CHOOSING THE RIGHT UTV HELMET
More and more, people are realizing that UTVs are a great investment. Not only are they helpful for doing projects on farms and ranches, but they’re also just plain fun to drive around. Their versatile design allows for all-terrain utility, and unlike quads or dirt bikes, they have some safety features to keep riders safe.
Even though UTVs have some safety features, it’s important that drivers and passengers wear helmets. Choosing the right helmet can take some research and they’re a financial investment. Below, we have outlined the reasons helmets are important, what types of helmets work best for UTVs, and how you can make sure your helmet fits correctly. Read on to learn more and when you’re in the market for a new UTV, stop by Campers RV Center. We’re located in Shreveport, Louisiana and we proudly serve the areas of Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana.
Why UTV Helmets are Important
Some people think that because most UTVs have some form of roll bar and/or seat belts that there’s no need to use any other safety equipment. The truth of the matter, though, is that these pieces of safety gear can only offer so much protection. UTV seat belts aren’t as sophisticated as car seat belts, and it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be totally protected. Since there is no airbag, your head can still hit the steering wheel or dash. There are no front crumple zones, side curtain airbags, or accident detection systems in a UTV. Despite the fact that some UTVs have a windshield, most still basically have an open cabin. If you do get in an accident, rocks, branches, and other debris can enter the cabin. You’ll definitely want a helmet to avoid serious injury.
Styles of Helmet
Helmets aren’t often marketed as being specific to UTVs, and you shouldn’t limit yourself to the few products that are. In motorsports, there are many types of helmets that riders use. From traditional motorcycle helmets that have an extremely hard shell and sealed face mask, to motocross helmets that offer more breathability, to skull cap helmets that only protect the top of the head.
Pick a helmet that’s designed for the type of riding you’ll be doing rather than the vehicle you’ll be riding. Motocross and ATV helmets are a good choice because their features are designed for the same situations that UTVs face. They’re meant to be lightweight, durable, and breathable. Most of these types of helmets use an open eye area so that you can use goggles. This can be helpful because you can choose the type of goggles you prefer.
Fit & Functionality
One of the most important things to consider when buying any helmet is the fit and functionality when you wear it. An uncomfortable helmet is a problem beyond the fact that it’s annoying to wear. If a helmet doesn’t match your head shape, it won’t behave consistently in a crash scenario. It might not distribute force correctly around your head, and your head might have more movement inside the helmet than it’s designed to accommodate. Make sure the helmet fits your specific head shape.
The helmet should also be functional as you ride. It shouldn’t limit your vision or obstruct your breathing. If it’s too claustrophobic, you might be inclined to ride without it, and that won’t do you any good at all. Make sure the eye protection arrangement also suits your riding style and needs. If the goggle situation proves distracting, pick a helmet with a one-piece face shield. If the face shield fogs up or accumulates water and debris too easily, switch to goggles.
Picking the right UTV helmet is an important task and, with the right information, you can find a helmet that will suit your needs. For all your UTV needs, stop by Campers RV Center. We’re located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and we proudly serve the areas of Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana as well as Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.