BMX & Dirt Helmets

BMX and Dirt Helmets to Protect Your Head

While helmets are essential for safety in every biking discipline, the extreme nature of BMX and dirt biking means that helmets are especially critical for these styles of riding. BMX and dirt helmets can literally save lives, so it’s worth taking extra care when choosing your helmet. At bikester.co.uk, we offer over 200 BMX and dirt biking helmets so you can find a model that fits perfectly and matches your riding style.

Open-face vs. Full-face Helmets

One of the biggest differences among BMX and dirt biking helmets is whether they completely cover your head, including a shell that extends over your chin. Open-face helmets are designed for less aggressive riders who don’t need the added protection of coverage around your face and the sides of your head. These helmets tend to be significantly more comfortable to wear, since they offer much better ventilation and don’t feel claustrophobic in the way that full-face helmets can. Plus, open-face helmets are generally less expensive than full-face helmets. Full-face helmets are designed to protect the most aggressive riders. In addition to coverage on the top of your head, your face is deep inside the helmet and your entire head – including the sides and upper neck – are covered by the helmet. These helmets fit snugly and can be heavy to wear, although some are made from carbon material to reduce their overall weight. In addition, while full-face helmets don’t breathe as well as open-face helmets, most have vents to promote air circulation. In general, full-face helmets tend to be more expensive than open-face helmets. Ultimately, your choice between open-face and full-face helmets should come down to how aggressively you ride. If you take big jumps or race downhill, the added protection of a full-face helmet can be lifesaving. When in doubt, opt for the more protective helmet.

Fitting a BMX or Dirt Helmet

BMX and dirt helmets are typically built to fit a range of head circumferences. If you’re not sure about the circumference of your head, you can measure it using a string. Place the string over both ears and wrap around the widest part of your forehead and the widest part of the back of your head. If you end up between helmet sizes for your helmet of choice, sizing up is okay. Most BMX and dirt helmets come with pads that can be inserted into the helmet, or you can wear a hat while wearing an open-face helmet. Full-face helmets should feel quite snug and shouldn’t move from side to side when you shake your head.

MIPS Technology

An increasing number of BMX and dirt bike helmets are incorporating Multi-impact Protection System (MIPS) technology. This plastic construction on the interior of your helmet absorbs some of the rotational force experienced during a crash, which can help reduce the risk of concussions. MIPS technology is available for both open-face and full-face helmets, although MIPS-equipped helmets tend to be expensive.

BMX and Dirt Helmets at bikester.co.uk

The best way to find your perfect helmet for BMX and dirt biking is to shop our wide selection at bikester.co.uk. We carry a range of both open-face and full-face helmets, plus helmets with MIPS technology, so you can find head protection that suits your riding style.