The best dirt bike helmets for motocross protect more than the top of your head: they need a secure chin bar, room for goggles, steady airflow, and a fit that stays put when the track gets rough. For 2026, I would start with a helmet that carries the required safety marking for where you ride, then choose the model that fits your head shape without pressure points.
This guide compares 10 currently analyzed motocross helmets using the supplied manufacturer details, listed certifications, feature sets, and customer ratings. It is not a laboratory crash test, and no helmet can make a crash harmless; a correctly fitted, undamaged helmet is the practical starting point.
Our quick answer is that the Alpinestars SM3 Radium stands out for its ECE 22.06 and DOT credentials, low-friction liner coating, and extensive vent layout. The Bell MX-9 MIPS is the easy value-focused alternative for riders who want a listed MIPS system, while the Fox V Core MIPS combines MIPS with DOT and ECE 22.06 certification plus a broad shell-and-EPS sizing approach.
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The top 3 dirt bike helmets for motocross are these track-ready picks
Choose the Alpinestars for a detailed airflow and certification package, the Bell for established MIPS-equipped off-road use, or the Fox V Core when precise shell sizing and a magnetic visor release matter most. Every rider should still check the brand sizing chart and try the helmet with their own goggles before committing.
All 10 dirt bike helmets for motocross are compared below for 2026
This overview puts the supplied safety, ventilation, fit, and construction details in one place. Ratings and review counts are listing snapshots, so treat them as one signal alongside proper fit and the certification required for your riding area.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars SM3 Radium |
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View Product Details |
 Bell Moto-9S Flex |
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View Product Details |
 Bell MX-9 MIPS |
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View Product Details |
 OUMURS Adult ATV Helmet |
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View Product Details |
 Fox V Core MIPS |
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View Product Details |
 Fox V1 MIPS |
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View Product Details |
 ILM WS901 |
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View Product Details |
 O’Neal 2SRS |
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View Product Details |
 CARTMAN Adult Helmet |
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View Product Details |
 Fox V3 |
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View Product Details |
1. Alpinestars SM3 Radium is the best all-around choice for hot motocross sessions
Alpinestars SM3 Radium Helmet ECE06/DOT 2XL, Gray/Black/Yellow Fluo Matt
ECE 22.06 and DOT
1430 g ECE weight
10 intake and 7 exhaust vents
Pros
- ECE 22.06 and DOT certified
- ten intake vents
- low-friction liner
- visor release system
- hydration channels
Cons
- Limited color options
- only 12 listed reviews
The Alpinestars SM3 Radium is the strongest all-round pick in this group because its supplied details pair DOT and ECE 22.06 certification with a 1,430 g ECE-listed weight. Ten intake vents and seven exhaust ports are unusually specific airflow information, which gives a hot-day motocross rider a concrete reason to put it near the top of a shortlist.
I also like that the listed shell is thermo-injected polymer with variable thickness rather than a vague material claim. Alpinestars says the low-friction liner coating is intended to reduce rotational forces in an oblique impact, and the visor is designed to release under predetermined force to reduce neck loads.
Its ventilation and hydration routing suit riders who work hard in the saddle
The SM3 has integrated hydration-tube channels, removable cheek pads, and a recycled comfort liner. Those details point to a helmet made for repeated off-road sessions, not just a short ride around a field.
Airflow claims still depend on your speed, goggles, and local conditions, but the 10-inlet and seven-exhaust layout is a meaningful design detail. Riders who sweat heavily should value a removable interior because it can be cleaned between rides.
Its fit and limited review history need a closer look before ordering
The helmet is listed with an oval shape and a double-ring closure, so it will not automatically suit every head. Measure the widest circumference of your head, compare it with Alpinestars’ chart, and reject any size that creates a focused forehead or temple ache.
The perfect listed rating comes from only 12 reviews, which is too small a sample to settle the decision by itself. I would let the ECE 22.06/DOT listing, feature set, and real-world fit carry more weight than that early rating.
