Yamaha Australia and Shark Helmets have developed a specific helmet for ATV and side-by-side vehicle use, which looks likely to have wide application in cattle industry operations.

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The new Shark ATV X16 helmet has been specifically designed to overcome many customer criticisms around ease of use, ventilation and hearing disruption caused by conventional helmets, and aims to foster positive attitudes toward helmet use by ATV and SSV riders/drivers.

The helmet is the result of more than 18 months of intensive development, with input from the Australian and New Zealand ATV and side-by-side industries.

“We tried to find out why farmers don’t wear helmets and they said helmets are too heavy, too hot, and they couldn’t hear when they’re out mustering,” said Yamaha Motor Australia ATV and ROV marketing manager, Lance Turnley.

The new Shark ATV helmet includes a series of features making them attractive for cattle industry use:

• Light in weight, while still meeting the European ECE 22-05 Standard now accepted in all states of Australia. To address the weight issue, a composite fibreglass shell was developed which is much lighter than conventional plastic helmets on the market, weighing just 1200 grams.
• Ventilated to allow air to pass through and keep the rider cooler, especially important during periods of long use. Shark incorporated four different foam densities in the helmet shell and six large ventilation holes on top of the helmet to allow efficient airflow, even at low speeds. The vents can be opened and closed to either allow air flow or keep the rain out. Even if it does rain, the water runs out through drain holes at the back of the helmet
• Special meshed cut-out areas around the ears developed to improve hearing. The helmet has Bluetooth connectivity, which means farmers can take phone calls while wearing the helmet and riders can communicate with one another easily.
• A new micro-lock buckle system allows the rider to easily latch and release the buckle.

Customers are able to choose from a range of options with the helmet to protect them against the elements. This includes a dust pack with a visor and mask to protect against wind and dust; a noise pack which includes ear pod inserts for noise reduction; a fly pack with a face veil to protect against insects; and a sun pack with visor and neck guard for sun protection.

The helmets are suitable for use on motorcycles, ATVs, and SSVs all commonly used in cattle work, in all situations and speeds.

With helmet sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, Shark has ensured riders of all ages and sizes are catered for, including children.

“A lot of thought has gone into this helmet. It can basically adapt to every single environment there is and overcome most issues associated with helmet wearing among ATV riders,” Mr Turnley said.

“The only thing it can’t overcome is the ignorance of people who refuse to wear helmets.”

Editor’s note: The new helmets have started production and manufacturers hope to have them available to the public by late May or early June. They will be available from all good motorcycle/ATV/ROV dealers, regardless of which manufacturer franchise they are. 

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI)