The Best ADV Helmet
The Best Adventure Bike Helmet for 2024
Arguably the single most important piece of riding gear in your kit is your helmet. As adventure riders we have a unique set of features that matter to us. We need a helmet that works well as we tackle every type of terrain from high speed pavement to dusty dirt roads to muddy trails. At the same time the weather can add to the challenge and the fun. Adventure riders are a hardy bunch, we never let a little weather get in the way of a good ride. We soldier on in everything from the hottest dustiest heat, to the coldest driving rain, undaunted. Bottom line, ADV riders need a helmet that is versatile in the extreme. Thanks to the growing popularity of adventure motorcycles, there is an ever expanding list of high quality ADV motorcycle helmets on the market today. The best one for you will ultimately depend on your individual needs, preferences and sometimes the shape of your head. Here are some of the most popular lids for keeping your noggin safe and comfortable:
Shoei Hornet X2: The X2 is a high-end adventure helmet that features a lightweight, aerodynamic design, advanced ventilation system, and an integrated sun shield. It's also designed to be compatible with a range of communication systems.
Arai XD-4: The XD-4 is a top-of-the-line adventure helmet that's known for its superior fit and comfort. It also features a removable and washable interior, adjustable peak, and a redesigned ventilation system for improved air flow.
Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS: The MX-9 is a mid-range option that offers excellent value for its price. It features a lightweight polycarbonate shell, a removable and washable interior, and MIPS technology to reduce rotational forces in the event of an impact.
AGV AX-9: The AX-9 is a premium adventure helmet that's designed for both on-road and off-road riding. It features a carbon fiber shell, a removable and washable interior, and a ventilation system that's optimized for use in hot and humid conditions.
Schuberth E2 Adventure: The E2 is a high-end option that features a unique modular design that allows you to switch between a full-face and open-face configuration. It also has a built-in sun visor, a fully removable and washable interior, and a ventilation system that's optimized for use in both on-road and off-road conditions.
Nolan N70-2 X: The N70-2X is a versatile and affordable option for adventure riders, with a lightweight polycarbonate shell, excellent ventilation, and a removable and washable interior lining.
Klim Krios Pro: The Krios Pro is a premium adventure helmet that is designed for the most demanding off-road and adventure riders. It features a carbon fiber shell that is both lightweight and extremely strong, as well as an aerodynamic design that reduces wind noise and buffeting.
Scorpion EXO-AT950: The AT950 is another highly versatile mid-priced helmet, that features a lightweight and aerodynamic shell, highly adjustable ventilation, and a moisture-wicking liner for enhanced comfort.
The Shoei Hornet X2 is a premium adventure motorcycle helmet that has been designed to provide exceptional protection, comfort, and versatility for riders who enjoy both on-road and off-road riding. It features a lightweight, aerodynamic shell that is constructed from Shoei's advanced AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Multi-Fiber) material, which combines fiberglass, organic fibers, and resin for a shell that is strong, yet lightweight.
The helmet has a dual-layer EPS liner that provides excellent shock absorption, and it also features a removable and washable interior that is designed to be comfortable and moisture-wicking. The Hornet X2 has a wide eye port that provides excellent visibility, and it is designed to accommodate goggles for off-road riding.
The helmet also features a unique ventilation system that includes multiple intake and exhaust vents, which work together to provide excellent air flow and reduce heat buildup inside the helmet. The chin vent is adjustable and has a built-in foam filter to help prevent dust and debris from entering the helmet.
Another standout feature of the Shoei Hornet X2 is its aerodynamic design. The helmet has been wind tunnel tested to ensure that it provides exceptional stability and reduced wind noise at high speeds.
Overall, the Shoei Hornet X2 is a premium helmet for adventure riders who are looking for top level protection, comfort, and versatility.
The Original ADV Helmet
The Arai XD-4 is a high-end adventure motorcycle helmet that has been designed to provide exceptional protection, comfort, and versatility for riders who enjoy both on-road and off-road riding. It features a composite fiber shell that is both lightweight and extremely strong, providing excellent protection against impacts.
The helmet has a unique shape that is designed to accommodate goggles, and it also has a peak that can be easily removed without the need for any tools. This feature makes it easy to adapt the helmet to different riding conditions, and it also helps to reduce wind noise and improve aerodynamics.
The Arai XD-4 also features an advanced ventilation system that includes multiple intake and exhaust vents, which work together to provide excellent air flow and reduce heat buildup inside the helmet. The interior of the helmet is fully removable and washable, which makes it easy to keep clean and fresh.
One of the standout features of the Arai XD-4 is its exceptional fit and comfort. Though it is an intermediate oval this helmet is designed to fit a wide range of head shapes, and it has a multi-density EPS liner that provides excellent shock absorption.
Overall, the Arai XD-4 is an excellent choice for adventure riders who are looking for a high-end helmet that offers exceptional protection, versatility, and comfort. While it is a premium helmet, its features, and build quality make it well worth the investment for serious adventure riders.
The Bell MX-9 Adventure helmet is a versatile and affordable option for adventure riders who want a helmet that can handle both on-road and off-road riding. It features a lightweight polycarbonate shell that is both durable and impact-resistant.
The helmet has a unique design that is optimized for off-road riding, with a large visor that provides excellent visibility and is designed to accommodate goggles. The visor can be easily removed without the need for any tools, and the helmet also comes with a removable and washable interior lining, which makes it easy to keep clean and fresh.
The Bell MX-9 Adventure helmet also features a ventilation system that includes multiple intake and exhaust vents, which work together to provide excellent air flow and reduce heat buildup inside the helmet. The chin vent is adjustable and has a built-in foam filter to help prevent dust and debris from entering the helmet.
Additionally, the Bell MX-9 Adventure helmet is compatible with Bell's Transitions Shield, which automatically adjusts to changing light conditions to provide optimal visibility in all lighting conditions.
Overall, the Bell MX-9 Adventure helmet is a great option for adventure riders who want a versatile, feature-rich helmet that is also affordable. While it may not have all the high-end features of more expensive helmets, it offers excellent value for its price point and is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding.
The AGV AX-9 is a high-end adventure motorcycle helmet that has been designed to provide exceptional protection, comfort, and versatility for riders who enjoy both on-road and off-road riding. It features a lightweight carbon-aramid fiber shell that is both strong and impact-resistant.
The helmet has a unique design that is optimized for off-road riding, with a large peak that provides excellent protection from the sun, wind, and debris. The peak can be easily removed without the need for any tools, and the helmet also has a removable and washable interior lining, which makes it easy to keep clean and fresh.
The AGV AX-9 also features an advanced ventilation system that includes multiple intake and exhaust vents, which work together to provide excellent airflow and reduce heat buildup inside the helmet. The chin vent is adjustable and has a built-in foam filter to help prevent dust and debris from entering the helmet.
One of the standout features of the AGV AX-9 is its exceptional fit and comfort. The helmet has been designed to fit a wide range of head shapes, and it features a multi-density EPS liner that provides excellent shock absorption. The interior lining is also made from moisture-wicking material to help keep the rider cool and comfortable.
Overall, the AGV AX-9 is an excellent choice for adventure riders who demand the best in protection, comfort, and versatility. While it is a premium helmet, its features and build quality make it well worth the investment for serious adventure riders.
The Schuberth E2 is a high-end adventure motorcycle helmet that has been designed to provide exceptional protection, comfort, and versatility for riders who enjoy both on-road and off-road riding. It features a lightweight, aerodynamic shell that is constructed from Schuberth's proprietary fiberglass-reinforced Duroplast matrix material, which is both strong and impact-resistant.
The helmet has a unique design that is optimized for off-road riding, with a large peak that provides excellent protection from the sun, wind, and debris. The peak can be easily removed without the need for any tools. , and the helmet also comes with a pinlock-ready face shield. The pinlock shield is included in the box so you’re ready for that frosty morning ride.
The Schuberth E2 also features an advanced ventilation system that includes multiple intake and exhaust vents, which work together to provide excellent airflow and reduce heat buildup inside the helmet. The chin vent is adjustable and has a built-in foam filter to help prevent dust and debris from entering the helmet.
One of the standout features of the Schuberth E2 is its exceptional fit and comfort. An intermediate oval, this helmet has been designed to fit a wide range of head shapes, and it features a multi-density EPS liner that provides excellent shock absorption. The interior lining is also made from moisture-wicking material to help keep the rider cool and comfortable.
The E2 comes prewired for the Sena/Schuberth SC2 communicator which is essentially the Sena 50s. The E2 is a
Where this helmet shines is on high-speed roadways where it is among the quietest helmets you’ll ever wear.
Overall, the Schuberth E2 is an excellent choice for adventure riders who demand the best in protection, comfort, and versatility. While it is a premium helmet, its features and build quality make it well worth the investment for serious adventure riders.
The Nolan N70-2X Adventure Helmet is a versatile and feature-rich helmet that's designed for adventure riders who want a helmet that can handle both on and off-road riding. The N70-2X features a polycarbonate shell that is both lightweight and durable.
The helmet has a modular design, which means it can technically be worn as either a full-face or open-face helmet, which may come in handy if your other bike is a trials bike. More importantly the eye port is one of the most generous on the list and should easily accommodate your off-road goggles.
The Nolan N70-2X also has a range of other features that are designed to enhance comfort and convenience. For example, it has an advanced ventilation system that includes an adjustable chin vent, a top vent, and rear exhaust vents. The helmet also has a removable and washable interior lining, which makes it easy to keep clean and fresh.
Additionally, the Nolan N70-2X is compatible with Nolan's N-Com communication system, which can be added to the helmet to provide Bluetooth connectivity and intercom capabilities.
Overall, the Nolan N70-2X Adventure Helmet is a great mid-priced option for adventure riders who want a versatile, feature-rich helmet that's suitable for a wide range of riding conditions.
