Dirt Bike Helmets and Gear

Copyright (c) 2011 Sandra Tiffany

Riding a dirt bike and learning how to do tricks like the pros do is fun, but the appropriate safety gear needs to be worn at all times.

The gear should include at minimum a helmet. Dirt bike helmets protect the head not only during crashes, but also when riders encounter unexpected low tree limbs. They also protect riders when they lose control at the top of a hill causing them to flip the bike backwards.

In finding the right helmet to provide the best protection the graphic designs of the helmet should not be the deciding factor. Although some helmets may be nice to look at, the thing riders should look for is a stamp on the inside tag of the helmet that says D.O.T. This stamp means that the helmet has passed a standard series of tests by the Department Of Transportation. Another indica tion of a helmet that was tested are those that have SNELL on the tag. They run their own series of tests to ensure the helmet can withstand hits.

In addition to assuring that the desired helmet has been approved for safety by the Department of Transportation or SNELL the helmet needs to fit properly. It is imperative that the helmet fits tight and that it does not move around on the head. In the event of a crash loose fitting helmets can move around at that moment and will not provide the protection offered by a tight fitting helmet.

Beyond an approved and tight fitting helmet, another important safety item is a chest protector to minimize injury in the event of a fall. Some riders also use kneepads, shin guards, and wrist protectors to further protect against injuries.

Believe it or not, there are still dirt bike ri ders who will not wear helmets or other safety gear. They prefer to emphasize the "macho" in dirt bike riding and believe that others will think them to be a sissy on a bike. But thinking people will say "to heck" with that belief. A stint in a hospital emergency room will provide ample evidence of the dire consequences of failing to wear a helmet and other safety gear while riding a dirt bike.

So get the right-fitting and approved helmet, the chest protector, the kneepads, the shin guards and wrist protectors before you attempt to go dirt biking.

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