Wearing a helmet while riding an ATV is a wise precaution, and in several countries, it is required by law. When choosing an ATV helmet, it’s important that you try out several helmets until you find a comfortable one that fits well. But there are more features to consider when it comes to ATV helmets.
An ATV is a vehicle for work and recreation. But regardless of how and where you drive your ATV, the terrain is often uneven, rugged and challenging – that’s the whole point of driving an ATV. Wearing a helmet is therefore a wise safety measure, and for most people, a good motocross or motorcycle helmet will meet the needs of ATV riding.
There are many factors when choosing your perfect ATV-helmet. Here are a few to consider:
Make sure the helmet is designed with a low-friction layer like a Mips® safety system that’s intended to help reduce rotational motion to the head during certain angled impacts.
Everyone has their own unique head shape and fit factors. It’s important to consider everything from sizing to retention systems and straps.
This is one of the most important performance factors in an ATV-helmet. You want one that effectively channels in cool air with proper vents to control temperature and prevent overheating.
Most ATV-helmets available to consumers are required to meet certain safety requirements, but it’s best to double-check that it’s up to date with the latest regulations in your country.
We suggest you choose a helmet from a major manufacturer so that it’s easy to order any replacement parts in case you break a visor, snap a buckle or lose a cheek pad.
There are plenty of great choices of ATV-helmets available today. Be sure to choose one from a brand you know and trust, with a style that will help get you motivated to ride.
In addition to protecting you in the event of crashes and collisions, an ATV helmet with a visor or goggles also protects against branches and twigs while riding in the woods, and from mud and gravel that can splash up from the wheels. It is also important for the helmet to have a good fit that closes tightly around the head without squeezing. The helmet should not be able to turn when the chin strap is tightened. If it does, try a smaller size. In winter, the helmet keeps you warm, but in summer it’s nice to have a well-ventilated option that keeps the head cool and the goggles fog-free.
Fine, but what is rotational motion? Let us explain: If you fall off your ATV, your head is most likely to hit the ground at an angle. At the moment of impact, rotational motion occurs which can make the head rotate more or less, depending on the impacting object or surface. The energy from the impact can be directed further into the head, where it can cause injury to the brain. Rotational motion is thus the result of oblique impacts to the head.
So, what exactly is the Mips safety system? Well, it’s a system for helmets that are designed to help reduce rotational motion to the head in oblique impacts. But what is rotational motion? Let us explain:
Most motorsport helmets on the market are made, tested, and approved for straight 90-degree impacts, which are far less common. Mips safety system imitates the brain’s built-in protection system where the brain can move inside the skull. The safety system consists of a low-friction layer that allows the head to move 10–15 mm inside the helmet in all directions, which is intended to help redirect rotational motion away from the head in an oblique impact.