How to Choose a Motocross Helmet
The helmet that you wear when riding your Motocross dirt bike can save your life. The Motocross helmet is too important to be selected based purely by the color of the helmet. A great deal of thought should go into your decision of which motocross helmet to choose, and you should make your final selection carefully. Here is how to choose a motocross helmet.
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Instructions
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How to Choose a Motocross Helmet
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Start by setting a strict budget for the purchase of the motocross helmet you choose. Most motocross helmets are affordable, particularly since it is such an important piece of safety equipment. However, some motocross helmets can also be very expensive, and it is easy to get over your head in terms of the helmet prices. Set a budget and stick to it. You should have no problem finding an adequate helmet in any price range.
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Once you know how much money you have to spend, you can begin to look at helmets in your price range. The first thing you will want to do is to make sure that the helmet meets DOT Safety Standards. There should be a sticker on the back of the motocross helmet to identify the helmet as being safe. If there is no such sticker, then move on to the next helmet. You may also see a safety sticker from Snell, who is the industry authority when it comes to safety standards for dirt bike motocross helmets.
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Try the helmet on to see how it fits. Most motocross helmets come in generic sizes (S, M, L, XL), so it should be easy to find a motocross helmet that has the right fit. It is ok if the helmet fits a little tight, because the padding inside will eventually pack down. The main point is to make sure it is not a loose fitting helmet, but without being so tight that you have to struggle to get it on or off.
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Buckle the chin strap on the motocross helmet. Consider how difficult it is for you to buckle. Also slip your fingers under the strap and give it a quick tug to see if it remains strapped.
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Remove the helmet and inspect the lining. If it removable? While this is really a luxury choice, having a removable lining is important for a motocross helmet, since you are likely to get very dirty while riding your bike. They don’t call it a dirt bike for nothing. Having a removable liner in your motocross helmet will make it easier to clean and will probably extend the life of your head gear.
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Consider what type of motocross you are involved in. If you mostly do jumps or short runs, then you can go with the standard motocross helmet. This is not only cheaper, but is actually more durable and provides better protection. If you tend to ride mostly in long endurance races, then you should give some though to buying a lighter weight motocross helmet. It will cost more money and have a small reduction in durability, but it is still a safe helmet and will be much more comfortable at the end of a long ride.
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Tips & Warnings
Although it’s fun to have a helmet that matches your bike or expresses your personality, the color and design of the motocross helmet should be the last item to be considered when it is time to choose a motocross helmet.
- Photo Credit combust, Flickr.com Creative Commons License
