1. Certify Head Protection
Head injuries cause three-fourths of all cycling deaths each year, but you can reduce your risk by 85 percent by wearing a BMX helmet. These motorcycle style helmets made from metal, plastic, resin fiber or glass fiber minimize injuries that come from impacts in sports like bicycling, skateboarding, rollerblading and snowboarding. Look for a quality BMX helmet from well-known manufacturers like ProTec, SixSixOne, Giro and Bell. Even more importantly, check the certification sticker inside the helmet. A CPSC sticker says that the helmet meets standards by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Another certification sticker you may see is ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
2. Select a BMX Helmet for Specific Sports
An open face helmet protects the sides, top and back of your head. It's a good helmet for recreational or cross country cycling and regular participation in other sports. However, if you're into extreme sports, you need more protection. Extreme sports include lots of speed, trick moves and jumps. For moves like this, you want a full face helmet with a chin strap to hold the helmet in place. Full face helmets offer more protection to the jaw and face. Multi-sport enthusiasts may mountain bike one day and skateboard the next. Can they use the same helmet for both? It depends on the certification. Usually, manufacturers make a helmet specifically for one sport. For example, a skateboard helmet often has a softer foam liner than cycling helmets. Peek inside your helmet to see what it's suited for before you take it out for a test drive.
3. Measure for Proper Helmet Fit
Your brother always told you that you had a big head, and now you get to find out. Wrap a cloth tape measure around your head to get the measurement. Compare this to the sizing table provided by helmet manufacturers. These tables tell you whether you have a small, medium, large or even an extra large noggin. Nevertheless, this is only the first step. Helmet fit is incredibly important, so you must test it on your own head. So no matter how good the prices are on the Internet, you need to run down to your local sporting goods store to check for fit. You'll need to adjust straps and buckles for a secure fit so the helmet touches your head at all points. Do some significant head shaking to make sure the helmet stays in place. Once you find a properly fitting BMX helmet, further customize it to the shape of your head with foam pads. The helmet should sit low on your head for optimal protection.
4. Consider Style and Cost Factors
Once you find a certified BMX helmet for your sport that fits your head, you'll probably want to look at style and cost. You may think a black helmet looks cool, but it's anything but when it's sitting on your head. Lighter color helmets tend to keep cooler heads under wraps. Skateboard helmets often come in more distinctive styles than bike helmets. If you have long hair, you might want to buy a helmet with a ponytail port. Vents in the helmet cool your head with larger front vents improving airflow. Balance the number and size of vents with proper head protection. Plan to spend a minimum of $25 for a suitable BMX helmet.
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