Best Adventure & Dual Sport Helmets of 2018 

would be awesome to get a 2022 version of this :)

I don't even own a bike and have no idea why I watched this. But it was excellent. Funny, well delivered and clear. Which is the best helmet for sitting on the sofa, bored during a Thursday evening? haha

I would watch you review anything, your video on earplugs proves that.

It’s a pure pleasure to watch your reviews - no matter if the subject is relevant to what I am interested to learn at that particular moment. Mixture of professionalism and style.... and a good dose of humor to make it even better. Thank you!

”unless you run out of kidneys to sell”

Great channel. Excellent reviews with humor. Your reviews helped me buy a new helmet. Thanks!

Absolutely the best motorcycle based channel on RU-vid. I wish you shipped to the US, as I would gladly support.

Your reviews and video production continue to evolve - and are now best in class. Keep it up!

The Bell MX-9 MIPS is definitely a solid entry choice from my experience with it. I’ve enjoyed it despite issues of screw mounts falling out or not working with their rubber spacers and plates. It could vent a bit better, but cracking the transitions shield is a pretty easy common practice. I’ve used the breathbox for the snow version during short winter commutes at 0-10F and never bothered using the heated shield. It now easily hosts a Cardo Packtalk (Slim custom mounted to the side, but Bold should mount out of the box) rigged with all audio to a GoPro Hero 6 on a ProShot mount. Peak is optional for those who may spend some time on the highway. I’ll consider the Arai XD-4 or a few other options if I truly need to upgrade. I’m unsure without testing, but it would be nice to cut down on some of the external noise if possible. Even with the thin yet breathable breathbox and it’s chin curtain, Bell’s MX-9 lacks any kind of block to wind and noise from underneath. That’s great on slow hot rides or hot rides in general. I might consider weight since I’m adding a bunch accessories, but I’m not usually feeling like too many helmets are hard on my neck. Great video, I always enjoy them!

got the XD4 remaining stock cheap for 400 bucks including a dark tinted visor. its phenomenal

I took that Arai (same colour and all) through Australia last year and it's an amazing helmet!! I couldn't agree more with Ryan on the praises of the Arai! And boy did we get heat and dust and cold and rain crossing a continent in 16 days... tip top.

One other interesting thing about the Arai is that the screws holding the peak and visor on are designed to sheer if the force going through the peak in a crash is too much, meaning again, less torque applies to the neck. Same principal as the rear plastic vents you mentioned.

absolutely the most enjoyable, informative , high quality production vids out there, your a talented man Ryan!!

Consistently providing the best motorcycling reviews in YT. Keep up the good work!

The 9 dislikes are from the German football team I'll wait for the other two

These reviews (and your other videos) are so good, I watch them even when the products don’t pertain to me. Keep it up F9!

Finally the perfect comparison! I've been searching for the quietest and lightest helmet. This is the perfect buffet of information to pick and choose from! 👍

Right when i needed it. Your timing is impeccable

I have that Scorpion lid, actually that exact orange one, and I love it! I find it really comfortable, and after years of breaking arms off sunglasses I put a ton of value on the drop down sun visor. Had it about 2 years and it only seems to get more comfy. Will agree it's a bit loud, but this helmet and some decent earplugs are a great combo. Enormous value and features for the price IMO

F9 really researches everything he reviews and gives the facts not just a vague opinion, brilliant. Thanks!

Thanks for the great video as always Ryan. Looks like the Arai XD4 is called the Tour-Cross 3 here in Japan. There also seem to be different graphic options here, and the base model (no graphics) has an RRP which equates to around US$400 before sales tax (which you should be able claim back if you bought it as a tourist...)

Always funny, always informative! You really make great videos. Much appreciated!

