In many places the law states that you must wear a helmet when riding an ATV. This is especially true for minors. Even if you are not required by law to wear a helmet, it is a good idea. Having a quality helmet is the best way to protect yourself from injury and while many consumers equate price and brand with quality these are not always the only indicators. There are other important factors to consider when purchasing an ATV helmet that will determine how safe and effective it will be for you.
While there aren’t many differences between a motorcycle helmet and an ATV helmet, there are a few and they may make a big difference. Likewise, there are differences between ATV helmets that are designed for different purposes such as off-roading and racing. ATV helmets generally have more ventilation and cover more of the face. While these features add some extra elements of safety, they add more to comfort which can make a big difference if you spend a lot of time on your ATV. ATV helmets are also generally made to be more secure as ATV riding can be more bumpy and aggressive than other types of vehicles that require helmets.
The amount of padding and how well a helmet fits are two of the most important aspects to picking the safest helmet for you. Price and brand often go hand in hand with these aspects of quality but this is not always the case. The primary purpose of padding is to give the helmet a snug fit that keeps it in place without moving. If the helmet that you purchase does not fit correctly, it will provide the best level of protection. Make sure the helmet sits on your head correctly and that it does not pinch at the neck. Whichever helmet you choose, make sure it is Dot certified. You can find plenty of safe helmets that fit correctly and are safe that are not name brand or exorbitantly expensive.
You should also try on helmets before you purchase one. You need to make sure that it has the correct amount of padding to make it fit snugly. Put the helmet on and move your head in all directions to make sure it will fit correctly no matter which way you move. A comfortable helmet is more effective because you will more likely to wear it and will not get tired of the uncomfortable feeling of an improper fit.
Most stores will have a return policy and it is a good idea to make sure you can return or exchange your helmet if you find that it is not comfortable for an extended period. It is also important to find a helmet that does not move around while wearing it and that is stays in the safest position no matter which way you move.
If you are purchasing a helmet for a child, make sure you choose one that is the right size and have your child try it on for comfort before you buy it. Choosing a helmet that fits correctly and that is DOT certified are the most important factors to consider when purchasing an ATV helmet.

The most important thing you can do to stay safe while riding an ATV is to wear a helmet. But not any helmet will do, you need to find one that properly fits you. Just putting one on for a minute is not enough to check for the proper fit, and you want to be sure you get a helmet that will protect you. There are some things you can do to make sure the helmet you choose is the best helmet for you and will protect your head in the event of an accident.

Your ATV helmet should be snug. There is a difference between tight and snug, and while you should not have to fight to get your helmet on, if it easily slides over your head it is probably too loose. You want to pick a helmet that gives a little resistance as you pull it on otherwise it may move if you are in an accident and will not protect you.

Your helmet should stay put no matter how you move. When you are trying on a helmet, be sure to shake your head in every direction and check to see if it moves. If the helmet moves at all it is not the best fit for you. The helmet should comfortably grip your head without pinching and should not move at all, not matter how you move your head.

The ATV helmet you choose should not come off no matter what after you secure it. Adjust the chin strap and try to pull the helmet off after the closure system is secure. If the helmet moves off your head or comes up even a little, it is not the helmet for you. Either adjust the closure for a more snug fit and try the test again or pick a different helmet. The helmet should not move at all, even when pressure is applied to it, after it is closed.

Many people are tempted to buy the biggest helmet they can find thinking that it will offer them more protection. Fit is much more important than size as a properly fitting helmet will protect you much better than a large one. A helmet that is too large is unsafe and you will end up having to adjust it while you are riding which can cause an accident. Always go for fit, not size, when shopping for an ATV helmet.

Another size mistake people commonly make when buying ATV helmets is buying a helmet that is too large for their child. They think a little extra room is ok since their child will grow into it and the helmet will last longer. This is not a good idea as a helmet that is too large will not protect your child now, and can cause serious injury.

Always buy a helmet that fits your child correctly now, having to replace it sooner rather than later is a small price to pay for the safety of your child. A helmet can save your life if you are in an ATV accident, so make sure you pick on that fits correctly.
The most important thing you can do to stay safe while riding an ATV is to wear a helmet. But not any helmet will do, you need to find one that properly fits you. Just putting one on for a minute is not enough to check for the proper fit, and you want to be sure you get a helmet that will protect you. There are some things you can do to make sure the helmet you choose is the best helmet for you and will protect your head in the event of an accident.

Your ATV helmet should be snug. There is a difference between tight and snug, and while you should not have to fight to get your helmet on, if it easily slides over your head it is probably too loose. You want to pick a helmet that gives a little resistance as you pull it on otherwise it may move if you are in an accident and will not protect you.

Your helmet should stay put no matter how you move. When you are trying on a helmet, be sure to shake your head in every direction and check to see if it moves. If the helmet moves at all it is not the best fit for you. The helmet should comfortably grip your head without pinching and should not move at all, not matter how you move your head.

The ATV helmet you choose should not come off no matter what after you secure it. Adjust the chin strap and try to pull the helmet off after the closure system is secure. If the helmet moves off your head or comes up even a little, it is not the helmet for you. Either adjust the closure for a more snug fit and try the test again or pick a different helmet. The helmet should not move at all, even when pressure is applied to it, after it is closed.

Many people are tempted to buy the biggest helmet they can find thinking that it will offer them more protection. Fit is much more important than size as a properly fitting helmet will protect you much better than a large one. A helmet that is too large is unsafe and you will end up having to adjust it while you are riding which can cause an accident. Always go for fit, not size, when shopping for an ATV helmet.

Another size mistake people commonly make when buying ATV helmets is buying a helmet that is too large for their child. They think a little extra room is ok since their child will grow into it and the helmet will last longer. This is not a good idea as a helmet that is too large will not protect your child now, and can cause serious injury.

Always buy a helmet that fits your child correctly now, having to replace it sooner rather than later is a small price to pay for the safety of your child. A helmet can save your life if you are in an ATV accident, so make sure you pick on that fits correctly.