Most off-road riders understand the importance of a high-quality helmet that provides safety, comfort and performance. The comfort part of the equation becomes even more important this time of year as the Sun begins beating down on our heads with ever more zeal here in the northern hemisphere. For spirited off-road rides, a heavier dual sport helmet designed for all-weather isn’t always the most comfortable thing to wear. In these situations, nothing feels better on your noggin than a lightweight moto helmet with major venting and a wide eyeport to deliver maximum airflow.

Lately, I’ve been riding with the Alpinestars Supertech M8 — a moto-inspired helmet packed with cutting-edge features and technologies. At its core, the SM8 is constructed using a lightweight, high-performance multi-composite shell engineered to offer great impact resistance while keeping weight to a minimum. A lightweight helmet not only reduces fatigue during longer rides but also helps enhance rider maneuverability in difficult terrain.

As far as protection, the SM8 incorporates a unique multi-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner, strategically placed to provide optimal impact absorption. This feature ensures that energy from various impact angles is effectively managed, enhancing the helmet’s protective capabilities. Additionally, the helmet’s shell design facilitates the efficient dispersion of forces during an impact, further minimizing the risk of injury. Other safety features of note are the emergency pull tabs on the cheek pads as well as the use of a softer foam material at the base of the helmet to help prevent collar bone injuries.

The M8’s innovative MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) technology adds an additional layer of protection by allowing the inner helmet liner to rotate slightly upon impact. By mitigating rotational forces, MIPS helps minimize the risk of brain injuries commonly associated with angled impacts. While the SM8 meets both DOT and ECE safety ratings, according to Alpinestars it exceeds regulatory standards for direct, linear, impacts by an average magnitude of 41% and for rotational acceleration, oblique, impacts by an average of 48%.  

One area where Alpinestars seems to have put a major focus is on the ventilation scheme. The  SM8’s advanced airflow management system features a total of 19 intake and exhaust vents, all strategically positioned to optimize air circulation and enhance the cooling effect. Large intake vent ports send air directly to the head and route it out the back, helping riders stay cool and maintain focus under challenging conditions. Along with the venting, there are also canals built into the EPS liner to route a sip tube so you can stay hydrated during your rides hands-free. 

Getting a comfortable fit is often a top priority in selecting a helmet and Alpinestars has incorporated a fitment system in the Supertech M8 with four different shell sizes spread across its XS to XXL size range. It’s designed for a wide variety of riders with its intermediate oval shape and the ability to be further customized for fit with optional thicker (+5 mm) cheek pads. Also fine tunable is the angle of the helmet, allowing you to adjust the forward tilt either up or down for your particular preference. And while the peak itself is not adjustable, it does have a breakaway design that allows it to detach when an impact occurs, then be reattached afterward. 

Getting The Right Fit

I’m typically a Medium in most helmets but the sizing chart put me right in the middle of Medium and Large. So it’s important to double check the sizing chart before ordering your typical size if you’ve never worn an Alpinestars helmet before. With my Intermediate Oval shaped head, the Medium was a snug but comfortable fit around the forehead and sides without any hot spots. However, I found that the cheek pads were a tad tight. Moving up to a Large with the thicker cheek pads was the answer for my particular head. 

First Impressions

First thing you notice after picking up the helmet is that it’s extremely light. We weighed a Medium helmet at 3.0 pounds. If you’re looking to shed even more ounces, the Alpinestars Supertech M10 is the same helmet, just in carbon fiber, for about $50 more. A number of details were apparent after looking over the new lid but one that stood out right away was the smart design of the emergency pull tabs. Often the pull tabs get tucked in behind the check pads and have a tendency to fall out and dangle. The SM8’s cheek pads have a unique slide channel that keeps pull tabs retracted but still highly visible to EMS workers.

Also unique is a peak that is locked in place with the use of three circular plastic press fittings, allowing it to eject itself when enough force is applied. I liked the fact that it’s not attached by screws, so it won’t have a chance to loosen up and rattle or lose a screw. Plus it aids in cleaning by being able to remove it and reattach it quickly without tools. 

