When you want to ride a dirt bike, you put a lot of research and thought into your purchase of which bike would be the best for you. What make and model, the power of the engine and other features. You should put just as much thought into purchasing a dirt bike helmet. After all, your helmet may very well save your neck in the most literal sense of the word.
First of all, don't even consider a helmet that isn't up to DOT or Snell standards. No matter how cool, if it won't give you real protection in the event of an impact, who cares who great it looks?
Never, ever use a previously owned helmet. A helmet is good for one impact only and you have no way of knowing if that helmet has been gone through a hit or not. You can't always tell by looking. Always get a new helmet.
Will you need venting? Some helmets have it and some don't. If getting hot when riding is very distracting for you, definitely opt for the venting feature. Weight is another consideration when purchasing a helmet for riding your dirt bike. If you do longer track rides, go for a lighter weight helmet so you won't get as fatigued as quickly as a heavier helmet would make you.
Next consideration, your head is going to sweat. You're human and you're going to work up a sweat when you ride. Invest in a helmet with a removable liner for easy washing. Otherwise other riders will be able to smell you coming after a season of riding and no washing of your helmet liner.
Last big concern is fit. Your helmet should fit snugly but not uncomfortably tight. Make sure you still have periphreal vision when you're wearing your dirt bike helmet.
Now that you know the basics, get yourself a great dirt bike helmet and have a blast out there riding the tracks!
