new atv owner.. need a helmet. should i get an enclosed helmet or open helmet and why. is there any additional information i should understand before my purchase? thanks

 

Everyone has there own taste but I prefer enclosed as it protects me from tree branches. You can find a good selection at Rockymountainatv.com

 

Moto helmet. Any brand, color, or price, as long as it's DOT rated. A fully enclosed helmet is good when it's below freezing, but a moto helmet is good all year. An open face has no face protection at all. To me the moto style is a good compromise. The chin bar gives decent protection and still lets the air circulate around your face. Well over 90% of the people I see riding have them too, so it's not just me. A $10 quick release buckle is a good investment too.

 

I'm happy with my fully enclosed. With a slightly cracked open visor you get good ventilation all year around. I can even run in hot, dusty conditions with the visor closed and stay comfortable - and without getting dust in my eyes.

Jaybee

 

A DOT rated moto helmet is great way to go. Open faced helmet = no teeth. A good pair of goggles are a must.

 

i use the moto helmets as well along with a pair of tinted goggles makes it nice when you are riding into the sun you can still see. It does become a down fall at dusk but since the majority of my riding is done during the middle of the day it is one im more than willing to deal with.

 

I use Moto also, but everyone has their own preferance

 

Good moto helmet. Must be D.O.T. and Snell approved. The higher # the Snell the newer it is and the more protection you have. Get vents it helps a lot with circulation and also I would recommend removable inner lining. You will sweat and to be able to take those out and wash them is a huge plus.

Thor has some nice ones with all these features that aren't to much thru Rocky Mountain. They are a good place to order from.

Just my .02

 

I pretty much agree with everyone else. Get a full face motocross style helmet. There is no practical reason for an open face helmet unless you want people laughing at your facial expressions as you're trying a difficult section of trail.

You will also need goggles. When you buy goggles, try them on with the helmet to make sure they fit the opening and your face well. I've always used a clear lense & the only times i've wanted tinted is afternoons or early mornings riding into the sun. Otherwise the helmet visor keeps your eyes shaded.

The different price points in helmets depend on if it has a removeable liner, vents, if it's made from lighter materials (like carbon fiber), and the paint job.

When you try on a helmet, it needs to fit snug, but feel comfortable, and when you move it around on your head it should grab your skin. Too loose and it won't grab your skin, too tight and it won't be comfortable. Keep in mind the padding will break down a little also.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: cynick

Good moto helmet. Must be D.O.T. and Snell approved. The higher # the Snell the newer it is and the more protection you have. Get vents it helps a lot with circulation and also I would recommend removable inner lining. You will sweat and to be able to take those out and wash them is a huge plus.



Thor has some nice ones with all these features that aren't to much thru Rocky Mountain. They are a good place to order from.



Just my .02</end quote></div>

Exactly right.........

But also remember that a DOT approved helmet means nothing since the DOT does not test standards.....

The one you really want is the SNELL approval. They have much higher standards and is only found on helmets that are usually above $150...... the cheap $75 dollar jobs are better then nothing but are generally only DOT approved....