2. Bell Moto-9S Flex is the premium safety-system choice for dedicated riders
Bell Moto-9S Flex Helmets (Banshee Satin Black/Silver – Large)
Flex energy management
Magnetic emergency cheek pads
Fiberglass composite and EPS
Pros
- Flex Energy Management Technology
- magnetic emergency cheek pads
- removable X-Static liner
- fiberglass composite
- DOT approved
Cons
- Off-road focused design
- weight listing needs confirmation by size
The Bell Moto-9S Flex earns its place through features aimed at crash management and post-crash helmet removal. Bell lists Flex Energy Management Technology, a fiberglass composite shell with EPS, and Magnefusion Emergency Removal System cheek pads, a combination that speaks directly to riders who put safety-system details first.
Its 4.8 rating is based on 88 listed reviews, which is a more useful signal than a handful of ratings but still not proof of fit for you. The product page calls it DOT approved and FMVSS 218 compliant; check the physical certification label on the exact helmet you receive if a track or series has a specific rule.
Its emergency cheek-pad setup is the key reason to choose it
Magnetic emergency cheek pads can be removed to help take the helmet off more carefully after an incident. That is a rider-focused feature, but it does not change the basic rule: after a significant impact, seek medical evaluation and follow the helmet maker’s replacement guidance.
The magnetic strap keeper is smaller but welcome in daily use because it helps manage the loose strap end. The included helmet bag also gives the shell a safer place to live between rides.
Its hygiene features suit frequent practice rather than occasional use
Bell lists an X-Static XT2 removable liner, so the comfort layer can be taken out for cleaning. A clean liner matters because dried sweat can make a well-fitting helmet feel harsher over time.
The supplied listing reports 16 ounces, an unusually low figure for a complete motocross helmet that may reflect listing data rather than a comparable ready-to-ride measurement. I would verify the manufacturer weight for your actual size before using weight as the deciding factor.
3. Bell MX-9 MIPS is the sensible MIPS-equipped choice for most new riders
Bell MX-9 MIPS Dirt Helmet (Offset Matte Black/Red – 2X-Large)
MIPS energy management
Velocity Flow ventilation
3 shell and EPS sizes
Pros
- MIPS system
- Velocity Flow ventilation
- adjustable visor
- removable interior
- three shell sizes
Cons
- Older model platform
- listed availability can change
The Bell MX-9 MIPS is the straightforward recommendation for riders who want a recognizable off-road helmet platform with a listed MIPS Energy Management System. It carries a 4.7 rating from more than 1,200 listed reviews, and that larger feedback pool makes it one of the better-supported choices here.
Bell specifies a lightweight polycarbonate/ABS shell, three shell and EPS sizes, a removable interior, and DOT certification. Community discussions supplied for this guide repeatedly describe the MX-9 as a strong value choice, but that praise should never replace a personal fit check.
Its adjustable visor and airflow design work well for changing conditions
The Flying Bridge visor is fully adjustable and includes air-intake vents. That matters on a motocross track where you may need to change your sightline for a low sun, deep ruts, or a standing riding position.
Velocity Flow Ventilation is Bell’s named cooling system, and a removable interior makes cleanup less of a chore after a dusty afternoon. Bring your goggles when trying it on, since goggle foam and the helmet eye port need to meet without a gap or pinch.
Its three shell sizes are more useful than a single-shell shortcut
Multiple shell and EPS sizes can keep an XS or small helmet from feeling like a large shell filled with extra padding. That is not a promise of a better fit, but it is a specification worth seeking when you are between sizes.
The MX-9 platform has been available since 2018, so some riders may prefer newer certification language or a different rotational-impact approach. Its listed five-year warranty is a practical ownership detail, while a crash is still a reason to retire the helmet rather than rely on warranty length.
4. OUMURS Adult ATV Helmet is the complete-kit option for casual off-road use
OUMURS Adult ATV Dirt Bike Helmet with Goggles Gloves & Mask Adjustable Sun Visor Motorcycle Adults Helmet Off-Road Motocross Downhill Moped MX for Unisex-Adult-Matte Black, L
DOT FMVSS 218 compliant
ABS shell and EPS
Goggles gloves and mask included
Pros
- DOT FMVSS 218 compliance
- complete accessory kit
- quick release buckle
- adjustable visor
- 1420 g listed weight
Cons
- Only two listed vents
- limited technical safety detail
The OUMURS helmet is a complete off-road kit: its supplied contents include goggles, gloves, and a mask alongside the helmet. It is listed as DOT FMVSS-218 compliant, uses an ABS shell with EPS lining, and has a 4.7 rating from more than 1,000 reviews.
