UTV Helmets
You only get one brain, and when you're riding in a UTV, your helmet is the best way to protect it. In some circumstances, a helmet can make the difference between life and death. While it’s easy to let your helmet buying decision just turn into another impulse buy when you find something that looks cool, it’s best to do a little bit of research and put some real thought into your decision. This short guide will help to teach you about some of the basics of UTV helmet shopping and show you how you can have more confidence that you’re making the right decision. When you need a new helmet or even a new UTV, stop by Abernathy Cycles. We’re located in Union City, Tennessee, near Memphis and Nashville, and our knowledgeable staff will help you find everything you need today!
Why You Need a UTV Helmet
Most UTVs are designed to be off-road vehicles, so they typically don’t go through the same rigorous testing processes that automobiles do. For this reason, UTVs don’t offer the same safety features that cars do. They often have roll cages, and sometimes even seatbelts, but you won’t get the safety glass, front impact crumple zones, and airbags that are commonly found in passenger cars.
All that is to say that when you get into a UTV, you won’t be able to rely on the vehicle to protect you and you need to bring some of your own safety equipment to make sure you stay safe. A helmet is the most crucial piece of safety equipment you’ll buy. A good UTV helmet will protect your head from impact at all angles and will have a crash test rating demonstrating that it can keep you safe. Not only will a good helmet help you with crashes, it will also help to shield you from things like rocks and branches that might enter the cabin as you ride. Even if these things wouldn’t normally prove fatal, they could hurt your face or eyes, leading to a crash. A helmet protects against many potential hazards.
Helmet Styles
There aren’t many helmets that are specifically marketed to UTV users, but the principles that govern helmet buying in other motorsports are helpful to consider here. In general, helmets designed to perform in similar environments under similar conditions are a good place to start. When comparing terrains, driving speeds, and other metrics, motocross and ATV riding tend to be closer to UTV use than, say, a normal street motorcycle helmet. That’s a good place to start for buying a UTV helmet.
Motocross and UTV helmets tend to be lightweight, well-ventilated, and comfortable to wear under even the hardest riding conditions. They also often offer impact-resistant goggles instead of face shields, which is extremely helpful for UTV riders. Goggles give you the option to pick your own eyewear features, such as fog or UV light resistant coatings. They also mean you can find a pair that looks great.
Getting the Right Fit
Finding the right fit for your UTV helmet might be the most important consideration. If your helmet doesn’t fit correctly, it won’t protect you in the right way. Loose helmets can slide out of place, leaving you exposed to danger. Helmets that fit too tight might become a painful distraction. Your helmet should slide into place and be somewhat tight, but far from painful. It shouldn’t restrict your vision and it should sit firmly on your head without pinching.
You’ll want to try on multiple helmets, if possible, to get a sense of how they fit. It’s probably best to buy in person instead of online unless you can find a company with an excellent return policy. But even then, getting to try on helmets in the store is the best approach.
Hopefully, you feel more empowered to find the perfect helmet for your needs. Come into Abernathy Cycles if you have more questions. Our team of knowledgeable Powersports experts can help you find exactly what you need. Located in Union City, Tennessee, we proudly serve Memphis, Nashville, and Tennessee at large. Stop by today!