The Right Helmet for UTV Riding

Safety is not something to take lightly, and when it comes to safety, one of the most important pieces of safety gear you can get is the perfect helmet. Whether you’re driving a UTV or Side by Side for work or for pleasure Sky Powersports wants to help you have the safest ride possible; Come stop by our dealership in Lakeland, Florida and have our knowledgeable staff help you find the right helmet.

Picking a UTV Helmet

If you’re picking a helmet for side by side riding, you’re making a good choice. Whether you’re out riding the trail, or just rolling around taking care of chores on the ranch, a helmet is a critical piece of gear. Not all UTV helmets are created equal however, and many riders don’t understand what makes a good UTV helmet and what doesn’t.

First, never wear a half helmet. It’s just not enough protection. Whether a branch comes whipping through the snap you in the nose, or you just buck your front teeth into the dash, there’s a lot of protection that a half helmet won’t provide. Even a ¾ helmet may not be enough protection depending on where you’re riding. We strongly recommend that you choose a helmet with chin protection, which can keep your nose in the right place when the terrain starts to bump you around. Obviously, for maximum protection you’ll want to use a full face helmet, however some riders choose to skip these because they can limit vision (passengers should still benefit from the increased protection though).

Regardless of the type of helmet you choose, the single most important factor is the fit. Your helmet should fit snugly, but not tightly, without any wobble as you move your heat, and without feeling like it’s pinching your brain. When you try on a helmet (and we advise that you do before buying) make sure to tighten up the straps to make sure that it fits in every dimension.

A final note on your helmet: If you drop it, replace it. Helmets work because of the hidden interior layer that cracks and breaks in response to an impact, this only works once. If you suffer a major impact, or drop your helmet on concrete, you will likely compromise the helmet's effectiveness, so the next time the force of a collision will go right through to your head.

Goggles

If you’ve opted for a dual sport helmet, then you’re going to want a set of goggles, because a dual sport helmet won’t do much to protect your eyes on the trail. The criteria for choosing a set of goggles is the same as picking out a helmet: Make sure they fit comfortably. Outside of that, you can choose from a wide range of other features and perks, like UV protection, and fog resistance. Whichever you choose, make sure you keep your goggles stowed with your helmet so you always have them on hand when you head out to ride!

Sky Powersports Lakeland wants to make sure that you have all the right safety gear. For more tips check out our information on UTV Safety tips , or stop by our dealership in Lakeland, FL near Tampa; Orlando; and Brandon, Florida where our friendly staff will help answer all your questions.