A helmet is just a helmet, right? Wrong. California-based 6D is debuting a rather innovative helmet, called the ATR-1, that incorporates a proprietary kinetic-energy management system.

To be used by the GEICO Honda 250SX team in the upcoming 2013 AMA Supercross, the new 6D ATR-1 headgear looks pretty much like any other helmet, but boasts a hard shell for penetration protection and a visor that is designed to shear off under stress to prevent the head and neck from getting torqued.

Under the shell, which is made from a blend of carbon-fibre, fiberglass and Kevlar, lies two energy-absorbing liners made of expanded polystyrene (most helmets have just one), and between each liner is, according to 6D, a very specific programmed array of 27 hourglass-shaped elastomeric dampers that serve as a free-motion suspension for the rider’s head while creating a small 6mm air gap. Priced at around USD 750, the 6D ATR-1 is sure expensive, but worth it if they work as advertised. You can check out the complete hoo-ha at 6D’s website.