Helmets

BMX Helmet Buyer’s Guide

Properly protecting your brain is a good idea. BMX helmets are designed to greatly reduce the effects of an impact to a rider’s head, and a helmet can save your life. In recent years helmets have come a long way both esthetically and technologically. Many indoor bike parks make helmets compulsory, so purchasing a helmet may be necessary. There are a host of designs, technologies, styles, and colors to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding one that suits your needs.

Things to Look For

When shopping for a new helmet, there are two key factors to keep in mind: proper fit and a style you like. The first factor may seem obvious, but the importance of a comfortable helmet that fits a rider’s head well cannot be overstated. Correct fit ensures proper protection and will make wearing the helmet more bearable. Choosing a helmet that suits a rider’s personal style is also very important as it encourages them to actually wear the headgear regularly. Most companies offer all kinds of color options and patterns, so there is something out there for everyone. Wearing a helmet is the only way to benefit from its protection, so be sure to choose a model that you will want to wear on every ride.

Types

There are two very obvious types of helmets: full-face helmets and half-shells, also known as “bucket” helmets.

Full-face helmets provide optimal protection as they protect the skull, jaw and face from impacts. They are compulsory for most BMX race series and are a good idea for anyone trying to push their limits on larger jumps.

Half-shell or bucket style helmets are the most common style. They offer good protection while offering a lighter and more open feel compared to the full-face style. Another differentiating factor in helmets is the materials they are made from, which change both the level of protection and weight of the helmet.

Sizes

Helmets are sized based on the circumference of a rider’s head. Companies generally classify their sizes as small, medium, and large with a measurement in inches or centimeters indicating the appropriate head circumference for each size. For example, a size medium helmet would be for riders with a head circumference of 55-59cm, or 21 3/4”- 23 1/4”. However, not all heads are shaped the same, nor are all helmets built on the same mold, so trying a helmet on in person is the best way to guarantee a good fit.

Materials

Bucket style helmets are made from a hard plastic outer shell with foam lining inside. Some use a combination of foams with different densities to better absorb impacts, while others use a more basic design with only soft or hard foams. Full-face helmets come with either composite or carbon fiber shells, and all use a layer of hard foam inside. More expensive models use varying densities of foam to provide superior protection, too.

How Much To Spend

Bucket style helmets range in price from $20 to $100. Basic helmets in the $20-$35 range offer standard protection, using basic technologies and materials that have stood the test of time. They come with either hard or soft foam inside and usually use up to two densities. Moving into the $35-$65 range, helmets begin to incorporate more technology and refined designs to provide lighter and more visually appealing products. They use lighter foams in different densities to give superior protection, and use modern molds to give a more fashionable appearance. Helmets in the $65-$100 range offer top of the line protection, use all cutting edge technology, are lightweight, and are available in attractive colors and designs. In the end, choosing the right helmet should be done based on fit and personal preference above all else.

Full-face helmets range from about $50-$500. Helmets in the $50-$120 range are pretty basic – they meet general safety standards but use basic materials, construction techniques, and styling. Helmets in the $120-$250 range offer the best level of protection for your money, and you’ll find a variety of styles, shapes, and paint jobs to suit your needs and wants. More expensive models will likely use carbon fiber in the shell, which saves weight and may meet more stringent safety standards.

Product Reviews

Before buying, be sure to do your research and read product reviews. Reviews are a great way to find out specifics about a particular model, user impressions, and things to watch out for. After you’ve purchased a product and had enough time to thoroughly test it, we encourage you to leave a review for other people to see when they are researching bikes and parts on the web.

We hope you’ve found this information to be helpful. If you have a question that isn’t answered in this guide, our BMX forums are a great place to get advice from knowledgeable riders. Your local bike shop is also a great resource.