28 • August 2025 • Powersports Business

More than 200,000 helmets sold under the 509 and 509 for Polaris brands are being recalled due to safety concerns that the products may fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash. Powersports dealers across North America are being urged to alert customers and assist with facilitating replacements or repairs.

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission( CPSC) announced the recall on July 3, affecting approximately 201,200 helmets in the United States and another 26,800 in Canada. The recall includes a wide range of off-road and snow helmets manufactured from 2020 to 2025, including the popular Tactical 2.0, Tactical 3.0, Altitude 2.0, Delta R3L / R4 / V, and Mach series models equipped with Fidlock chinstrap technology.

The helmets are sold in sizes ranging from youth small to adult 4XL, in a variety of colors and styles. The recall spans both stand-alone 509−branded products and cobranded models sold through Polaris dealerships and websites.

INCIDENT REPORTED The helmets may not provide sufficient protection during a crash, posing a risk of head injury, according to the company. One rider suffered a concussion after their helmet allegedly detached during an accident, prompting an investigation and the subsequent recall.

AFFECTED MODELS The recall includes— but is not limited to— the following helmet models:

• 509 Tactical 2.0 and 3.0( all sizes, youth and adult)

• 509 Altitude 2.0 with Fidlock

• 509 Delta R3L, R4, and V with Fidlock

• 509 Mach III, IV, and V with Fidlock

• Co-branded 509 for Polaris versions of the same

A full list of affected SKUs and remedy instructions is available on the manufacturer’ s website.

REMEDIES Customers are instructed to immediately stop using the helmets and visit ride509. com / recalls or polaris. com to confirm if their helmet is included and select a remedy.

• 509 customers may receive a refund( if purchased online), a replacement, or a store credit.

• Polaris customers can choose between a refund, dealership credit, or replacement.

• Helmets with Fidlock straps will be repaired following proper inspection and webbing adjustment.

Proof of purchase is not required; however, helmets must be destroyed and discarded according to the provided instructions after recall confirmation.

DEALER ACTIONS ENCOURAGED Powersports dealers are encouraged to do the following:

• Notify customers who may have purchased affected models;

The affected 509 Polaris Tactical 2.0 helmets, manufactured in 2023, were sold in sizes Small( SM) and Medium( MD) in the following color combinations: Blue, Black, Orange / Black / Gray, and White / Red / Blue. The products have“ Tactical 2.0” printed on the back of the helmet( opposite side of the visor) below the 509 logo. The size and manufacture date are printed on the label stitched on the inside of the helmet.( Photo: 509 Helmets)

• Assist customers in verifying helmet model numbers and sizes;

• Display recall information in-store and online; and

• Coordinate with 509 or Polaris for replacements or return logistics.

Both companies are contacting registered purchasers directly, but dealers play a critical role in reaching walk-in and thirdparty buyers.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• 509 Support:( 877) 743−3509( 7 a. m. – 7 p. m. CT, M – F), or support @ ride509. com

• Polaris Customer Support:( 800) 765− 2747( 7 a. m. – 7 p. m. CT, M – F)

• 509 Recall Info: www. ride509. com / pages / recalls

• Polaris Owner Connections: www. polaris. com / en-us / off-road / ownerresources / help-center / email

BACKGROUND These helmets were sold from January 2020 through May 2025, retailing between $ 140 and $ 900. They were available on the 509 and Polaris websites as well as through authorized dealers nationwide.

The helmets were imported by Teton Outfitters LLC, doing business as 509, a subsidiary of Polaris headquartered in Rigby, Idaho. All recalled units were manufactured in China.

Recall Reference Number: 25−374

Th e powersports industry is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Curtis Leaverton, an influential aftermarket innovator and founder of several well-known brands. Leaverton passed away on July 12 in a freak accident near his home while on a morning bicycle ride.

While his name may not be widely known among the general riding public, Leaverton’ s impact on the powersports industry is undeniable. He co-founded

several industry-leading brands, including Hot Rods, Pivot Works, Hot Cams, Cylinder Works, and Wrench Rabbit— brands used by thousands of powersports dealers, racers, and riders worldwide. Under the umbrella of his company, C & L Companies, he also expanded the distribution of the Vertex piston brand in North America.

Curt’ s journey into the motorcycle world began as a young boy in Des Moines, Iowa, when his father gave him an OSSA 250 Pioneer— disassembled and in a box. Rebuilding the bike alongside his father ignited a lifelong passion for two wheels. Although his interest in motorcycles often overshadowed his schoolwork, although he would go on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from Drake University.

In 1993, Leaverton launched Hot Rods after creating a replacement connecting rod for his OSSA. Recognizing a broader need for engine rebuilding components in the dirt bike market, he turned that single part into an entire ecosystem of performance and maintenance brands. His ability to anticipate trends and meet emerging demands helped establish his companies as

See Leaverton, Page 29

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