BMX helmets: what to buy and which certification to look for
Open-face or full-face, EN 1078 / CPSC / ASTM F2032 certifications and getting the fit right.
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A helmet is the one non-negotiable piece of gear.
Open-face vs. full-face
- Open-face (skate style): the standard for street and park.
- Full-face: mandatory in BMX racing under UCI rules (art. 6.1.081: full-face with a visor of at least 10 cm; open-face helmets are not allowed) and strongly advised when learning big jumps.
Certifications
In Europe look for EN 1078; in the US, CPSC. For racing, many full-face helmets also meet ASTM F2032 (a BMX-specific standard) and ASTM F1952 (downhill); e.g. the Bell Sanction 2 lists CPSC, EN 1078, F1952 and F2032. Always check the inside label and your race rules.
Size and fit
Measure your head 1 cm above the eyebrows. The helmet shouldn't move when you shake your head with the strap fastened. Replace it after any hard impact.