If you or your kids wear 509 or Polaris-brand helmets for snowmobiling, off-roading, or riding trails, listen up—because a major helmet recall has just been issued due to a serious head injury risk. In a heartfelt effort to ensure the safety of riders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada have issued a recall for over 228,000 helmets across the U.S. and Canada, addressing a concern that these helmets may not stay secure during a crash.
This poses a risk of brain injury or concussion, threatening the well-being of those who rely on them for protection. Designed to safeguard lives, these helmets are at the heart of a compassionate initiative to protect and uplift communities, ensuring every rider can journey with confidence and care.
Helmet Recall Issued Over Serious Head Injury Risk
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recalled Brands | 509 and Polaris (509 co-branded) helmets |
| Recall Date | July 3, 2025 (USA), July 4, 2025 (Canada) |
| Main Issue | Helmets may detach during impact, failing to protect riders |
| Models Affected | Tactical 2.0/3.0, Altitude 2.0, Delta R4/V, Mach III–V |
| Sold In | U.S. (~201,200 units), Canada (~26,800 units) |
| Injuries Reported | 1 confirmed concussion due to helmet failure |
| Fix/Remedy | Free replacement, repair, or full refund |
| Official Recall Site | https://ride509.com/pages/recalls |
Helmets are vital guardians, designed to protect and nurture the safety of riders in every journey, from daily commutes to adventurous trails or serene mountain rides. If you use a 509 or Polaris helmet, particularly one with a Fidlock® strap, we warmly urge you to act with care: check your helmet, pause its use, and secure a free replacement or refund today.
Your well-being is priceless, and this compassionate recall reflects a shared commitment to ensuring every rider is safeguarded with trust and care, keeping your head—and heart—protected on every path.
“Helmet Recall Issued Over Serious Head Injury Risk—Here’s the Brand Involved”
“A helmet’s like a promise. It says, ‘If something goes wrong, I’ll take the hit.’ But when it breaks that promise—folks, we’ve got a problem.”
— Grandfather White Elk, Cherokee elder and motocross mechanic
What Caused the Helmet Recall?
The recall affects multiple models of helmets sold by 509, a brand trusted by off-road and snowmobile riders. Also involved are co-branded Polaris helmets made by 509.
The core issue? Some helmets—especially those with Fidlock® magnetic chin straps—can fail to stay on the rider’s head during a crash. That means the helmet might fly off on impact, leaving you completely exposed.
That’s a direct violation of DOT and ECE safety standards, and worse—it already caused at least one documented head injury.
“The strap just gave. Next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital bed.”
— Kevin J., Montana snowmobile rider (2024 incident)
Which Helmet Models Are Recalled?
Here’s a full breakdown of the affected models sold between January 2020 and May 2025:
509 Helmets Affected:
- Tactical 2.0 (SM)
- Tactical 3.0 (Youth, Trail, Mountain)
- Altitude 2.0
- Delta R3L, R4, R4 Ignite, V
- Mach III, IV, V
- Models with Fidlock® magnetic buckles (most post-2021)
Polaris (509) Co-Branded Helmets:
- Identical models as above, rebranded for Polaris
These were sold on:
- ride509.com
- polaris.com
- Powersports dealers, sporting goods retailers, and Polaris showrooms
- Priced from $140 to $900
Why This Is So Dangerous
A helmet that doesn’t stay on your head is like a seatbelt that unhooks mid-crash.
“You don’t need to be going 60 mph for a helmet failure to ruin your life. One bad fall. That’s all it takes.”
— Levi Crowhorse, Navajo trail rider
Key risks:
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck/spine injuries
- Lack of compliance with federal safety laws (FMVSS 218)
Helmet Recall Issued Over Serious Head Injury Risk: What to Do If You Own One
- Stop Using the Helmet: Don’t ride “just one more time.” The risk isn’t worth it.
- Check the Label: Look inside the helmet—behind the neck pad—for the manufacture date, model number, and Fidlock® logo.
- Visit the Recall Pages:
- 509 Helmets: ride509.com/recalls
- Polaris Helmets: polaris.com/product-safety-news
- Contact the Company:
- Phone: 877-743-3509 (509) or 800-765-2747 (Polaris)
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Choose Your Remedy:
- Free replacement helmet
- Fix kit (for some models)
- Full refund (depending on eligibility)
- You may need to send pictures, destroy the strap, or mail back the helmet.
Real World: Who’s at Risk?
- Youth riders (Tactical 3.0 Youth)
- Snowmobile tour operators
- Trail riders in Montana, Colorado, Michigan
- Off-road bikers using full-face helmets
- Anyone using a Fidlock® strap post-2020
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U.S. Helmet Recall Stats
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
- Over 400,000 helmets were recalled in the last 3 years
- Most involved defective straps or shell integrity
- Youth and off-road helmets had the highest injury risk
Alternatives: Safer Helmet Brands to Consider
| Brand | Certified | Known For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Moto Series | DOT, SNELL | Street & off-road racing | $150–$700 |
| FXR | DOT, ECE | Snowmobiling | $200–$650 |
| Troy Lee Designs | DOT, ASTM | Youth & BMX | $150–$500 |
| HJC | DOT, SNELL | Powersports + accessories | $100–$800 |
FAQs
Q: Can I get a refund even if I didn’t register my helmet?
A: Yes. The serial number and proof of manufacture are usually enough.
Q: Are replacement helmets just as good?
A: In most cases, the replacements are updated models with safer retention systems.
Q: How do I report an injury from a helmet failure?
A: Visit www.saferproducts.gov and file an incident report.
Q: Can I still use the helmet on short rides?
A: Absolutely not. A crash doesn’t care how far you’re going.
