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How To Shop For A New ATV Helmet
Cool Features To Consider

by Jim Walczak
for About.com

Here are some of the coolest features you might want to look for in your next ATV helmet:

Exterior

  • Scratch-resistant outer shell
  • Full graphics packages
  • Bright, solid colors (orange, yellow, red, white) stand out more than black or patterned helmets
  • Modern color choices and graphics packages
Interior
  • Snap out cheek pads
  • Replaceable/washable interior lining
  • Molded goggle pads to keep goggles/glasses in place
  • Wrap-around neck roll reduces wind noise
  • Removable/washable nose filter
Ventilation
  • Forehead vents (adjustable or not) for increased air flow
  • Replaceable forehead and chin vents provide increased airflow and reduced wind noise
  • Tinted visors
  • Adjustable interior venting to prevent the face shield from fogging
  • Chin vent to help eliminate shield fogging
  • Unique anti-fog system with adjustable side vents to create a vacuum effect drawing heat and moisture out
  • Built-in neck-roll exhaust vent
Mouth Area
  • No-clog mouthpiece for enhanced flow-through air ventilation
  • Interchangeable mouth guards
  • Mouthpiece vents (adjustable or not)
Visors/Face Shields
  • Replaceable visors/face shields
  • Quick-change face shield mechanism
  • Face shield with a coating that resists scratching
  • Tool-less shield removal
  • UV protection on the face shield
  • Pre-set lever can easily lock the shield in place to prevent it from opening unexpectedly
Miscellaneous
  • Ultra lightweight - the lighter the weight, the better to reduce neck fatigue - at the end of a long, grueling ride or race, an extra two or three pounds of weight on your head can seem like 50!
  • Storage/carrying bag
  • 5+ year warranty - protects you from deterioration of the helmet should it have been on the store shelf too long before you purchased it. ( Helmets do have a shelf life!)
  • Meets or exceeds DOT standards; ideally Snell ratings
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