Hit the dirt: Best enduro helmets as picked by MCN

Published: 31 August 2023 Updated: 23 November 2023

If you’re an off-roader, then the chances are that somewhere along the line, you’ll decide you want a proper off-road enduro helmet. That’s not to say that adventure-style helmets are not for you – we’ve looked at these before and know that they can be a great compromise between quiet and comfort for long road trips, plus ventilation and space for off-road excursions.

However, if you’re looking for the ultimate in cooling airflow and protection, then a motocross or enduro-style helmet could be right up your byway.

Typically, helmets for both motocross and enduro riding will feature an extended peak to keep the sun out of the eyes, as well as mud and water off the rider’s face and there will be no visor, as goggles would be used to protect the eyes.

The chin piece will be extended to give plenty of breathing room and the benefit of this and no visor means the maximum amount of air to the rider, both for breathing (both forms of riding are very hard work) and for cooling.

If you want to use this kind of helmet on the road, then you’ll need to make sure you get one with ECE22.05 approval – some will be purely for off-road use and some for both on and off-road and for the road, it must conform to 22.05.

So here is a selection of motocross and enduro motorcycle helmets to keep you safe and cool.

Viper RSX121

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I've tried some of Viper's gear in the past and have been impressed with it so there's no reason to think that this MX/Enduro helmet from the manufacturer will be any different.

It features an adjustable peak and a removeable interior so it can be washed easily. There is a double D-ring fastening for the right fit every time, a huge aperture ready for goggles and it is certified road legal in the UK and Europe.

Certification:

ECE22.05

Fox Racing V1 Lux MIPS

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This Fox helmet features a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), designed to reduce injury from rotational forces during an impact. It has a polycarbonate and magnetic visor release system (MVRS). Cetification is to ECE22.05 for use on and off-road. It comes in a range of sizes to cater for children up to adults and has a fully removeable interior for washing.

In addition to the open visor area for goggles, it also has five air intake vents and four rear exhaust vents for cooling air flow.

Certification:

ECE22.05

O'Neal 2SRS Spyde

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O'Neal has been producing quality MX and enduro gear for years and this helmet is one of those products. The shell is formed in ABS plastic for strength and rigidity and the padded liner is removeable for washing. It uses a double-D ring fastening for security and the shell is shaped to ensure that goggles stay in place.

The peak is adjustable and there are numerous air vents in the shell to allow air in, including at the chin and sides. It can accept a drink hose adapter and O’Neal’s Airflaps goggle anti-fog system.

Certification:

ECE22.05

X-Lite X502 Carbon

Price: £399.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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This helmet from X-Lite is formed with a carbon shell and is a very serious piece of kit. It comes in two shell sizes for an optimum fit without becoming too large and an adjustable and extendable peak over the wide aperture.

It uses emergency release cheekpads and has a washable interior with a mesh liner that helps promote airflow. The cheekpads have removeable sections to allow riders to wear glasses and there are multiple air intake vents for cooling air flow.

Certification:

ECE22.05

Bell Moto 3

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A bit of a retro look and feel with this Bell, that will conjure images of 1960s desert racers in California perhaps. However retro it looks, it's bang up to date with its design, using a fibreglass shell in three sizes to ensure a good fit while remaining compact.

It has a large aperture for great vision out and a peak fastened with poppers so it can be removed easily. The liner can be removed for washing and there is an air vent in the chin to admit cooling air.

Certification:

ECE22.05

HJC CS-MXII

Price: £89.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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This off-road enduro helmet from HJC is certified for the road as well as off and uses a polycarbonate outer shell with a plush, Nylex interior that can be removed and washed and is also moisture wicking and anti-bacterial.

It has a large eye port for excellent vision and for goggles to fit in and comes with a double-D ring fastening. It has venting at the front as well as the rear for a through-flow of cooling air to help keep the head cool.

Certification:

ECE22.05

Shark Varial

Price: £169.99 (was £299.99)

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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This MX/enduro helmet from French manufacturer SHARK uses a multi-axial glassfibre construction in the shell with fibres laying at differing angles across each other for additional strength. The peak is detachable for easy cleaning and the interior is also washable to keep it fresh.

It uses a double-D ring fastening for security and in addition to the chin air vent, features one on top of the helmet with two rear exhaust vents for air through flow.

Certification:

ECE22.05

Premier Exige

Price: £149.95

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Budget brand Premier has some great designs and this enduro helmet is one of those. The shell is formed in thermoplastic and is fitted with a breathable interior and removable and washable cheekpads.

The peak is fixed and the helmet features a double-D ring fastening for security as well as a large aperture for vision and to accommodate goggles. In addition to the air flow in and around the visor, there is also a vent in the front of the chin-bar.

Certification:

ECE22.05

About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.

By Jim Blackstock

Keen wet weather rider and dedicated product tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine.

Best enduro helmets