Riding a side by side (SxS) demands helmets that balance safety, comfort, and visibility. This guide highlights five top helmet picks from trusted brands, covering open-face, full-face, and off-road styles to suit varied terrains and climates. Each option meets essential safety standards while offering practical features for long rides, from ventilation to interchangeable visors. Use the buying guide at the end to compare fit, materials, and regulatory compliance to your riding needs.
| Product | Brand | Safety & Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Favoto Full Face Helmet | Favoto | DOT-certified, anti-fog dual visors, carbon fiber look, multi-density EPS, ventilation |
| ILM Full Face Helmet JK313 | ILM | 2 visors (clear + smoked), neck scarf for winter, aerodynamic, lightweight ABS |
| Cartman Cruiser Half Face | CARTMAN | DOT FMVSS 218, lightweight ABS, vented EPS, quick-release buckle |
| Westt Open Face Helmet Rover | Westt | DOT & FMVSS-218 certified, 3 cover panels, 2.42 lb weight, vented |
| 1Storm Motocross Helmet HF801 | 1Storm | Lightweight thermoplastic shell, fully cushioned interior, multiple sizes |
Favoto Full Face Motorcycle Helmet
The Favoto helmet is a DOT-certified full-face option designed for versatility across street, dirt, and snowmobile rides. It uses a high-strength ABS shell with multi-density EPS foam to protect against impacts while keeping weight manageable. A standout feature is the dual visor system with an anti-fog film, enabling quick transitions from clear daytime visibility to a tinted shield for glare reduction. The helmet also includes a proactive ventilation layout that channels air through front chin vents, top channels, and rear exhausts, helping riders stay cool on longer SxS outings. Suitable for adults who want stable protection without feeling overbearing in warmer conditions.
ILM Full Face Helmet JK313
The ILM helmet provides a compact full-face design with two included visors (clear and smoked) plus a winter neck scarf for transitional seasons. Its streamlined, aerodynamic shape helps reduce wind noise and drag during high-speed SxS runs, while the robust ABS shell offers durable protection. The dual-visor system ensures immediate adaptability to changing light conditions, and the overall construction balances protection with comfort for extended rides in varied climates.
Cartman Cruiser Half Face Helmet
The Cartman Cruiser is a lightweight half-face helmet designed for riders who prioritize airflow and convenience. It meets the US FMVSS No. 218 standard and uses a vented EPS liner within a durable ABS shell, helping strike a balance between safety and comfort during longer off-road or urban SxS sessions. A quick-release buckle facilitates easy on-and-off operation, even with gloves, and the air-flow emphasis helps reduce heat buildup on warm days or during slow-speed maneuvers on trails.
Westt Open Face Helmet Rover
The Westt Rover opens up a versatile option for riders who want style and safety in equal measure. It holds both DOT and FMVSS-218 certification and ships with three interchangeable side panels in black, gray, and blue, enabling quick style changes to match bikes or gear. Despite its bold look, the helmet remains surprisingly light at about 2.42 pounds and includes strategic vents to promote air circulation, reducing fatigue on longer open-face rides across mixed terrain.
Axel Off Road Trail Helmet
The Axel Off Road Trail Helmet is designed for rugged off-road use, including UTVs and jeeps, but also adaptable for other outdoor activities. While not a DOT-certified helmet, it emphasizes wide off-road applicability and protection within roll-cage environments. The design supports severe environments, offering peace of mind for drivers who navigate rough terrain, rock crawling, and outdoor adventures where helmet integrity matters in tight spaces and demanding weather conditions.
1Storm Motocross Helmet HF801
The 1Storm HF801 is a lighter, aerodynamic choice intended for motocross use but suitable for SxS riders who favor a compact, race-inspired look. It features a thermoplastic shell, a heavily cushioned interior, and a sizing range that supports a comfortable, secure fit during vigorous riding. This helmet prioritizes ventilation and a snug interior to minimize movement and wind distraction during high-speed sessions on varied terrains.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations for Side By Side Helmets
- Safety Standards: Look for DOT or FMVSS-218 certifications for street-legal use, and consider Type 2 Class C for enhanced side impact protection in some hard hats. If you ride primarily off-road, confirm a helmet’s venting and impact-absorbing EPS configurations better suited for dusty or rugged environments.
- Helmet Type and Fit: Full-face helmets provide maximum protection and weather protection, while open-face or half-face designs improve airflow and comfort in hot conditions. Measure head circumference accurately to pick the right size; many brands offer padding kits or adjustable fit systems.
- Visors and Shield Options: Dual visors or interchangeable shields help adapt to changing light. Anti-fog coatings are advantageous in humid climates or when riding through rain or mist indoors with enclosed cabins.
- Ventilation: Look for multi-ported vents and top-channel air flow that pull cool air in and push warm air out. This is crucial for long SxS trips where overheating can impact concentration and comfort.
- Weight: Lighter helmets reduce neck fatigue on long sessions, especially in open or low-speed environments. Weight should be balanced with shell strength and impact protection.
- Comfort and Accessories: Quick-release buckles simplify on-and-off, even with gloves. Removable liners, interior padding, and neck warmers or scarves can extend usable seasons in fluctuating climates.
- Durability and Materials: ABS and polycarbonate shells offer a balance of weight and protection; composite shells can provide enhanced strength but may add weight. ABS is common for mid-range helmets in the SxS market.
- Maintenance and Longevity: Regular cleaning of visors and replacement of worn EPS liners or padding extend helmet life. Store helmets away from direct sun to prevent material degradation.
- Pricing vs. Protection: Higher price often aligns with safer regulatory certifications, better ventilation, and longer service life. Assess how often you ride and choose a helmet that aligns with your annual mileage and terrain variety.
In selecting a helmet for side-by-side adventures, prioritize regulatory compliance for your riding region, fit, and features tailored to your most frequent environments. The five options above cover a spectrum of use cases—from open-air cruising in hot climates to protected rides in dusty off-road trails—while offering practical adjustments for comfort and visibility on long journeys.