Have you just purchased a new 4-Wheeler or SxS ATV and need help deciding on the best ATV helmets for trail riding? If there is one piece of recreational ATV riding gear that’s more important than all the others, it’s your ATV helmet.
Many people, unfortunately, skip this item much to their own detriment. I’d like to ensure you aren’t one of those people, so I wrote this guide to help you out.


There are several different types of helmets on the market for recreational ATV riding.
Before we jump into the reviews for our top ATV helmet picks, I want to answer some frequently asked questions about ATV helmets.
In a hurry? Go straight to our #1 Best ATV Helmet for ATV Trails
How Do I Choose An ATV Helmet?
Before we jump into the best ATV helmets on the market for 2023, let me explain a few things you need to consider before you purchase.
The following features were taken into consideration when reviewing these adventure helmets.
- Helmet category and features of each
- Safety and comfort of Adventure Helmets
- Pros and Cons of A Dual-sport helmet vs. Motocross Helmets
- Feature Differences needed for SxS UTV vs. a Quad

There are a few things to consider when choosing an ATV helmet. Safety standards are at the top of the list, because there is no point in wearing a helmet that doesn’t protect you.
Always choose a DOT approved helmet, which means that the helmet has been made to the highest standards and will provide adequate protection.
Do You Have to Wear an ATV Helmet on the trail?
ATV helmet laws vary by state, but it goes without saying, regardless of the law an ATV helmet is necessary if you truly care about your own personal safety.
There is no Tennessee Laws on ATV Riding requiring that you wear a helmet on an ATV trail, however, most ATV trail parks require helmets on their trails.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-185. Off-highway motor vehicles states, “Operators and all passengers must wear a helmet while driving on a street, road or highway”
Honestly, however, I believe you should wear an ATV helmet regardless of age, experience, type of off-road vehicle, or whether you’re riding on the trail or on the road for maximum safety.
Be sure to check your state laws and the rules for the ATV trail you plan to visit.
What Is The Best ATV Helmet For Trail Riding?
For the purposes of ATV trail riding, we recommend a dual-sport helmet.
Dual-sport ATV helmets are the top helmet for ATV riding because they offer the best protection and versatility.
Here are our top picks for the best ATV helmets for trail riding in the dual-sport category. Keep scrolling for a full Pros and Cons list on each of the following helmets.
Best ATV Helmets In 2023
Here is our full run down of the features and pros and cons of each of these ATV adventure dual-sport helmets.
Hands down there is no question among ATV/UTV and motocross enthusiasts that the ARAI XD4 is the best of the best in terms of fit, safety, and features. Just get a load of all these amazing features yourself. If you are looking for the top of the line adventure helmet for your ATV trail riding, then the ARIA XD4 is what you need.
Price Point: $769.95The Pros:
- DOT/ECE and SNELL RATED proving it passes the most rigorous of examinations for safety.
- New comfort headliner, with microfitting 5mm peel-away temple pads ensuring a perfect fit for everyone
- Fully removable. Replaceable and washable liner.
- Optional liner sizes available for a custom fit
- Breakaway vents in the event of an accident further make this helmet an extremely safe option.
- Ventilation- This helmet offers plenty of vents and a great deal of control over the ventilation
- Price $$$$
Our #2 dual-sport helmet choice comes in at a dramatically lower price point than the ARAI XD-4, but that doesn’t mean it’s dramatically lower in quality.
Bell helmets have been around since Fred Flintstone (well not quite, but you get my point) and they are known for quality, comfort, and safety.
Price Point: Under $200
The Pros:- DOT certified
- ECE certified
- Polycarbonate constructed shell
- 3.5 lbs for a large size
- Fits true to size
- X-small to XXX
- Three shell sizes to make a more appealing fit and avoid the “bobble head” look
- Mouth bar and Chin bar have closable vents
- Eyebrow ventilation, but not closable.
- Exhaust ports along the back to allow maximum ventilation
- Visor is not adjustable, but large cut outs allow plenty of airflow for stability
- Bevel to allow a flatter shield for decreased distortion and maximum visibility
- Removable and Washable Foam insert underneath the mouth guard to keep out dust
- Ecstatic silver antimicrobial liner: removable and washable
- Speaker cutouts for Bluetooth communication system
- MIPS LINER: MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM- this allows the head to slip in a crash which disperses energy and improves safety in the event of a crash.
- Mid-Priced so not the most budget friendly
Where To Buy
Availabilty at Amazon can be scarce on this helmet, so I recommend checking MotoSport on this Helmet.

