Craig Mast put together a quick edit with Josh Perry, but regardless of what equipment you're using edits are made or broken in the riding itself... And damn did Craig make this amazing. I really liked the 180 t-bog. Not many can backpedal after hitting a box jump...

You have probably heard it a million times from parents, from police officers, from skatepark employees, and sometimes even from your favorite action sports athlete. You have to wear your helmet. Or, at least it is strongly recommended. BMX has seen it pretty tough recently with helmets. Mike Aitken went down without a helmet and probably could have avoided a lot if he had one on. Stephen Murray went down with all of his pads on and he remains in a wheelchair to this day.

Mike Aitken riding his bike after 5 months of rehab after his severe head injury.


So, those two examples may contradict each other, but what I want to get across is helmets are something I encourage and recommend and with that, you should also get the right helmet for you, right? Many of you may have helmets that you never wear because they're uncomfortable, heavy, and look dumb. I'll be honest, I have seen many a helmet I wouldn't wear just because it looks dumb. Mike Aitken said in a recent interview he is looking into designing a helmet that would be better looking and more comfortable so people will actually want to wear a helmet.

When you are buying a helmet I would avoid helmets that come in vague sizes such as small/medium or large/xlarge. Go for something with more specific sizes meaning they have a more specific fit and find the perfect size for you. This is also why it is important to try these on and support your local store instead of buy the wrong size from the internet.

When you search for helmet brands you will probably first arrive to Pro-Tec. You may also run into s-one and Bern, younger companies that have made great strides in modern helmets. Don't count out Triple Eight, TSG, POC, and Bell helmets. As a BMXer, you may want to look for helmets that are bike specific but don't disregard helmets for skateboarding or anything.

Pro-Tec Classic helmets in assorted colors.


Half or full? If you ride skateparks or any terrain with several other people you want to avoid full face helmets as they limit vision and limit mobility for when you're looking out for your friends so you don't run into them. Full faces are more commonly seen in vert riding and BMX racing. Half cut helmets are more commonly seen in street/park riding and even in dirt and vert riding.

Obviously, it isn't recommended to skimp on helmet buying. The more high end helmets on the market won't even exceed $50 generally. You may see a CPSC sticker on some helmets. This means that it is qualified for bike use and may be a better option for your BMX helmet. However, you don't have to go CPSC it's just recommended. With CPSC helmets you will probably get EPS foam to take the abuse of bike riding. This may mean that the helmet is a single impact helmet, however, so if you take a big one with it on you should check to see if it's done for and need to get a new one. And this is why some prefer to get multi impact helmets which may be less protective but more thrifty.

A not-so-new feature that has become more popular recently, that I recommend, is a terry liner sweatband for the helmet lining. This soaks up the sweat so it doesn't drip into your eyes and everything while you're riding. It's also really comfortable compared to the more standard lining. (I wear a helmet with terry liner.) The only companies I can see, just through google search, with terry liner is s-one and Triple Eight.

I wear the S-ONE OG DLX helmet in white. Comfortable, affordable, protective.



One more picture because this one makes me feel really good and warm inside. Mikey and his boy, riding together.

Bell Powersports has extended its relationship with rising motocross star Justin Brayton for the 2010 season on the heels of an outstanding year for the 27-year-old. Brayton is no stranger to Bell, having competed in the Bell Moto-8 for the 2009 season as part of a team sponsorship with the MDK/KTM/Muscle Milk team and on the Bell-sponsored Motoworld team in two seasons prior. The new contract is an individual deal with Brayton who moves to the Toyota Joe Gibbs Yamaha team for 2010.

"I'm so pumped to get the win (at the Bercy Supercross). It's the perfect way to start the relationship with my new team, JGR," Brayton said. "I'm also excited Bell Helmets was able to come with me to my new team. I've worn Bell since the Motoworld days, so they've basically had my back my whole Supercross career."

Brayton won the "King of Bercy" title over Halloween weekend, and finished fourth in the Supercross West Lites class in '09. For outdoors he stepped up to the 450 class where he finished seventh on the year, including a win in the final moto at Steel City in the series' final round.

"We're really happy to have Justin continue in Bell," said Sports Marketing Manager Chuck Platt. "This year he's had some great results in the Lites class as well as on big bikes outdoors, not to mention winning the Bercy Supercross and a silver at X Games. He's also a good ambassador for the sport and an all-around fun guy."

For 2010 Brayton will ride in a new version of the Moto-8 which has been reengineered to meet the new Snell M2010 safety standard. Another convenient upgrade for 2010 is the new MagnaFusion Strap Keeper which replaces the mechanical snap with a magnetic system--the latter which is much easier to use with gloved hands.

Brayton joins 2009 Supercross champ James Stewart on Bell; more riders and teams to be named later.

Rider: Justin Brayton
DOB: March 14, 1984
Residence: Murietta, Calif.

Career Highlights:
2009 Bercy Supercross (France) - First Place Overall
2009 AMA Motocross 450 Class - Seventh Place
2009 AMA Supercross Lites West Class- Fourth Place
2002-2003 AMA Arenacross "Rookie of the Year"

2010 Bell Moto-8 Video News Release: http://tinyurl.com/bellmoto8vnr10

Bell Website: www.bellpowersports.com

Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/BellPowersports

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/BellPowersports

Facebook: Search "Bell Powersports"