Starting motocross means buying a lot of gear, but your helmet is one item where making the right choice really matters.
When I started riding, I bought a black J39 motocross helmet for around €100 to €150. At the time, I mainly wanted something affordable that looked good enough. It did the job, but after wearing it for longer periods I started noticing pressure points around my ears and on top of my head. After about ten minutes, it simply became uncomfortable.
That experience taught me something important: choosing a motocross helmet is not only about the brand, price or design. The most important things are safety, fit and comfort.
Quick takeaway
A good motocross helmet should be safe, fit your head properly and stay comfortable during a full riding day. Never choose a helmet only because it looks good.
Safety Comes First
The first thing to look at is safety.
In Europe, modern motorcycle helmets should meet the ECE 22.06 safety standard. This standard includes testing for areas such as impact protection and helmet retention. UNECE
Some helmets also include additional technologies such as MIPS, which is designed to help reduce rotational motion of the head during certain angled impacts. Mips
That does not automatically mean that every helmet without MIPS is unsafe. Different manufacturers use different helmet designs and safety systems. The most important thing is to choose a certified helmet from a reputable manufacturer and make sure it fits correctly.
Fit is More Important Than the Brand
This is probably the biggest lesson I learned when buying my current helmet.
I had heard a lot of positive stories from friends who rode with Arai helmets. They told me that they were extremely comfortable and had a strong reputation for safety.
The problem was that I did not really like the look of the helmet at first. I actually wanted something else.
So instead of immediately buying an Arai, I went to a motocross shop and tried helmets from several brands:
- Alpinestars
- Bell
- JUST1
- Airoh
- Arai
Almost every helmet had some kind of pressure point or just did not feel quite right.
Arai was actually my last choice.
But the moment I put the Arai MX-V EVO on, it immediately felt right. There were no uncomfortable pressure points and it felt like the shape matched my head perfectly.
That is why I would never recommend choosing a motocross helmet only because your favourite rider wears it or because you like the design.
How Should a Motocross Helmet Fit?
A motocross helmet should feel tight, but never painful.
When you move or shake your head, the helmet should not move around independently. At the same time, you should not feel sharp pressure points around your forehead, ears or the top of your head.
A helmet can feel slightly tight when it is new because the interior padding will settle with use, but discomfort or pain is a warning sign.
My first helmet seemed acceptable when I put it on for a few minutes. The problem only became obvious after wearing it for around ten minutes.
So when trying on a helmet:
- Keep it on for several minutes.
- Check for pressure points.
- Move your head from side to side.
- Make sure the helmet does not move excessively.
- Pay attention to your cheeks, forehead, ears and the top of your head.
If possible, try several brands before buying. Different helmet brands can have noticeably different internal shapes.
How Much Should a Beginner Spend?
There is no perfect amount that every beginner should spend.
When I started riding, I tried to save money and bought a helmet for around €100 to €150. I understand why beginners do this. Motocross is already expensive and you need to buy boots, goggles, protection, clothing and a bike as well.
But knowing what I know now, I would personally be willing to spend more on a helmet.
My current Arai was a much bigger investment, but the difference in comfort alone is huge. I would not want to go back to my first helmet.
That does not mean every beginner needs an expensive premium helmet. Your budget still matters.
The key is to avoid buying the cheapest helmet purely to save money. Look for proper certification, good fit and comfort first.
Should You Buy a Used Motocross Helmet?
A used helmet can save money, but I would be much more careful with helmets than with most other motocross gear.
The problem is that you may not always know what has happened to it before you bought it.
Check carefully for:
- visible cracks
- damage to the shell
- damaged inner foam
- signs of hard impacts
- a damaged chin strap
If a helmet has already taken a serious impact, I would not take the risk.
For that reason, if your budget allows it, I personally prefer buying a helmet new.
Do Not Choose a Helmet Only for the Looks
Motocross helmets come in hundreds of designs and colour combinations, so it is easy to choose one mainly because it looks good.
I nearly did exactly that.
In the end, the helmet I initially liked the least became the one I bought because it fitted my head much better than the others.
I now ride with an Arai MX-V EVO Frost Black with custom stickers, so I still ended up with a helmet that looks the way I want it to.
My helmet example: You can view this Arai MX-V EVO motocross helmet on Amazon UK (paid link). This is a premium example, not a must-buy for beginners. Always check the exact model, fit, certification and seller before purchasing.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The difference is that I chose the fit first and the design second.
That is the order I would recommend to every beginner.
What Should You Look for in Your First Motocross Helmet?
For a beginner, I would focus on these things in this order:
- Safety certification
- Correct fit
- Comfort
- Ventilation and weight
- Price
- Design
The biggest mistake is buying the helmet you think looks the coolest and only finding out later that it becomes painful after ten minutes of riding.
Spend some time trying different brands. Your head shape is personal, so the helmet that works perfectly for your friend may not work for you.
My Advice for Beginners
If I had to buy my first motocross helmet again, I would spend more time trying helmets before looking at colours, graphics or brands.
I would rather buy a slightly more expensive helmet that I can comfortably wear for an entire riding day than save money on something that becomes uncomfortable every time I ride.
Your helmet is one of the most important pieces of motocross gear you own.
Choose the one that fits your head, not the one that looks best on the shelf.
Still building your first motocross setup?
Read our Motocross Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need guide to see which gear you need first and where you can save money.
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