Choosing a UTV Helmet

Protecting your head is probably the most important part of driving safety, especially when you’re riding in a UTV. These helpful and fun-to-drive vehicles can tear apart just about any terrain you throw at them. But having all that speed and performance can sometimes open you up to danger. If you do crash, you’ll want to make sure you have a well-built, correctly-fitted helmet to protect yourself. This short guide will explain some of the ins and outs of UTV helmets and hopefully by the end you’ll feel a little more confident about buying your first helmet.

Barnes Bros Motorcycles & Offroad is operated by a staff of passionate powersport enthusiasts, and we know how crucial it is to have a decent helmet. We also know how much better riding is when you’re in the right UTV for your body and riding style. Stop by today and we’ll help you find one that’s easy and fun to ride. Located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, we serve Washington and Pittsburgh.

Why You Need a UTV Helmet

Many UTVs have some basic safety features such as a roll cage and seat belts. These are certainly helpful, but they can also build complacency among riders who think the features will completely protect them. It’s extremely important to wear a helmet in a UTV because the way people often drive UTVs combined with the scenery in which they do it can contain many hazards. For example, while riding in the forest, it’s easy for a tree branch to come through an open window and hit the rider in the head. Another possibility is a rollover or other crash that causes the rider to hit their head on the steering wheel or some other interior feature. Since UTVs don’t offer airbags, protecting the rider from interior features and side impacts comes down to the rider’s own safety equipment.

Helmet Styles

Different styles of helmet are best suited for different motorsports. While there aren’t many helmets made specifically for UTV riding, one type of helmet tends to work best for this type of riding. The more rough the terrain you ride on, the more jangly the ride will become. Lightweight helmets are best suited for this environment because you don’t have to fight them as hard to keep your head upright. You’ll probably also want a helmet that’s well-ventilated because it will keep your head from getting too warm and humid when you’re riding in hot weather. Finally, it’s important that the helmet covers the whole head since the danger can come from any angle. The helmet that meets these requirements is currently used in motocross and dirt bike riding.

Getting the Fit Right

Finding a helmet that fits correctly is extremely important. If your helmet is too loose, it will move around and potentially obstruct your vision. Worse, it could even slide off during a wreck. If your helmet is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and potentially cause headaches. You might be less inclined to wear it, too. The ideal situation for finding the right fit for your helmet would be to try one on at the store and then also try it on while riding. It’s only through riding with your helmet on that you’ll figure out if it really is the right choice because it’s on the trail that you’ll see if it obstructs your vision, moves around, or is too stuffy to wear

Eye Protection Options

Depending on the type of helmet you purchase, you’ll likely have several options for eye protection. The two main types of eye protection are face shields and goggles. Face shields are helpful because they completely seal out water and precipitation and provide seamless protection. Unfortunately, face shields are slightly less durable and are more predisposed to shattering in a crash. Goggles are a common choice for use in offroad motorsports and many helmets are designed to accommodate them. The added benefit of goggles is that you can choose whatever features you want such as shatter resistance, polarization, anti-fog coatings, and other qualities.

Having a helmet when you’re riding in your UTV is extremely important, so make sure when you strap in, you strap a helmet on. If you’re still trying to find your perfect UTV, stop by Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Offroad. We proudly serve Washington and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from our Canonsburg location.