Granted this is a specialized question

but I have noted a few gravity oriented guys lurking on here

My outings last year, I used a motocross helmet --- I felt pretty secure with that , -- but I did notice the weight -- made me feel like a giant bobble head at times

(also , I do not know why I notice the MX helmet's weight on a DH run, but on a motocross track with my dirt bike, -- I don't notice it --- hmmm )


Anybody have any perspective on a pure cycling oriented full face vs a motocross helmet?

If the weight difference is noticeable on the bike, it almost seems worth it

I road motorcycles for about 40 years and I have ridden DH for maybe 10 years. I can't imagine riding DH with a motocross helmet, given the weight and fewer vents. I use a Fox CF helmet and I really like it.

If you've got the budget, Kali makes a lightweight DH/MX helmet, DoT rated and everything.
Kali Protectives

The reason you notice the weight is probably the difference is overall weight. Rider+DH bike is significantly lighter than rider+MX bike, so the DH bike will tend to have slightly higher accelerations especially in response to awkward hits, causing your head to move around more.

Thanks for the input gents, I have looked at the Kali helmets, but I am a rather large individual and generally take a XXL helmet and the Kali's go to XL --- I have found the Fox helmet pictured at a couple of online sites ----

Fly has some full face helmets listed as MTB helmets , but on further inspection they just appear to be the carbon/Kevlar versions of the MX helmets

I had been considering just using my Bell super D type helmet, but the thought of getting my teeth cleaned out in a rock garden is not pleasant


LOL --- there's nothing cheap about downhill stuff is there

I have an Kali Avatar 2. Nice and light...but they suck on warm days. Soon as I stop...I need to take it off...or I'l start mad sweating. The light weight helps keep my head from moving around like a bobble head.

Epilogue --- I found this helmet (Fox Rampage Pro CF, ) on closeout as a 2014 model for $205 in xxl. Thanks for the tip, the reviews for the Fox lid are favorable

since i live in Oklahoma, i will have to test it out on a light trail ride on my enduro bike ( enduro as in Honda 450, not bicycle enduro) That should be a pretty good way to evaluate the weight and venting, especially since one of my MX helmets is a Fox V3---- Do one 10 mile llop with one and another loop with the other on a sticky muggy day in the trees and that will tell the tale