UTV Helmets

Despite the fact that your UTV can feel indestructible, accidents still happen so you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the appropriate safety gear. This can include padding, proper riding clothes, and proper riding shoes. But perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment you should be wearing is a helmet. Your head is very vulnerable to injury so you’ll need to make sure you’re taking every precaution to protect it. Take a look at some of our pro tips for finding the right helmet for your UTV and if you’re in the market for a new UTV, visit America’s Motorsports Dickson in Dickson, Nashville, and Madison, Tennessee. We proudly serve the areas of Clarksville, Jackson, and Columbia, Tennessee, as well as Huntsville, Alabama.

Safety First

First and foremost, you’ll want a helmet to give you the necessary protection for any problems you may run into. While most UTVs are built for the rugged, off-road lifestyle, and many even have roll protection, the fact is that UTVs are built to protect themselves from damage, but there isn’t a lot of protection for the passengers. Your helmet will help keep you safe should you have an accident or if you get thrown from the vehicle.

UTV Helmet Options

As important as a helmet is, you’ll probably be hard-pressed to find a UTV specific helmet. Most people find a helmet built for other activities that can double as UTV helmets.

Stay away from half helmets. They don’t provide enough protection for your face or your neck. Many full-faced motorcycle helmets will give you the protection you need and can make great UTV helmet options. The downside is they’re usually a little heavier and often not very breathable. That’s not the kind of helmet you want to be wearing in the middle of August in Tennessee.

The best choice is a motocross helmet. They’re breathable, light, and built for high impact sports so you’ll have plenty of protection while you’re on your UTV. It’s the most comfortable and most durable option for off-road enthusiasts.

Choosing the Right Helmet

Once you’ve chosen the style of helmet you like, you’re going to want to make sure it fits properly. This can be accomplished through a series of simple tests. To see if a helmet is too big, place it on your head and secure the strap. Then move your helmet around, try to slip it off, and see if you can easily fit your finger in the space between your forehead and the helmet. If you feel there is too much extra space or your helmet does any wiggling, you’ll probably need to find the next size down. You don’t want your helmet slipping off when you need it most.

Seeing if it’s too small can be a little trickier and may take a little more time. Your helmet should be snug, but not noticeably uncomfortable or painful. After you purchase a helmet, keep the receipt. Another way to know if your helmet is too small is if you come back from a ride and have a pounding headache. This is a sign that there’s too much pressure applied to your head and you should exchange your helmet for a bigger size.

On top of size, you’ll want to make sure the helmet you choose is going to provide you with the right amount of protection. Find one that’s crash tested and certified by a reputable organization. The Department of Transportation (DOT) supplies certifications from the federal government, while Snell is a trusted name in the private sector. Check their websites to find helmets that pass crash safety tests.

Eye Protection

A part of your face that will need special protection is your eyes. Make sure they’re going to be shielded and protected in the event of an accident. Some helmets come with a full-face shield that will provide you adequate protection. If your helmets don’t have a face shield, then you’ll want to invest in goggles. The benefit of finding goggles is that you can choose a pair that has special features, such as UV ray protection, anti-fogging material, and ventilation. Either way, make sure your eyes are protected without impairing your vision.

Other Benefits of Wearing a Helmet

Not only will your helmet protect you in a crash, but it will protect you from any debris that gets kicked up from other vehicles or splashes. Dust and water can be annoying, but larger debris like rocks and sticks can hurt you. Your helmet protects you from all that. Plus, you can find one that fits your style. There are lots of options out there in a variety of colors, so keep an eye out for a helmet that not only properly protects you, but also matches your aesthetic.

Helmets are a crucial piece of equipment for your UTV activities, so whether you’re taking yours out for work or for a fun day on the trails, make sure you’re wearing your helmet. If you need a new UTV, stop by America’s Motorsports Dickson with locations in Dickson, Nashville, and Madison, Tennessee, serving Clarksville, Jackson, and Columbia, Tennessee, as well as Huntsville, Alabama.