The Klim Krios Pro is a high-end adventure motorcycle helmet that is designed to offer exceptional protection, comfort, and versatility on-road and off-road. It is a successor to the popular Klim Krios helmet, but features significant upgrades in terms of materials, construction, and features.
One of the key features of the Klim Krios Pro is its lightweight and aerodynamic carbon fiber shell, which is designed to reduce wind noise and buffeting while providing excellent protection in the event of a crash. The helmet also features a highly adjustable ventilation system, with 10 intake and exhaust vents that do a nice job of encouraging airflow through the helmet.
The interior of the Klim Krios Pro is lined with a removable and washable liner that is made from moisture-wicking material to help keep the rider cool and comfortable. The helmet also comes with a Transitions pinlock-ready shield that is optically correct and anti-scratch, which will darken with the sun just like your favorite pair of Transitions sunglasses. This provides slightly less tint than dedicated drop down tinted lenses but it manages the light for you, without any mechanical sliders or switches, which is one less thing to break and you get to keep both hands on the bars at all times.
In terms of safety, the Klim Krios Pro has a unique Koroyd energy absorbing material which are designed to crush homogeneously for better impact absorption than a tradtional polystyrene foam core. DOT and ECE certified and featuring an emergency quick-release cheek pad system that allows first responders to easily remove the helmet in the event of an accident.
Another key feature of the Krios Pro is that it is compatible wiht the Sena 10U communicator. That means if don’t like the look of communicators that hang on the side of your helmet, Klim has given you the option to add the 10U in a dedicated slot at the back of the helmet.
Finally the Krios Pro features a unique Fid-Lock strap clasp that uses a magnet to lock the strap under your chin, and has a convenient little red tab that is super easy to pull to remove with one hand. There is much debate about what type of chin strap is best these days. This is one design that is hard to appreciate until you’ve left a gas stop with your chin strap unfastened. You come to realize you can just reach up with one hand wiggle the strap around a bit until the magnet finds the clasp…click…you ride on with a grin.
Overall, the Klim Krios Pro is a premium helmet for adventure riders who want the best protection, comfort, and have been looking for even more convenience.
The Scorpion EXO-AT960 is a modular adventure motorcycle helmet that is designed to provide riders with a versatile and comfortable helmet for both on-road and off-road riding. It features a lightweight and aerodynamic shell that is made from advanced LG polycarbonate materials, which is both strong and durable. And for convenience the chin bar flips up, which can be a welcome convenience at a gas stop, when grabbing a quick bite, at a toll booth, or even a boarder crossing.
Aero-tuned ventilation system features one large intake vent on top, forcing cool air in while exhaust vents maximize movement of hot air out of the helmet. Dual Position mouth vent allows the 1st position to act as a defroster and 2nd position acts as defroster & ventilation. KwikWick C moisture wicking liner fabric keeps you cool and dry in warm weather, and warm in cool weather. Liner is easily removable and washable. KwikFit 3D sculpted cheek pads accommodate most eyeglasses.
Optically Clear MaxVision Pinlock ready face shield installed. Anti-scratch coated and offers 95% UV-A & UV-B protection. FREE Dark Smoke Pinlock 100% MaxVision face shield and Pinlock 120 anti-fog insert included. Internal drop down Speedview® sunvisor. Wide eye port provides good peripheral vision. When the face shield is removed the eye port accommodates most sizes and brands of goggles.
In terms of safety, the Scorpion EXO-AT960 is certified to DOT and ECE standards, and features a double D-ring chin strap for a secure fit. The helmet also includes an emergency release system that allows first responders to easily remove the helmet in the event of an accident.
Tool-less face shield system makes swapping between goggles or tinted and mirrored lenses quick and easy. Action Cam mounting plate (included) provides the rider a flat surface to mount cameras and other accessories. Comm-Ready speaker pockets allow for easily installation of your favorite BlueTooth communication system speakers
Overall, the Scorpion EXO-AT960 is a modular mid-price adventure helmet that is versatile and comfortable for many adventure riders.
And the winner is…
Now more than ever, we have so many high-quality ADV motorcycle helmets to choose from you can’t go too far wrong with any of the ADV Helmets on this list. With helmets, you are best served to put fit and function ahead of price.
Which one is the best adventure motorcycle helmet on the market today? Have Shoei, Klim, and Schuberth surpassed the tried and true Arai? I have done most of my off-road racing with an Arai lid on my head but after wearing them all, for hundreds of miles, for me there are three clear winners:
Top for 50/50 - 70/30 off-road focused ADV riding: KLIM Krios Pro
Top for on-road 80/20 focused ADV riding: Schuberth E2
Top for Dollar Value: Nolan N70-2X
Ultimately the winner for you will depend on the shape of your melon, your riding style, and your individual preferences. That said, this is one piece of riding gear that you don’t want to skimp on. When making your choice, it is wise to consider what an old friend used to ask when I was debating my next helmet… “how much is your head worth?”
