Dirt Bike Helmets: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Motocross or "MX" is where riders compete on off-road courses. With technical obstacles and the inherently dangerous nature of this sport, it is important to be equipped with the correct protective gear most important of which is a helmet. Before you try hitting the tracks, you need to protect your head and body. As nothing could be more important than a dirt bike helmet, here's a quick outline of things you need to look for when buying one.
Dirt Bike Helmet Size and Shape
Dirt bike helmets must be properly fitted, they play a big role in case of an accident. To do this, you need to know your head size by following these simple steps:
Place a measuring tape around your head about half an inch above your eyebrows, around the back of your head at the largest point.
1. Find a dirt bike helmet size from the manufacturer that's closest to your head measurement.
2. Take note that helmets have different sizes and shapes so take the time to compare your size to each brand to get the perfect match.
3. When trying on the helmet for the first time, it should sit squarely on your head. The top of the eye-port should fit just above your eyebrows. A new dirt bike helmet will be a snug fit and will loosen slightly over time, always take this into consideration to make sure you do not purchase a size to big.
4. Make sure that the helmet does not move. If your fingers fit easily inside the helmet, you may need to find a smaller size.
5. To know what head shape you have, check if you belong to any of the following:
Long Oval -resembles a more oblong head, longer front to back and narrow side-to-side
Intermediate Oval - closely resembles a round head, shorter front-to-back and wider side-to-side than a long oval.
Round Oval -like an oblong head that is longer side-to-side rather than front-to-back like a long oval.
Dirt Bike Helmet Features
So you're ready to buy a dirt bike helmet? Here is a list of important things you should look for:
- Make sure your helmet is comfortable and the correct fit.
- Depending on the level of helmet you are after, consider some of the features the helmet has to offer and if they are right for you.
- If you already have a set of goggles, make sure that your goggles fit nicely inside your new helmet you are looking to purchase.
- Dirt bike helmets offer great ventilation, some more then others so look at the climate you are riding in and take that into consideration.
- If you have had a neck or back injury before, you should consider a lighter weight helmet usually made from carbon fibre, this will aid in any discomfort you might find from a heavier helmet.
- Some helmets offer extra features like M.I.P.S, some brands like Bell have there own version called ‘Flex’ which will offer additional protection in case of a crash.
- Lastly, and most importantly, the helmet should be able to effectively protect your head from impact in the event of a crash.