If you’re a frequent dirt bike rider, chances are you’ve wondered whether it’s better to use a dual sport helmet or a dirt bike helmet.
Of course, you want to ensure that whichever helmet you choose is safe and comfortable. But there’s a lot more to consider than just safety.
Read on to this article to know which one is better-dual sport helmet vs dirt bike helmet.
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Significant Differences of Dual Sport Helmet Vs Dirt Bike Helmet
Just like any other sport, racing has its own set of safety gear. For instance, you wouldn’t wear cleats to play baseball or wear a mouthguard to play soccer. The same goes for dual sport vs dirt bike helmets.
While both types of helmets offer protection, there are some major differences between the two that make one better suited for specific riding conditions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major differences between dual sport and dirt bike helmets:
1. Differences In The Range Of Vision
There are a few key differences between the range of vision offered by dual sport helmets and dirt bike helmets. For starters, dual sport helmets tend to have much larger visors.
As a result, it provides significantly more coverage and protection from the sun, wind, and debris.
Additionally, dual sport helmets often have smaller eye ports. It can limit your field of view when riding in rough terrain.
One of the biggest benefits of dirt bike helmets is that they offer a wider field of view thanks to their large eye ports. This is ideal for riders who need to be able to see as much of their surroundings as possible in order to avoid obstacles and stay safe on the trail.
However, this wide field of view can also be a bit of a drawback in certain situations, such as when riding through thick dust or mud.
2. Dual Sport Vs Dirt Bike Helmet- Material
Dual sport helmets are usually made from a harder plastic, such as fiberglass or Kevlar. Dirt bike helmets, on the other hand, are typically made from softer materials like EPS foam.
This is because dirt biking generally involves more falls and impact than other types of riding.
As a result, the softer material helps absorb some of the impacts to help protect your head and neck in a fall.
3. Differences In The Level Of Protection
The level of protection offered by a dual sport helmet vs dirt bike helmet depends on the individual rider and the type of riding they do.
For instance, a dual sport helmet offers more protection than a dirt bike helmet when riding on the street. This is because a dual sport helmet has a stronger shell and better impact absorption capabilities.
When it comes to off-road riding, a dirt bike helmet may offer more protection than a dual sport helmet. This is because a dirt bike helmet has a visor that can help protect against debris and branches.
Moreover, dirt bike helmets often have more padding than dual sport helmets, which can provide additional comfort and protection in the event of a fall.
4. Dual Sport Helmet Vs Dirt Bike Helmet- Weight & Fit
Now, it’s time to talk about the weight of dual sport vs motocross helmet. The average dual sport helmet is about 3.5 pounds while the average dirt bike helmet is about 2.5 pounds.
That may not seem like a big difference, but when you consider that a helmet can account for up to 15% of your total body weight, it can make a big difference in how comfortable you are on a long ride.
In terms of fit, both types of helmets should fit snugly without being too tight. However, dirt bike helmets tend to be a bit more form-fitting than dual sport helmets.
This is because they need to protect your head from larger impacts at higher speeds. As such, they need to be able to stay in place on your head even if you take a hard fall.
5. Variation In Design Between Dual Sport Helmet And Dirt Bike Helmet
A dual sport helmet is designed for both on and off-road riding. It has an aerodynamic design that helps reduce wind noise and turbulence when you are riding at high speeds.
A dirt bike helmet is designed specifically for off-road riding. It has an aggressive look with large vents that help keep you cool when you are riding in hot weather.
Motocross vs dual sport helmet- both types of helmets provide good ventilation to keep you cool while riding.
Dirt bike helmets often have more vents and larger vents than dual sport helmets. This is because when you’re riding off-road, you tend to get hotter due to increased physical activity and dust.
6. Cost Of The Helmets Should Be Considered
Cost is always a factor to consider when purchasing any product, and helmets are no different. Both dual sport and dirt bike helmets can range in price from around $100 to over $500. While the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best, it’s important to find a helmet that fits both your budget and your needs.
When it comes to cost, dual sport helmets tend to be on the more expensive side. This is because they need to meet the safety standards for both on-road and off-road use.
Dirt bike helmets, on the other hand, are typically less expensive since they only need to meet the safety standards for off-road use.
So, if cost is a major factor in your decision-making process, a dirt bike helmet may be the better option for you.
Anyway, if you plan on doing any riding on paved roads, you’ll need to go with a dual sport helmet.
Time To Choose- Which One Is Better?
You’ve probably seen people out on the trails wearing both dirt bike helmets and dual sport helmets, and you might be wondering which one is better.
We have shown you a quick breakdown of the differences between the two types of helmets.
So, which type of helmet is better? It really depends on your own personal preferences. If you do most of your riding off-road, then a dirt bike helmet might be a good option for you. But if you plan on doing any street riding, or if you’re worried about crashing on the pavement, then a dual sport helmet is probably a better choice.
Final Thoughts
A dirt bike helmet is definitely the better choice if you’re planning on doing any off-roading. They’re more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and they offer better protection against flying debris.
However, if you don’t plan on doing any off-roading, a dual sport helmet is a perfectly acceptable choice. They’re less expensive than dirt bike helmets, and they offer decent protection against everyday hazards.
If you want to share something about dual sport helmet vs dirt bike helmet, write a comment below.
Viola is a mountain bike rider who loved to ride on various off-road tracks. In her half a decade of biking experience she always preferred safe rides. In her early riding days, she fall in an accident and after that, she realized how important this safety thing is. Viola starts writing bike safety-related blogs since then so that other bikers can remain safe while riding.