I have watched Ryan for a while and he is invariably entertaining and when he gets into the technical it is accurate. I learned much from his video on DOT vs Snell. I researched hard for a dual sport for an Alaska trip in 2019. I was biased toward BMW as I own a K1200GT and did own an 1150GS. I was leaning toward the BMW F800GSA and his video on that bike sealed that decision. I now own one. Before I watched this video I bought an Arai XD 4 because of the Snell rating. What he says here is right. After a Nolan and 4 HJCs including the RPHA ST I really like the XD4. Quiet and great fit. I never got the right fit that from any Shoei I tried. It should come with pin lock. It was fogging in the rain last week. Nice work to the whole F9 team.

Ive watched a ton of your reviews and you are by far the best reviewer Ive seen. Thank you.

This man is gonna singlehandedly making me quitting my breakfast for a month to buy this helmet

After watching multiple reviews from Ryan I can honestly say I'd be comfortable blindly buying anything he recommends. I never do that with anything...

No time to loose, straight to the point, maan i love your reviews. Thank you, we ain't got all day 👌🏾👍🏾

I think ive had pretty much every iteration of the Arai, from the OG tour X back in the day, to the X3 that survived a head-on collision through a car window and now the Tour-x4 (XD4) It is truly a fantastic helmet, the best if you ask me.

Been following you since you began. You & team are REALLY good at arguing what's the best. Thanks for making the video.

I was interested to see what was new on the market...turns out I’m already riding with the best, love my XD4. Thanks for making great content!

Your videos are pretty good man. I find myself watching them even if they don't really give a crap what you're talking about. I always learn something. Good work, thanks.

I’ve been using an Arai xd4 for a few years now on and off road. Best helmet I’ve ever worn. Here in the states you can catch them on sale for under $500 occasionally. Worth every penny.

love your honesty in these reviews, think this is why you have so many subscribers, trust is your strength!

I really love your content ! Great work again, stay sharp !

Thank you Ryan, just bought my new Scorpion EXO-AT950 and all because of this video. :)

Hi from Costa Rica, absolutely love you videos and bias opinions are refreshing! keep up the great work!

Your pic of the Scorpion AT950 had me applauding. I own two and love them.

Ryan man I'm binging on all your reviews and I don't even need anything. Best motorcycle-related channel!

Your videos are so great. No matter what you do, you have an unreal creative talent that is very rare

Fabulous review. Bought the at950 on your recommendation and really like it.

Your reviews are nothing short of awesome. Well done.

HANDS DOWN....one of the best, most informative reviewers/moto - journalists on the planet. Everyone of F9s videos are amazing.

I also tried many helmets but keep coming back to my 4 year old xd4. Its fits as nice as it was new, its smal and has decent ventilation. I wish it was a little quieter but earplugs on long rides helps a lot. Quality of the materials and build quality are top notch. I dont think that something will check as many boxes as Arai does.

Bought myself the Arai Tour X4 (the European trade name) thanks to your review Ryan! Best purchase I've ever made regarding riding gear! Keep it up!

Absolutely love my XD4, works great for me on the street too. Only thing I can't stand though is how you swap out the shield, they could really do a better job in that department lol

I’ve been wearing an XD-4 for the last year and love it! I looked at the Aventuro Carbon 2, but decided on the Arai and never looked back. Yeah, it was $550... but if you ride allot, it justify’s the safety and comfort.

You've really come a long way. Great job!

Great job!! Keep up the good work, love your channel!

Great review as always! I just ordered the European version (ADX-1) of the AT950 👌🏻

I could watch these videos all day thanks a bunch.

You were totally in my mind before I watched this video: a year and a half ago I got the Schuberth C3 basic and I’m suffocating! I live in Greece and temperatures can get pretty high, so it’s kind of a hell with that thing around my head. I can’t wait to go back to the Arai!

I don't even do ADV, this video helped me in no way, shape, or form. I watch anyway because you are great at what you do! You might be the next Billy Mays!

I wish ALL reviews were done by this guy. Straight to the point, we’ll spoken and unfiltered!

Dude simply love all your videos.

I truly appreciate your reviews!

