If you ride ATV’s then one of the best investments you can make is purchasing an ATV helmet. Trust me, after falling a few times, I’m glad I had one on so I put together this guide to help you find the best helmet.

What are the best ATV helmets to buy? Here are the top 3 best-sellers:

1. Bell MX-9 Adventure Hi-Viz Helmet
2. HJC CL-17 Full-Face
3. IV2 Biohazard

The goal of this guide is to help first-time buyers find the right helmet. There are a ton of different off-roading helmets to choose from so it can be overwhelming if you are new to this sport.

Types of ATV Helmets

I recommend getting either a full face helmet, modular helmet, or half helmet. This type of sport can be physically demanding and more potential for injury so you need a helmet to fit this need.

Full face helmets

Like the name suggests, this type of helmet covers your entire face and head. Nothing is exposed. This helmet provides maximum protection and safety. The helmet design includes a visor to protect your eyes, a chin bar, and mouth protector.

Modular helmet

The modular ATV helmet is one of the most versatile types of helmets on the market. It can function as a full face helmet or three-quarter helmet. It allows you more flexibility depending on your ride and needs.  It perfect for beginners and easy to use.

Half helmet

The half helmet for ATVs only covers the back and top parts of your head. It leaves your face exposed. It is lightweight and strong. You may want to think about purchasing goggles if you buy this type of helmet.

Off-road helmet

The off-road helmet is by far the most popular among ATV riders. It protects your entire head. It has a jutting piece of molding that protects your jaw, which is the signature design of an off-road helmet. These types of helmets offer the most ventilation and a flip visor.

Other Features to Consider

Now that you know about the different types of helmets that are the best to wear while riding your ATV, here are a few other things to consider before buying. Use this as a simple checklist when reviewing different helmets. This will prove to be very helpful when weeding out the lesser quality ones.

Used Helmets

Here’s the issue with purchasing a used helmet. You will never know the exact history of it. It is hard to tell if a helmet is damaged internally. Would you wear a helmet that was previously in an accident?

Also, you don’t know how often the owner cleaned it. Do you want your head exposed to their sweat? Probably not. I recommend staying away from second-hand helmets unless you don’t have the funds for a new one and know the seller personally so you don’t get a lemon.

Size

Size does matter when it comes to buying the right helmet. You need a helmet that is just the right fit. Anything too tight will make you feel uncomfortable. Anything too loose will not be effective enough to protect your head during any accident.

Review my helmet size guide to help get a better idea of what size ATV helmet to buy. It will show you how to measure your head.

Brand

Every experienced rider has a favorite brand. Some are more popular than others. I have listed my top 3 favorite ATV helmet brands. If you purchase a helmet from one of these manufacturers you are definitely receiving a high-quality helmet.

• Fox Racing
• HJC
• Shoei

You really can’t go wrong with one of these name brands. They might be more expensive than other brands out there but definitely worth every penny. These brands stand by their innovative designs and high safety ratings.

Comfort

You wouldn’t ride your ATV while wearing an uncomfortable helmet. That would not make any sense. Therefore, take the time to make sure it is comfortable. Do your research and read as many helmet reviews as possible from verified customers.

A few key features that should make your helmet comfortable is plenty of interior padding. This will help disperse the weight of the helmet evenly and provide extra protection should you get into an accident.

You should check for a tight seal around your ears so wind noise does not affect you. A padded neck roll is a good feature to have so the solid shell material does not dig into your skin. Also, make sure there are no sharp or protruding parts located inside of the helmet.

Safety Rating

The safety rating of your helmet should meet DOT and Snell requirements. The majority of helmets typically meet these standards but it is always a good idea to check.

Visor

Face shields are a very important feature when it comes to safety. The visor is the only thing protecting your eyes, nose, and cheeks from the weather, debris, and bugs.

Also, this is the window that enables you to see everything going on around you. Therefore it is important that a visor enable you to have a high degree of peripheral visibility nor distort your view. The best visors should also provide UV protection from the sun and be scratch-resistant.

Shell

The material of your helmet’s outer shell should be strong, durable, and scratch resistant. Polycarbonate is a popular compound that most manufacturers implement into their design.

The shell should be scratch-resistant as well. You may want to think about getting a brightly colored helmet for higher visibility while riding as this is a great safety feature to have for other riders to see you.

Interior

The interior of the helmet should be comfortable as I mentioned before. Some cool features to have are snap out cheek pads, a removable nose filter, and removable interior lining. This makes washing your helmet easier.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for any ATV rider. It gets hot under that helmet and you need all of the airflow you can get. Not only does proper ventilation help you remain cool but also reduces wind noise and visor fogging.

Mouth

Having a ventilated mouthpiece that does not clog will enable you to breathe better. I’d recommend getting a helmet that has a removable mouthpiece so you can easily wash it.

Weight

Wearing a heavy ATV helmet can put a lot of stress on your neck, especially if you plan on wearing for lengthy amounts of time. Therefore make sure to purchase a helmet that is super lightweight.

Finding the Right Fit

I can’t stress enough how important it is to get the correct size helmet. You need to first determine the circumference of your head so you know roughly what size range to shop for.

I would actually recommend going to a store in person and trying one a few different shapes and sizes to see how they feel and then purchase them online to take advantage of the better deals. Consult the helmet sizing guide for more information on how to measure your head and a detailed helmet size chart.

Need a Specific Type of ATV Helmet?

Sometimes we need certain requirements to be met in order to make our riding experience more enjoyable. Here are a few specific types of helmets that seem to be popular in the ATV community. If you happen to fall under one of these categories be sure to check out the helmet I recommend.

