An ATV windshield can be a huge asset on the trail if you get the right one for your needs. They will help deflect rain, sleet, snow, mud, rocks, and other types of debris. Oh I forgot bugs, which is a huge plus if you ride quickly through areas full of insects. It may not seem like a huge deal but a bug smacking you in the cheek while your riding at a good clip can sting a bit. Enough to make your eyes water.
If you just came here for a recommendation for a good ATV windshield without wanting to read all about the different features, then here it is. The PowerMadd 24572 ProTEK Windshield for ATV found here on Amazon. This is a universal ATV windshield that will fit most models, do double check it will fit your machine though. To learn more about ATV windshields to help make your decision, keep reading.
I highly recommend an ATV windshield for winter riding. It may not seem like much but it definitely helps keep you warmer on the trails. Just from blocking the wind, it will surprise you how well they work.
What To Look For
There are a few things you should consider when picking out an ATV windshield. Some of these may be more important depending on what you need a windshield for. I suggest starting with these points:
- Material Quality
- Clear View
- Style
- Cost
The quality of the material you choose is important. You don’t want to end up with scratches or cracked pieces of windshield from the debris. The windshield should protect you from the elements but not make it impossible to see where you’re going.
That’s why a clear view is important. A glass windshield is best for keeping a clear view, but they break too easily in my opinion. They do make some pretty strong plastic windshields that are really clear.
The style is up to you. A lot of people want to get an ATV windshield because they look cool, so I thought this was at least worth mentioning. Also, the style affects how you mount the windshield to the ATV. A lot of models have universal mounting brackets that attach to most ATV handlebars.
The cost is up to as well. I prefer to spend a little bit more on a higher quality windshield. That way I don’t have to worry about scratches or cracks so much. There are some decent deals you can find online. I’ve found them cheaper online than they were in my local ATV shop.
ATV Windshield Material
Most ATV windshields are made out of either acrylic or poly-carbonate. Poly-carbonate is the stronger material out of the two but the windshields you find tend to be a bit more pricey than the acrylic.
Acrylic is not a weak material though. The acrylic windshields will stop stop rocks and debris, and take a beating before cracking. Just keep in mind that the poly-carbonate will last you a lot longer and will take more to break than the acrylic.
I have seen glass ATV windshields in the past, but they don’t make them like a glass car windshield. I don’t recommend a glass windshield because of how easy they are to break, and when they do break they become a huge safety hazard.
ATV Windshield Clarity
The strength of the windshield material isn’t the only thing to base your purchase on though. And the material you choose will have a bit of an impact on how well you’ll be able to see through the windshield.
Now as far as clarity itself goes, you’ll be hard pressed to find the difference between acrylic and poly-carbonate as far as how well you can see through them. That being said, the scratch resistance of the material plays a big role in this factor over time.
Acrylic will get scratches pretty easily from branches and rocks and harder debris. It will also start to look hazey over time from wiping mud off or washing with a rag with sand particles in it. Poly-carbonate as a material itself is actually easier to scratch than acrylic, but most poly-carbonate windshields are made with a hardened coating making it far more scratch proof than acrylic.
ATV Windshield Style
By windshield style I am talking about the type of ATV windshield you prefer and how it mounts to the ATV. There are some universal options that only need some free handle bar space to mount. If you don’t have any free space on your handlebars due to mirrors, brake components, or whatever else, you’ll have to find a windshield made for your specific model.
Another thing to consider is how the windshield will look on your ATV. I don’t typically spend a lot of time worrying about that kind of stuff, but it is important to some people. And I can see why, after spending thousands of dollars on your machine, you want it to look the way you like right.
ATV Windshield Cost
A decent ATV windshield will probably cost you around 120 bucks. The acrylic version will be a little cheaper, right around 75 dollars or so. You have to decide if the extra price is worth it for the windshield you want. Let’s look at a few examples.
For an acrylic windshield I recommend this Black Boar ATV Windshield With Mounting Hardware on Amazon. This is a universal ATV windshield and will fit most models of ATV. It has a high rating and people seem to like it.
If you don’t ride all that often and usually avoid branches and debris, then this is probably your best bet. This is for someone who rides open trails and just wants a windshield to protect from rain and the cold of winter. But it will scratch and fade over time if you hit branches and go through lots of mud.
If you’re leaning towards a poly-carbonate ATV windshield, take a look at this National Cycle Lexan ATV Windshield on Amazon. This windshield is wide enough to cover your hands on the handlebars and tough enough to take a beating.
This windshield is made from Lexan polycarbonate and comes with sturdy, powder coated, steel mounting brackets as well. If you ride through wooded areas or know you’ll be hitting sticks, branches, or rocks, this is the one that will fit you best. You’re going to need something stronger than acrylic if you ride through those types of conditions, and this ATV windshield offers that.
Now if you’re looking for something with a bit more of a faster look to it. I recommend this PowerMadd 24572 ProTEK Windshield for ATV that I mentioned above. The reason I mentioned this one up above, is because I like the rapid release mount it comes with. Some of these other windshields work great, but can be a bit of a pain to take on and off.
If you’re going to take your ATV on a trailer, it’s best to take the windshields off, especially if you’ll be on the highway. That’s why I liked this windshield the most, it has a built in quick release function on the mount. You just loosen one nut, pull a pin, and it’s off.
Sum Up
There you have, to sum it up really quickly for you. If you ride open trails, don’t take on a ton of debris, and you’re just looking for something to keep the cold wind and rain off you, go for an acrylic windshield.
If you’re into riding wooded or muddy areas with branches, mud, and rocks, go for the stronger poly-carbonate. They’re a bit more pricey but will last you longer and save you money in the long run.
I should also mention, if a windshield might not be enough protection from the elements for you, you should consider an ATV Cab Enclosure. Use that link to learn more.
To check out some other gear I’ve tried and tested out for you, visit the Recommended Gear section of this site.