Safety Helmet Beginner Guide: From An Expert
I'm a specialist in helmets and safety gear for motorcycles and bicycles. I'm here to share some recommendations for durable dirtbike-style helmets. Please note that my intention is solely to provide information and not to promote any products.
Here are a few helmets you might consider:
- Leatt Moto 9.5 Carbon V23 Helmet Kit
- Klim F3 Carbon Pro Helmet
- LS2 Helmets X Force Sprint MX Helmet
If you're on a tight budget, you might want to look into the 2022 Fox Racing V1. Just make sure the base price falls between $209 and $220. If it's outside this range, you might be looking at the 2021 version, which differs significantly in terms of safety features.
In case none of these options appeal to you, there's a key detail to keep in mind: Look for helmets with the ECE22.06 certification, not just ECE 22.05 or "ECE" alone. Alternatively, a helmet endorsed by FIM is also a good choice.
When it comes to the materials used for the helmet shell, consider fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aramids. It's advisable to avoid helmets with shells made of "ABS" materials — materials like thermoplastics and polycarbonates fall into this category.
Additionally, having MIPS technology is beneficial. However, the helmets I mentioned earlier have their own versions of a low-friction layer, similar to MIPS, designed specifically for those helmets. In many cases, this MIPS-like low-friction plane outperforms standard MIPS technology.
Your safety is the priority, and these recommendations are aimed at ensuring your protection.
(Not a bot, not shilling, not promoting, lmao. Just trying to keep people safe, as this once happened to me and changed my life forever.)
I know many of you might downvote because these are all dirt-bike helmets, yes, I know. These most likely aren't a good option for XC or Trail riding, but the amount of extra safety is profound.
And if you say, "Well, motorcycle helmets are made for a different kind of impact!" No, they aren't. Motorcycle helmets have low-density EPS and high-density EPS — low density on the surface and high density in the core — so the minor knocks get absorbed by a softer EPS (not actually soft, but softer than high-density EPS), and the significant impacts are absorbed by the initial layer of low-density and the majority is absorbed by the high-density EPS.
TL,DR
- Recommended Helmets:
- Leatt Moto 9.5 Carbon V23 Helmet Kit
- Klim F3 Carbon Pro Helmet
- LS2 Helmets X Force Sprint MX Helmet
2022 Fox Racing V1 (Price: $209 - $220)
- Avoid 2021 version for safety reasons
2. Certification:
- Look for ECE22.06 certification
- Helmets endorsed by FIM are also great choices.
- Helmet Shell Materials:
- Choose helmets with fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aramids shells
- Avoid "ABS" materials, including thermoplastics and polycarbonates
4. Additional Safety Features:
- Look for helmets with MIPS technology or similar low-friction layers
- Some helmets have their own versions that can be more effective
Last thing, if you really don't want a dirtbike helmet, and are okay with at least a 75% safety reduction, let me give you some strict recommendations.
SPECIALIZED TACTIC 4
SWEET PROTECTION TRAILBLAZER MIPS
FOX DROPFRAME PRO MIPS
SPECIALIZED ALIGN II
GIRO ARIES SPHERICAL !