I’ve spent two, or so, years on the look out a very large bucket helmet and finally my search is over. I hope this review can help my fellow big heads some time.

As a long time BMX racer, I’m not going to kid myself, I spend more time in a bucket helmet than I do in a race helmet. Full face helmets are perfect for racing and training on the track, but bucket helmets are much better for everyday riding; road, sprints and dirt jumps.

Now when it comes to a bucket helmet I have a check list, albeit short.

• Fit
• Safety
• Comfort

The S-One Mega Lifer Helmet fits a big head, a big plus for me, but first let me define what I mean by big. I wear a size 8 cap or a XXL Troy Lee D3. There are helmets that, on paper – according to their own fitting charts, should fit but don’t. I tried the Shadow Classic helmet, but the shell was too small. I also tried the O’Neal Dirt Lid, while the shell did fit the straps were too short. The Mega Lifer fits because it’s a larger shell than the standard helmets. The straps are also nice and long allowing for plenty of adjustment and a better chance of fitting. I found the measurements for the size to be very accurate, unlike other brands. Finally a helmet that fit on my head, properly, and safely.

Size Range

• 58.4 – 64.7 cm
• 23 – 25.5 inches
• 7 1/4 – 8 1/4 hat size

Too big for you? Don’t worry S-One have two other size ranges, the Lifer and the Mini Lifer.

When it comes to safety the S-One Mega Lifer Helmet is among the safest on the market. “The Lifer Helmet is a certified “multi-impact” helmet and is up to 5x more protective than the soft foam non-certified helmets.” Most other helmets would be safe for just one impact then you would need to replace them.

When it comes to comfort the Mega Lifer is surprisingly comfortable and has a fair bit of air flow for a bucket style helmet. It will still get hot and sweaty, there’s no avoiding that with this type of helmet. After market helmet liners are available if you are looking to tweak your fit, and at a reasonable price too.

Manufacturer’s Description

A bigger helmet for large heads. The S1 Mega Lifer Helmet is designed to be worn while riding your skateboard, bicycle, roller skates and scooter. The S1 Mega Lifer Helmet is the safest, best selling, and best fitting certified high impact and multiple impact helmet on the market . You can call it a skate helmet, bike helmet, roller derby helmet, roller skate helmet or scooter helmet because it offers the best protection while skating, biking and scooting. When you buy an S1 Mega Lifer Helmet you are buying the best. We batch test every production to make sure the S1 Lifer Helmet meets and/or exceeds current helmet safety standards.

The S1 Mega Lifer Helmet is fully certified to help protect against multiple low impacts and single high impacts.

S1 Mega Lifer Helmet Specs:

• Bigger Shell Size to Accommodate People with Bigger Heads
• Specially Formulated EPS Fusion Foam
• Certified Multi-Impact (ASTM)
• Certified High Impact (CPSC)
• 5x More Protective Than Regular Skate Helmets
• Deep Fit Design

Last Words

I’m so glad that my search is over and I finally have a helmet that’s comfortable and safe, and it actually fits me. S One have been around for over a decade, and as a leader in helmets they are bound to be around for some time to come. S One helmets are widely available, either in-store at all good bike shops, or online.

Rating 19.5/20

Comments

• The S1 Mega Lifer Helmet is a little more expensive than other helmets, but it’s worth every cent for safety, fit and comfort
• The Mega Lifer is light weight, making it comfortable even on longer ride sessions
• The only thing that I can think of that would improve the Mega Lifer would be a little more air flow
• The Mega Lifer has a classic bucket helmet look, and is available ten colour options

Want to know more?

Check them out at s1helmets.com.au or s1helmets.com

Reviewed by Shane Jenkins/bmxultra.com February 6, 2022