If you ride Motocross or off-road whether you're on a dirt bike or ATV, the helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment you can invest in.

Just ask Eli Tomac.

But not everyone can afford a 6D Helmet. Many helmet brands the pros wear easily push well past the $500 mark and for someone wanting to ride the expense of buying the dirt bike then investing in all the necessary riding equipment can easily put the brakes on their dream.

There is much truth to the fact that you should never skimp on head protection. If money is no object buying a 6D, Arai, Bell or any of the other high-end brands is a yes-brainer.

However, not everyone can afford to shell out the cash for an expensive helmet and if that was a requirement the Moto landscape would look drastically different. Many high quality helmets exist that provide maximum comfort and durability along with state-of-the-art protection approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), and in some cases certified by the more stringent SNELL, all without emptying your bank account. Some helmets include information on ECE (Europe) and AS (Australia) safety compliance. Read The Big List of DOT, Snell & ECE Approved Motocross Helmets for more information on safety certifications.

The biggest difference between the affordable dirt bike and ATV helmets from their more expensive counterparts is weight and features like the venting system and inside lining. Most of the helmets featured below use an injection molded polycarbonate construction for the outer shell which is heavier than carbon fiber and fiberglass which is often used in the more expensive helmets. In fact, many brands offer a higher-end model line along with a more affordable model line and incorporate the same safety technology.

Just remember, the right helmet for you fits correctly, is comfortable and doesn't hinder or impair your visibility or ability to ride. A $1000 helmet that you hate wearing because it hurts, impacts your ability to ride or keeps you from performing your best is little better than a $100 knock-off.

Check out our Dirt Bike Helmet Buying Guide for more information on choosing a helmet, sizing and features. The following helmets are all under $200 and we've included some additional details to help with the decision process. More specifications can be found by clicking on the individual links provided.

Helmet Brand: O'Neal

Helmet Brand: Bell

O'Neal 5 Series Helmet - Wingman

Bell MX-9 Helmet - Tagger Scrub

Price: $116.99

Price: $179.95

Features:

  • Adjustable visor design
  • Polycarbonate/ABS shell construction
  • Multiple air vents
  • Meets DOT, ECE and AS 1698 safety standards

Features:

  • Integrated vented roost guard
  • Polycarbonate shell
  • Three shell and EPS sizes for a personalized fit
  • DOT certified
 

Helmet Brand: Fox Racing

Helmet Brand: MSR

Fox Racing V1 Helmet - Race

GMAX GM11S Helmet With Electric Shield

Price: $169.95

Price: $179.95

Features:

  • Nine intake and four exhaust vents
  • Injection-molded polycarbonate construction
  • Three shell and 4 EPS sizes for a precise fit
  • Exceeds SNELL 2010 and DOT certifications

Features:

  • Shield can be fully raised or lowered when using goggles
  • Lightweight poly alloy shell
  • Large eye port that accepts even the largest goggles
  • Meets DOT safety standards
 

Helmet Brand: Thor

Helmet Brand: HJC

Thor Quadrant Helmet

HJC FG-X Helmet - Legendary Lucha

Price: $159.95

Price: $179.99-$184.49

Features:

  • Oversized forehead venting
  • Blended Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Polycarbonate shell
  • Molded roost guard
  • DOT and ECE 22.05 approved

Features:

  • Advanced Channeling Ventilation System
  • Fiberglass Composite Shell
  • Large Eye Port
  • DOT and SNELL certified
 

Helmet Brand: EVS

Helmet Brand: Fly

EVS T7 GT Helmet

Fly Kinetic Pro Helmet - Trey Canard Replica

Price: $157.99

Price: $112.99

Features:

  • Four intake and six exhaust ports
  • RAM Air Cooling System
  • Removable/washable moisture-wicking comfort liner
  • DOT and SNELL approved

Features:

  • Hi-flow mouthpiece
  • Poly alloy shell
  • 10 intake vents
  • DOT, ECE and AS approved
 

Helmet Brand: Scorpion

Helmet Brand: One Industries

Scorpion VX-34 Solid Helmet

Answer AR3 Helmet - Align

Price: $129.95

Price: $169.95

Features:

  • Air inflatable cheek pad
  • Polycarbonate shell
  • Impact absorbing EPS
  • DOT, ECE certified

Features:

  • Made of injection-molded polycarbonate
  • Nine intake and exhaust vents help keep you cool
  • SilverCool moisture-wicking liner is removable for washing
  • DOT, ECE approved