I would frame this as a practical casual-riding package rather than a first pick for sustained motocross competition. The product information offers fewer technical impact-management details than the MIPS, Flex, or low-friction systems above, so serious racers should compare those omissions honestly.
Its included goggles and gloves make first setup simpler
A bundled set removes the immediate task of finding basic accessories, and the goggles are listed as windproof and UV resistant. Check the goggle seal around the eye port rather than assuming any included pair will sit correctly on every face.
The quick-release buckle is convenient for getting the helmet on and off, while the adjustable sun visor can help with glare. Convenience features are useful, but a secure fit and an intact chin-strap system take priority every time.
Its limited vent count makes it less suited to the hottest track days
The listing identifies two vents, even though it also refers generally to multiple air vents. That is a much less detailed ventilation story than the Alpinestars or Fox V Core, and it gives me pause for riders who train hard in heat.
The 1,420 g listed weight is competitive on paper, but actual comfort comes from balance and padding as much as a number. Use it only if the shell stays stable when you turn your head and the cheek pads touch firmly without making speech difficult.
5. Fox V Core MIPS is the best fit-focused Fox option with current ECE 22.06 listing
Fox Racing Unisex-Adult V Core MIPS Motocross Dirt Bike Helmet, Matte Black
MIPS protection
DOT and ECE 22.06
9 intake and 4 exhaust vents
Pros
- MIPS system
- magnetic visor release
- nine intake vents
- four shell sizes
- ECE 22.06 certified
Cons
- Listed weight is 5 pounds
- limited warranty
The Fox V Core MIPS makes a persuasive case for riders who care about current certification language and shell sizing. Fox lists DOT, ECE 22.06, and FMVSS 218 compliance, MIPS for angled impacts, plus four shell sizes and five EPS sizes for a more granular fit range.
Its customer rating is 4.7 across 468 listed reviews, and its magnetic visor-release system is intended to stay in place while riding but detach during a crash. For this group, it is one of the clearest choices when you want both a named rotational-impact system and a detailed ventilation count.
Its shell and EPS size range is the feature that can improve proportion
Four shell sizes and five EPS sizes give the V Core more fit structure than a broad size label alone. A smaller rider should not accept excess space at the crown or a shell that feels bulky just because the circumference measurement appears right.
Try the helmet for several minutes, not just a few seconds. It should resist rotation when you gently move it at the chin bar, with evenly firm cheek pressure and no isolated hotspot.
Its airflow and visor design fit a rider who uses goggles every ride
Nine intake vents and four exhaust vents create a specific air path claim, while the magnetic visor release adds a track-focused safety consideration. The polycarbonate/ABS shell is injection molded, which is the stated construction behind that feature list.
The listing gives a weight of 5 pounds, which is substantially higher than some other supplied figures and may vary by size or listing method. Ask the retailer for the exact-size measurement if neck fatigue is one of your concerns.
6. Fox V1 MIPS is the flexible-size choice for youth and adult motocross riders
Fox Racing Unisex V1 Motocross Dirt Bike Helmet, Pink, X-Large
MIPS system
DOT and ECE 22.06
Youth and adult sizes
Pros
- MIPS system
- DOT and ECE 22.06
- 1 kilogram listed weight
- youth through adult sizing
- aerodynamic shape
Cons
- No listed built-in shield
- limited feature detail in listing
The Fox V1 MIPS is especially useful for families because the supplied listing spans youth sizes YS through YL and adult sizes XS through XXL. It lists MIPS, DOT, ECE 22.06, and FMVSS 218 compliance, giving riders a clear safety-marking baseline across a wide size range.
A 4.6 rating from 224 listed reviews supports its position as a familiar entry point into Fox’s off-road line. The listed 1 kilogram weight is appealing, though I would confirm the exact size and configuration because helmet weights can be recorded differently across listings.
