Motocross Helmets

Choosing the Perfect Motocross Helmet

When it comes to adrenalin sports, few get the blood pumping like motocross. In the race to make it to the first turn and get that holeshot, it's brainpower, not mayhem, that separates the winners from the lappers. Off the track, motocross riders use this same analytical approach to assemble the best motorcycle safety kit. The one item at the top of everyone's list though is the motorcycle helmet.

Different Materials

Like road helmets, motocross helmets are manufactured from four basic materials. These are thermoplastic, carbon fibre, composite fibre and fibreglass. Thermoplastic is at the top of the heap due to its ease of mass production. In terms of popularity, coming a close second is composite fibre. Manufacturers appear to have a unique recipe for composite lids. Yet, the basic components are in general fibreglass, Aramid/Kevlar and carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is the next most popular material. However, due to the material's complicated and time-consuming manufacturing process, there are fewer models to choose from. Carbon fibre gets its strength from the many layers of woven carbon fibre matting bonded with thermoplastic resin. Last but not least is fibreglass. Here, similar to carbon fibre, woven matting is layered using resin and again, the production process is laborious. The result is a super-strength shell that also offers excellent weight savings.

Size and Fit

In a sport where bangs, scrapes and a face full of dirt are integral parts of every race, making sure your motocross helmet is a comfortable fit and the right size and is paramount. Measuring your head is easier than you may think. First, wrap a cloth tape horizontally around the head approximately 2-cm above the eyebrow. The resulting measurement in centimetres is your head size. A good fit for all types of motorcycle helmets is essential. For motocross riders, though, with the amount of multi-directional forces at play, the fit is crucial if the helmet is to stay in place and provide ultimate protection in a high-sider.

Features to Look For

Material – Thermoplastic is the go-to choice for crossers on a budget but just because they're less expensive doesn't mean they are any less safe. Every helmet on 24MX carries one if not two recognised safety stickers. If budget isn't a factor, then choose a carbon fibre motocross helmet. Alternatively a composite fibre helmet will provide a balance of added safety and weight-saving. On the other hand, fibreglass has that old-school cool factor while still providing high safety margins.

Safety Certification – Safety certification awarded to a helmet is a guarantee of rigorous testing in a number of simulated scenarios.

DOT- Department of Transport is an American standard that all helmets must have by law if sold in the United States

ECE – This sticker refers to the European safety standard and is compulsory for helmets sold within the 50 countries that make up the European Union

FIM – The new kid on the block for safety stickers but one that covers a global safety standard for competition helmets

Ventilation – Motocross riding is a full-on body pump and without a well-ventilated helmet, your head will feel like it's in a pressure cooker. Look for a model with plenty of intake vents around the chin, forehead and top of the head.

Shell Sizes - With a choice of shell sizes, manufacturers can accommodate a wide range of sizes. This feature means you are more likely to find the safest and most compatible fit.

Removable Liner - Sweat equals bacteria and this causes skin irritations, so look for a helmet with an antibacterial removable, washable liner.

MIPS– While rotation of the helmet from poor fit is bad, a small amount of controlled movement as provided by a Multi-directional Impact System is considered good. This Swedish invention provides a thin insert between the EPS liner and comfort liner and transfers some of the rotational forces transmitted to the head from a collision.

Quality and safety from the manufacturer and reliability and confidence in the supplier are worth their weight in gold. This means choosing your motocross helmets from a legitimate manufacturer, sold from a reliable website, such as 24MX, should be your sole consideration.