Snowmobile Forum banner

Snowmobile helmet

3K views 23 replies 10 participants last post by  Skier76 
#1 ·
What is the difference between a 'basic' snowmobiling helmet and a motorcycle helmet?
 
#6 ·
Facemask is pretty much a requirement unless it is REALLY warm, I can't ever recall riding without one. The other option, as you mentioned, is to use a motocross helmet and goggles. Seems more and more people are going that route, that is what my wife uses and she seems to prefer it, while I've got an electric heated shield on a HJC helmet.
 
#8 ·
I've been looking at helmets and I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what a dual lens/visor helmet is. I haven't found anything that I would consider to be dual lens/visor even though the box specified it was.

All I've found is a full shield with a retractable visor closer to your face. I don't see how that set-up would prevent fogging of the shield since the visor doesn't seal to the helmet.

What exactly is dual lens/visor?
 
#9 ·
The dual lens is very common on any snowmobile helmet. If you look, there are two layers of plastic with an air space between them. That helps keep the inside layer warmer, so that moisture from your face/breath condenses less on the inside.

There are basically three types of helmets; moto-cross style, where you use goggles (get dual lens goggles here too), full face, with a face shield that covers the whole helmet (warmer than the moto-cross style) and modular. The modular style make it a lot easier for people with glasses to don and doff the helmet, as the whole front of the helmet hinges up and out of the way.

The electric shield ones will fog way less than a helmet without a shield.

Some guys will ride most of the time with the moto-cross/goggle style and have a full face for those really cold days...
 
#10 ·
Timely thread...I'm looking into a modular helmet that has a clear shield...and another darker shield you can flip down as needed. Anyone ride with something like that? I'd like the clear for low light; darker for sunny days.

I'm currently using an ATV helmet with goggles. Works fine, but I'd like something with a bit more wind protection. Plus, the goggles are tinted and when the sun sets, things look really dark!
 
#11 ·
I've got a fulmer modular helmet with a double shield and a flip down Sun shield. Works great going in and out of the woods / Sun. Inexpensive too at about 130 bucks.
 
#13 ·
I purchased mine at l&m. It's a local fleet and farm type store. It didn't come with a breath deflector or the double shield. But they had them there and I purchased them separately. I looked at the fulmer website a didn't see any with the double shield but I know they did cuz the kid has one. So I'm not sure what the deal is there to be honest. The fulmer helmets designed for snow will have a SN in the part #
 
#14 ·
Honestly I've never had good luck with the non-electric double shields. Either I breathe too much or ride at too cold of temps, but they would always fog or frost up on me at some point. I've got an electric now, and it works great! In warmer temps I don't need to plug it in, but it keeps it completely frost/fog free when I'm riding at colder temps. I've even ridding in freezing ran (not fun) and the shield kept itself clear of ice.
 
#19 ·
good topic, as I wear glasses and those full face fogs up, I really cannot stand a full face, even a new modular with electric shield ok for a bit, but I got 3/4 helmet with double lens and I wear the No Fog face guard and spray lens with hockey shied anti fog, well that does the trick for me, plus when bush running, those shields only last me 2 years from tree branches, they are cheap and replaceable from kimpex etc warm enough on those long lake runs
 
#15 ·
I'm the same way. I usually end up riding with the shield partially open.


I skimped on getting a BV2 helmet and purchased a HJC IS-Max-II, now feel that it was a mistake. Even with the breath deflector in place, if I'm not moving, and sometimes even when I am, my breath goes right up inside.

I'm now trying to figure out a way to create a breath box much like the BRP BV2.
 
#17 ·
Yes. Easier if you have electric start, but can be done on any sled.
 
#20 ·
Wow, I really need to ask a few more questions about helmets. I rode today (it was about 20 degrees) with a moto-cross helmet and goggles....and I froze my face.

I think the issue was that the google didn't fit the helmet opening well enough. Are there some moto-cross helmet and google combinations that are a tight fit?
 
#21 ·
Yes, I would not ride with goggles as it would be too cold and fogging issues are more of problem than with a visor, where you can open it just enough to keep from fogging, yet still keep the cold wind off your face.

My go to helmet is an Arai street bike helmet with a clear visor, very comfortable. I have a tinted helmet for very sunny days, and also a Ski Doo dual visor with the tinted and clear lenses.
 
#22 ·
with goggles or visored, you typically still need a face mask/balaclava. There are a wide variety of types. The important thing with goggles is to have a fairly tight seal to the face. You don't want your breath getting inside.

I never cared for goggles. Always had the toughest time keeping them clear. The best set of goggles I ever tried was a pair a friend loaned me. They had super clear double lenses and it had a tiny little fan in the nose piece that with the rechargeable battery would last about 4 hours.

But, I finally shopped around for a module helmet. I just about bought the Skidoo BV2S, but couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money ($500 US).

I ended up getting the HJC IS-MAX-II modular, it came with a visor for motorcycles (single pane), but I purchased a double pane heated shield for it. Ended up getting a breath deflector as well. Probably $220 total. Love the helmet.
 
#24 ·
I rode with an MX style helmet for a season. It worked well enough. We don't ride that fast, so I never had a real issue. I always wore a neck gator (sp?) to keep the breeze of my neck and jaw area.

Look into modular helmets. I just picked up a Bell on closeout and it's great. The entire front flips up, it has a clear visor and a second sun shield. I think it was just a tick under $100 shipped.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top