Cross helmets with glass: tips for choosing and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

There is a huge variety of helmets, but only in the cross model there is an elongated chin bar, the main task of which is to dampen the energy resulting from impact and deformation. The peculiarity of this design will protect the lower jaw and face of the athlete from impact when falling.

Cross helmet design features

In practice, all helmets are designed according to the same principle. The outer shell of the product is very hard and reliably protects the head from mechanical damage. Under the shell is an inner layer that distributes the remaining energy not absorbed by the outer layer during impact and dampens it by compressing its own fibers. There is also a strap with special soft cushions that fastens at the chin, which ensures a firm fixation of the helmet on the head.

Glass tinting (visor) protects eyes from sunlight and small stones, dust and dirt. Cross helmets with glass appeared relatively recently. Prior to this, models without protective glass were produced, since the use of special glasses was envisaged. In such a shell, the pilot receives a sufficient volumeair, which is so necessary during intensive driving. In addition, all models are designed with multi-point ventilation.

What are the layers of the helmet made of

A motocross helmet can be made by injection molding. Plastic and various polyamides are used as materials. As a rule, these one and a half kilogram products are cheaper than multi-layer glued motorcycle helmets. Such a shell is made in layers from a special fabric, followed by impregnation of each layer with carbolic resins. Often completely handmade, these cross helmets with glass are considered the most reliable.

The motocross helmet is covered with paintwork materials that are resistant to sunlight and natural phenomena. In addition, they provide a long service life and prevent the destruction of the product. Already at the time of manufacture, ventilation ducts are left in the front of the helmet, as well as in the temporal and parietal regions.

About the inner shell of cross-country helmets

Inside the helmet, foamed polystyrene is used to make the shell, which compresses due to various impacts and deformations. This property allows you to significantly reduce the free space inside the helmet when falling from a motorcycle and a strong impact. Thus, the head is practically immobilized, and the impact force is softened.

It should be remembered that even a slight impact on the shell can lead tothat the protective functions of the helmet will be further reduced to a minimum. Polystyrene does not return to its original state, so if the shells are damaged, the motocross helmet needs to be replaced. A lining is worn over the inner layer, which is a lightweight, well-ventilated material. If necessary, it can be washed and put in order.

What types of helmets can be used for off-road racing

For tough off-road conditions use a lightweight motocross helmet with excellent ventilation. Both the non-glass and cross-country helmets with a visor have an adjustable visor. It also performs a protective role and prevents small objects from getting into the pilot's face, the rays of the scorching sun and flying precipitation. Such a shell for driving on difficult tracks is called a cross helmet. It is not recommended to use it for driving in urban areas, as it is not intended for driving in polluted areas. The children's cross helmet has the same characteristics, which differs only in size.

Installing a quality visor (Pinlock)

The off-road shell is basically a cross-country helmet with a sunscreen visor. In addition, you can install Pinlock, which serves as a protective fog screen. In addition, pinlock prevents the glass from fogging, which provides excellent visibility. This helmet is cross-country with a visor that can be folded, easy to transport and convenient to store.

The safest and easiest shell-integral is considered,which is preferred by almost all riders. It is recommended for beginners to choose bright models, which will make the athlete visible on the road. The highest quality shell is made of carbon fiber, the weight of which is 1 kg.

IXS Motocross Helmet with HX207 visor

According to extreme riders, one of the best is the IXS cross-country helmet with HX207 glass, which has excellent scratch resistance. This matte black shell is made of heavy-duty polycarbonate and features a toggle clasp. The product is considered multifunctional, because in addition to difficult off-road conditions, it can be used in the urban cycle.

The body of the product has ventilation ducts, as well as a breathing deflector. The glass does not fog up, is resistant to mechanical damage and reliably protects the eyes from sunlight. The shell lining is removable, so it can be easily replaced and washed. Cross-country helmets with HX207 glass provide maximum comfort and safety. In addition, they have the highest level of sound insulation. The weight of the product is 1.55 kg. This helmet fully complies with international safety standards.

