Motocross, as well as off-road leisure motorcycle-riding, is an exhilarating yet dangerous sport. It is definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you are into this activity, wearing the best motocross helmet is necessary.
An ideal motocross helmet should weigh within 1400-1800 grams. It should also be made from fiberglass or other similar tough materials. Additionally, it should have detachable liners that you can wash after use.
Motocross Helmet Reviews
Shoei Solid VFX-W
The light and comfortable VFX-W has a durable shell, double EPS liners, good airflow ventilation system and Emergency Quick Release System to keep you safe. It passed DOT and SNELL safety standards. VFX-W is for the serious motocross rider.
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HJC FG-X Helmet
Motocross lovers of all levels will appreciate the FG-X’s safety features. It has a sturdy but lightweight fiberglass shell and impact-absorbing inside liner. It also has a full airflow system that keeps you ventilated and cool.
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Fox Racing Race Men’s V1 MotoX
This helmet has a tough shell, 13 vents and padded interiors for a comfortable fit. This DOT and SNELL-certified helmet would make a good choice for riders who need extra protection.
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LS2 Pioneer Trigger Adventure
This is a heavy-duty helmet made from Kinetic Polymer Alloy material. It has contour-cut cheek pads and a Quick Release System strap. It has built-in sun protection and a wide eye port for accommodating goggles.
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Flat Black Dual Sport Hybrid
A helmet designed for ATVs and UTVs, the Hybrid features a clear face shield that can be flipped up or down. It comes with a detachable sun visor and good vent airflow system. It absorbs impact through its EPS inner linings.
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O’Neal 5 Series Wingman
The tough Wingman boasts of a polycarbonate ABS shell and an adjustable visor. Multiple air vents allow proper air circulation while you’re on your adventure.
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Scorpion VX-34 Solid Helmet
Sleek yet tough, the VX-34 is a good choice for riders who want a sturdy minimalist helmet. Features include a polycarbonate Scorpion shell, EPS liners, inflatable cheek pads and a shatter-resistant sun visor.
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AFX-FX 17 Off-Road Helmet
Strength and function meet together in this AFX motocross helmet. It’s constructed from poly-alloy plastic for long-lasting durability. Interiors are lined with an antimicrobial nylon fabric. There’s even space for installing speakers.
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Arai VX-4 Pro
Unique to this Arai motocross helmet is its rounded shell to maintain better strength and durability. VX-4 Pro has a large visor, side exhaust vents, removable interior liner and a comfortable neck roll.
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Bell MX-9 Barricade
This DOT-certified helmet from Bell has a good venting system with an aerodynamic visor and a flip-up clear face shield. MX-9 is a good choice both for the streets and the rough roads.
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How Motocross Helmets Work
Helmets are typically comprised of 4 elements – comfort padding, retaining system or chin straps, crushable lining and a rigid shell. These elements work together to enhance user experience.
The padding is primarily designed for proper fit and comfort. When buckled properly, the chin straps ensure that the helmet remains in place during a crash.
The liner is usually made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or similar materials. It is crushable, so it can absorb the force of an impact and protect the rider’s head.
A helmet’s outer shell is made of rigid, sturdy materials. It prevents objects and elements from penetrating your helmet and enhances the gear’s load-spreading capability.
Helmets function like a shock absorber or brake. During a crash or fall, a rider’s head travels at a certain speed. The quality of the helmet is a main factor, which determines whether his head can survive the crash.
A helmet reduces the speed of a head by crushing and breaking, which then lessens the amount of force transferred to the rider’s brain. This entire process takes only a fraction of a second to turn a fatal blow into a sufferable one.
How to Choose a Motocross Helmet
You need to consider several important factors in choosing the right helmet. Since you’ll be using it mostly during your off-road adventures, your most important considerations should be the following.
Fit and Retention – Make sure that the shape and size of your helmet suit your head seamlessly. The retaining system should be efficient, easy to use and comfortable.
Comfort – Choose a helmet, which is appropriate for your typical riding style and the environment you are riding in. It must provide comfort and not cause any distraction.
Safety – To ensure it meets the highest safety standards, get one certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and SNELL. They only certify helmets that are highly effective in keeping riders safe on the road.
Coverage – The size of a helmet’s eye port affects the field of view of the rider. Choosing between a closed and open-face helmet is mainly a personal preference. Some prefer their face to be fully covered while others are more comfortable keeping their faces bare.
Style – This factor may not be as significant as the others, but you need to consider this. For many, riding has become a big part of life and choosing a specific helmet style has become a means of self-expression.
Additional Features of a Good Motocross Helmet
Helmets vary greatly in terms of style, size, shape and weight. If you’re searching for the best motocross helmet for your next off-road adventure, here are additional features that you should look for.
Motocross or dirt bike helmets are extremely lightweight. The lighter your head gear, the better your performance. Wearing a heavy helmet in off-road riding can inhibit your movement and make you feel uncomfortable.
Unlike regular helmets, off-road helmets have adjustable cheek pads so you can customize the level of comfort your helmet provides. These also have goggle grabbers, thereby keeping your goggles securely in place.
The larger mouth vents provide better airflow and enhanced roost protection to prevent you from gnawing on unwanted dirt, dust and other elements from the road.
Most off-road helmets these days feature front air vents that let the air pass through to the back to help keep your head cool. This will prevent you from feeling suffocated.
These helmets also have removable liners. This lets you wash the liners separately and more easily. You will want to wash the liners regularly as they tend to accumulate dirt and develop an extremely unpleasant smell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helmets
How often should I replace my helmet? The recommendation from both the SNELL Foundation and helmet manufacturers is to replace it every five years. This ensures optimal safety and performance.
I dropped my helmet. Should I buy a new one? Not necessarily. Helmets are typically durable enough to endure normal bumps or drops. However, if you think its structure have been compromised, have it inspected by the manufacturer and replace it only if necessary.
Is it okay to buy a helmet online? It is always best to buy a helmet at a physical store so you can ensure it fits perfectly. If you buy one online, make sure to look for a seller with a return/refund policy. This lets you get your money back in case it does not fit.
How do I determine my head size? Get a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your head, above your eyebrows. Do it twice or thrice to ensure you get accurate measurement.
Are after-market accessories necessary? After-market helmet accessories are mainly for aesthetic purposes and added based on the rider’s inclination. These items typically do not affect a helmet’s performance, unless added in a way that is contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What preventative measures should I take for my helmet? Don’t place it in a way that the inner liner becomes prone to damage. Use water and mild soap for cleaning. Never repaint the exterior or use chemical cleaners to wash the inside and outside components.