How to choose a motocross helmet?

So, by hook or by crook you have got yourself a brand new (or not so) motocross bike. And before you go on it to the motocross track, you should invest a little more money in very important and absolutely necessary additions, namely, to buy protective motorcycle equipment. The difficult path of choosing a motorcycle model will have to be repeated with regard to protective ammunition – you should not buy the first outfit that comes along.

You’ve probably already noticed that a motocross helmet is quite different from a motorcycle helmet for riding on a racetrack, as well as from a regular helmet for traveling around the city. First, the motocross helmet has an extended chin guard designed to keep your chin intact when it hits the ground. In addition, more attention is paid to ventilation in motocross helmets so that the head of the motocross rider, which, at a relatively low speed, gives off much more energy on the track, always remains cold.

It would seem that if you are an experienced rider looking for a replacement for your old motorcycle helmet, then you do not need these tips. But when you delve deeper into the richness of the proposals and begin to study the features of specific models, it means that you are sitting in a chair evenly, and could instead break the track of the motodrome!

New motocross helmet: how do you plan to use it?

You are new to motorsport

• An expensive high-end helmet, “overloaded” with unnecessary options for you, may not be the best choice for you.
• How far you get off the ground, that is, personal experience and the level of your driving technique, can tell you what motocross is for you – whether it becomes a serious hobby or remains a hobby.

You are updating the helmet or changing the model

• Replacing an old helmet that has seen its ups and especially downs is a positive practice.
• If your hobby has grown into something more and motocross has become a part of your life – a more advanced and functional motorcycle helmet will, without a doubt, a justified and reliable contribution.

How much are you planning to spend?

• Budgeting issues are always of paramount importance.
• The helmet is not the only protection needed.
• Spending all your money on a cool motorcycle helmet is not justified when your legs, knees, hands and eyes are unprotected.

Helmet functions: take as much as you need

Helmet weight

• Helmets typically weigh between 1400 and 1800 grams.
• The correct weight is the key to the correct fit of the helmet.
• The weight of the helmet should be evenly distributed around the head and shoulders.

Helmet design

• The design features directly affect its weight, comfort of use and safety rating.
• Polycarbonate, fiberglass (fiberglass), carbon (carbon fiber) are the basis of the shell of all modern helmets, finding use both in pure form or as a combination of them.

Stylistics and image

• You may prefer wild, attention-grabbing coloring.
• Or choose more calm colors, monochrome coloring.
• The price of a helmet with multi-color graphics tends to get higher.

Helmet lining

Removable earbuds are easier to clean and can usually be washed.

Otherwise, pay attention to the presence of antimicrobial impregnation and antibacterial materials in the helmet liner.

We check and evaluate safety

• DOT: The United States Department of Transportation Technical Regulations establish a minimum standard level of protection for helmets.
• ECE 22.02: The UN Economic Commission for Europe sets a standard level of protection for helmets; the standard is used in over 50 countries.
• The strictest AS / NZS helmet safety certification is used by the Joint Technical Committee of Australia and New Zealand 
• Snell 2010: An American security test for a non-profit organization whose standards exceed DOT and ECE standards. The standard is voluntary.
• SHARP: Another well-known voluntary certification from the British Department of Transport. 

How to choose the right helmet size?

Choosing the right motorcycle helmet plays a very important role in a successful outcome after a fall. 

The Riders Market has tested a handful so you have to be careful while choosing one. The first step is to decide on the size of the head. To do this, use a soft measuring tape (tailor’s centimeter) to wrap the head 1-2 cm above the eyebrows, just above the ears and the most prominent part of the nape. Compare this result with the size range of a specific motorcycle helmet manufacturer; If you are buying a model for the first time, it will be better to try it on and make sure that it fits comfortably and matches the selected size. The helmet should sit straight on the head with the goggle port line just above the eyebrows. The new helmet feels tight at first, but looser over time. If the helmet slips or you can easily stick your fingers between your head and the helmet, you should try the smaller size.

In addition, you must decide on the shape of your head: exact size does not guarantee a perfect fit. Some manufacturers take this factor into account when making their products and offer models with different capsule oval shapes.

• Elongated oval: the capsule narrowed on the sides is extended from front to back.
• Medium oval: oval capsule with wider sides; most manufacturers produce such helmets.
• Rounded oval: capsule shape that is wider at the sides than extended from front to back.

The shape of the helmet contributes to the overall comfort of use and greater safety. A properly sized but poorly fitting motorcycle helmet becomes unwieldy and reduces overall protection. Therefore, it is also necessary to take into account the shape of the head, taking into account the moment that if your old helmet was with a medium profile, then it is not at all necessary that the new one should be exactly the same.