What’s the Difference Between Dirt Bike and Off Roading Helmets?

Are you interested in exploring the trails or riding dirt bike courses? What is the difference between cruiser full face helmets and carbon fiber dirt bike helmets on sale? It is relatively easy to confuse the two. Helmets for adventure riding and dirt biking do look similar. Both types of helmets provide full-face protection, but there are differences in weight, ventilation, eye ports, noise and weather protection.  

Weight

How should a motorcycle helmet fit? Typically, you want your helmet to have a snug fit. However, beyond the way a helmet hugs your face, you will want to consider the weight of the design, and the heftiness of a helmet depends a lot on your riding style. For example, while adventure helmets usually weigh more than dirt bike helmets, dirt bike riding requires a helmet design that offers more breathability, which reduces the weight of the design.

Ventilation

Dirt bike racing and course work are typically done on warm, dry days, which means the comfort of the rider is paramount. Adventure riding, alternatively, is performed through all types of weather conditions, which makes protection more important. Therefore, you should find that dirt bike helmets, while designed for a snug fit, will also provide ample ventilation ports, allowing wind to flow freely through the helmet, improving comfort and reducing sweat for the rider.

Eye Ports

Next in the differences between a dirt bike and off-roading helmet, the design of the eye ports. Dirt bike riding requires as much ventilation as possible, which means that helmets for the sport do not usually have a face shield, and the eye port is wide enough to allow the wearing of goggles. Adventure riding, however, requires a face shield design to provide the most protection possible in case of a spill or crash.

Noise Protection

Due to the design of dirt bike helmets, which ensures the most ventilation, there is limited protection from external noises, which can make regular or daily riding uncomfortable. Adventure or off-roading helmets, on the other hand, do not require the same ventilation and place more importance on padding and protection, which helps to provide ample noise protection during trail riding and high-speed riding. Also, as adventure helmets do not focus on over-ventilation, the rider will experience less pulling when riding at higher speeds.

Weather Protection

Last, adventure or off-roading helmets provide superior weather protection for the rider. Dirt bike riding and racing requires airflow, which consequently decreases the level of environmental protection provided. However, as most dirt bike riding is performed in dry and warm weather, the lack of weather protection is not a problem. Adventure racing, however, takes place in various weather conditions making protection essential.

When selecting a motorcycle helmet, it is necessary to understand your dominant style of riding. If you choose dirt bike riding, then you want a helmet designed for ventilation and the use of external goggles. However, if you are an adventure racer, then you want maximum protection. If you are unsure of your style, then contact your favorite supplier of motorcycle gear and discuss your options.