Taking a closer look at the interior, cheek pads press in then slide lock into place so they stay securely fixed once installed and don’t pop off. It was also interesting to play around with the MIPS liner to see how the dual layer system allows the helmet to fluidly move around on your head when pressure is applied. The inner liner itself is made with high-quality materials, like you’d expect from a premium helmet. It’s plush with plenty of padding, and has a soft, cool feel on the skin. The vent holes are also massive, offering direct airflow to your head and you can actually see all the way through the vents on top of the helmet. 

How It Performed

Trying the SM8 on for the first time, the initial fit of the helmet had the eyeport pointed down too much over my face. Yet with a quick adjustment of the top pad, it was possible to raise the eyeport higher, tilting the helmet backward into an ideal position. As far as fitting goggles, the eyeport is ample sized to fit large moto-style goggles, although it can take some wrangling to get larger goggles positioned if they have a nose bridge attachment in place.

Riding on hot summer days, it became immediately apparent that the venting scheme is very effective on this helmet. Cool air could be felt rushing the top of my head as long as I was moving. In fact, it worked so well that by the end of the day my shiny dome was covered in dusty circles resembling cheetah spots, clearly marking the position of the hemet’s intake vents. All that is great news on a hot day, but just remember it’s the opposite when temperatures are chilly. 

However, this is primarily a helmet for intense off-road riding and that’s where it shines. With its feathery weight, it aids athletic body movements in technical terrain and keeps your neck from getting tired at the end of the day. It’s great for the typical aggressive off-road trails I tend to gravitate towards, whether on my dual sport or an adventure bike. One thing I missed though was the ability to adjust the peak position, which is always helpful when riding into the Sun. The SM8’s peak is on the small side as well so it has limited ability to block glare, or your buddy’s muddy roost.

That small peak does give it some advantages though when traveling at faster speeds. I didn’t notice much lift like you’d expect from a moto helmet. And it’s designed to channel air directly into those big vents, giving you tons of cooling flow when riding at speed. In fact, I used it for some road rides on the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, where speeds ‘allegedly’ hit triple digits. The peak didn’t create any intense buffeting and didn’t try to rip itself off as long as I kept my head at an even angle. Wearing earplugs is a must though on the highway, as this lid emphasizes max venting over being quiet. 

Who’s It For

While I wouldn’t recommend this helmet for anyone doing a lot of highway riding, it handled several-hour adventure rides at high speeds on asphalt without me ever cursing it. But to be fair, this is a helmet designed for use in the dirt. It makes a great second helmet for those off-road heavy rides, especially in hot weather, or as a primary helmet if you only occasionally travel significant distances on asphalt.

Our Verdict

Hard-charging ADV and Dual Sport riders who like to play in the dirt will find the Alpinestars Supertech M8 a solid option worth looking into. With its advanced safety features, exceptional ventilation system, customizable fit, and wide-variety of colorways, the SM8 emerges as a top contender among the available premium motocross helmets. Plus its plush interior, solid construction and lightweight feel make it an ideal companion for the toughest rides. It’s not as versatile as many dual sport helmets that include a windshield and closable vents, but its laser focus gives it a big edge for those adrenaline-fueled adventures off the beaten path. 

What We Liked

• Massive venting keeps your head cool.
• So light you barely notice it’s there.
• Impressive safety features let you ride hard with confidence.

What Could Be Improved

• Give it an adjustable peak.
• Make a Dual Sport version of this!

Alpinestars Supertech M8 Specs

Weight: 3.0 pounds (Medium)
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Safety Standards: DOT and ECE Approved
Total Intake and Exhaust Vents: 19 (always open)
Construction: Multi-composite shell with multi-density EPS polymer liner
Price: $397-$549

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Photos by Ely Woody, Simon Cudby and Rob Dabney

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.