6D ATS-1 Street Carbon Helmet

We’ve known about 6D Helmets for quite some time as their helmets often pop up on riders we run into when riding off-road. The technology they’ve developed for their dirt helmets was impressive and undoubtedly made sense in prevention of concussions so we were ecstatic to learn they are coming out with a street helmet. Today we got to check out the all new 6D ATS-1 Street Carbon helmet first hand and here’s the skinny.

If you’re not familiar with 6D’s patented ODS technology, in the simplest terms it’s like having a suspension inside your helmet. Instead of just having one layer of EPS Foam, 6D uses two layers of foam with impact absorbing “shocks” in between the two layers. On impact, the “shocks” compress helping minimize impact to the head. These ”shocks” don’t just compress but they rotate as well allowing even energy transfer in case of a sideways head motion during a slide. This technology sets a new bar in helmet safety.

Other features of this helmet include: an anti-fog Pinlock® shield insert, five air vents, removable and washable liner and an integrated speaker pockets.

There is no denying the Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) will help reduce head trauma in case of an incident. But there are a few downsides to the helmet as well.

The most evident downside is the shell size. In order to accommodate the dual-layer foam and ODS technology, there is a need for the shell to be quite a bit larger than an average helmet. It might not be as noticeable on a larger, heavy set rider but the average built rider will look like a bit of a bobble head.

The weight of the ATS-1 Street was also a bit surprising. We’re used to carbon-fiber helmets weighing around 3lbs and this helmet is about 3.13lbs which is a bit on the heavy side even for a fiber-glass helmet, let alone a carbon fiber one.

The overall quality was decent but evidently “Chinese made.”

In conclusion, if safety is your priority, 6D ATS-1 Street Carbon helmet is the way to go. The Omni-Directional Suspension technology is indisputably an innovation in motorcycle safety and there is nothing else like it. The helmet will be available for purchase around March and retail for $895.

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