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Snowmobiling continues to grow in popularity, as more people discover it as a great winter activity to experience with friends and family. The International Snowmobile Association reports that there are nearly 2 million registered snowmobiles in the U.S. As more riders hit the trails, the potential for accident and injury also increases.

Choosing a good helmet, with a good fit, ample protection and ventilation, and one that meets all D.O.T. and Snell ratings is the first step in staying safe on the trails and remote woodland areas. The majority of the injuries resulting from snowmobile accidents remain head injuries. So understanding what to look for in a snowmobile helmet is important for current riders and those considering getting into snowmobiling as a recreational activity.

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Purchasing a Snowmobile Helmet - Considerations

How does it fit? Different manufacturers create helmets for different head shapes. Bell creates a helmet to fit a round--shaped head. HJC creates a more oval-shaped helmet. With either manufacturer, make sure that you get consistent contact not only at the forehead and back of the head, but on the crown as well.

Comfortable ear relief is important to many riders, also. HJC provides a clear recessed cavity for the ear that many riders appreciate. As the liner does not press against the ear, riders can utilized the space for the installation of earpieces for communication devices.

How is your vision? Many of the snowmobile helmets offered today provide a motocross-style deep eye cutaway and no shield. As a result, vision and fogging problems aren't really an issue, as riders simply wear goggles and maintain their full range of peripheral vision. With modular and full-face helmets, a user might lose a little vision range on the sides, but not a remarkable amount. It remains a user issue-what are you, as a rider, comfortable with?

Is it D.O.T. and Snell rated? The D.O.T. and Snell rating systems provide criteria on the performance of helmets in a crash situation. Snell ratings establish the impact that a helmet can absorb, without injury to the wearer, but D.O.T. ratings are not as stringent. The rating system criteria goes well beyond the scope of this article, so view the D.O.T. and Snell Rating Systems article for more information.

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What We Offer

Consider the above criteria as a starting point for judging the quality in your next helmet purchase, and if you have any questions concerning any of the helmets we offer, don't hesitate to contact our customer representatives. Most of them sled and can provide you with specific product information. To reach a customer representative, call 866-762-3668.

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Snowmobile Helmet Brands

HJC Helmets :: Bell Helmets :: GMax Helmets :: O'Neal Helmets :: Thor Helmets

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