6D is the helmet brand that transformed the helmet industry in 2011 with the launch of its groundbreaking proprietary Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) technology.
The 6D helmet company’s mission is to provide the riders with superior safety helmets from both a technological and design standpoint.
Every part of 6D’s helmets is equipped with the newest technologies but the ODS is what sets the 6d helmet brand apart from the others.
Some of the world’s leading experts in head protection have studied, evaluated, and tested 6D’s technology, and it has proved itself successful in many 6D helmet designs across the world.
The 4 Best 6D Helmets in 2023
Below are some terrific examples of top-class 6D helmets available today.
1- 6D ATR-1 Off-Road Helmet
6D introduced its off-road ATR-1 helmet back in 2013 and at that time it was the first motorcycle helmet ever made to incorporate technology that decreased angular acceleration and low-threshold impact energy transfer to the brain during an impact.
This was accomplished by 6D’s revolutionary Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) technology.
Additionally, the helmet shell is made of a composite material of carbon fiber and Kevlar. It also has removable cheek cushions, clavicle cutouts on each side, and an extra-protective sternum pad on the underside of its chin bar that provide additional protection for the jaw, jawline, and sternum.
All these features of the ATR-1 are a testament to the amount of safety this helmet provides.
The ventilation system of this helmet also works great with its 8 intake vents, 13 transfer ports, and 4 exhaust ports.
The visor gives improved visibility and can be removed by using just three screws.
Fit is suitable for most riders thanks to its intermediate oval shape and detachable and replaceable CoolMax antibacterial lining.
Furthermore, the ATR-1 helmet comes with a 3-year warranty and compliance with DOT, ECE, ASTM, AU, and AC helmet safety standards.
Our Take
An ATR-1 helmet is a great option for riders who want maximum protection with optimum comfort. This helmet is available in seven distinct graphic designs and multiple color options. 6D has also lowered the price of the ATR-1 helmet so more riders can enjoy the superior protection of their exceptional helmet.
2- 6D ATS-1R Helmet
The 6D ATS-1R helmet offers a breakthrough motorcycle helmet design. It has a 3K carbon fiber shell that is both robust and light. The helmet’s improved ODS technology results in significant improvements in both linear and angular acceleration mitigation.
To assist your focus on the road, CAD (computer-Aided design) and hi-tech materials have been combined to create a very comfortable and silent helmet by decreasing drag, buffeting, and lift when riding at high speeds.
The ATS-1R comes with a Pinlock-compatible visor as standard. The visors can be easily replaced without the use of tools thanks to a quick-release mechanism.
When the helmet is closed, the visor remains tightly fitted to the helmet’s shell thanks to the CAD technology.
Fogging is further minimized with an internal breath guard and forehead vents.
Air is brought into the helmet through four adjustable intake ports, which are then managed by a network of 15 transfer ports and five exhaust ports to keep the air moving throughout the helmet.
If you want to use an intercom, speaker pockets are incorporated into the cheek pads as well. The helmet has double D-Ring fasteners to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
This 6D ATS-1R helmet is not only DOT certified (United States), but it also fulfills the ACU (United Kingdom) and ECE 22.05 safety requirements which makes this helmet legal to use anywhere around the globe.
Our Take
The ATS-1R helmet of the 6D brand offers outstanding fit and finish, with high-quality graphics in a well-finished package. The innovative technology used in this lightweight helmet makes it easy to wear both on and off the track. Although it is an expensive helmet, the protection and comfort it provides to the rider, make it worth the hefty price tag.
3- 6D ATR-2 Motion Helmet
After seven years of introducing the ATR-1 helmet, 6D developed its ATR-2 model, which they claim has even higher impact ratings.
The ATR-2 is the most technologically sophisticated motorcycle helmet ever made for off-road riding or racing.
Its shell is made of a strong and durable tri-composite material to provide maximum energy absorption in high-impact events, and its high-tech ODS system has been redesigned to resist moderate to severe hits.
The helmet’s exterior liner is made of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) while the replaceable inner liner is made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), which is connected to the outer liner through damping towers. During a collision, these three layers (2 liners and a strong shell) absorb a large amount of energy and keep the rider’s head safe.
This helmet has a total of 15 vents strategically positioned on it, including 9 intake vents and 6 exhaust openings.
An intriguing feature of the helmet venting system is the space between its two shock absorption layers which allow air to circulate within the helmet.
To prevent fogging, the internal breath guard sends fresh air up the shield’s inside, while exhausting breath downwards.
The interior liner is composed of soft and moisture-wicking Dri-Lex material.
The ATR-2 helmet shell is available in three sizes and is fastened with a titanium double-D ring system. Additionally, the open-face design provides ample room for goggles.
They have also added emergency quick-release cheek pads, which are a must-have feature in a race helmet whether it is used on or off-road.
Our Take
Even though this upgraded version is more expensive than the previous model 6D ATR-1 helmet, it still boasts many great features that make it stand tall among other helmet models.
4- 6D ATR-2Y Youth Helmet
Now, the new generation of motocross racers has access to the next level of brain safety. The 6D ATR-2y is a youth helmet that is specifically designed to protect a growing child’s developing brain.
Except for a few minor internal modifications to fit, this youth helmet is almost identical to its adult counterpart, the ATR-2 helmet.
Children’s heads are softer than adult’s heads, therefore more flexible and aggressive carrier systems, coupled with softer foam liners, are used to provide truly superior protection for young riders.
In addition to the ODS units, 6D uses dual-layer polyvinyl chloride outer shells and two types of foam with varying densities, which further increase protection.
The Emergency Quick Release System allows the cheek pads to be swiftly removed in the event of an accident.
Furthermore, the 6D ATR-2Y helmet is offered in four sizes, ranging from small to extra-large.
Our Take
The majority of parents do not want to spend $459.9 feel for a helmet. But when it comes to the ATR-2Y helmet, parent’s faith in this youth helmet for the protection of their young motorcyclists is commendable. It might be a costly purchase for you as a parent, but your child’s safety will be ensured with this investment.
What is ODS Technology?
The Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) is an advanced kinetic energy management system designed by the 6D helmet company.
6D Helmets realized that low-velocity impacts are the most common type of accident and even very minor concussions can cause brain damage.
Hence, they introduce their ODS technology which reduces the impact-energy transmission to the rider’s brain and provides more protection than a traditional helmet.
2 different EPS liners are used in the 6D helmet’s ODS system, which delivers greater protection by covering all ranges of impact speeds and the resulting linear and angular acceleration on the brain.
In an accident or collision, 6D’s ODS technology works by uncouples the outer shell from the inner EPS liner to minimizes linear and rotational energy transmission to a rider’s brain.
Are 6D helmets Legal to wear?
Yes, all 6D helmet models are certified by the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) under FMVSS-218 safety standards, so they are legal to wear while riding.
Final Words
6D helmets are a relatively new brand but have already made significant safety improvements to achieve its goal to create a motocross helmet that can resist low, mid and high-speed collisions.
Its revolutionary ODS technology sets it far ahead of its rivals as it protects your head even in the event of a serious accident.
Being one of the safest helmet brands, a 6D helmet will not leave you disappointed in any circumstances.
Brad Mitchell is a seasoned motorcycle enthusiast with over 16 years of riding experience. He’s spent countless hours on the open road, particularly favoring scenic routes aboard his trusted Harley-Davidson. Brad’s laid-back approach to life and riding gives him a unique perspective on motorcycle gear and safety, which he shares through his in-depth reviews and expert advice on ProtectiveGearz.
