A high-quality, well-fitting ATV helmet is absolutely crucial for both your safety and overall ATV riding experience. Research indicates that ATV helmets reduce riders’ risk of death by 42 percent and head injury by 64 percent. Quad helmets can also prevent severe, life-altering spinal cord injuries. What’s more, a nice ATV helmet can make riding more comfortable and enjoyable by improving visibility, reducing ambient wind noise, providing protection from the elements, and minimizing fatigue from the wind.

With all these benefits in mind, investing in a great ATV helmet should be a no-brainer. In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of ATV helmets, share what to look for when shopping, and highlight some of the best ATV helmets on the market.

Different Types of ATV Helmets

When shopping for such an important piece of ATV safety gear, it’s important to do your due diligence and choose carefully. There are several different types of ATV helmets designed for different types of riding:

• Full-face ATV helmets: As the name implies, these helmets cover your entire head, face, and chin, so they offer the greatest protection against head and face injuries. On the downside, they are also the heaviest type of ATV helmet and provide less ventilation.

• Off-road ATV helmets: These helmets are the most popular among avid ATV riders. They cover the entire head as well as the chin and mouth area but leave the rest of the face open– essentially a three-quarter helmet. They are more lightweight than full-face helmets and offer great ventilation, but you’ll need to invest in proper eye protection.

• Open-face ATV helmets: If you use your ATV for utility purposes or outdoor recreation activities like hunting or fishing, you might consider an open-face ATV helmet. However, because these helmets offer less protection, they aren’t suitable for more extreme forms of ATV riding.

• Modular ATV helmets: Modular ATV helmets are the most versatile and flexible because they can function as full-face helmets, three-quarter helmets, or open-face helmets. On the plus side, they act as three helmets in one, so they are convenient for people who use their ATVs for many different reasons. On the other hand, the modular structure is less secure than a full-face or off-road helmet, therefore offering less reliable protection, especially for the chin/jaw area.

What to Look for in ATV Helmets for Adults

Once you decide which type of ATV helmet you want to buy, you can get down to the details. Here are some key things to keep in mind when shopping for ATV helmets:

• Certification: There are two primary types of safety standard certifications to look out for when shopping for ATV helmets: DOT and Snell. A DOT certification indicates that the helmet meets the minimum safety requirements set by the Department of Transportation. Snell is a more advanced certification through the Snell Memorial Foundation based on some of the strictest helmet testing in the world. Additionally, if the ATV helmet has a face shield, be sure the shield meets VESC-8 or ANSI Z-87 standards– these help ensure that the face shield will hold up against impact.

• Fit: The ATV helmet you buy should feel comfortable on your head but also snug enough to remain securely in place. Measure the widest circumference of your head and then try at least three different sizes, one up and one down, to compare the fit. Try jumping up and down and turning the helmet from side to side to test how much it moves and interferes with your visibility.

• Ventilation: If you’re shopping for a full-face helmet, you’ll need to consider ventilation, as it can affect visibility and safety. Look for a helmet with adjustable venting, which can prevent the visor from fogging up.

• Weight: The weight of the ATV helmet will affect your comfort while riding, especially if you ride for long periods of time. When you try on a helmet, wear it for at least 10 or 15 minutes to see how the weight affects you.

• Aesthetics: ATV helmets come in many different colors and styles, some with fun graphics. Helmet aesthetics are about more than just personal preference; if you choose a brightly-colored helmet, it can improve safety by making you more visible to other riders.

• New vs. Used: We always recommend buying a new helmet rather than a used one. Most helmets need to be replaced at least every five years (depending on manufacturer recommendations), even if they have not suffered any impact.

• Special Features: Some ATV helmets come with removable interior linings that you can take out and wash to keep your helmet in good condition. Some come with additional snap-out paddings, such as cheek pads, that allow you to adjust the fit and maximize comfort. Additional features include adjustable visors, goggle holders, quick-change face shields, and adjustable air vents.

Womens & Mens ATV Helmets: Top Picks

Fly Racing is a top ATV helmet brand, known for designing some of the safest and most up-to-date helmet technologies that meet competition standards. They offer a wide range of ATV helmets to suit different budgets and types of riders.

Alpinestars is another leading ATV helmet manufacturer. They make some high-end carbon fiber helmets with state-of-the-art features and materials, like the Supertech S-M10 Carbon Helmet. This helmet features a lightweight carbon fiber shell, top-notch ventilation, and a multiple-density inner liner that absorbs impacts. It’s a more significant investment, but it’s the cream of the crop when it comes to ATV helmets!

If you ride your ATV in snow or cold weather, this Formula Origin Cold Weather Helmet is a great option with special features for maximum comfort.

Looking for Womens ATV Helmets?

Women ATV riders shopping for helmets actually don’t need to look for a specific fit, as ATV helmets aren’t typically sized by sex like other types of ATV riding gear. Instead, they can just look for ATV helmets for adults. When trying on ATV helmets though, be sure to take your hair out of a ponytail or bun in order to find a more snug and secure-fitting helmet!

Key Considerations for Youth ATV Helmets

When getting your young ones equipped for ATV riding, it’s important to research and comply with your state’s minimum age requirements. Additionally, many states require helmets and eye protection for riders under a certain age. ATV riding can be very dangerous, so we recommend equipping young riders with the best protective gear, an ATV that’s the correct size, and some safety training.

Kids ATV Helmets: Our Top Pick

One of our best-selling ATV helmets for youth is the Fly Racing 2022 Youth Kinetic Scan MX ATV Helmet. This helmet features a functional ventilation design and a durable and lightweight polymer shell with superior penetration resistance. Safety is the primary function of this helmet, which is an especially important consideration when shopping for a young ATV rider.

ATV Helmets & More from ZMP!

ZMPerformance carries a wide selection of ATV helmets and all the other ATV riding gear you need to keep you safe and comfortable while you ride. As avid riders ourselves, we understand that you want to get out there with your new gear as quickly as possible. That’s why we do everything in our power to deliver a seamless shopping experience from start to finish. What’s more, we stand behind each and every product and brand we carry, so that you can ride with maximum confidence and peace of mind!