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What To Consider When Buying A Dirt Bike HelmetThere's a number of points to consider when choosing a dirt bike helmet to protect your scone. You've only got one head, and one brain to go with it... so you better make sure the helmet you buy is up to the correct safety standards and is kept in mint condition.
If you really want to feel reassured with your new head warmer, choose a helmet that has a SNELL rating. The Snell Memorial Foundation was created to provide strict and stringent testing to achieve a high level of helmet safety. This foundation came about in 1957 after William Peter Snell died in a sports car accident after his helmet failed to protect his bean. If a helmet has the SNELL approval - you know it's of the highest safety standard. Before I go any further - Do NOT buy a second hand/used helmet! Not only because you'll be dunking your noggin in some other guys stinkin, sweat soaked hand-me-down... but far more importantly, you do not necessarily know by looking at it, if it has been involved in an accident.
There are a lot of features that can make a dirt bike helmet a much more comfortable experience. Things to look for are...
Maintenance: As with all your motocross gear... look after your dirt bike helmet. If it cops a decent blow - replace it. It is also suggested that you replace it every three years regardless of condition. When shopping around keep in mind you can find some wickedly priced helmets and motocross gear online. But, I strongly encourage trying them on first at a shop for the reasons mentioned above. This way you'll have no regrets. Happy hunting! Got A Dirt Bike Helmet? Check Out Some Boots
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Many countries have their own set of laws and standards in place that define the minimum safety requirements for motocross helmets. For example, here in New Zealand it is the NZ 5430. Europe - ECE 22.05. Australia - AS1698. UK - BS (British Standard). USA - DOT (Department of Transportation). The DOT rating is considered to be of a lower standard than the others.
A helmets outer shell is usually made of polycarbonate plastic, kevlar or fiberglass. The core is generally constructed of polystyrene or polypropylene foam which upon impact crushes. This process absorbs the energy that would otherwise have been forced upon your skull. So, after an impact (which can also occur if your helmet is dropped onto the pavement) it will provide little or no protection even though the outer shell may be in good condition.
When trying on any dirt bike helmet, it must feel comfortable - This won't necessarily be the most expensive one on the shelf. We humans come with different shaped and sized craniums - Once you've got it on with the straps firmly fastened, rotate the helmet from side to side. You know it's the right fit when your face skin movement and helmet movement are nearly the same. Try lifting the rear of the helmet in an effort to roll it off your head in a forward direction. You should not be able to do this. 
