Three signs you need a new dirt bike helmet

You've probably heard it before, but your dirt bike helmet is the most important piece of riding gear for any type of dirt bike riding. Your off-road helmet always needs to be in the best condition possible to ensure it protects your head and brain to the best of its ability, and there are three key signs that indicate your lid is due for replacement.

1. External/internal damage:

Every motocross or enduro rider knows when they’ve had a good knock to the head, and that’s the type of impact that will make your MX helmet unusable. Now light crashes, or crashes where you don’t hit your head hard, and even dropping your helmet, won’t normally mean the helmet has had its one and done impact - but that is all dependent on the situation, which only you can determine after inspecting it.

It’s more so the impacts that leave you rattled or with a concussion that calls for throwing it in the bin or hanging it up in the shed. You can inspect the outer shell and EPS liner for any abnormalities such as cracks and compression in the foam - you’ll need to inspect this closely, as they’re not always clearly visible. If in doubt, it’s best just to upgrade your helmet.

2. Expired helmet:

Yes, that's right - your motorcycle helmet has an expiry! The majority of dirt bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet within seven years from the production date, or five years from the purchase date (you can find the production date stamped inside the helmet). One key reason is the fact the materials that make up the helmet begin to deteriorate, meaning they're weaker and won't protect you as they were initially designed to.

3. Old technology:

There's also the fact that motocross and dual-sport helmet technology is advancing so frequently - if you're helmet is five to seven years old, it's likely it has outdated safety features. We've seen motocross helmets come leaps and bounds in the last decade, and the advancements in technology are quite incredible.

So by upgrading your helmet every few years, you'll have the best possible protection when hitting the track. If you even get four to five years out of a helmet, that's a pretty good stint itself, but you're definitely due for an upgrade.
You can learn more about the latest in helmet technology here: Dirt Bike Helmet Technology

Three signs you need a new dirt bike helmet

1. External/internal damage:

2. Expired helmet:

3. Old technology:

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