Best ATV Helmet For Hunting

Typically ATVs are used for off-road adventures which means traveling through sand, mud, and the woods. So it would only be fitting that they could be used to go hunting as well. I know many hunters don’t want to deal with a helmet but it’s much better than having to deal with a brain injury, especially if you want to continue hunting the rest of your life.

The Fly Racing helmet will protect your entire face and head while still giving the visibility you need to see your prey. Plus, it has an extended brim to keep the sun out of your eyes while you line up your kill shot.

However, if you prefer the feel of the gun to your face when shooting then choose an open face helmet. I’d also recommend getting a high visibility helmet as well to keep yourself out of someone else’s crosshairs!

Best ATV Helmet For Glasses

If you wear glasses like me then you need an ATV helmet that can accommodate your poor vision. The LS2 Stream helmet is the perfect helmet that will allow you to wear your glasses comfortably. You have the flexibility to flip the visor up or down while still enjoying the protection of a full face helmet.

Best ATV Helmet With Bluetooth

Want to ride and listen to your music? The ILM Modular Bluetooth Flip Up is not a bad choice. It hard to find the perfect Bluetooth helmet but this one will do the trick. Notice that it is actually a motorcycle helmet but should suffice if Bluetooth is your main concern.

Best ATV Helmet For Women

Ladies will love the pink finish on this ATV motocross helmet. It has a strong design that will keep your head protected. Note that your cheeks and eyes are exposed so you will need to purchase goggles.

Best ATV Helmet For Noise Reduction

If wind noise is your main concern then you want to get a helmet that is sleek, lightweight and has excellent ventilation. The Shark Evo-One is the probably the way to go. I know it is a motorcycle helmet but if quiet and solitude are what you are truly seeking while riding then this is the one to get.

Best Youth ATV Helmet

Your children will love the this youth kids motorcross helmet specifically designed for youth ATV riders. It is lightweight so your kid won’t have any issues keeping their head upright and straight while riding. It is very durable and DOT approved. It comes in three different sizes so make sure to measure your child’s head before purchasing.

What’s Your Budget?

I know you have a price point in mind so let’s talk money. I have categorized ATV helmets accordingly in three different price tiers. Cheap helmets will typically cost under $100. Mid-tier helmets can range anywhere from $150 to $400. The higher end helmets will cost over $400.

Cheap ATV Helmets

Need a super affordable ATV helmet under $100? This ATV helmet could be exactly what you are looking for. It is a pretty decent helmet considering the low price tag.

Moderate Price

Looking for something not too pricey but not the bottom of the barrel? Helmets in this range cost $200 on average. The Voss 601 should fit the bill. It’s a convenient helmet and has full-face protection.

High-End ATV Helmets

If you want the best, and only the best, get the Bell Moto-9 helmet. If you have the money to spend this is one of the best investments you can make to protect your head. It is super comfortable and lightweight. It makes riding your ATV enjoyable.

Top 3 Best ATV Helmets

Considering all the factors mentioned in this article, here are my top 3 favorite ATV helmets for beginners and experienced alike. By no means do you have to get any of these but this would not be a bad place to start your research. Who knows, you may fall in love with one of these helmets so you have been warned!

#3 IV2 Biohazard

This helmet is super sexy. The graphic is amazing and holds a high DOT safety rating. The shell is very durable and the whole helmet only weighs around 4 pounds.

The interior is extremely comfortable and easy to wash. You will love the removable visor, especially if you wear glasses.

The price of the IV2 Biohazard will blow you away. For such a quality helmet it is very affordable, which makes it so attractive. Learn more about this helmet by reading my IV2 Biohazard review right here on this site.

#2 HJC CL-17 Full-Face

I know, I know. This is a motorcycle helmet. But I really like the full-face design and lightweight polycarbonate shell to protect your precious cranium.  Plus it is super comfortable and keeps your very cool while riding.

If you decide to not opt for an off-road helmet go with this one to suffice all of your ATV safety riding needs. It will protect you from the sun and whatever debris flies your way. Here is a more in-depth review of the HJC CL-17 that you can read before you invest.

#1 Bell MX-9 Adventure Hi-Viz Helmet

This tops my list at number one because of safety, comfort, and style. It is perfect for riding ATVs anywhere at any time.

The most obvious feature of the Bell MX-9 Adventure Hi Viz is the color, which makes you more visible to other riders who are wearing dark-colored helmets. You can ride later in the day when the sun is down because of the helmet’s bright color.

It weighs around 3.5 lbs, has an impenetrable shell, and the EPS lining for the interior of the helmet and chin strap makes this helmet more comfortable than the rest. The liner is easy to remove so you can wash it.

The ventilation system will keep you dry and cool. You will be amazed by the overall performance of this ATV helmet. Read more about this helmet by checking out my Bell MX-9 review.

ATV Helmet Benefits

Why should you get an ATV helmet in the first place? The obvious benefit is safety. By wearing a helmet you will be protecting your head if you ever get in an accident. This could mean life or death in some situations.

In addition to safety, wearing an ATV helmet will reduce wind noise significantly while riding. The visor on helmets protects you from insects and debris hitting your face. I remember accidentally swallowing a mosquito while riding. It was not too pleasant.

The eye protection from the visor is another clear benefit so you can maintain your vision. Speaking of visibility, wearing a brightly colored ATV helmet will make it easier for other riders to see you when it is dark or there is inclement weather.

Final Thoughts

By now I’m sure you fully understand just how important it is to wear a helmet during your off-roading adventures. I know this guide has a lot of information to digest so feel free to go back and review some of the sections.

Take your time when purchasing your first helmet. It is important that you get the correct size for comfort, fit, and your overall safety. If you know of any other first-time riders I encourage you to share this information with them.