UTV Helmets

UTVs, also referred to as side by sides, are versatile and durable vehicles that excel at both work and play. Riding in a UTV can feel somewhat like riding in a passenger vehicle because of the steering column, seat belts and gas and brake pedals. Because UTVs have open sides, though, this means that passengers and operators are vulnerable to head injuries caused by collisions or impact events. A helmet is a vital piece of gear that can help to protect you while you ride, but it’s essential that you find the right one that will give you the most protection.

At Richmond Equipment here in southern Texas, our customers’ safety is our top priority. We’ve created this guide to UTV helmets to illustrate why wearing a helmet is so essential, whether you’re off-roading or doing professional work.

The Importance Of Wearing A Helmet

As we said above, a helmet will protect you in the event of a crash. While your UTV is durable and strong and secure, when you’re off-roading over difficult and uneven terrain, there’s a chance you could roll your vehicle over. Similarly, you may slam into an obstacle if you don’t see it coming. There are plenty of things that could happen to cause an accident, and unlike your passenger car, you don’t have a solid metal shell around you. A helmet will keep you from getting a concussion or worse, even if you just hit your head on the steering wheel.

Types of Helmet Available

Unfortunately, there aren’t many helmets on the market that are perfectly geared towards the unique conditions of side by side riding. You won’t get by with a half helmet or a bicycle helmet. You’ll need something durable and strong that’s made for high-impact extreme riding. Generally, this means either a motorcycle helmet or a motocross helmet. Each of these helmets provides sufficient protection in the event of a crash. However, motorcycle helmets can be hot and heavy to wear, particularly in hot weather, so most UTV riders prefer to wear motocross helmets with goggles.

Fit & Comfort

An uncomfortable or ill-fitting helmet is a helmet you won’t want to wear, and that’s bad news. When shopping for a helmet, finding one that fits you snugly without being too tight, and feels comfortable and not confining when it’s on, is important. Not only will you feel better while riding, but a helmet that fits you correctly will offer you the best protection in a crash or impact.

To help figure out what size helmet you require, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your head about an inch above your eyebrows as a guide. When trying on helmets, tighten the chin strap and shake your head to see if the helmet shifts around or can come off with the strap tightened. This means you’ll need a smaller size. If you can fit a finger between your forehead and the helmet, then this will also indicate that the chosen helmet is too large. Don’t be afraid to try on several helmets until you find the right one.

Eye Protection

If you choose a helmet that doesn’t have a full face mask, it’s highly advisable that you wear some form of eye protection along with your helmet, generally goggles. Find a pair of goggles that will fit well with your helmet and be comfortable to wear without obscuring your vision. You can even get UV-tinted goggles with anti-fogging capabilities to improve your visibility even more.

Safety is an essential part of successful side by side rides, but you can’t do much with a helmet if you don’t have a vehicle to go with it! Visit our Richmond, TX, dealership today to see our full inventory of new and used UTVs for sale. Richmond Equipment proudly serves the greater Houston metro area as well as the cities of Rosenberg, Beaumont, Austin and San Antonio, Texas.