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Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide

Mar 9th 2022

If you enjoy motorsports, such as riding motocross, snowmobiles, and street bikes, then you understand how vital it is to find the right helmet for you. Motorsports helmets come in many different shapes, sizes, styles, and applications.

It can be difficult to know which helmet will best suit you and your needs. Fortunately, we spoke to the experts at MX Gear to get their input.

In this article, we will explore the various types of motorcycle helmets available on the market today so that you too can find the perfect one for you! Don’t overwhelm yourself with an abundance of options; instead, let us help you narrow them down.

Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide for Men, Women, & Youth Riders

Motorcycle helmets are designed primarily to protect against impacts from accidents by absorbing energy or deflecting it away from the head. They also offer a degree of protection against abrasion when riding over rough terrain.

The most common type of helmet is a hard shell made of polycarbonate plastic with an expanded polystyrene liner that crushes upon impact, providing increased safety at lower speeds (below approximately 18 miles per hour). However, helmets differ a ton both on the type of riding you do as well as your experience level and several other factors.

DOT approval is going to be a big issue for those taking their bikes out on the open road while fit and finish are going to be important for dirt bikers and motocross enthusiasts. Start by thinking a little about the kind of bike you’ve got sitting in your garage.

What Type of Motorcycle are You Driving?

Owners of larger street-legal motorcycles are going to need a very different type of helmet than someone who takes moguls down at the dirt track. Full-face street helmets are often going to be your best bet when you have this kind of bike, but you’ll usually want something different for the track.

Motocross Helmets

Comfort is a big issue for motocross riders, which is why MX Gear separates men’s and women’s helmets. Additionally, youth helmets are also a choice for MX riders.

HELMETS

Most younger riders are going to want to stick with these until their head can comfortably fit into a full-sized model without jostling around. You don’t want to have too much play in order to prevent injuries that could come from excessive movement.

All levels of MX helmets are designed to reduce rotational force when they come into contact with something that doesn’t want to give, such as the ground. Many newer models will eject their visors in case of a crash.

Street Bike Helmets

MEN'S STREET HELMETS

Street racing-style motorcycles, especially those that are built for performance, can often kick up a fair amount of road debris even on relatively clean pavement. Full-face guards that provide an extra degree of protection against flying material.

Like MX helmets, they can be molded in a wide variety of colors. This has proven to be attractive to big-time MotoGP-style riders who want something that looks like its in the style of a particular team.

Cruiser Bike Helmets

HJC IS-CRUISER HELMET

Some riders will want to feel the wind on their face no matter what, so they’ll prefer a cruiser helmet. While these are still normally made to adhere to certain DOT safety guidelines, they’re made without a front face piece so you can experience everything that the open road has to offer.

Some do come with sun shields, though, and you’ve got an almost limitless number of options when it comes to the graphics you can get on them.

Snowmobile Helmets

HJC 2022 I90 DAVAN SNOWMOBILE HELMET

With their separate visors and an integrated hardpoint for goggles, snow helmets probably have more in common with MX helmets than anything else. This helps them offer a little extra protection against moist powder.

They’re usually polished, so they’re easy to clean even if you’re ripping through really wet snow. Riders can get them in some bright neon colors, which can really help you see your buddies when you’re out in the middle of a field washed out by snow.

Many of them are designed to stay a bit more dry than the other options too, which is a total necessity if you’re riding at right around the freezing point.

Race to MX Gear for the Best Motorsports Helmets on the Market!

You can never be too careful when selecting the right helmet for your next adventure. Race over to our online contact form for more information about all different kinds of motorsports helmets.