Difference Between an ATV Helmet and A Motorcycle Helmet

What Is the Difference Between an ATV Helmet and A Motorcycle Helmet?

The primary difference between a motorcycle helmet and an ATV helmet is the design and its purpose. ATV helmets are used mainly by dirt bike or snowmobile riders, whereas motorcycle helmets are universally used on public roads and race tracks. 

This article lists the fundamental differences between an ATV helmet and a motorcycle helmet so you can decide the best-suited one for yourself. 

Key Differences Between an ATV Helmet and A Motorcycle Helmet

#1 Protection from Mud and Dust

Motorcycle helmets have clear or tinted front visors accompanied by sufficient padding, which maintains a closed environment, aiding the rider’s comfort. However, ATV helmets lack this and are open to the weather outside. 

#2 Inbuilt Safeguards

The primary motive of a helmet is to prevent any injuries to the rider’s head, jaw, and chin. You might be surprised by the fact that both ATV and Motorcycle helmets have rigid inner shells that go through rigorous testing to ensure safety for the rider.

Two significant points that make an ATV helmet different from a motorcycle one in this aspect are: design (shape and size) and the absence of the front visor, unlike motorcycle helmets. 

#3 Ventilation System for Airflow

Having a sound ventilation system in a helmet is essential as it maintains the overall airflow to prevent sweating and your sight from fogging up while riding.

In this aspect, an ATV helmet has the edge over a motorcycle one because it does not come with a visor. Also, it has perfectly built vents all over, including one in the chin safeguard to keep the inside as cool as possible. 

Motorcycle helmets do have good ventilation, but they, at times, fail to scoop in the amount of air that needs to keep the inside cool while riding with the visor down. You can always ride with the visor open to prevent this, but that leaves one exposed to the outside elements.

#4 Noise Cancellation 

Motorcycle helmets are designed to make the riding experience for the rider comfortable. Whereas ATV helmets, due to vents all over the sides and an open shell without the visor, fail to provide users with noise-free riding. 

Motorcycle helmets have rubber sealings on the chin safeguard structure to prevent wind blast noise and keep the inside of the helmet as quiet as possible. None of the two helmets are soundproof; riders usually wear earplugs to dull out the external noises.

#5 Aerodynamics 

Have you ever wondered how some helmets remain stable on the riders’ heads and some not while riding at a higher speed? If yes, it’s all because of aerodynamics and how the helmet fits the rider. 

A motorcycle helmet can handle high speeds up to 250mph because of the inbuilt full-face visor. The D-ring lock on the chin strap and suitable padding ensures a snug fit. The motorcycle helmet by design is capable of deflecting air at high speeds.

In ATV helmets, due to the large face opening and the peak, riding at speeds over 70mph can be challenging for a rider.

#6 Impact Protection

When it comes to impact protection, motorcycle helmets are way safer than ATV helmets. That’s primarily because of the design of the two and the materials used for their construction. 

Materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber in motorcycle helmet shells make them almost indestructible as compared to polycarbonate shells. Premium brands like Bell, AGV, Arai use these materials and hence are preferred brands for motorsports, including Formula 1.

However, several high-end ATV helmets provide excellent impact protection. You should always ensure that the helmet satisfies standards like DOT, SNELL, or ECE certifications.

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