6D has literally revolutionized the helmet world. For decades helmet protection has remained the same. There have been small improvements in shell types and shapes, colours and ventilation, but the Styrofoam liners (EPS), which provide the core of the safety protection, have remained stagnant. Now of course there have been higher quality brands such as Arai and Shoei, which I believe there is a difference in those helmets versus the cheaper brands, but since having a concussion myself with a $200 helmet I immediately upgraded to the higher quality, higher price tag Shoei. The Shoei and Arai have dual density EPS liners and are made with much higher standards than the run of the mill cheaper buckets. However, the technology and the idea behind how these helmets protect (cheap or expensive ones) are essentially the same.
Enter 6D, who have made very positive and encouraging advancements in safety. They have taken two EPS liners and divided them with elastomeric isolation dampers, which are like hourglass shaped rubber dampers. These elastomeric dampers act as suspension and upon impact the dampers will first take the force by compressing like suspension. How this really changes everything is that previous helmets are made very stiff and they are built more specifically for the fatal impact, which is at a high G force. Studies have proven that concussions happen at low G force impacts. When the ODS (Omni-Directional Suspension) compresses, this is the range that protects in the low G force category to protect against concussions. When the two liners compress, you then have the traditional helmet that protects against the very high G force impacts. This is what’s great with the 6D, it is capable over a broad range of scenarios. 6D technology also protects against angular acceleration, which is when the force of the impact isn’t straight on or linear, and the helmet contacts at an angle greater or less than 90 degrees (straight up and down). Rotational impacts can be very serious. With the ODS, the liners are separate and can move in opposite direction.
Another great improvement 6D has made is the way they test the helmets in their labs. Not only do they test with straight drop down linear impacts like every other helmet test, they test the helmet hitting on a non-flat surface, which are more real world scenarios. 6D still meet DOT and ECE standards (Snell certifications have to make the helmet very stiff to pass).
Young Canadian champions like Preston Masciangelo rely on 6D Helmets to provide them the best protection.
I have the 6D ATR-1 helmet and I love it. I have already taken a soil sample going down hard head first into the ground, and I was able to get up and continue riding right away. With other helmets I would have doubts. Everyone’s head shape is different and a tight fit is very important. For me, the medium shell sat on my head properly and comfortably but was very loose. Thankfully 6D is in tune with their customers and offer a M/S liner that bridges the gap between a small and medium, and makes the medium much snugger. I also changed two sizes on the cheek pads going to 55mm thickness vs. 45mm. This offers the opportunity to custom fit your helmet. When riding with the helmet it is very comfortable, the liners are nice, and it seems to vent well. They made some small updates to the 2015 helmet, and when I am riding I have no issues with any blockage of my vision from the visor or brim of the helmet. It is nice to say that there are no compromises with this helmet. Besides the fact of the price tag, however, I have seen some of the original colour ways on sale in Canada for $650.
Another great thing to mention that 6D has introduced is their warranty program you can find on their website at www.6dhelmets.com. They will inspect your helmet, and as long as the shell passes, they will rebuild the interior of your helmet and send it back to you fixed at a fraction of the replacement cost. This is really good to know when making the investment. Other companies will inspect your helmet and give it a pass or fail. 6D is taking a big step here. This all can sometimes be a heavy subject but it is good to have companies like this out there.
