Because dirt helmets are always changing and developing in terms of style, features and tech, we've put together this section which shows many of the latest motocross helmets available on the market today, ordered in most recent first.

Why are Motocross/Dirt helmets Different?

Simply because Motocross helmets are used differently to road helmets. Motocross riders take their helmets off road and down trails and put themselves, their machines and their helmets through enormous physical exertion in extreme circumstances.

And that means their helmets have been adapted over time to give lots of ventilation to keep cool, a large space to fit goggles and a roost guard to keep off the worst of the dirt. And the best manufacturers work hard to fit extra protective features to keep riders as safe as possible when they inevitably get up close and personal with the track.

Which is the best Motocross helmet?

We'd say the best motocross helmets is the one that offers the best protection, the right features for your riding and the one that fits you the best - and not necessarily in that order!

In fact, your top priority (yes before even what it looks like, the colorway and whether it's got the right logos on it!) is the fitment. Get that just right (preferably by following our fitting guide) and you'll get the best protection out of any helmet you buy. You'll also get the best comfort levels, letting you concentrate more on your riding. Then look for a helmet with the right features and certification. Finally, it's then time to look at the design or colors. Do all these - in that order - and you'll find the best motorcross/dirt helmet for your needs.

It's great to have a large viewport on any helmet of course: the larger the hole and the better the all-round vision, the more involving the riding experience is and the easier it is to spot any hazards coming your way.

But for a dirt helmet it's arguably even more important because you'll probably want to fit a large pair of goggles in there too, so you need to buy a helmet with a particularly large viewport - especially if you've some favorite goggles that you want to pair up with your new lid.

The good news is that all the helmets in this section have particularly large spaces for goggles.

Are Motocross or Dirt Bike Helmets Street legal in the USA?

They sure are. As long as they've got a DOT sticker on the back then they're just as legal to use on the street as any regular street helmet.

OK, you might find they're not as suitable as street helmets, especially if you up the speed a bit, as they're designed to let more air through for better ventlation. Plus they have a larger hole at the front so you can fit goggles. Also, the aero - including that large peak/roost guard - might well catch quite a bit of air at speed. That said, the helmet itself will be constructed from the same sort of materials as a road helmet. And if you do have an off, it should absorb the impact in the same way a street helmet does.

Bell began the trend for dirt helmets with a protective chin bar back in the 1970's with the original Bell Moto 3 helmet and they've been refining and developing their motocross helmets ever since. Today, Bell helmets are at the forefront of motorcross helmet design, researching and quickly introducing new safety innovations into the market and supporting a number of pro dirt bike riders. If you're interested in buying a Bell motocross helmet, you'll find all the Bell helmets we've looked at so far in this section.

Shoei don't have much of a range of motocross helmets but when they do release one, they're well developed and highly rated. They're also used by professionals in AMA Supercross and Motocross, World Motocross, Cross-Country and Dakar so they're well tested and developed in the field. Check out Shoei dirt bike helmets below.