Off-road helmet and mask: how to make the right choice?

The choice of a helmet is very important. It is often the number one purchase when starting up in enduro or cross country. This is the basic equipment for motorcyclists. To make the right choice, these are about the same criteria as for a road helmet.

Choosing the right helmet size

Therefore, we first of all take care to choose the right size. Depending on the brand and model, the size may not match. A trial run is highly recommended! A head circumference measurement linked to a size chart may give you an idea, but nothing beats a live test. After donning, your head should have good support and the helmet should not move when moving your head up and down and from left to right. Be careful not to be too tight: pressure on the cheeks, this is not very serious, the foam always settles a little; on the other hand, pressure on the forehead and temples is not normal.

I prefer a light helmet

Then pay attention to the weight of the helmet. It is important that it is not too heavy, as it completely rests on the neck. In cross-country, training is relatively short, so this point is not important. On the other hand, in enduro, your walks can last for several hours, so it is more convenient to have a lightweight helmet, your neck will thank you! Average weight around 1200-1300 g. As a rule, fiber helmets are lighter than polycarbonate and are more durable.

Consider comfort

To wear a helmet comfortably, regardless of the discipline chosen, we advise you to pay attention to two additional points: the buckle system and easily removable foam rubber. Double D buckle preferred, micrometric buckle not approved for competition. And we make sure that the foams can be easily disassembled so that they can be washed, especially if the practice is regular. For maximum service life of your helmet and for a pleasant wearing experience, it is recommended to regularly disassemble and wash the foams (repetition depends on the regularity of your practice). So if this operation turns out to be a routine, you can easily refuse it.

Cross mask

The choice of mask will depend primarily on the helmet you choose. Indeed, depending on the brand and model, the mask will more or less match the shape of the helmet cutout. So, choose in the second step!