Polaris Industries, which markets helmets under the “509” and “509 for Polaris” brand names, has initiated a voluntary recall of more than 228,000 helmets. That includes 201,200 sold in the U.S. and 26,800 in Canada. The 509 logo and “FIVE O NINE” are printed on the 509 helmets. The 509 logo and “Polaris” are printed on the 509 for Polaris helmets.
According to the announcement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall (CPSC Recall No. 25-374) was launched due to instances of the nylon web chinstrap being incorrectly routed on the Fidlock magnetic chinstrap buckles. As a result of the incorrect chinstrap material routing on the buckle, the strap may fail to keep the helmet in position on the user’s head, causing it to become dislodged and come off, potentially exposing the helmet user to head injury. The recall does not indicate that the Fidlock buckle itself fails. Instead, the focus is on the incorrect routing of the nylon strap material as the cause of the potential problem.
The CPSC notice indicates that one such incident resulted in a concussion, saying, “This recall involves 509 Tactical 3.0 (Youth, Mountain, and Trail) helmets and 509 for Polaris Tactical 3.0 (Youth and Mountain) helmets. This recall also involves small and medium size 509 Tactical 2.0 helmets, 509 Tactical 2.0 helmets with Fidlock, and 509 for Polaris Tactical 2.0 helmets, which were all manufactured in 2023. This recall also involves 509 and 509 for Polaris helmets with Fidlock, including Tactical 2.0, Altitude 2.0, Delta R3L, Delta R4, Delta V, Mach III, Mach IV and Mach V (manufactured from 2020 to present with a stainless-steel glide bar).”
Ultimate Motorcycling reviewed the 509 Mach III Carbon and 509 Mach V Carbon helmets in 2023. The incorrect routing of the chin strap on the Fidlock buckles on those helmets was correct according to the product information in the recall notice, so they are unaffected by the recall.
Owners of the helmets included in the recall are advised to stop using the helmets immediately. Owners of 509-branded helmets should call 877-743-3509 for information on how to participate in the recall. Owners of a helmet branded “509 for Polaris” should call 800-765-2747.
Depending on the product, the remedy may result in repair, refund, or replacement. Details of how to obtain assistance and further information about the 509 helmet recall are available from Polaris.
To check for helmet recalls reported by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.
