Attending a 6D Helmets launch is always a little like attending a physics engineering class — lots of graphics, charts and technical terms galore. Not surprisingly, understanding the functionality of the company’s new AT-3 off-road helmet with upgraded ODS (Omni-Directional Suspension) Technology means grasping concepts such as angular acceleration, and why the rate of change of acceleration is the most critical factor in causing damage to your brain. You need to know how to read a sine wave of energy absorption, and understand why having a more gradual slope on the upside is so important. But the easy takeaway is that when it comes to knocks to your noggin, these guys have done their homework.

6D Helmets’ CEO, Bob Weber, himself an avid motocross racer, upended the helmet industry back in 2013 when 6D Helmets first came on the scene with the revolutionary shell-within-a-shell design. This radical ODS Technology was virtually “suspension for your head.” Up to that point, a dual-density EPS liner was about as high tech as it got. Fast forward a dozen years, and nearly every major helmet manufacturer now features some form of technology in their helmets that is designed to help mitigate angular acceleration. Because, as concussion studies now tell us, it’s the angular impacts—not linear—that are more damaging and far more likely to occur.

The original 6D ATR-1 helmet quickly piqued the interest of the motocross industry (a crowd not unfamiliar with crashes and concussions), although it was also scrutinized for its size and weight. Since its early days, the ODS design has seen several evolutions, including the third-generation featured in the ATR-2, a fourth generation in 6D’s mountain bike helmets, and now, the fifth generation has arrived in the recently revealed ATR-3 helmet.

“One of the most evolutionary areas to the ODS system is that we’re no longer relying on the hourglass isolation dampers,” says Bob Weber. “We’re doing that with the design of the inner EPP liner, and the towers and the channels that you see inside the outer shell are working to allow that inner EPS liner to mash into it. If you look on the CG, you can see these towers being compressed during the impact. All the dampers do now is control the tension on the slip, on the displacement, and then return the liner back to center where it should be after a fall.”

After studying and understanding the ODS technology upgrade (I’d call my level of understanding at least on par with a dog watching television), we got into the rest of it: features, venting, fitment options, and of course, those sweet graphics. The fact that 6D Helmets spends 30 minutes on the technology and 5 on the colorways and features speaks volumes for the company, and is a stark reminder of what really matters with a helmet—saving your life. The slick looks, the price point and the features are important, too. But don’t let that noise drown out what’s truly important. 

The ATR-3 motocross-style helmet is lighter, sleeker, and features more venting than before. The direct-to-brow cooling features channels that send cool air straight through to the brow area and pulls hot air out the back. This airflow was much appreciated on a 95° day at Glen Helen raceway motocross track in San Bernardino, CA where we got to sample the goods. The lighter overall weight was also refreshing. The outer shell is built from 3K Carbon Fiber which allows the ATR-3 to check in at over 100 grams lighter than the ATR-2 (tri-composite weave).

More good news, and another unique feature of 6D Helmets, is that they can be rebuilt after an impact (the ATR-1 is not rebuildable, only the ATR-2 and ATR-3). Meaning that after a crash, you don’t necessarily need to dump your $800 lid in the trash. Send it to 6D Helmets where it will be inspected for damage, and they will determine if it can be rebuilt with a fresh inner EPS assembly. To our knowledge, they are the only helmet company to offer this type of service.

Now in its fifth generation, the evolved ODS technology represents the pinnacle of 6D’s commitment to rider safety. The dampers now have a backseat role to the energy absorption. A total of five elastomeric isolation dampers serve to keep the inner EPS liner in place, suspended within the outer shell. But it is the “damping towers” (read: humps in the EPS liner shell capped with plastic puck thingies) that compress and absorb the impact. This new system, I learned through my physics engineering class, now works better across a broader spectrum of velocities (big thumps and small thumps). The proof is on the board in any form of graph, bar chart or spreadsheet you could ask for—6D is more than happy to show you all of it. Visit 6dhelmets.com to geek out on helmet testing and engineering to your heart’s desire. It will either make you feel smarter or dumber.

Key Features

• ODS 5 improves impact force mitigation at low, mid, and high velocity for both linear and angular accelerations
• Replaceable EPS inner liner for low-cost reconditioning
• 120g weight reduction with a new lower center of gravity
• Enhanced Ventilation: Radically improved Air-Gap ventilation system with Ram Air Direct-to-Brow Cooling.
• Optimized, durable 3K Carbon Composite Shell 
• Improved ventilation
• Eject compatible
• Drink tube compatible
• Recessed shear-away visor screws
• Removable roost guard
• Cervical Protection Zone
• Removable, washable comfort liner featuring Dri-Lex® anti-bacterial fabric
• Emergency quick-release cheek pads
• Mud Visor Extension

A big advantage to the new system is a streamlined production process, as Weber explains, “We’re not gluing 11 dampers in the ATR-2, or to 27 dampers in the ATR-1 on both sides. There’s no gluing on the ATR-3. This means better quality control, it speeds up production, definitely a nice benefit for us.”

If you thought that might add up to a less expensive helmet, think again. The latest from 6D is still very much a premium product, that is expensive to test, and expensive to build. The 6D ATR-3 helmets start at $794.95 for the graphic colorways, and $759.95 for the solid colorways. Good news for your wallet is that the ATR-2 helmet (which will still be available) appears to be coming down in price, as is the original ATR-1 helmet (now priced as low as $349.99). Weber hinted that there may be an even more budget “Evo” option down the road for 6D Helmets. 

Currently available in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, the new 6D Helmets ATR-3 comes with a three-year limited warranty. Find more information including colorways and youth options on their website at www.6Dhelmets.com.

Photos by Jean Turner and 6D Helmets

Author: Jean Turner

Jean Turner is a freelance journalist/photographer in the powersports industry. She has been riding and racing motocross and enduro for over 18 years, during which she has worked for a number of publications such as Cycle News, Dirt Rider magazine, Dirt Bike magazine, Racer X, Motocross Action Magazine and international publications in Europe, Japan and Australia. Jean grew up riding in the Southern California desert with her family and has traveled the world as a media correspondent covering and shooting motorcycle races, manufacturer intros and off-road/adventure tours.