Great, insightful, witty reviews! Yes, it is official - Ryan likely does the best reviews! Thanks for sharing! I did end up replacing my low budget Fly Trekker with the Bell MX9 Adventure MIPS Torch - Geez... I'm keeping my older Shoei RF-1100 for pure road work for now...

these videos are amazing, thanks Ryan

My Scorpion has 6 years now, nothing rattles amazingly - I love this helmet, the very big visibility is amazing (I took the sunshield of, much better on the highway, don‘t do any offroading).

Like my arai quantum II from years ago, the xd4 accommodates the klingon bump above my forehead. No hot spots or splitting headaches after 30 minutes. The beak definitely catches wind above 60 mph. Ventilation is pretty darn good at the expense of noise (higher speeds) and shield fogging (low speeds).

Ryan, you have to start to make 2 or 3 videos per week. Not sure how you will manage but these are the bread and butter for anyone into the subject of motorcycles or motorcycle equipment, cool stories and any kind of cinematography enthusiasts as it seems you get it just right every time. Big thumbs up, If I could like your videos all over again I would do it :) PS This goes for the whole team, I know you are not the only person working on them and the whole team is contributing it just right!

Soooooo happy with my Scorpion at950. Ive had it for over a year now and love it. I ride an sv1000 so all street for me, the helmet comes with side panel covers for when you take off the visor. Couple that with a shiny tinted shield and you get a very comfortable and functional commuter/street modular that doesnt mind a day or two offroad when you get invited to your buddys farm with the atv's. Not mentioned with the scorpion as well, shield has notches on the side so goggles can be worn without taking the shield off, and pads have speaker cutouts.

Love love love the intro. Straight to the point

Appreciate your reviews just want to request review of best road modular helmets of 2018.

Man, you're good. Thanks. Exactly what I needed to know.

T'was in the market for a new ADV lid so watched all your videos. Still wasn't sure based on noise results but bought an MX-9 MIPS couple of weeks ago. Then this video comes out, talk about affirmation - Cheers Ryan!

Love your vids man. Very informative.

I've have been riding for the last 2 years with the Schuberth E1. The pins that lock the chin bar down do tend to miss a little while off your head, but when it's on it's doesn't miss as much and I only noticed that when the helmet was new, after a few months the chin bar locking loosened up and stop missing the pins. Ryan is right though, it's more of a touring helmet. And Schuberth does have its own Bluetooth to fit this helmet that replaces the neck roll, but I wanted a Sena. Where the drop down shades control is, that is right where any BT device should go so mine is mounted a little farther back from perfect, but you get used to it. I think the venting is pretty good around 30+mph under that it is just meh, and I ride with the chin bar up even though you're not supposed to. The visor is surprisingly stable at interstate speeds but you can pull it off and the helmet comes with caps to fill the spots where the visor mounts.

AT950 FTW.

i like my at950 so far, anti fog is not as good as my last scorpion helmet but I love being able to flip up the helmet in the trails when needed. comfortable and fairly quiet

Great informative review with a dash of humour!

Did a multi-state adventure ride on a light adv bike last year (DRZ400), and decided to use my Bell purely off-road helmet for the ride. I've had the helmet for a couple of years and it is great for off-road use. Light enough with good air flow. As it turns out, off-road helmets don't make for particularly good adventure helmets. Air deflection is terrible at road speeds and dangerous in crosswinds. Noise is awful and exhausting after 8 hours in the saddle and rain is nothing short of painful. After four days of suffering, I stopped at a small motorcycle accessory store in western Colorado desperate for a change. Selection was limited. They had very few adventure style helmet options and what they did have landed at both sides of the spectrum. Super cheap, and then the Arai XD4. I dropped $650 on the XD4 and had my Bell shipped back home. They XD4 changed the entire nature of the ride and improved my mood substantially. Rain, wind, technical riding in Moab - didn't matter. What a GREAT helmet!

I know it's not a new thing, nor nice nor shiney but I've been hoping caberg tourmax would end up in one of your reviews... cheers for the content! You've cured me from few very bad purchase ideas over here!

Okay, you win, I'll subscribe. Excellent, well produced review.

Great review mate as always!

Great review as always, I have a request though, could you make a comparison video between the Arai XD4 and the new Touratech Aventuro Carbon2? Please and thank you!

