Key Considerations for Buying BMX Helmets [2022 Guide]

Riding a BMX can be extremely demanding, ranging from the velocity of BMX racing to the excitement of mastering new tricks while speeding around Skate Ramps and bowls. Regardless of your skill level, it's crucial to understand that falling is part of the learning curve. While many of these falls will just result in you getting up and brushing yourself off, there's always the risk that without adequate head protection, a fall could lead to a significant injury. In this user-friendly guide, we will explain how to select the best BMX Helmet for you among the thousands of options available on the market.

Why is it crucial for a helmet to fit well?

Whilst wearing a Helmet can prevent a serious injury, but wearing a poorly fitted helmet or failing to secure it properly can be as dangerous as not wearing one at all. Helmets that are too large for the wearer's head are more likely to slip during a fall, leaving vulnerable areas of the head unprotected.

How should a helmet fit?

Determining a good helmet fit is simple. Start by measuring your head circumference about an inch above your eyebrows. When you wear the helmet, the padding should rest comfortably without putting pressure on the temples, and the helmet should not be able to move side to side or front to back. Some helmets come with two sizes of liner padding, so if you find yourself between sizes, you can use the front liner from one size and the back liner from a smaller size to achieve a custom fit for your helmet.

Construction

One of the first checks when purchasing a helmet is to ensure it complies with the BSI and European safety standards. The BSI or CE logos should be printed on both the packaging and inside the helmet to indicate that the helmet meets these standards. Typically, many BMX Bike helmets are constructed from a moulded EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) within an exterior hard plastic shell. When subjected to a heavy impact, the polystyrene compresses and cracks, dispersing the force of the impact away from the head and skull. Inside the helmet, you'll generally find foam liners that can be removed and replaced for both sizing and hygiene, allowing them to be cleaned.

Protection

In addition to the standard protection a BMX helmet should offer, there are many innovations that provide enhanced protection, with popular options including MIPS or D30.

MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, features a low-friction inner shell that can rotate within the helmet, distributing the impact over a larger area instead of concentrating it at the point of contact.

D30 is a rubber-like material that is lightweight and thin but upon impact, the molecules lock together to offer excellent protection. After the impact has dissipated, the D30 returns to its original rubbery state. D30 is commonly used in BMX, MTB, motocross, and ice hockey helmets due to its ability to absorb high-speed impacts.

There are additional protection systems available on the market, so consider which one fits your budget best, but always remember that you have only one brain, and it's definitely worth protecting.

What is a helmet's lifespan?

All helmets have a lifespan, a topic that is often overlooked. The materials in the foam will begin to degrade over time, and it is recommended to replace your helmet approximately every three to five years or after experiencing an impact while wearing it. The reason for replacing a helmet after an impact is that once impacted, the foam compresses and may split internally, even if the outer hard shell appears undamaged. In the event of another impact in the same spot, the helmet would fail to provide the same level of protection, potentially leading to a severe injury.

Ventilation 

Admittedly, considering the vents or the number of vents on a helmet is not something many buyers prioritize. However, vents are a crucial aspect of your helmet as they enable air to flow over your scalp, keeping you cool, particularly when exerting yourself while riding. The head is one of the primary areas of the body to accumulate heat, so keeping it cool while riding ensures you can continue riding for longer periods. Depending on how hot you get while riding, check the number of vents on your current helmet and explore helmet styles with better vent options in either open or full-face helmets.

Half-Shell vs Full-Face

For maximum protection, a full-face helmet is a great choice. It covers your entire head and face, protecting you from all sorts of falls and crashes. However, full-face helmets tend to be more expensive than half-shell helmets and may also limit your field of vision. On the other hand, half-shell helmets are not only more affordable but also offer unrestricted visibility and ample ventilation to keep you cool and fresh. Half-shell helmets are generally more suitable for casual riding as they are relatively lightweight and easy to put on and remove. While they might not be as comfortable or lightweight, full-face helmets are particularly ideal for dedicated, serious BMX riders aiming to race at high speeds.

Browse our complete range of Helmets at Skatehut today.