Depending on the state you live in, odds are a helmet, whether open-face or full-face, is a required piece of equipment for all ATV riders and passengers. Helmets are the single most effective means of preventing head injuries, some of which could result in a permanent disability or even death. That is why choosing the right helmet is so important.

The helmet you put on your head may be the only thing responsible for saving your life when your own judgment, skill, and luck have failed to keep you from harm. Safety aside, however, there are other compelling reasons for wearing a helmet when you go out riding. A good helmet will:

• Cut down on ambient wind noise, allowing you to hear other sounds more clearly
• Protect you from flying insects
• Keep you more alert by reducing wind fatigue
• Offer excellent eye protection and allow you to see more clearly
• Assuming you choose a brightly colored helmet, you’ll be easier to spot by other off-roaders

If possible, opt for an “off-road” or “Motocross” helmet over a standard motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle helmets will serve the purpose just fine, but you might enjoy some of the unique features that come with helmets made specifically for off-road riding. To help you determine whether you want a full-face, open-face, or an off-road/Motocross helmet, consider the following:

Full-face helmets provide excellent protection, thanks to their built-in face shields. In addition, the molding extends over your chin and mouth for added protection.

Open-face helmets are less constrictive, but they provide the least protection and do not protect your chin and mouth area. Though they do come with chin straps, in this case, these are primarily a means of keeping the helmet securely on your head.

Off-road/Motocross helmets are recommended for those who ride ATVs aggressively. These helmets cover most of your face and have a solid piece of molding jutting out over your chin and jaw. Off-road helmets are different from regular full-face helmets in that they provide optimum ventilation (nose, mouth, sides, and top), a flip-up visor that also serves as a face shield, and many other unique features beneficial for rigorous off-road riding.

It’s imperative to buy a helmet that is going to meet a variety of needs. At the very least, look for a helmet with these features:

1. Plenty of comfort padding (the soft foam-rubber padding that touches your skin)
2. A good seal around the ear, but not touching the ear itself
3. A neck roll that nestles against the back of your head and neck
4. An absence of protruding components inside the helmet, like face shield attachments or strap fasteners
5. DOT and/or Snell certifications
6. A liner featuring a good amount of EPS, that hard Styrofoam-type cushioning that absorbs the force of an impact. Some helmets just cover the minimum mandated area with EPS; others line the entire shell with it. If your helmet has a chin bar, then the EPS should extend there as well.
7. A face shield certified to meet the standards of VESC-8 or ANSI Z-87. (Snell-certified helmets meet even stricter standards.) The face shield should also be easy to open and close should stay in position when raised, and should not distort your view or block your peripheral vision…