Its youth-to-adult size range solves a real family riding problem
A helmet must match the rider, not be bought with room to grow. Children should be measured before every replacement purchase, and an adult should never try to solve a loose fit with a thick hat or added padding.
The V1’s broad range makes it easier to keep family members within the same general product line, but the shape can still differ from one head to another. Use Fox’s measurement chart and return a helmet that moves independently from the skin on the forehead.
Its certification and MIPS listing make it a better starting point than generic gear
MIPS is a low-friction layer designed to allow relative movement during certain angled impacts, which can help manage rotational forces. It is not a substitute for correct fit, a fastened double-D ring, or avoiding a helmet with prior impact damage.
The listing does not describe a built-in shield, which is normal for a goggle-oriented motocross helmet. Select goggles that do not push against your nose or lift the helmet at the brow when the strap is tensioned.
7. ILM WS901 is the washable all-in-one option for occasional off-road riders
ILM Adult Dirt Bike Helmets Men Women Motocross ATV Off Road Helmet with Goggles Gloves Mask DOT Model WS901 (Black White, L)
DOT and FMVSS 218
Washable comfort liner
Goggles gloves and mask
Pros
- DOT and FMVSS 218 compliance
- washable liner
- adjustable visor
- ventilation system
- complete kit
Cons
- 2.38 kg listed package weight
- less advanced impact detail
The ILM WS901 is another complete-kit choice, supplied with tinted goggles, gloves, and a balaclava mask. It is listed as DOT and FMVSS 218 compliant, with a knob-controlled adjustable visor, a detachable breathable liner, and strategically placed vents.
Its 4.6 rating comes from 89 listed reviews. The model is a sensible consideration for an occasional ATV or off-road rider who values a washable interior and bundled basics, but it provides less detail on rotational-impact management than several dedicated motocross designs.
Its washable three-dimensional liner is its everyday advantage
A fully detachable liner gives you a way to remove sweat and dust without treating the helmet shell aggressively. Hand-wash the removable pieces only as the manufacturer directs, then let them dry fully before putting the helmet back together.
The listed adult sizing covers 550 mm through 640 mm across small through 2XL. Measurements help narrow the order, while the final test is even pressure around the whole head and no roll-off when the chin strap is fastened.
Its package weight calls for a comfort check before longer rides
The supplied data gives 2.38 kg as the item package weight, which may include more than the helmet itself. It is still a cue to verify the helmet-only weight if you expect long sessions, rough terrain, or neck fatigue.
The ventilation system is described generally rather than with intake and exhaust counts. Riders who regularly run hard motos in summer may be better served by a model with a more detailed airflow design and an established goggle fit.
8. O’Neal 2SRS is the comfortable certified option for riders who prioritize liner feel
O’Neal 2SRS Helmet Adult Rancid Black/White Medium
DOT and ECE 22-05
1450 g shell in L
Washable plush liner
Pros
- DOT and ECE certification
- 1450 g large-shell weight
- plush washable liner
- multiple air vents
- ABS shell
Cons
- ECE 22-05 listing rather than 22.06
- less technical impact-system detail
The O’Neal 2SRS puts comfort at the center of its supplied specification sheet. It has an ABS shell, a 1,450 g listed large-shell weight, multiple air vents, and an ultra-plush removable and washable padded liner designed to wick sweat.
It is listed as meeting DOT and ECE 22-05 standards, with a 4.5 rating from 209 reviews. That can be a solid fit for trail, ATV, or general motocross use where a soft, serviceable interior is more appealing than a named rotational-force system.
Its plush removable liner is a strong comfort feature for repeated rides
Liner comfort is not a minor detail when you wear a helmet for hours. A lining that feels good at first should still be checked after several minutes, because pressure that seems small in a shop can become distracting on a ride.
The listed liner is both removable and washable, which helps keep sweat buildup from changing the feel of the cheek pads. Replace worn padding through approved parts where available instead of improvising a fit adjustment.
Its certification label should match your track and regional requirements
The O’Neal is described as DOT and ECE 22-05 certified, not ECE 22.06 in the supplied data. Check the rules at your specific motocross facility or organization because helmet acceptance can vary by location and event.
Its multiple vents should help with basic cooling, although no exact vent count is listed. Bring your normal goggles and confirm they sit flat against the eye port before choosing this as your regular off-road helmet.
