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Tips, Types & Safety Standards

Buying a Motorcycle Helmet: How to Find the Right One

The motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of protective gear you wear as a rider. But anyone looking to buy a motorcycle helmet is quickly faced with a wealth of options: full-face or flip-up? ECE 22.06 or 22.05? Size S or M? In this guide you'll find out what really matters when buying – and which iXS helmets suit your riding style.

What Types of Helmet Are There?

Before you can buy a motorcycle helmet, you need to know which type suits you. The three most common variants differ in terms of protection, comfort and intended use.

Full-Face Helmet – Maximum Protection for Sport & Road

The full-face helmet completely encloses the head – including the chin. It offers the highest level of protection and is particularly aerodynamic, making it ideal for faster riding and sport touring. Its closed design also makes it quieter and better at keeping out the elements.

Rapid 1.0

Combines sporty design with modern safety standards.

Rapid 2.0

For beginners or budget-conscious riders.

Flip-Up Helmet – Flexibility for Tourers & Commuters

The flip-up helmet combines the protection of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open helmet: the flip-up chin section makes it easier to put on and take off, making it ideal for adventure riders and tourers – perfect for quick photo stops along the way too.

Venture 1.0 MIPS 

With the integrated MIPS system (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), it offers additional protection against rotational forces in a crash.

Venture 1.0

Venture 1.0 Combines first-class, lightweight protection with excellent ventilation and a functional, adventure-ready design.

Open-Face Helmet – Openness for City & Cruiser

The open-face helmet leaves the lower jaw exposed and offers the most open riding feel. It is lighter and provides better visibility, but is best suited to lower speeds in the city or relaxed cruiser rides.

Rapid J 1.0 

Rapid J 1.0 Light, modern and suitable for everyday use.

Getting the Right Helmet Size

The correct helmet size is crucial – not just for comfort, but also for protection. A helmet that is too loose can shift in a crash; one that is too tight will quickly become uncomfortable.

Measuring Your Motorcycle Helmet Size – Here's How

Measuring your head circumference is the first step. All you need is a soft tape measure:

  1. Place the tape measure approximately two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
  2. Run it around both sides over the widest part of the back of your head.
  3. Note the measurement in centimetres.

Anhand dieser Messung findest du deine Helmgrösse.
Bei iXS gilt folgende Zuordnung:

XS
53–54 cm

S
55–56 cm

M
57–58 cm

L
59–60 cm

XL
61–62 cm

2XL
63–64 cm

Safety Standards for Motorcycle Helmets

When buying a motorcycle helmet, certification is not a formality – it determines the actual level of protection. In Europe there are two relevant standards.

ECE 22.06 vs. ECE 22.05

ECE 22.05 was the standard for a long time and is still widely used. Helmets with this certification meet solid minimum requirements and are approved for use in Europe.

ECE 22.06 is the newer and considerably stricter standard, which has been gradually introduced since 2023. It tests, among other things:
• Rotational forces on impact (oblique impact)
• Visor stability under various conditions
• Improved side-impact tests

If you are looking to buy a motorcycle helmet today, you should look specifically for the ECE 22.06 seal. It demonstrably offers you more protection than the previous standard.

All current iXS helmets are ECE 22.06 certified.

Visor, Ventilation & Comfort

Visor
A good visor is more than just a windshield. Look out for the following features when buying:
• Anti-fog coating: Prevents misting in changing temperatures, especially in autumn and winter.
• Sun visor: Protects the eyes from glare and sunlight.
• Scratch resistance: A scratched visor impairs visibility.
• Quick-release system: Practical when switching between clear and tinted visors.

Replacement visors for iXS helmets are available in the helmet spare parts section.

Ventilation
Good ventilation is especially important in summer. High-quality helmets feature a well-designed channel system that draws in fresh air and expels warm air at the back of the head. On long summer rides, this makes a noticeable difference – and keeps concentration levels up.

Inner Lining & Comfort
The inner lining should be removable and washable – hygiene is particularly important with frequent use. Premium models also use antibacterial materials that manage odours and moisture more effectively.

Full-Face or Flip-Up – Which Is Right for Me?

This question is best answered based on your riding style:

Choose a full-face helmet if you...

  • regularly ride on motorways or go on sport tours
  • prefer an aerodynamic, quiet riding feel
  • see maximum protection as your top priority

Choose a flip-up helmet if you...

  • ride a lot in the city or on tours with frequent stops
  • value the convenience of putting it on and taking it off (e.g. glasses wearers)
  • need flexibility and everyday usability

Choose an open-face helmet if you...

  • mainly ride in the city or on short distances
  • prefer an open, airy riding feel
  • ride at lower speeds

Conclusion: How to Find the Right Motorcycle Helmet

Buying the right motorcycle helmet means more than simply picking your size. You need the right type for your riding style, the correct size and a fit that is still comfortable after extended wear – all with up-to-date safety certification.

iXS has the right solution for every rider: from the sporty Rapid 1.0 full-face helmet to the versatile Venture 1.0 MIPS flip-up helmet to the lightweight Rapid J 1.0 open-face helmet for the city.

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