If you are really in the market for a cheap ATV helmet, the LS2 Blaze Adventure helmet is the most budget-friendly ATV helmet on our list coming in at just under $170.
This helmet might be a good choice if you are interested in a full face dual-sport helmet, but just can’t bring yourself to pay the price. The LS2 price point is very comparable to purchasing a standard motorcross helmet plus goggles and should be given serious consideration.
Price Point: $170-$180
The Pros:- Full Face Adventure Helmet with all the features of a motorcross helmet
- Lightweight
- The EPS safety liner
- Interior comfort padding that wicks moistore well and keeps rider cool
- Pre-curved comfort pads and excellent ventilation
- ptically correct Class A polycarbonate face shield
- D.O.T. and E.C.E. certified
- Some complain that the fit is extemely tight. Be sure to adequatly measure and use their sizing charts.
Where To Buy:
MotoSportAs with previous helmets, you can purchase on Amazon at the link below, but if you find it's out of stock, MotoSport is also a great option. They don't charge shipping if your purchase is over $49 and it's a two day delivery. They also offer a full refund on any purchases returned within 90 days.
Klīm uses a hand-laid carbon fiber wrap and innovative construction to bring this helmet in at just over 3 pounds for a medium. That is a huge selling point for this well build adventure helmet.
Price Point: $550The Pros:
- DOT certified
- ECE certified
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Only helmet weighing under 1500 grams (3.3 lbs) in North America
- Utilizes a Hand laid carbon fiber wrap for optimal design and weight
- May be a bit uncomfortable with those who have a longer oval head shape
- Great aerodynamic spoiler and visor with adequate airflow for maximum stability
- Fits true to size
- Vents on mouthpiece, chin, and a closable top vent underneath the visor
- Mouthpiece vent not adjustable or closable
- 2 exhaust ports underneath the spoiler
- Great airflow through the huge cut-outs allowing great head stability
- No tools needed to remove or adjust the visor
- Covers included to replace the visor and convert to a perfect street bike helm
- Premium polycarbonate anti-scratch shield
- Optically correct face shield with maximum visibility
- Transitions Lens Technology for Sun Protection
- Utilizes the Pinlock system to combat fog: This is a separate lens system that creates a barrier between the warm and cold air and aids in decreasing the build-up of fog
- Multiple detents
- Available in clear and smoke tint
- Removable chin curtain
- Removable cheek pads and neck roll
- Moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and washable
- No external front snaps, therefore, decreased pressure points
- Standard EPS liner
- Integrated Bluetooth options with SENA 10U for a sleek integrated communication system
- $$$$
- Sizing can be a problem: Medium to oval head shape with a longer oval finding this helmet may be a bit too uncomfortable. Be sure to measure your head and use the sizing chart for a good fit.
If you enjoy UTV racing, group riding, or spending a lot of time kicking up the dust on a desert UTV trail, the Bell Qualifier DLX forced-air helmet is a great choice for keeping cool air in and dust and debris out.
Price Point: $219.95
The Pros:- DOT Certified
- Utilizes a clean air system attached to a snorkel
- Forces clean air into the helmet
- The attached dust skirt helps keep the dust at bay
- Integrated Bluetooth communication system (systems sold separately)
- Padded Wind Collar to reduce wind and road noise
- Lightweight polycarbonate / ABS shell construction
- Integrated speaker pockets
- Not really a con, but just want to note, this type of ATV helmet is only necessary if you plan to do riding in the desert and/or dune ATV riding.
Fun ATV Riding Clothes
While protective gear is essential on the trail, it’s ok to look cute and share your wilder riding side with the world. I’m a big fan of ball caps and love this adorable “ATV hair, Don’t Care” hat from Sew Vivid Design on Etsy. Be sure to Check out all this cute ATV apparel.
Get Your FREE ATV Pre Ride Inspection Checklist
Recommended ATV Riding Resources
- Top ATV Trails Near Me in the Southeast
- Must-Have ATV Accessories
- ATV Riding Clothes– Everything you need to get started
- ATV Trails Near Me Facebook Group
More Related Resources
When ATV riding, you need all the protection you can get. Aside from ATV helmets, also make sure to choose the best shoes for ATV riding to keep all those toes safe and secured.
Now, if you’re looking for a place to ride 4-wheelers, check out this post about Off-Roading ATV Adventure In Sayulita, Mexico.
Cynthia
Friday 20th of May 2022
Good article but the price point is off for that Klim Krios helmet.