9. CARTMAN Adult Helmet is the basic DOT-certified starter kit for light use
CARTMAN Phantom Red Black Adult Full Helmet Medium, DOT Approved ATV
DOT certified ABS shell
Goggles gloves and cover
S through XL sizes
Pros
- DOT certified
- ABS shell
- included goggles and gloves
- adjustable chin strap
- available S to XL
Cons
- No listed weight
- limited technical safety and ventilation data
The CARTMAN Adult Helmet is the most basic choice in this list, with a DOT-certified ABS shell and included goggles, windproof cover, and gloves. The supplied listing offers sizes from small through XL and describes an adjustable chin strap and visor.
It has a 4.5 rating from 108 listed reviews, which shows reasonable shopper satisfaction but does not fill in the missing technical details. For a serious motocross rider, the lack of stated helmet weight, airflow count, EPS sizing, and rotational-impact system makes it harder to compare with the stronger options above.
Its simple accessory set works best when expectations stay realistic
The included equipment can get a new rider through the basic gear list, and the goggles are a useful starting point. Fit and optical clarity still matter, so replace any accessory that interferes with your vision, breathing, or helmet seal.
The windproof and waterproof description is more relevant to general off-road or ATV use than a hot, high-output motocross moto. Riders who expect regular track use should put ventilation and secure goggle integration ahead of a broad accessory bundle.
Its DOT certification is a baseline rather than the whole decision
DOT certification means the product is listed to meet the applicable U.S. federal motor vehicle helmet standard, but it does not tell you whether the shell fits your head or whether a specific track accepts it. Inspect the DOT marking and fasten the chin strap every time.
No helmet weight is supplied, so do not assume it will feel light simply from the product photographs. A returnable try-on indoors, with clean hands and no riding, is the safe way to assess balance and cheek pressure.
10. Fox V3 is the feature-rich composite option for riders who want hydration routing
Fox Racing Unisex V3 Motocross Dirt Bike Helmet, Matte White, Large
MIPS composite construction
DOT and ECE 22.06
Emergency cheek pad removal
Pros
- MIPS system
- emergency cheek pad removal
- hydration routing
- speaker recesses
- composite construction
Cons
- 2.2 kg listed weight
- only 32 listed reviews
The Fox V3 is the most feature-dense Fox option in the roundup. Its supplied details list a composite, EPS, and EPP construction; MIPS; DOT and ECE 22.06 certification; an Emergency Cheek Pad Removal System; hydration routing; and speaker recesses for most communication systems.
It is a serious option for riders who want a helmet configured for longer off-road days as well as motocross use. Its 4.4 rating is based on 32 listed reviews, so the extensive feature list should lead the decision more than the relatively small review pool.
Its hydration routing and emergency removal suit long, organized rides
Hydration routing keeps a drink-tube path in mind from the start, while the supplied hydration-compatible mouthpiece reinforces that intent. These details are particularly useful in enduro or trail settings where stopping for water is less convenient.
The emergency cheek-pad removal system is a meaningful safety-oriented feature shared in concept with the Bell’s removable cheek-pad setup. It is not a reason to take risks; it is a design consideration that can help responders after a crash.
Its listed weight means balance and neck comfort deserve extra attention
The supplied listing gives the V3 a 2.2 kg weight, which is heavier than several other numbers in this guide. Weight information can vary by size and measurement method, but riders with a history of neck fatigue should verify the exact-size figure and try the helmet with goggles.
The V3 includes a clip-on visor extension, spare visor hardware, and youth through adult sizing. Those extras make the package more adaptable, while the correct choice still comes down to a motion-free, comfortable fit and the certifications your riding venue requires.
The right motocross helmet comes from fit, certification, and intended riding first
People often ask for one safest dirt bike helmet, but the honest answer is that a well-fitted, undamaged helmet with the required certification is safer for you than a highly featured model that moves on your head. Here are the checks I would make before choosing from any off-road helmets.
Certification labels answer whether a helmet meets a stated standard
DOT refers to the U.S. Department of Transportation standard under FMVSS 218. ECE is the European approval framework; the supplied products reference both ECE 22-05 and the newer ECE 22.06, so read the exact marking rather than assuming all ECE labels mean the same version.
