Over 200,000 509 Helmets Recalled for Head Injury Risks

Helmets are supposed to protect you in the event of a crash—not fail you when you need them most. That’s why a major new recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is causing serious concern among consumers, safety experts, and personal injury attorneys. On July 3, 2025, the CPSC announced that more than 201,000 helmets manufactured by 509 and 509 for Polaris are being recalled due to a defect that can cause the helmet to come off during a crash, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

At KBD Attorneys, we have long raised concerns about defective gear and equipment that lead to life-altering head injuries. This recall is a powerful reminder that safety standards must be enforced—and when companies fail to meet them, injury victims have the right to seek justice.

What Helmets Are Being Recalled?

The recall involves several models of 509 Tactical 3.0, Tactical 2.0, Altitude 2.0, Delta R3L, Delta R4, Delta V, and Mach-series helmets, including versions sold under the “509 for Polaris” branding. These helmets were sold both online and at dealerships between January 2020 and May 2025, with prices ranging from $140 to $900.

The issue stems from a failure to meet federal safety standards, particularly regarding helmet retention—meaning that during an impact, the helmet could dislodge or detach, leaving the rider unprotected.

One incident has already been reported in which a helmet became detached during a crash, resulting in a concussion.

Brands Affected:

• 509 Tactical 3.0 and 2.0 (including Youth, Mountain, and Trail)

• 509 for Polaris Tactical 3.0 and 2.0

• Helmets with Fidlock® fasteners, including Altitude, Delta, and Mach models

• Sizes include Youth Small through Adult 4XL

The Hidden Risks of a Faulty Helmet

Helmets are a last line of defense against serious or fatal injuries. A malfunctioning helmet isn’t just a manufacturing defect—it can be a matter of life and death. According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) contribute to nearly 30% of all injury deaths in the United States, and survivors often face lifelong cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.

The risk is even more acute for ATV riders, snowmobilers, and off-road motorcyclists, who often travel at high speeds and are prone to serious crashes in remote or uneven terrain.

A defective helmet in these environments could lead to:

• Skull fractures

• Concussions

• Cognitive impairment

• Memory loss

• Personality changes

• Seizures

• Paralysis

• Long-term disability or wrongful death

If a helmet fails to stay on your head—or shatters on impact—it has failed to serve its most basic purpose. This is not a minor technical oversight. It’s a life-threatening product failure.

More CDC information on TBIs can be found here.

What Should Consumers Do?

According to the CPSC, consumers should stop using these helmets immediately. Depending on the model, the remedy may include:

• A full refund (especially for online purchases)

• A replacement helmet

• A website credit

• For some Fidlock®-equipped helmets, a repair procedure is available

Importantly, consumers do not need proof of purchase to begin the recall process. Instructions and eligibility details are available through:

• www.ride509.com

• www.polaris.com

Consumers are urged to discard recalled helmets in household trash only after confirmation that their helmet qualifies and after following destruction instructions.

A Pattern of Product Recalls and Safety Failures

This is not the first time we’ve seen defective safety gear put lives at risk. At KBD Attorneys, we’ve written extensively about:

• Recalled child car seats and baby helmets

• Unapproved bike and ATV accessories 

• Dangerous or untested medical devices

As attorneys, we know that one reported concussion likely means many more unreported or misdiagnosed injuries. These products often go under the radar until someone is seriously hurt. That’s why we advocate for transparency, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness—and we fight for those who’ve already been harmed.

Legal Options for Injury Victims

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury while wearing a recalled 509 or Polaris helmet, you may have legal grounds to file a product liability claim. Depending on the case, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation

• Lost income or earning potential

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional trauma

• Long-term care needs

• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

You do not have to wait for a class action or CPSC ruling to pursue your rights. If a defective helmet contributed to your injuries, your case deserves immediate attention.

Why Brain Injuries Deserve Serious Legal Action

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most complex and devastating types of personal injury. Even a “mild” concussion can cause:

• Chronic headaches

• Mood swings

• Difficulty focusing

• Memory lapses

• Sensitivity to light and noise

For children and teens, TBIs can interfere with brain development, school performance, and emotional regulation. For adults, TBIs may end careers, strain relationships, and require lifetime support.

When a helmet fails to prevent this kind of trauma, the damage isn’t just physical—it’s psychological, emotional, and financial. Our legal system provides remedies not just to compensate victims, but to hold companies accountable so these failures don’t happen again.

How KBD Attorneys Can Help

At KBD Attorneys, we have extensive experience with brain injury litigation, especially when it stems from defective products or corporate negligence. We work with top medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and product safety consultants to build strong, evidence-based cases for our clients.

We are currently investigating many recalls including the 509 and 509 for Polaris helmet recall, and we encourage any rider or parent of a young rider who was injured while wearing one of these helmets to reach out for a free consultation.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you love suffered a head injury while wearing a recalled helmet, don’t wait. Contact KBD Attorneys for a no-obligation case review. We’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.