Paved highway, gravel fire road, and a dusty trail in one weekend puts a helmet through very different jobs. The shell needs to handle wind at speed, the peak needs to shade glare off-road, and the liner needs to stay tolerable after hours in the saddle. Your size and head shape matter as much as any feature list, because a snug fit stays put while a loose one shifts. The eight options below split by those priorities, from simple dual-sport shells to carbon adventure lids with comm-ready pockets.
The Main Contenders
O’Neal Sierra Helmet Black/Gray MD
O’Neal Sierra Helmet Black/Gray XXL
1Storm Dual Sport Full Face Helmet HF802
Orthrus Dual Sport Adventure Motorcycle Helmet
Orthrus Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Matte Black M
LS2 Explorer Carbon Adventure Helmet
ScorpionEXO XT9000 Carbon Fiber Adventure Helmet Large
ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Flip-up Helmet
Inside Each Recommended Option
A straightforward adventure lid for riders mixing pavement and dirt without a long feature list. The polycarbonate and ABS shell keeps weight at 1590 grams, and the integrated shield plus height-adjustable peak cover the basics for sun and dust when you ride both surfaces.
Vent holes and a moisture-wicking liner help on warm days, and the padded Double-D strap gives a firm, familiar closure. Measure your head circumference before ordering the MD size, since fit is the main decision here.
Notable Gains
- Polycarbonate and ABS shell with DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.05 standards
- Integrated face shield with height-adjustable peak for glare control
- Removable, washable liner with air channels for warm rides
- Padded Double-D chin strap for a secure hold
Things To Consider
- No built-in drop-down sun visor, unlike several picks below
- MD sizing needs a careful head measurement before ordering
Same Sierra platform as the MD version, sized for larger heads. The shell, shield, and liner setup mirrors the smaller size, so the choice comes down to fit rather than features. That makes sizing the whole story for this variant when you need the larger shell.
Double-D closure and vented liner carry over from the MD model. Check the size chart closely, because a larger shell that still feels loose will not hold steady at speed.
What Pays Off
- XXL sizing extends the Sierra fit range for larger heads
- Same DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.05 shell standards as the MD
- Height-adjustable peak and integrated shield for trail glare
Worth Noting
- Fit returns are noted for this size, so measuring first matters
- No intercom pockets or drop-down visor in this design
- Larger shell adds bulk compared with mid sizes
Who It Suits Best
Riders with larger head measurements who want the simple Sierra dual-sport layout.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The LS2 Explorer Carbon Adventure Helmet suits riders who want a carbon shell and wider eye port.
Dual visors set this one apart from the O’Neal Sierra pair above. An inner smoked visor flips down for glare, while the outer clear shield handles wind and dust, so switching between bright and dim conditions takes seconds when you move between bright and dim conditions.
The thermoplastic alloy shell is described as lightweight and aerodynamic, with a cushioned liner that comes out for washing. Use the head measurement guide, since a snug start matters more than the size label alone.
Real-World Strengths
- Inner smoked visor plus outer clear shield for changing light
- Removable and washable cushioned interior for regular cleaning
- Glossy UV protective finish on the shell
- DOT FMVSS 218 standard for street and off-road use
- Size chart from S at 53-54 cm through XXL at 61-62 cm
Trade Offs
- Padding can loosen over time, so checking snugness after early rides helps
- No intercom pockets or camera mount listed
Built for riders who ride in groups and want comms without cutting padding. Headphone storage slots in the liner make room for Bluetooth intercom speakers, a detail the 1Storm HF802 above does not offer, which matters when you ride with a group.
Three vents at top, front, and rear move air across the head, and the adjustable peak is shaped to stay steadier at highway speed. The MultiCam pattern gives a rugged look that suits ATV and dirt bike use as much as street riding.
Useful Highlights
- Built-in headphone slots for Bluetooth intercom installation
- Dual visor system with UV protected outer shield and inner sun visor
- Three-point ventilation at top, front, and rear
- Removable, washable plush liner with neck support shaping
- Quick release buckle for fast on and off
Minor Gripes
- Intercom hardware itself is not included with the helmet
- MultiCam styling is a strong look that will not suit every rider
A full-face street helmet rather than a peaked dual-sport lid, which changes the decision completely. The matte black shell and ABS construction with EPS liner focus on commuting and highway riding when you stay on pavement, not trail dust.
Two visors are included, tinted for daylight and clear for night, and the quick-release design swaps them without tools. Front, top, and rear vents plus a 3D-molded washable liner keep longer commutes more tolerable.
Real Benefits
- Tinted and clear visors both included in the package
- Tool-free visor swap for day to night changes
- Removable, washable 3D-molded liner for a snug fit
- Multiple vents for airflow on warm commutes
Room For Improvement
- No adventure peak, so off-road glare protection is limited
- No flip-up chin bar for stops and conversation
Made For
Daily commuters and street riders who want a clean full-face design in size M.
Consider Something Else When
The Orthrus Dual Sport Adventure Motorcycle Helmet suits riders who need a peak and intercom slots.
Carbon fiber moves this LS2 into a different weight class from the polycarbonate shells above. A lighter shell helps you on long touring days, where neck fatigue builds up hour after hour.
