after seeing a helmet split in half this weekend i need to re-think mine and my sons helmet.
we ride atv's on trails and woods.
looking for the most protection
is there a brand?
quick chin strap release safe?

 

I prefer the motocross-style helmets.

Look for the following features:

Removeable, washable liner
Closeable vents
Visor (to block sun from your eyes)

Make sure the helmet has at least one of the following certification stickers:

DOT - lowest rating; helmet cannot transmit more than 400g's of force to your head (less is better).

SNELL M2000 - higher rating - 300g. Note: this standard will be changed to M2005 shortly.

BSI - British rating, 300g

ECE 22-05 - European rating, now appearing in North America - 300g

Most helmets you find here are marked DOT and SNELL M2000.

No rating = don't buy it. I wouldn't even buy a helmet with only a DOT rating.

 

Amen to that Scrammersam. Make sure to get a Snell certified helmet. Price and quality do not necessarily correlate. Unless your son wears an adult sized helmet already, it can be tough to find a Snell model for him, but they are out there.

 

Thor has kids helmets for under $100 that are snell and dot approved with the inside washable liner. You can get them for a good price through Rocky Mountain ATV. I just bought one for my youngest when he out grew his origional one. And those are the 3 things I looked hard for.

Good luck.