ATV helmet

[Crappieman]

Can any one recommend one that is medium priced and can be bought in the cities?

[Dave]

There's many types of helmets and a range of price. Half helmets/motocross helmets/flip-up front shield helmets. If you're using it for cold weather, the flip-up full-face, like snowmobilers wear work nice to help stay warm.

[Moose-Hunter]

Hi Crappieman...

The "what type of helmet" debate has been running as long as I can remember. There are so many out there it can be difficult to choose. Let me give you a few guidelines that have helped me in the past.

Ask yourself whay are you buying a helmet? Safety, right? You gotta save your mellon in case something happens. And trust me, it will. Can you put a price on that? IMHO... If you have a $10.00 head, get a $10.00 helmet. Since I value what brains I have left, price to me was not an issue. I wanted the best protection available for my financial investment.

Look for BOTH a Snell and DOT rating on the helmet. For a helmet to pass both of those standards, gives it a far better crash rating than one that passes just one or the other. These lids may be a few more dollars, but they are WELL worth it.

Find a shop that knows what they're doing. Not some place that just wants to get product out the door. A motorcycle/snowmbile/ATV accessories store would be what I would look for. The folks there will help you pick out a helmet suited for your type of riding.

MAKE SURE IT FITS!!! In a crash, a bad fitting helmet can be just as dangerous as no helmet at all. Helmets should fit snug without being uncomfortable. This is (IMHO) probably the most important aspect of choosing the right skid lid. If you use your helmet during the colder months and wear a face mask of some type, bring it with. Use it while trying on helmets to get a good fit. Remember, during the warmer months, you won't have that mask on. So take that into consideration as well. I use the "pinkie" test when trying on new helmets. Can you fit more than your pinkie finger inside the helmet up towards your temples. If you can, move on. Shake your head back and forth. Does the helmet rotate on you head? Is it excessive? If so, move on. Eventually you'll find a size that fits. It just takes a few trys.

Type of helmet... Full face, 3/4 or 1/2 coverage, motocross type... Ths choices are almost endless. My choice for all around use was an HJC motocross/snocross type helment. It's a great fit in the warmer months for trail riding, and in the winter, since it was designed for snocross as well, it has a built in breath deflector to keep warmth in and my goggles free from fogging up. Great fit, moderately priced and has a very good rating. Since everyones head is different, what works for me, may not be what you need or are looking for.

If it's really cold, I go for my fullface snowmobile helmet. It has a plug-in, heated sheild that provides a bit of warmth and keeps the face sheild clear. I've looked at 3/4 and 1/2 coverage helmets and have decided these do not offer enough protection for offroad riding. Protect your face since it's the only one you have.

All in all, it's a big decision. It's your safety and your heath you're trying to protect.

[Crappieman]

Wow. Thanks for the information. That why I like this site. Great info....

Ken

[Moose-Hunter]

Hi Ken...

I'm glad I could really confuse you!! LOL!!! But seriously, that's what this site is all about. Having fun and being very well informed... Glad I could help.