UTV Head Protection
Hitting at difficult trail at high-speeds is what UTVs are made for. Whether you’re riding solo or side-by-side, you need to protect yourself from the dangers that come along with all powersports. Keeping your head safe is one of the main concerns for anyone who loves the thrill of off-roading. While UTVs are built with many safety features not found in other off-road vehicles, riders aren’t immune to injury.
A helmet is an easy choice for any rider, but finding the right fit can be an ordeal. At Escondido Cycle Center, we know it takes effort and energy to do all the research yourself. So we’ve put together this short guide for anyone looking for head safety before climbing behind the wheel of a UTV. If you have more questions about UTV safety or just want to take a look at our selection of powersport vehicles, head to our showroom in Escondido, California, near San Diego.
Protect Your Head
Your UTV has a roll cage, and hey, there are even seatbelts. So why even consider a helmet if there’s plenty of safety features around you already? While progress is always being made in powersport safety, nothing is an acceptable substitute for a solid helmet. UTVs don’t have frontal or side-curtain airbags, and there’s certainly no crumple zone or safety glass. An open cab means rocks, sticks, and other trail debris can get knocked inside, and a hard interior is just as dangerous when the trail jerks passengers this way and that.
A helmet helps with these safety issues. Rocks and debris plink harmlessly off a helmet, and any accidental jostle that bangs your head against the UTV body won’t risk knocking your lights out.
Helmet Types
While there aren’t many helmets designed specifically for UTV riders, powersports in general have come up with great designs that will work for anyone interested in fast trail driving. This unfortunately makes it so there’s no clear you-should-by-this-one helmet. You’ll be fine as long as a helmet is designed to stand up to the types of speed and intensity powersports bring.
Motocross and other full-face helmets work great for UTV drivers. Their lightweight designs are comfortable, especially for off-road drivers who want extra ventilation for hot days on the trail. Full-face covers, including protection for neck and chin, is another necessary feature to have. Modular helmets can also be an acceptable choice, but anything that doesn’t protect your lower face won’t give you the recommended amount of protection.
The Right Fit
The best helmet in the world won’t be any good without a proper fit. There’s no better way to check than to try on a few. A well-fitting helmet shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. If it’s cutting off blood circulation, that’s no good. And if it slides around on top of your head, that’s no good either. A helmet should be comfortable when worn tight enough to keep it from shifting around.
There isn’t a reason to skip finding the right fit. No deal or time-saving measure should override the need for proper protection. If there’s one piece of your UTV gear to get picky about, it’s this one. If you’re unsure if your helmet fits right, or you still have questions about the right fit, talk to a professional — like those you’ll find at Escondido Cycle Center!
Don’t Forget the Eyes
Some helmets come with visors and face shields, while others require additional goggles to keep your eyes protected. This is more about personal preference, as a lot of the details differentiating goggles comes down to aesthetics rather than function and fit. Pick up some scratch and fog-resistant goggles if you’re after additional utility. Face shields are simpler, but you might still want to find one with UV protection.
Safe and comfortable powersports riding is impossible without a safe and well-fitting helmet. Whether you’re riding a UTV, ATV, or motocross bike, the friendly staff at Escondido Cycle Center can help you find the gear, parts, and new or pre-owned models you’ve been looking for. Head to our location in Escondido, California. We’re also proud to serve Temecula, Vista, Oceanside, and the San Diego area. Come in today and let our team of powersports enthusiasts help you find fun and adventure!