Made my purchase - Arai XD-4. Thanks for the review.

I don't even ride anymore and I watched your entire video. You, sir, are a very good presenter.

XD4 Arai..... got it. thanks for deciding my next adventure touring helmet, love ya work (thank god for afterpay)

I purchased the scorpion Adv helmet. I am very happy with it. Fits Great, not too heavy not super loud. All-around great helmet. Thanks for the tip it was very helpful

great video! I have a C3 Pro and really like this video as I considered the E1.... The Arai looks awesome but I have really come to love a modular helmet....

I took the scorpion adventure helmet battlefage colour. It's a really good product. The unique issue is with the pinlock that tends to move down, losing the sealing. So you have to push it above to make sure that it remains in position, this happens probably due to the high curvature of the visor. For all the rest is a very good product, for the right price. I'll probably rebuy it. For it was better than my previous agv compact.

Great info and enjoyable review!

another awesome review, top work

Wow great review, as always ! Always looking foward to your next video ! I am planning on buying an ADV bike like a Versys 650 or V-Strom 650 and I'm struggling to understand what kind of helmet I need. The only thing, though, I don't think it's fair to compare a 350$ helmet to a 1000$ helmet. Otherwise, great job F9 !

Excellent reviews and we'll put together 👍 you've made me want to shell out for the arai now 🙈 do you know of a good helmet with flip down sun visors/glasses. Having to wear sunglasses squashed under a helmet are pretty uncomfortable. Really like the idea of some flip downs which I've never owned.

Great videos, keep on the good work

Great reviews, as always! Not a fan of flip ups and internal visors: they add weight and complexity. Happy owner of an older MX9 for three years now and will likely replace it with a new one in the next year or so. I wish they made the peak easier to remove and adjust. I remove it if I'm facing a long stretch of slab as it is pretty smooth without it...but I have to carry the adapters and make sure I dont drop the screws in the process.

Ive been looking at the Scorpion AT-950 for awhile, thankfully somebody made a good review on it toi let me know its solid! And iam sold!

Would love to see you review the KTM 1090 Adventure R. Any plans for that ? Great videos ! Keep up the awsome job ! Greetings from Sweden

Wow, best review! Very well done

Have owned the AT950 since March, put over 2000k of highway, city, and dirt. Comfortable, Vented, and good field of vision. Fits speakers no problem. Peak does create issues for on road riding. Overall, louder than most. Requires neck tube and chin curtain for cooler temps. Runs on the small side until worn in. Overall, would by again

Shots fired, Germany.... Ekhm korea ekhm

Kudos for the football joke, took me completely by surprise! Great review again:)

I love my MX-9 Adventure MIPS. It cracks your neck so nicely. Just grab the chin bar with the visor open and do the customary “neck crack” maneuver.

I honestly felt like the Klim helmet feels like the Biltwell gringo of adventure helmets at that price point it feels light years away from build quality.

Just bought the Scorpion AT950. I've had alot of helmets over the years (no high end) and feel that Scorpion are the best bang for the buck for me. Also have the EXO 1100 sixty six and love it.

Excellent as usual. It almost like the Arai: perfect (unless you use prescription glasses - then the Scorpion is my choice - I own two). Update (5 years after)t: used up my Arai Tour x4 and went back to the Scorpion. Half the price, equivalent quality and much more practical (and with a dropdown sun visor). One obvious cons of the Arai: couldn´t take the neck roll off to clean it, cant dethatch the cheek padding from the EPS on them, to clean, unless you tear them apart. The Scorpion ADF9000 is a much better design, where the cheek pads include almost all of neck roll, so very easy to clean.

regarding Schuberth: you either got a scrappy unit you want to replace, or you want to reread the manual. I ride that bucket since my last 20.000 Km (around 14 k miles?), and was utterly astonished to see you handle it. Summary: works just perfectly. BTW, it cost me around 700 Euro incl. SRC sound system, for which antennas are pre-installed anyway.

Brilliant review mate.

Straight up info without the BS. As always, well done.