be round, oval, or intermediate, depending on the model. To measure the fit of the helmet, the rider should use a tape measure to measure the circumference of their head, just above the eyebrows and ears, and compare it with the size chart of the helmet. The rider should also try on the helmet, and check for any gaps, pressure points, or loose areas, and adjust the padding, straps, and vents accordingly.
- Style: The style of the helmet is a personal preference, as it reflects the personality, taste, and preference of the rider. The helmet can have different colors, graphics, patterns, and finishes, depending on the model. The rider should choose a helmet that suits their style, and matches their bike, gear, and accessories. The rider should also consider the visibility and safety of the helmet, and choose a helmet that has bright, reflective, or contrasting colors, or has additional features, such as LED lights, stickers, or decals, to enhance the visibility and safety of the helmet.
- Features: The features of the helmet are the additional elements that enhance the functionality, convenience, and performance of the helmet. The helmet can have different features, such as a peak or visor, a face shield, a chin vent, a ventilation system, a liner, a chin strap, a buckle, a speaker pocket, a communication system, a camera mount, and a MIPS system, depending on the model. The rider should choose a helmet that has the features that suit their needs, preferences, and riding conditions. The rider should also consider the quality, durability, and compatibility of the features, and choose a helmet that has high-quality, durable, and compatible features, that work well with the helmet and the bike.
What are the best dual sport helmets?
Based on our research and customer feedback, here are some of the best dual sport helmets on the market, in no particular order:
- ScorpionEXO EXO-AT960 Helmet: This is a new and improved version of the popular EXO-AT950 helmet, which features a removable peak visor, an oversized eye port, and a flip-up chin bar. The helmet also features a polycarbonate shell, a MIPS system, a face shield, a chin vent, a ventilation system, a liner, a chin strap, a buckle, a speaker pocket, and a communication system. The helmet is DOT and ECE certified, and comes in various colors and sizes.
- KLIM Krios Pro Adventure Motorcycle Helmet: This is a premium and lightweight helmet, which features a carbon fiber shell, a peak visor, a face shield, a chin vent, a ventilation system, a liner, a chin strap, a buckle, and a MIPS system. The helmet also features a Koroyd technology, which is a honeycomb-like structure that absorbs and dissipates the impact energy, and enhances the airflow and comfort of the helmet. The helmet is DOT and ECE certified, and comes in various colors and sizes.
- Arai XD4 Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmet: This is a classic and reliable helmet, which features a fiberglass shell, a peak visor, a face shield, a chin vent, a ventilation system, a liner, a chin strap, and a buckle. The helmet also features a round and smooth shape, which reduces the drag and turbulence of the helmet, and enhances the stability and performance of the helmet. The helmet is DOT and Snell certified, and comes in various colors and sizes.
- BELL MX-9 Adventure Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets: This is a budget-friendly and versatile helmet, which features a polycarbonate shell, a peak visor, a face shield, a chin vent, a ventilation system, a liner, a chin strap, a buckle, and a MIPS system. The helmet also features a removable and washable liner, which helps to keep the helmet clean and fresh. The helmet is DOT and ECE certified, and comes in various colors and sizes.
- AGV AX9 Street Motorcycle Helmet: This is a stylish and modern helmet, which features a carbon fiber shell, a peak visor, a face shield, a chin vent, a ventilation system, a liner, a chin strap, and a buckle. The helmet also features a sleek and aerodynamic design, which reduces the noise and vibration of the helmet, and enhances the comfort and performance of the helmet. The helmet is DOT and ECE certified, and comes in various colors and sizes.
Conclusion
Dual sport helmets are the perfect blend of comfort and protection for riders who enjoy both on-road and off-road adventures. They are designed to combine the features and benefits of street and dirt helmets, and to adapt to different terrains and weather conditions. They offer versatility, comfort, protection, and style, and can suit different types of riders, bikes, and preferences.
If you are looking for a dual sport helmet, you should consider the fit, style, and features of the helmet, and how they match your needs, preferences, and riding conditions. You should also compare different models and brands, and read customer reviews and feedback, to find the best dual sport helmet for you.
We hope this guide has helped you to learn more about dual sport helmets, and how to choose the perfect one for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy riding! 😊