Multifunctional shell SOL

The SS-1 (SOL) Glass Motocross Helmets are fully DOT compliant and can be used in all weather all year round. The product is used as an element of head protection when riding sports and motocross motorcycles, snow SUVs andATV-all-terrain vehicles. This motorcycle helmet is made of thermoplastic in two shell sizes, allowing the pilot to find the perfect fit.

The shell has an aerodynamic shape and can be used in aggressive environments.

The model provides the ability to install any screen at your discretion, including two-layer or electrically heated. In addition, cross-country glasses can be used instead of glass at the discretion of the rider. The front cutout of the helmet provides excellent visibility. A removable visor is installed on the shell. The SS-1 has been tested in a wind tunnel and has proven itself as a reliable means of protection.

A few words about manufacturers

Well-known brands whose products are certified and tested by a large number of users include Racer, IXS, SOL Helmets, Arai and a number of others.

The high quality and reliability of these products guarantees pilots a high level of safety. For example, the Racer company produces multi-composite motorcycle helmets, in the production of which Kevlar and fiberglass are used. Shell reinforcement with such materials is many times stronger than hardened steel.

You should be very careful when choosing a particular brand and beware of low-grade imitations of handicraft and Chinese production. The manufacture of such products does not involve the use of high-quality raw materials, moreover, they do not meet even the minimum requirements.security. Upon impact, such a shell can shatter into many small fragments without fulfilling its intended purpose. You should remember this and not save on your own he alth and safety.

Trying the shell

Having decided on the model of a cross-country helmet, it is necessary to take into account that it fits exactly to the head. To do this, the shell must be deployed in such a way that the visor is directly in front of the face, and then take the straps near the attachment points to the helmet with both hands and put it on the head. After that, it is necessary to fasten the belts in such a way that there is no discomfort. Then you need to move the helmet and visor in different directions, and make sure that nothing is in the way. In this case, the product should sit motionless on the head and not cause inconvenience.

Note that a helmet that is too large will let air flow while riding, and in the event of a possible emergency, it will be practically useless. A small shell will unnecessarily squeeze the vessels of the head, which can affect the general condition of the body. This should also be taken into account when choosing a children's cross-country helmet, so the choice of protection for a child should be made with great care.

Choose the size of the cross helmet

To determine the required size of the shell, you should measure the perimeter of the head in its upper part.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account the anatomical features of the human skull, namely the length of the protrusions of the superciliary arches and the occiput. The circumference can be measured withcentimeter help. The girth should be carried out over the ears, capturing the temporal lobes, and taking into account the above features. The resulting figure on the centimeter will be the required size. Below is a table showing the sizes of cross helmets, thanks to which you can quickly choose the right shell for yourself.

XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL
51-52	53-54	55-56	57-58	59-60	61-62

At the same time, the smallest size is considered to be XXXS ─ 49-50 cm, and the largest ─ XXL by 63-64 cm. It should be remembered that the helmet breaks in a little, especially if several people have already tried it on in the store. Therefore, you need to select the model that you can potentially buy, otherwise the shell will sit on your head a little differently. It is recommended to wear a balaclava for aggressive riding and in the cold season. Therefore, when determining the size and trying on, this should be taken into account.

How to store and care for your cross helmet

Every pilot wants their helmet to stay in its original condition, brand new and shiny, for as long as possible. It is not recommended to clean the outer surface of the shell with soapy solutions. For this purpose it is necessary to use wet cleaning wipes or moisten a soft cloth with a special solution. If the adhering midges do not lag behind the glossy surface, you can attach a moistened rag in hot water to the helmet for several minutes. After cleaning the surface,it needs to be polished. This procedure should be carried out using wax for polishing cars, which is sold in the form of aerosols. Flawless sheen can be achieved using flannel or microfiber.

It is advisable to wash the lining by hand, because when using the machine, it will quickly become unusable. As a detergent, you should use baby shampoos, you can dilute a weak solution of laundry soap. In order for the visor screen to last for a long time and provide an impeccable view, it is necessary to use gentle cleaning solutions based on natural ingredients. Synthetic agents will very quickly destroy its surface. The helmet is sold complete with a special case, in which it is necessary to store the cross shell after it has been completely cleaned. The helmet must not be exposed to direct sunlight. Dropping the helmet should also be avoided to avoid damaging it.