Mid-level dirt bike helmet comparison

The $450-$700 price range offers some of the best dirt bike helmets for your money, where safety standards, technology, comfort and styling are all strongly emphasised by helmet manufacturers.

In this guide, we compare the off-road motorcycle helmets available in the mid-range sector!

Thor Reflex Composite helmet:

The Reflex Composite helmet is the latest lid from Thor, and it's packed with technology. Fitted with MIPS, the Reflex uses Koroyd welded tubes that crumple instantly and consistently on impact, minimising energy transferred to your head. The MX helmet also has a quick release system and a number intake and exhaust vents.

Price: From $589.95

Weight: 1350g
Key features: MIPS, Koroyd technology, quick release system

Airoh Aviator helmet:

Airoh is known for its incredibly lightweight motocross helmets, and the Aviator is no different, weighing in at a staggering 1040g! The off-road helmet is made from a high-performance composite and boasts Airoh's ASN system, emergency fast release, and a refined ventilation system combining front, upper, and rear air vents.

Price: From $599.95

Weight: 1040g
Key features: 1040g weight, ASN system, emergency fast release

Just1 J12 helmet:

The Just1 J12 helmet is the lid of choice for our very own ambassador and multi-time Australian champion Jay Wilson, and it comes with a number of neat features. The helmet uses a complete carbon fibre shell, making it incredibly lightweight, plus it utilises an emergency quick-release cheek pad system and has a selection of intake and exhaust ports.

Price: From $649.95

Weight: 1100g
Key features: Carbon fibre shell, quick release cheek pad system

6D ATR-1 helmet:

6D Helmets and its ATR-1 lid revolutionised the dirt bike helmet industry when it was first introduced in 2013, where it unveiled its advanced Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system designed to reduce angular acceleration and low-threshold impact energy transfer to the brain. Alongside its advanced safety tech, the helmet also boasts a shell made from aerospace carbon fibre, composite fibreglass, and Kevlar, along with a quick-release cheek pad system.

Price: From $649.00

Weight: 1590g
Key features: ODS, quick-release cheek pad system, 8 intake ports/4 exhaust ports

Alpinestars S-M8 helmet:

When it comes to dirt bike protection, Alpinestars is an innovator and leader in moto. The Alpinestars S-M8 helmet boasts the industry-leading Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which manages rotational forces, while the lid also offers an emergency release system (removable cheek pads) and Alpinestars' very own A-Head fitting system for height and angle adjustment.

Price: From $649.95

Weight: 1300g
Key features: MIPS, emergency release system, A-Head fitting system

Bell Moto-9 MIPS helmet:

The Bell Moto-9 MIPS has been a staple in the $450-$700 helmet segment, and there's a good reason why - it's packed with high quality helmet features! The helmet comes fitted with MIPS, Velocity Flow Ventilation, Flying Bridge Visor designed to reduce forces in the event of a crash, and Magnefusion Emergency Removal System (MERS) cheek pads.

Price: From $689.95

Weight: 1450g
Key features: MIPS, Velocity Flow Ventilation, Flying Bridge Visor, Magnefusion Emergency Removal System

Troy Lee Designs SE4 Composite:

Troy Lee Designs has always been known for its high-quality riding gear and protective equipment, which is why the SE4 Composite lid is one of the best value for money helmet available. It uses a lightweight composite shell that's only 100 grams heavier than its carbon helmet counterpart, plus it offers MIPS and a superior ventilation system with 21 intake and exhaust vents.

Price: From $699.95

Weight: 1425g
Key features: MIPS, 21 intake/exhaust vents, emergency release system