Choosing the right off-road helmet can be a head-scratcher with so many on the market with different specifications and price tags. Enduro21 takes one manufacturer, Acerbis, for a closer look at five off-road helmets in their range to see what you get for your money.

The old mantra with riding kit, as well as tools and possibly even bikes, is buy the best you can afford. When we’re talking about helmets and factoring in safety, then that rule of thumb is particularly true.

But what do you get for your money and basically what is the difference if you spend 600 or 100?

To find out, we’ve looked at five Acerbis off-road helmet models dedicated to motocross and enduro. All have the established ECE 22-06 certification applied under European manufacturing regulations, making them all fully valid for sports and amateur use. One also has the new FRHPhe-02 homologation standard imposed by the FIM for participation in international competition.

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Airstrike FIM Racing #2

The Airstrike FIM Racing #2 helmet is the top of the range model from Acerbis, the most expensive, yes, but sitting at the top of the technology tree.

It is the first Acerbis motocross helmet to be FRHPhe-02 certified, a requirement that is mandatory for international competition like EnduroGP, Hard Enduro World Championship and ISDE.

Features include a double carbon fibre shell in one size, removable air intakes, a screwless peak, and an increased contact surface for the goggle strap, plus a removable, hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft-touch fabric liner.

  • Outer shell: Carbon Fibre.
  • Homologation: ECE 22-06.
  • Homologation 2: FRHPhe -02-2023.
  • Double outer shell and double inner shell.
  • Ventilation: 4 intakes-6 extractors.
  • Additional systems: A.C.S. (Acerbis Comfort System).
  • Additional systems: QRS Emergency.
  • Double loop closure strap.
  • Equipment: helmet bag + accessories/spare parts kit (camera support - peak extension - tools - spare screws).
  • Weight: 1250 +/-50gr. in size “M”.

The A.C.S. system improves fit and ventilation, while the QRS Emergency release system allows for quick removal of the cheek pads in case of emergency.

Available sizes from XS to XXL, two colours (white and black) and priced from €599.95.

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Airstrike-C

Airstrike-C is the top of the range helmet by Acerbis “guaranteeing” maximum performance, safety, and comfort just without the addition homolagation of the FIM test above.

It features a choice of two lightweight carbon fibre shell sizes, four front air intakes and six rear extractors, the A.C.S. (Acerbis Comfort System padding featuring a series of elastic bands and hexagonal rubber suction cups, increases ventilation and fit).

Weighing only 1150 g, Airstrike-C is also one of the lightest ECE 22-06 certified helmets on the market, is compatible with neck braces and even comes with a tool kit with spares.

  • Outer shell: Carbon fibre
  • Approval: ECE 22-06
  • Double outer shell and double inner shell
  • Ventilation: 4 intakes-6 extractors
  • Additional systems: A.C.S.
  • Additional systems: QRS Emergency
  • Double ring closure strap.
  • Equipment: helmet bag + accessory/spare parts kit (support chamber - peak extension - tools - spare screws)
  • Weight: 1150 +/-50 g

Airstrike-C is available in five colours, sizes from XS to XXL and priced at €499.95.

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Airstrike-X

Airstrike-X is also ECE 22-06 certified and features pretty much everything you see listed above but with a fiberglass shell.

It features an outer shell in two sizes compatible with all the latest neck braces, a double inner shell, four removable air intakes for easy cleaning and six extractors, while the peak is attached without screws and a wide range of designs and colours.

  • Outer shell: fiberglass.
  • Homologation: ECE 22-06.
  • Double outer shell and double inner shell.
  • Ventilation: 4 intakes-6 extractors.
  • Additional systems: QRS Emergency.
  • Double loop closure strap.
  • Weight: 1200 +/-50gr. in size “M”.

The Airstrike-X also features hypoallergenic, breathable, and washable liner with easy-to-remove cheek pads equipped with a Quick Release system for removal in case of emergency.

Acerbis Airstrike-X helmet is available in nine colours for 2026, sizes from XS to XXL and priced at €299.95.

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T711

The T711 is Acerbis' off-road helmet that we wear ourselves. ECE22-06 approved, it is lightweight at just 1100g fiberglass shell and has excellent ventilation thanks to 18 air intakes plus the removable, washable, and hypoallergenic lining.

Pointing at reasons why this model is a lower price point, there is no tool kit and this is the first model in this list to not have the quick release cheek pads, the pull tags and three poppers do make it easy still. There’s also a length-adjustable visor, with a magnetic system for mounting.

  • Outer shell: fiberglass.
  • Homologation: ECE 22-06
  • Two outer shell and lining options
  • Ventilation: 18 air intakes
  • Double loop closure strap
  • Weight: 1100gr. in size M

Available in sizes XS to XXL in five colors from €299.95.

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Linear 22-06

Completing this closer look at the Acerbis helmet range is the lowest priced, Linear 22-06. Acerbis call it “a versatile and affordable solution designed for riders who are taking their first steps in off-road riding or who are looking for a reliable product”.

More basic, yes, and made from thermoplastic material, it still meets ECE 22-06 approval, has a removable, hypoallergenic, and washable interior, has front ventilation, and a shell compatible with neck braces.

  • ECE 22-06 homologation
  • Double ring strap closure
  • One outer shell and two inner shell sizes
  • Compatible with neck braces
  • Removable, hypo-allergenic, breathable and washable interior.
  • Weight 1400g ± 50g (“M” size)

Available in sizes XS to XXL and nearly 20 different colours, the versions with graphics are price €139.95 while the single-color versions are just €119.95.

 

More information: www.acerbis.com