When it comes to protective gear for motocross riders, nothing is as important as your helmet. And because of that, choosing the best motocross helmet for you, is not a process you should rush through. Everything from its certifications and shape to how cool you can stay while riding has to be considered.
Features to Look for in a Motocross Helmet
Yes, you probably want a helmet that looks cool and goes with your style, but there are details that are more important than appearance. Here are five features to keep an eye out for when you’re shopping for a new motocross helmet.
Snug Fit
Motocross helmets should be a bit snug, and a good way to test this is to take it off and put it back on a few times. As you do this, it should be snug without being painful. Once the chin strap is tightened, there shouldn’t be movement in the helmet when you move your head in different directions.
In our helmet buying guide, we walk you through how to measure your head for a motocross helmet, and also go over a few more pointers to assess the fit of the helmet.
Ventilation
Look for a helmet with several exhaust ports and intakes. You’ll get a good amount of ventilation, which means the helmet – and your ride – will be airy and cool. And if the liner is made of sweat-wicking material, you’ll stay even more comfortable.
Outer Construction Shell
You want the outer construction shell to be durable. Look for one that’s made of carbon fibre or polycarbonate. The shell will also play a role in the weight of the helmet, and most riders want one that’s lightweight.
Safety Features
The main safety feature to look out for is ODS. This system absorbs energy so that the amount of impact that transfers to your head during a crash is reduced.
You should also look for a helmet with rotational force protection, which protects brain tissue, and V-Foam lining, which absorbs energy during impacts.
Helmets that meet regulatory requirements are given a SHARP safety rating, with 5 being the highest score.
Quick-Release System
Should you get into a crash and need medical attention right when out on the track, a quick-release system is a must-have. It can be hard to quickly remove a helmet, especially if there’s the risk of injury to the head or neck, and a quick-release system allows the cheek pads and lining to be removed fast and safely.
6 Of Our Top Motocross Helmet Recommendations
Now let’s look at six of our top recommendations for the best motocross helmets you can buy.
2021 Fly Formula CC Primary Helmet
The 2021 Fly Formula CC has the elements necessary to give riders as much head protection as possible. The high-performing Adaptive Impact System (AIS) manages impact better than many other motocross helmets on the market. There’s also a comfort liner and washable, quick-release cheek pads. The pads are also moisture-wicking, which will help you stay cool while riding.
2021 Fox V2 VOKE Helmet
This helmet was designed with a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS), which reduces force on impact, and the visor was built to release during a crash. There are six different sizes to choose from, making it possible to get the perfect snug fit you’re after. And with four exhaust and 11 intake vents, airflow is optimised.
6D ATR-2 Aero Helmet
This helmet’s ODS (which stands for Omni-Directional Suspension, a patented system) helps both angular and linear acceleration mitigation performance. Basically, that means that the amount of energy that’s transferred to the brain during impact will be decreased.
The 6D ATR-2 also has exceptionally helpful safety features for the Brow Rib and Cervical Protection Zone. Overall, the 6D is known for its safety features and energy management solutions.
Moreover, this helmet has excellent ventilation, and its design blocks dirt and rocks from flying into your face.
Alpinestars Supertech S-M10 Helmet
This carbon composite helmet comes in four shell sizes, and they all have excellent venting (there are five exhaust ports and 16 inlets).
This helmet has a visor-release system, which makes the visor release in the event of a crash. And regardless of the impact angle, so long as the force reaches a certain threshold, the visor will release.
Other safety features include removable cheek pads, which have retractable straps, and MIPS. The MIPS lets the liner rotate in the helmet’s shell, which reduces lateral forces.
Arai MX-V Barcia Frog Helmet
The strong shell of the Arai MX-V is designed to protect the rider during impact, with ducts and vents that break off to reduce how much energy is transmitted to the head. Airflow is optimised, too, with diffusers that are easy to clean and that move cool air into the helmet. To stay even more comfortable, Dry-Cool material moves heat and moisture away from the body.
Bell Moto-9 Carbon Flex Fasthouse DITD Helmet
This carbon composite helmet has a triple-layer impact liner that’s designed to disperse energy from an impact and reduce rotational energy transfer. The system works for any type of impact, low to high.
The helmet’s magnetic clip-in system means that it’s easy to remove should medical professionals need to do so without moving the head. You will find that the cheek pad system is also easy to remove when you want to wash or replace them.
The helmet also has superior ventilation throughout.
Final Thoughts…
Having a good and comfortable helmet is an essential piece of your motocross kit. When you have a helmet you can rely on, you’ll find you’ll be a more confident rider and a confident rider is a high-performing one. Ride fast, ride aggressively – ride however you like, but safe in the knowledge that you have a high-tech and safe helmet you trust.
