Types of ATV Helmets
ATV Helmets come in three specific types:
1) Open Face
2) Full Face
3) Offroad
Each of the ATV helmet types comes with varying degrees of safety, but the key to choosing a helmet is not just protection but comfort. No ATV helmet is going to keep you safe if you do not use it, and finding a comfortable ATV helmet is the best way to make sure you use it.
Open Face
This type of ATV helmet is the least protective and often leaves your chin and mouth open. Many people choose the open face helmet because it is the most comfortable, and while a fall can cause severe damage to your chin and mouth, they do tend to be more comfortable and any helmet is better than nothing.
Full Face
Unlike open face, full face ATV helmets come complete with a face shield that spreads below your chin and mouth to ensure that they remain protected. Full face helmets are very safe, but they also tend to be the most uncomfortable and a little clunky.
Offroad
Often referred to as “Motocross” helmets, this ATV helmet type covers your entire face in the same manner as the full face, with a mold that protects your teeth and jaw. However, these helmets also come complete with extra ventilation as well as a flip visor face shield for extra protection. Offroad/Motocross ATV helmets also tend to have additional features such as a scratch proof shell, noise filters, cheek pads and more. They are also lighter weight. An offroad ATV helmet will likely cost you more than a full face helmet, but the extra features make it ideal for the aggressive driver.
All three of these helmet types provide some method of protection. While offroad ATV helmets are the best for the ATV enthusiast, full face provides with the same amount of protection and open face is far better than riding with no helmet at all.
