Picking Out a UTV Helmet

Blasting down a trail at high speed is what UTVs are built for. They’ll eat up any terrain you throw under them. Whether riding by yourself or with a cohort, you’ll want to stay safe enough to enjoy the next adventure. Just because UTVs have rollover protection it doesn’t mean you’ll be safe in the driver’s seat. Head protection is the first place to start, as a helmet can save you from many of the most hazardous aspects of powersports.

At Peak Powersports, we insist anyone who wants to take powersports seriously take safety and head protection seriously as well. Picking out the right helmet is important, too. The wrong helmet might not offer the amount of protection you need.

So we’ve put together this short guide to help you decide on a helmet that protects your head and looks good while doing so. If you have more questions about off-road safety or just want to browse our selection of UTVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles for sale, head to our location in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Why Wear a Helmet?

In Wyoming, off-road vehicle drivers and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets. Helmets must be securely fastened and comply with the standards established by the Department of Transportation (DOT). That means if you’re over the age of 18, it’s only advised that you wear a helmet. While that may be the law, we’d like to underline the danger you can avoid with such a basic piece of safety equipment.

An open cab means rocks, sticks, and other debris can get knocked inside and do significant damage to driver and passenger alike. Even a UTV interior can pose considerable risk to the bumping and jostling that goes on while speeding down a trail. Hitting your exposed head on steel could cause enough discombobulation to lead to an accident or itself do damage to riders. Helmets deflect rocks harmlessly and cushion the head enough so that even a sudden jerk into the frame is softened to hardly a bump.

Head protection isn’t the only thing helmets provide. Full-face visors will keep bugs from flying into your face, reduce fatigue from wind, and keep riders focused on the trail ahead.

What To Look For

Specialty helmets for UTVs come with unique features like extra ventilation, modeled goggles, and mouthguards. The only necessary helmet traits to look for are DOT certification and a fit that’s both comfortable and snug. Otherwise there are a few options to choose from, including open face, full face, and motocross helmets.

Open face helmets offer the minimum in head protection but don’t do anything to shield the chin and mouth. These aren’t well suited for UTV riders. Full-face helmets offer good head protection and have built-in face shields as well as protective molding around the chin and mouth. These are the minimum we recommend for all powersports.

Then there are specialty off-road or motocross helmets, most of which offer fantastic protection for head, chin, and mouth, as well as optimized ventilation, and are made from lightweight materials. These are probably the best choice for UTV riders looking for a helmet that offers all the protection and features they need. Modular helmets are also good, especially if you participate in more than one motorsport and want something that can serve multiple uses.

The Right Fit

Even a DOT helmet won’t help if it doesn’t fit on your head the right way. Trying on helmets is the only reliable method for checking for proper fit. Go for something snug that won’t move around when you move your head, but not so snug as to cut off circulation or restrict movement or vision.This is a piece of gear it’s ok to get picky about!

Helmets are the best way to prevent head injury that can result in death or disability. Even though UTV manufacturers are always making progress in safety advancements, it’s unlikely they’ll put in airbags or safety glass as standard options any time soon. Whether you’re looking at UTVs, ATVs, or snowmobiles, the professional staff at Peak Powersports can help you find the gear, parts, and new or pre-owned models you’re looking for. Head to our location in Sheridan, Wyoming and let our team help you stay safe on your next off-road adventure!