How to choose the best BMX Helmet
BMX bike riding is very challenging and dangerous. You have got to push your limits and perform many daring stunts and tricks over the most difficult obstacles. Safeguarding yourself is a must while performing these, otherwise, you may injure yourself. Even your life may be threatened. Hence choosing the best BMX helmet is pivotal to ensure your safety while cycling.
In the market, there are many BMX helmets of different brands and prices. Each helmet has its own individual features and properties. In such a scenario, how will you choose the best BMX helmet for you? What specific features can make a BMX helmet the best one? We have endeavored to answer all these questions in this article.
The best or ideal BMX helmets will mainly have excellent build and construction material, appropriate sizing, adequate ventilation, reliable quality, comfortability, and sufficient safety features. Affordable prices and renowned brands are also some well-sought features in a BMX helmet. A helmet having all these traits can be easily declared as the best one.
➥ If you happen to participate in triathlons, then, have a look at the type of helmets you should get for triathlons
A BMX Helmet | Source: allsportprotection.com
Features to consider while choosing the best BMX helmet
Build and Construction Material
All BMX helmets in general are lined internally with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner and then an outer wrapping of polycarbonate shell covers the inner structure. EPS is extremely effective in distributing and minimizing the impacts of high velocity. Hence it is a perfect helmet construction material. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is also ideal for BMX helmet construction. It can easily absorb shocks of heavy impact and has a pretty good tensile strength. Thus, physical damage and corrosion due to chemical components can be prevented. PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a good option too, because of its hardness, strength, and durable nature. It acts as a strong base to integrate the sturdy helmet structure.
Sizing
Proper sizing and fit is a crucial aspect while selecting a helmet. An improperly sized helmet will cause discomfort and inconvenience in your bike riding. Suppose you have a helmet of the best quality, but it doesn’t fit you. This helmet is worse than useless. A helmet bigger than your head size will jump and rattle while cycling and pester you frequently. A small sized helmet will feel tight and pressurizing on your head. Hence always take appropriate measurements of your head to determine your size category.
➥ To know more about bike helmet size, have a look at our size & fit guide.
How to find the perfect sized BMX Helmet
You need to keep in mind that the size guide and fit of different brands will vary. While buying your helmet, try to follow the size guide of that particular manufacturer.
| Size of Helmet | Size of Head (cm) |
|---|---|
| XS (extra small) | 51-52 |
| S (small) | 52-54 |
| M (Medium) | 54-56 |
| L (Large) | 56-58 |
| XL (extra large) | 58-60 |
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Measuring the helmet size
Measure the overall circumference of your head from the middle region of your forehead with a good measuring tape. This should provide you an accurate head size.
Ventilating Capacity
BMX bike helmets prioritize protective features over cooling features. However, BMX bike riding will make you feel hot and sweaty, especially if you take the ride on a sweltering summer day, so ventilation is also a significant trait to consider. Wearing a helmet equipped with an adequate number of vents is necessary to cool down your head and dry your sweat. The greater the number of vents, the easier will the airflow within the helmet. However, too many vents will lower the protection ability of the helmet. So it is very necessary to ensure that a fine line is maintained between protection and ventilation while buying your helmet.
Is it Half shell or Full-face?
Full face helmets are the best for protection features, but they lack a bit in ventilation and visibility features. Half shell helmets perform better in matters of ventilation and visibility, but their protective features are again less than full-faced ones. A wide difference exists in their prices as well, the full-face helmets being more expensive. In our opinion, a half-face helmet is more than adequate for a BMX helmet, but if you are a daring cyclist who frequently tries to push the limits of biking, we would recommend you to buy a full-face helmet with a visor for total protection and visibility.
➥ We have tested and reviewed some top-notch full-face helmets for mountain biking though they can be used for BMX riding.
Quality
This single word covers every aspect of the helmet you will buy. The quality of the foam used in the inner lining, the quality of the straps, the sturdiness of the helmet, the ability to absorb shock or heavy impact, etc. all these traits are all entailed in this single criterion. Some helmets of very low price compromise on their quality. This is completely unacceptable in protective gear like a helmet.
Comfortability
The foam material used in the inner lining of the helmet determines its comfortability. EPS foam liners are ideal if you want superb comfort features in your helmet. A comfortable helmet will feel like a blessing in the tough BMX rides.
Safety Certifications
Your BMX helmet should of course comply with the requirements of the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC), Snell, and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). All the safety certifications of BMX helmets are covered in these.
Price
The price of BMX helmets is in the range of $25-$500 or even more.
| Helmet Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Open Face BMX Helmets | $25-$200 |
| High Price Range Helmets | $100-$200 |
| Mid range Helmets | $50-$90 |
| Low price range Helmets | $25-$50 |
| FullFace BMX Helmets | $70-$450 |
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Shock absorbing capacity
The shock absorbent feature is a very useful trait in a helmet. It is especially helpful for those BMX bike riders who perform stunts, tricks, and jumps. Your risk of suffering from concussion in the event of a head injury is lessened if your helmet has an anti-shock layer incorporated in it.
Weight
The riding performance of a helmet is hugely influenced by its weight. The compact footprint and light weight of the helmet increase agility and speed in riding.
Style
Your helmet should be stylish as well, or else you will not be interested to use it every day. There is a wide variety of helmets of diversified styles, designs, and flashy colors. Choose one which matches your taste and style sense.
Do avoid Cheap Unknown brands
Never buy low-cost helmets of unknown brands. Buying a substandard helmet to save a few dollars is just not worth it. A cheaper helmet of a no-name brand will not have the quality, assurance, or safety features to safeguard you. By doing this you will merely put your safety at risk.
The 5 best BMX Helmets Brands
- TSG
- Bell Helmets
- Pro-Tec
- Fox Racing
- Odyssey
➥ If you’re some who’s totally into BMX, then, we highly recommend you to check out the protective gear for BMX.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I choose a helmet if I am bald?
Ans.: If you are bald, be careful while choosing your helmet. Ensure that the helmet is comfortable to wear. You can also use a handkerchief to cover your head to protect your head from injuries.
Q2. How can I reduce sweating while using a helmet?
Ans.: To reduce the amount of sweat while using a helmet, first ensure that your helmet has a large number of vents. More vents will facilitate the easy flow of air and keep your head cool. Secondly, select a helmet with a detachable lining. The bad odor and uncomfortable feeling of a sweaty helmet will be reduced by washing this lining frequently.
Q3. What is the best BMX helmet for harsh weather conditions?
Ans.: For riding in windy weather or heavy rains, BMX bike helmets with an adjustable visor come in handy. These are ideal for every type of weather condition.
Q4. Between a CPSC certified helmet and an ASTM certified one, which is more important?
Ans: Both of these certifications are necessary for ensuring safety. But it is recommended to always buy helmets with CPSC certification. Its because this certification is provided depending upon specific cycling safety standards. On the other hand, multi-sport helmets are tested and certified by ASTM.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of BMX helmets. Each brand of helmet possesses distinctive features and traits for your comfortability, safety, and protection. For ensuring your protection and safeguarding yourself, select one with the necessary features according to your choice, needs, and preferences.