FAQs

WHAT IS ‘ANGULAR ACCELERATION?

Angular Acceleration = Rotational Force

Angular acceleration contributes more than linear acceleration to concussive injuries, diffuse axonal injuries, and subdural hematomas. Angular acceleration is the leading cause of rotational brain injuries.

The focal point of traditional helmet design has always been directed at providing protection against linear impact energy test compliance. Helmets are tested to standards by dropping them in a vertical plane on very complex test equipment in a controlled environment. This testing assures the public that a level of compliance is achieved before a particular helmet makes it to market. While this is an excellent control method, impacts in a ‘real-world’ accident are in fact much different, and the impact will almost certainly be an oblique angle strike. This means the helmet will impact an object or the ground at an angle greater or less than 90 degrees to the center of mass (the brain) within the helmet. During this event (impact), angular acceleration is transferred to the brain. 6D’s goal is to reduce this angular acceleration transfer thereby reducing the potential of brain injury. ‘ODS™’ achieves this goal. In some test cases, the 6D ATR-1 off-road helmet reduces resultant angular acceleration over traditional helmet design by over 80%, resulting in a truly revolutionary helmet.

WHAT IS ‘LOW THRESHOLD ENERGY?

Low Threshold Energy should not be confused with low riding speeds. This has been misunderstood by some people when reviewing our data. ‘Low-Threshold Energy’, or low velocity impacts, is qualified for sake of reference, throughout our documentation as velocity equal to, or less than, 4m/sec (meters per second) as measured on traditional linear helmet testing equipment. A 4m/sec impact is a very dangerous impact velocity and is equivalent to roughly 120 G’s being transferred to the brain in most current model Snell and DOT approved off-road helmets. This is 2x the amount of energy required to sustain a concussion for an adult male.

WHAT IS ‘ODS’?

 ‘ODS’ stands for Omni-Directional Suspension™. It represents a fully active, in-helmet suspension and kinetic energy management system. ODS™ is designed to protect the athlete’s brain over a broader range of energy transfer than traditional helmet designs; especially angular acceleration, in low and high velocity impacts. ‘ODS’ achieves this by providing more time, travel, and progression to manage the impact as the dampers compress and shear.

ARE 6D HELMETS LARGER THAN A TRADITIONAL HELMET?

Possibly, it depends on the helmet you are comparing it to, but the difference is minor. The ‘ODS’™ technology inside requires more room, but its efficiency allows a minor increase in overall dimension of about 2 to 10mm per side depending on the helmet it is compared to.

ARE 6D HELMETS HEAVIER THAN A TRADITIONAL HELMETS?

The 6D helmet is very light weight.  Less than many other premium helmets in the marketplace. The ‘ODS’™ technology adds 108 grams, but 6D is able to reduce weight in other areas to compensate.

DO 6D HELMETS FIT THE SAME AS A TRADITIONAL HELMETS?

Yes.

The size you wear will most likely be the same size you will wear in the 6D helmet. The 6D Helmet has received high marks for excellent fit, and comfort. Please visit your local retail dealer for proper sizing.

ARE 6D HELMETS COMPATIBLE WITH A NECK BRACES?

 Yes.

The 6D ATR-1 Helmet is compatible with all of the various neck braces on the market.

WHAT SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS DOES THE ATR-1 , ATR-2 AND ATS-1 HELMETS MEET?

The ATR and ATS Helmet is certified to meet and exceed the U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS218 and the ECE (Economic Community of Europe) 22.05 safety standards. The ECE 22.05 standard is the most recognized international helmet standard, required by over 50 countries worldwide. The combination of our dual certified helmet to both DOT and ECE assures a broad range of high performance protection. While the DOT certification provides for penetration protection and max G loads at controlled dwell times, the ECE certification provides for high velocity impacts similar to Snell testing.

ARE 6D HELMETS APPROVED BY THE SNELL MEMORIAL FOUNDATION?

No.

The ATR-1 off-road helmet is not Snell approved. Snell is a voluntary program, which is not required by any U.S. government safety authority or any major U.S. racing sanctioning body.  Meeting Snell’s criteria would require the shell to be both stiffer and heavier than necessary, which, in the case of the 6D, is contradictory to meeting the safety objectives set forth by our company.

DOES MY HELMET STILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER AN IMPACT OR CRASH?

That depends on the severity of the impact. All motorcycle helmets utilize EPS or similar type foams that crush or yield upon impact to protect the athlete. If you experience an accident that involves a head strike, the EPS may be compromised and your helmet should be inspected by a qualified technician. We recommend that the helmet be returned to 6D for inspection.

CAN I SEND MY HELMET TO 6D TO BE INSPECTED AFTER A CRASH?

Yes.

In every case we want to review and diagnose what has taken place with your ‘crashed’ helmet. At 6D we want to give the customer as much feedback as possible, as well as gain further knowledge of how the damage took place, and how the helmet performed. This information will assist us in producing a better, safer, product.

DOES 6D OFFER A WARRANTY?

6D Helmets offers a  warranty program which covers material and workmanship issues with your helmet. The helmet must be registered with 6D which is done by logging onto our website. The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser of the helmet and is non-transferrable.

CAN I REMOVE THE COMFORT LINER AND CHEEK PADS TO WASH THEM?

Yes.

The 6D Helmet has removable, washable anti-microbial comfort liner, cheek pads, and chin strap covers.

How to wash your 6D ATR-1 Helmet

  The Helmet Exterior

  • Do NOT use harsh chemicals such as bleach, contact cleaner, or acidic based chemicals

  • Do NOT use a pressure washer

  • It’s recommended to wet the surface first, then wipe clean with a wet rag or towel to remove dirt from the helmet’s surface to avoid scratching the paint

  • It’s recommended to use an automotive wax or polisher to protect your helmet’s painted surfaces. 

  The Helmet Interior

  • Wash with WARM or COLD water using a mild detergent like Woolite®

  • AIR DRY the comfort liner, cheek pads, and chin strap covers

DOES 6D OFFER AN ACCIDENT REPLACEMENT POLICY?

Yes.

6D’s Accident Replacement Policy covers helmets damaged within the first 6-months of ownership. In order to be considered, your helmet will need to be registered and on file via 6D’s warranty registration program, and be returned to 6D for inspection. You will be offered a new helmet at a discount after we inspect the helmet and qualify it as damaged beyond its useful life.