The ultra-wide eye port with a Class A polycarbonate shield, meaning optically correct to reduce distortion, gives more peripheral vision than narrower ports. Adjustable flow-through vents and a drop-down sunshield round out the touring setup.
Where It Delivers
- Carbon fiber shell construction for reduced weight
- Ultra-wide eye port with Class A polycarbonate shield
- Integrated drop-down sunshield for changing light
- Removable, washable liner with 3D laser cut cheek pads
- Adjustable dynamic flow-through ventilation ports
Points To Note
- Carbon construction puts this above the simpler shells in cost
- No Pinlock insert or camera mount listed in the package
ScorpionEXO loads this carbon adventure helmet with touring hardware that the LS2 above lacks. A dark smoke Pinlock shield and anti-fog insert are included, and the 12 cm tall eye port fits most goggles when you remove the shield for off-road use.
Airfit inflation lets cheek pads adjust to cut wind noise, and speaker pockets sized at 50 mm fit Bluetooth systems. The TCT-Ultra 3K carbon shell and multi-layer EPS, which is the foam liner that absorbs impact energy, target riders who log serious miles.
Useful Strengths
- Carbon fiber shell with DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 standards
- Pinlock ready shield with dark smoke shield and anti-fog insert included
- Action cam mounting plate for a flat camera surface
- Airfit inflation system for custom cheek pad fit
- Removable KwikWick III moisture wicking liner
- Closable vents with tool-free chin bar vent cover
Softer Spots
- Large size in white is the listed variant, so other sizes need checking
- Weight at 1580 grams for medium still needs a fit check for neck comfort
A flip-up chin bar changes how stops feel, because the front lifts with one lever instead of removing the whole helmet. That suits riders like you who stop often for photos, fuel, or conversation.
The external peak comes off for long-distance touring, and block-off plates are included for that setup. An 11 cm eye port fits most goggles, and a drop-down Speedview sun visor handles glare without a shield swap.
Advantages To Know
- Flip-up chin bar with single lever release
- Removable peak visor with block-off plates included
- Drop-down sun visor with sliding mechanism
- Removable, washable KwikWick C liner
- DOT and ECE 22.06 standards with polycarbonate shell
Small Caveats
- Weight at 1858 grams for medium is higher than the carbon picks
- Flip-up mechanism adds complexity compared with a fixed chin bar
Right Fit For
Riders who stop frequently and want chin bar access without removing the helmet.
Not Your Match When
The ScorpionEXO XT9000 Carbon Fiber Adventure Helmet Large suits riders who prioritize carbon weight savings.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Adventure Motorcycle Helmets
Fit and Shell Weight
Measure your head about a half-inch above your eyebrows, then match that number to the size chart rather than guessing by label. A helmet that feels snug at first should hold steady without pressure points, and that check matters more on a long ride. Carbon shells such as the LS2 Explorer Carbon and ScorpionEXO XT9000 cut weight compared with polycarbonate shells, which helps when hours add up.
Visors, Peaks, and Ventilation
Dual visor systems, drop-down sunshields, and tinted shields each solve glare differently, so match the setup to your typical light conditions. Peaks shade off-road sun but can catch wind at speed, while removable peaks offer a compromise for touring. Vents at the top, front, and rear move hot air out, and closable vents give control in cold weather.
Comms, Cameras, and Stops
Speaker pockets and headphone slots decide whether a Bluetooth system fits without pressing on your ears. Camera mounts need a flat surface, and flip-up chin bars make frequent stops easier. Check those details against your riding style before narrowing to a final choice.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
Ordering by your usual clothing size instead of a head measurement causes most fit problems. Skipping the visor type check also leads to glare surprises on the first bright ride. A quick size and visor check before ordering avoids both issues.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Higher tier shells use carbon fiber to cut weight and add features such as Pinlock inserts, camera mounts, and inflatable cheek pads. Those extras pay off on long tours and in changing weather. Simpler polycarbonate shells remain a sound choice for shorter mixed rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size adventure helmet should be ordered?
Order by head circumference measured above the eyebrows, not by clothing size. Match the largest of two or three measurements to the size chart for a snug fit.
Are dual visor helmets better than a single shield?
Dual visor helmets handle changing light without swapping shields. A single shield setup works well when riding mostly in one light condition.
Can an adventure helmet fit a Bluetooth intercom?
Many picks here include speaker pockets or headphone slots for Bluetooth systems. Check pocket size, such as 50 mm on the ScorpionEXO models, before ordering speakers.
Is a peak helpful on the highway?
A peak shades glare off-road but can catch wind at highway speed. Removable peaks, such as on the ScorpionEXO AT960, let the setup change for touring.
How often should the liner be washed?
Removable liners on most picks here can be washed after dusty or sweaty rides. Regular washing keeps the interior fresh and helps the fit stay consistent.
Closing Remarks
Match the shell and visor setup to your routes first, then confirm the size chart for a snug fit. The ScorpionEXO XT9000 suits riders who want carbon weight savings with touring hardware, while the O’Neal Sierra keeps things simple for mixed street and trail use.