Snell is a separate voluntary certification program, but none of the supplied product listings state Snell certification. A certification mark is not a ranking of comfort or a promise that any crash will be harmless; it is one part of a responsible selection process.
Rotational-impact systems add a distinct layer of crash-management design
MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is designed to permit movement between layers during certain angled impacts, with the goal of helping manage rotational forces. The Bell MX-9, Fox V Core, Fox V1, and Fox V3 are listed with MIPS.
Alpinestars describes a low-friction liner coating for the same broad concern, while Bell lists Flex Energy Management Technology on the Moto-9S Flex. These technologies are not interchangeable labels, and I would not declare one superior without independent comparative testing.
A correct fit feels evenly snug and does not shift when you move your head
Measure your head around the widest point above the eyebrows, then use the relevant maker’s size chart. With the chin strap secured, hold the helmet at the chin bar and gently move it side to side; the skin on your forehead should move with the helmet.
Do not accept painful pressure at one point, a gap at the crown, or cheek pads so loose that you can easily rotate the shell. A new helmet should be snug, but it should not create a headache during a quiet indoor try-on.
Ventilation, goggle space, and weight decide whether you will enjoy wearing it
For high-output motocross, detailed vent layouts such as the SM3’s 10 intakes and seven exhaust ports or the V Core’s nine intakes and four exhaust vents are helpful clues. Bring your own goggles, because the eye port, nose shape, and strap position all influence airflow and comfort.
Listed weight is useful only when you compare like for like and confirm the size. Balance can matter as much as grams, especially when braking hard, looking through ruts, or riding for a long session.
A helmet should be replaced after a meaningful crash or visible damage
Replace a helmet after an impact that may have compressed the EPS liner, even if the outer shell looks acceptable. Also retire it if the shell is cracked, the retention system is damaged, the liner no longer holds a safe fit, or the manufacturer recommends replacement after the event.
Store it in a dry place away from fuel, solvents, extreme heat, and direct sun. Never drill the shell, attach unapproved hardware, or hang it where it can fall onto a hard surface.
The most common motocross helmet questions have clear safety-first answers
What is the best dirt bike helmet for motocross?
The Alpinestars SM3 Radium is the strongest all-around pick in this guide because the supplied details list ECE 22.06 and DOT certification, a low-friction liner coating, and 10 intake plus 7 exhaust vents. The best helmet for an individual rider is still the certified model that fits securely with their goggles.
What dirt bike helmets do professionals wear?
Professional riders use several brands and models, often selected for fit, team arrangements, and a track-approved safety label. The supplied listings include advanced options such as the Bell Moto-9S Flex and Fox V3, but a professional’s helmet is not automatically the right shape for your head.
What is the safest dirt bike helmet?
The safest choice is a new, undamaged motocross helmet with the certification required where you ride that fits evenly and cannot shift on your head. Features such as MIPS, emergency cheek-pad removal, or low-friction liners can add protective design elements, but they cannot correct a poor fit.
What is MIPS in dirt bike helmets?
MIPS is a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System designed to allow relative movement between helmet layers during certain angled impacts, helping manage rotational forces. It is listed on the Bell MX-9 and several Fox models in this guide, and it works alongside rather than instead of the EPS liner and secure retention system.
How often should you replace a dirt bike helmet?
Replace a dirt bike helmet after a meaningful crash, any suspected EPS damage, a cracked shell, damaged strap hardware, or when it no longer fits safely. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for normal replacement timing and inspect the helmet before every ride.
The best final choice is the helmet you will fit and wear correctly every ride
For the best dirt bike helmets for motocross in 2026, start with the Alpinestars SM3 Radium if you want ECE 22.06, DOT, extensive venting, and a low-friction liner coating in one package. Pick the Bell MX-9 MIPS for a well-supported MIPS option, or the Fox V Core MIPS if its shell and EPS sizing gives you the better fit.
Do not choose by graphics, ratings, or an accessory bundle alone. Measure carefully, wear your normal goggles during a try-on, verify the exact certification label, and replace the helmet after a meaningful impact.