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So, i’m coming off a 2.1 Airoh Aviator which i really like. It’s holding up very well even after 5+ years (about 250 hours of riding).
I’d like to invest in a new helmet, i’d like a tier list on the technologies and material of the newer helmets.
My budget is on the low end, we’re talking max 350€ in Europe. What do i get?
Start by going to a dealer and trying on as many brands as possible to determine which brands fit you well. Whatever brand you get has to fit well. That will eliminate a few.
Then identify which are ECE 22-06. That might eliminate more. (Note: while it seems to be the most thorough standard certification, there are still some very basic helmets that meet this certification so I’m not sure how meaningful it really is. Not all helmets that pass are equal.)
Then you can compare the tech of those that remain.
Off the top of my head, 6D, Fly, and Bell offer helmets with design features that go beyond the basic liner, EPS, and shell that has been around forever. Perhaps others in Europe I am not aware. Those brands attempt to address rotational forces and a wider range of impact forces. After that, weight and ventilation are important. Having the lower edge raised to limit collarbone impact matters to me (did that once).
There is no consensus as to what is “best” so you’ll have to decide for yourself. After breaking my skull, and having broken two helmets in crashes, I’ve read about all I can and I chose a 6D. You could probably find a deal on an ATR-2 that would be close to your budget.
I am on my second leatt, I didn’t really have a budget for a helmet, just needed light weight for my bad neck, I had an alpinestars after my first one, but I am much happier in the leatt.. they are a bargain for how good they are..
I really like the fit of Bell helmets but they are heavy AF. My Fly Formula C fits around the same and sizing was the same but it’s like half the weight so win-win. For the money I don’t think you can beat a Formula helmet. We are a group of Formula’s 😂
I bought a Fly Formula and did not like the fit. Great helmet, just did not like the fit on my head. Then purchased a 6D ATR-2 helmet and love it. Lite and very comfortable.
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I've done no independent testing or analysis, but the technical description of the 6D is sound. I put their technology in the top tier. Next tier is MIPS, which is a technology not a brand. Not a good as 6D by my assessment, but I suspect it's superior to what Leatt does (or did, as I've not looked recently) which is keep the shell size to a minimum to reduce torque (3rd tier). Conventional would be the 4th tier.
Regarding brands, I once found all the DOT test reports online. This predates Leatt MIPSs 6D etc. The main takeaway was that brands like Arai and Shoei are consistent in results. Brands like HJC were very hit or miss.
with that budget you could buy a formula cc or a leatt 8.5 at motoin.de we have bought from the website and they have shipped us to Mexico.
they have plain white airoh aviator 3 for less than 500 euro.
Fox V3 best bang for the buck in that range.
You've had pretty good experience with the Airoh - I'd use that as a solid testimonial of its quality and fit for you and go with another -
Keefer has a code to save on 6D’s website, I think it’s KKMX35. I have the ATR-1 and love it! They’re marked down a bit now too
Get a helmet that fits your head the best and has additional protection beyond the EPS foam layer and you’ll be fine. I don’t know if there’s any real data to show that MIPS or Fly’s Adaptive Impact System or 6D’s Omni-Directional Suspension are better than the other but I do believe the second layer that protects against rotational force has been proven to be safer than not having it.
This might be a stupid question but is an ATR-1 still a "good" helmet in 2025 compared to their other offerings and those of other companies? Is it still considered a premier helmet for that price point or would the money be better spent going to the ATR-2?
Yes, because of their patented technology.
I’m still waiting for airoh to launch in the us. They said spring of this year but I think it was moved to December?
I’ve been in the market for a new helmet just tough finding the right size because I wear a small.
Lots of good options. For me it is either 6D or Leatt. Any helmet with rotational/low speed protection is good.
Gotta try them all on, they fit so differently and everyones head/face shape is so different. I personally like my Troy Lee SE5 the most, with my Bell moto 10 spherical almost a tie just not quite as comfortable. My girlfriend doesn't like her Bell and says its uncomfortable on the top of her head, but loves her alpinestars SM-5
Just a reminder that the 6D ATR2 and ATR3 can be rebuilt by 6D after a bad get off. I'd much prefer spending a few hundred bucks to rebuild a high end helmet rather than going out and paying full pop for another new high end helmet. I believe you can find the ATR2s for sale at a few places.
Being able to be rebuilt is a big plus in my mind.
Remember this thread? https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/moto-related/helmet-safety?page=1
There was a study that basically claimed 6D isn’t as safe as claimed. @The real Sasquatch was in contact with 6D and was hoping to get an official response from them.
I love my ATR-3. I was looking forward to 6D’s response.
Pit Row
I'll reach back out to them. I've been very busy caring for my mother and trying to keep my biz going at the same time. So I had forgotten about this until now. The lack of a response makes me have more questions. But then again, I'm just a small dealer that has had a small MX podcast/video type deal. Maybe they forgot about it? Or who knows. But I'm wondering about it myself.
I'll reach back out and see what they say, and post whatever it is that they tell me.
I duno but the atr3 fits my head better than any other lid ive tried. Had a formula, then tried an sm8. Both were decent but the chin bar was always uncomfortably close to my nose/chin. The atr3 is in a league of its own compared to those two. The astar quality was not there at all and im easy on gear. Chin strap started flaking on only 7-8 rides.
Probably my all time favourite helmet was a Fly F2 carbon. Got it cheap on a close out deal. Fit perfectly, light, decent ventilation. Eyeing up a Formula. I wonder if it fits the same as my old F2? I’ve been wearing Bell MX-9 mips. Good fit but a bit heavy.
I’ve taken some decent slaps and recently even broke my neck wearing a VFX-Evo and have never even had as much as a headache.
Shoei prices are pretty insane these days and I do not believe they are the only company making helmets that protect the head well. I would like to know what everyone thinks is a solid lid around the $300-$400 mark. I’m seeing Moto9 flex, leatts, astars, and fly all have their premier helmets in non-carbon around this price point. Same with the ATR-1.
The study mentioned tested 6D's street bike helmet which there is only one generation of. 6D is on their 3rd MX helmet. It's interesting data but not very useful when considering the latest MX helmets.
ATR-3 is noticeably lighter and flows significantly more air (for those in warmer climates). As others have mentioned, the ATR-2 and 3 are also rebuildable, which was a major incentive when purchasing.
One thing rarely discussed with helmets is the simple fact that they physically ‘time out’. I don’t care how cool that McGrath replica Bell Moto6, Windham Arai, or Travis Preston Shoei VFX look, after 5 years the EPS is generally cooked. Stay on top of it, moto amigos!
Many helmets on MXLocker are 'expired' and being sold on there person to person. Kinda messed up honestly.
How could EPS possible be "cooked" after just 5 years assuming it hasn't sustained any physical damage?
It’s Keefer25
“Age Does Not Affect the Material Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Liners in Field-Used Bicycle Helmets”
https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/biomechanical/article-abstract/1…
Thanks for the link. I'm cautiously skeptical about the MFGs wanting to sell us a new helmet every 5 years. That said, the claim I recall seeing is it's the sweat, cleaning chemicals, and hair products that clause the degradation. It's a fact that certain chemicals will dissolve styrofoam, acetone and sometimes gasoline are the only one I know of, so I'm guessing it's possible but not probable. I can think of 4 helmets I've had since 2005 so apparently I usually replace mine every 5 years. This is always due to actually using the helmet, unfortunately as intended.
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