When winter arrives and the time comes to have fun in the snow with your motorized toys, the helmet is without a doubt the essential article!
The question then arises: ‘‘What type of snowmobile helmet do we choose from the awesome range being offered to us?’’ The answer may seem simple for some, but not for others. Here is a small practical guide of the 4 major classes of snowmobile helmets.
1- Full face helmet: The most common
Very widespread helmet recognizable by its monocoque structure and visor, which seals everything hermetically.
Strong points
The simplicity of its design has good rigidity, light weight and is usually very affordable.
It also has a lower noise level due to its continuous surface around the user’s head.
Weak points
During motorized winter activities, it becomes warm inside the helmet and humidity can be trapped quickly when you move a lot.
A breath deflector is bothersome to the face when putting on or taking off the helmet.
2 - MX or motocross Helmet: The most stylish and aggressive looking
The helmet is easily identifiable by the absence of the visor which is replaced by an opening to slide in a pair of goggles. A peak on the top and a pronounced chin complete the very sporty style of this kind of helmet.
Strong points
The MX helmet offers excellent ventilation for the pilot.
This helmet is perfectly suited for snowcross, off trail riding and for those who want a more racing style.
It also provides a solid and very lightweight shell.
Weak points
In very cold weather, the mouth and chin are less protected from the wind and you must provide for at least a breath deflector. Despite all precautions, it remains colder than a closed helmet.
And also, the need to have a good pair of goggles and a breath deflector which fit in well together is important to avoid all traces of fogging.
TX696 with breath deflector
During the nice winter days (and also the summer ones), I tested the CKX TX696 equipped with a breath deflector as well as some Hawkeye goggles that are perfectly designed for it. The kit provides surprising comfort and, no sign of fog troubled my vision.
3- Modular helmet: The most versatile
A look that is very close to the ‘full-face’ helmet, but the difference lies in the front opening part in order to clear the face. Thus, there will be a small line on the side of the helmet and small buttons underneath or on the side to allow the driver to open it.
The strong points
Modular helmets are probably the most versatile of the 4 types of snowmobile helmets. Let me explain. With a shell that closes completely over the pilot’s face, it provides excellent protection from the wind and cold. When the time comes to stop to talk with your friends on the side of the trail, you can maintain your warmth and open the front only to communicate, or to have a drink or a small bite. This is a major advantage when it’s very cold.
The other big advantage is that the breath deflector is clearly less cumbersome for the face when you put on your helmet since the front part can be in open position. It is really much more pleasant than a full-face helmet.
The weak points
And yes, even the best designed helmets have weaknesses! The modular helmet can be noisier than a full-face helmet at high speeds and is often more expensive to purchase. However, the difference in price is worth it.
Tranz 1.5
The second helmet that I was able to try this winter in collaboration with Kimpex is the Tranz 1.5. A cold winter with very difficult conditions at times, makes it difficult to remain comfortable in your helmet when it quickly fills up with humidity. Don’t believe it, the new breath deflector and rubber chin guard provide comfort over and above expectations by preventing the humidity to enter the visor, even in extreme weather!
In addition, if you remove your helmet for a few minutes, the rubber remains supple and not at all unpleasant for the face when you put on your helmet to get going again.
I also very much appreciated the retractable visor which allows you not to stop to put on or remove sunglasses. This tinted visor allows you to accentuate the contrasting terrain. Everything has been accounted for to enhance the user’s comfort!
Specifications:
- Breath deflector and rubber chin guard
- Electric visor
- Tinted retractable inside visor
- Opening mechanism with a unique button
- Full ventilation
- Removable and washable inside lining and cheek pads
- ProClip mechanism to open
- In compliance with or superior to the DOT standard FMVSS218
4 - ¾ Helmet: Indomitable
Why indomitable? Simple… lt is the ancestor of motorized sports helmets. With its unchanged design over many decades, its bowl shape makes it very affordable, simple and timeless.
The strong points
Costing very little and light as a feather, this helmet also provides good ventilation due to its open front or fairly open visor.
Humidity from the driver is well evacuated and allows the visor (if it has one) to remain totally clear.
The weak points
Often, the look generated by such a helmet is amusing to others…haha!
The wind quickly infiltrates the face and the neck level which affects comfort in cold weather.
Concluding remarks
That is quite a bit of information in a few lines. I hope it has enlightened you on the choice of your future snowmobile helmet!
And I would like to thank the entire Kimpex team for this great collaboration which allows me to do my motorized sports in total comfort with high- quality equipment.
Other posts you may like:
My first experience with a modular helmet
« Waterproof-Breathable » Membrane vs Coating
Additional information
To obtain more information on the numerous helmets offerd by Kimpex, www.kimpex.com or see your closest Kimpex retailer.
