MXA TEAM TESTED: THE LATEST 6D ATR-3 HELMET

WHAT IS IT? Back in 2013, 6D Helmets changed the motocross helmet world with the original ATR-1 and its radical Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system. Fast-forward to 2018, and the concept was refined with the ATR-2. Now, after five years in the lab, 6D has dropped the ATR-3, a ground-up redesign that pushes safety tech even further while addressing the flaws of the helmet’s older siblings. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $794.95–$849.95. 

CONTACT? www.6dhelmets.com or (714) 772-2121.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with 6D Helmet’s new ATR-3.

(1) Technology. 6D was the first helmet brand to focus on rotational impact mitigation, and the ATR-3 represents the latest evolution. While the original ATR-1 had 27 rubber dampers and the ATR-2 had 11, the ATR-3 cuts that number to just six, but they’re completely redesigned. No more glue. The new dampers stretch farther, displace more easily, and help the inner and outer liners move independently during a crash. The name 6D is a reference to the engineering term “6 Degrees of Freedom,” which refers to the ability to move dimensionally in space about the Cartesian coordinate system of X, Y and Z, including rotation about each axis

(2) Lab testing. 6D didn’t just tweak the ATR-2 and call it new. They sent the ATR-3 out for third-party lab testing against the ATR-2 and their top competitors. The results? At low-speed impacts, the ATR-3 performs about the same as the ATR-2, but in high-speed hits, the ATR-3 is a clear upgrade—flattening those G-force spikes that rattle your skull. In both scenarios, 6D reported that it beat out the competition.

(3) Performance. Compared to the ATR-2, the new ATR-3 helmet has a sleeker rear profile and a more modern shape. Inside, the padding is improved, especially around the eye port. It feels plusher, more secure and doesn’t push down on your forehead like the older model could. The MXA test riders unanimously agree that the 6D ATR-3 is on the short list of comfortable helmets. 

Ventilation was one of the big gripes with the ATR-2. 6D heard the noise. The ATR-3 gets upgraded venting, with more internal channels that move air like a turbo fan. Less sweat, less fog, and less goggle swamp. You can even clean it with water or compressed air without risking damage to the EPS/EPP foam, because it doesn’t soak up moisture. For even more airflow, you can remove the small foam inserts above the goggle port. These are there to keep dirt out of the helmet, but they aren’t entirely necessary. 

(4) Price. Motocross is a dangerous sport, and crashing is inevitable. Many of your body parts can be fixed or replaced, or you can do without them, but your brain is not one of them. If you can afford to buy a motorcycle and go racing, you can afford to buy a safe helmet. If you can’t afford a safe helmet, you shouldn’t be riding. 

The 6D ATR-3 is not cheap, but 6D’s rebuildable helmet program sweetens the deal. Like the ATR-2, the ATR-3 helmet is rebuildable after a crash. Send your crashed helmet back to 6D, and if the shell is intact, 6D can inspect and replace the internal EPS liner for $132, plus $50 if you need a new chin bar, making your used helmet as good as new. That’s way cheaper than buying a whole new lid, and it’s much safer than going riding in a helmet that’s been compromised. 

Motocross helmets aren’t built for constant impacts like football lids; they’re made to protect you in a single crash, and they should be inspected after any crash to ensure you’re not riding in a compromised helmet.

(5) Extras. For AMA pros, there’s a built-in pocket for the Hats Off eject system, which is a small airbag that helps medics safely remove your helmet after a bad get-off. Not every rider will need it, but it’s good to know it’s there if you want to install Hats Off to meet AMA Pro rules. The ATR-3 also comes with a 3-inch visor extension for mud races, magnetic chin straps that snap shut faster than Velcro, a removable nose guard, and built-in speaker pockets if you like to jam out while riding.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? It ain’t cheap, but when your brain is on the line, that price tag starts to look better. 

MXA RATING: 6D has done it again. The tech is legit, the fit is better, and the ventilation finally delivers. The ATR-3 is the most advanced off-road helmet we’ve tested. If safety is your top priority, take a serious look at the 6D ATR-3 helmet.