Buying a helmet - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

taperman · 10-29-2006, 09:41 PM

My first time buying a helmet. I'm about to buy a full face with a shield. After looking at snowmobile magazines all week-end, I see all the riders with full face helmets but wearing goggles with no shield. What is everyone's opinion? shield or goggles? Sorry if I haven't used the correct terms! Is there anything that I absolutely cannot do without on a helmet?

**smallengineguy** · 10-30-2006, 06:42 AM

If you get a shielded helmet (which I suggest for long trips) get a HEATED shield! They are great when they keep the fog off your shield!

SnowBunny550 · 10-30-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallengineguy

If you get a shielded helmet (which I suggest for long trips) get a HEATED shield! They are great when they keep the fog off your shield!

I second this! Especially if you'll be riding in really cold conditions - I had issues last year with my shield fogging up and then frosting over. It makes for a NOT very fun ride.

headbanger7483 · 10-30-2006, 10:57 AM

I recommend a shielded helmet....they will keep you much warmer in my opinion especially on those colder days

NorthernGuy · 10-30-2006, 07:30 PM

I hate to steal the thread but rather than ask in a new thread I thought I'd do it here. Does anyone like\hate the HJC helmets? Are they fairly well constructed? I'm looking at getting a pair of these:

http://www.royaldistributing.com/ser...r&Submit=Go%21

The black, solid ones on the top of the page. 195$ CND and it comes with a heated shield. That's not bad considering most of the modulars I looked at were over 100$ more. I like the modular idea, however I just don't see it being worth it for me to spend 2x100$ more just so I can open the face. Neither of us smoke, neither of us even like wearing helmets around as a hat so when we stop (ATV's too) we usually take them off or open the shield.

segleski · 10-30-2006, 08:30 PM

how much would u pay for a good helmet anyways ? cuz i need one too...also are those canadian tire helmets good or do you need to go out and buy the expensive bombardier ones ?

NorthernGuy · 10-30-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by segleski

how much would u pay for a good helmet anyways ? cuz i need one too...also are those canadian tire helmets good or do you need to go out and buy the expensive bombardier ones ?

I've been shopping around, this is my first time buying a new sled helmet so I'm sure others can chime in as well, but from what I've gathered "safety wise" as long as it's DOT or snell approved any helmet will protect you as well as the next one. Where the expensive prices comes into play is from:

-weight and components that make them, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.
-designs\decals\colours
-heated or non-heated shields
-how the helmet functions (modular and non)
-how the exhausts are setup, if at all
-how the liner is installed, sealed, and if it's comfy

Those are some of the bigger factors I've personally noted as affecting price.

Snowmobiles · 10-30-2006, 08:36 PM

Go with a shielded helmet and do what smallengineguy said get a heated shiel because the full face kepps you warmer.

**RJ Gleason** · 10-30-2006, 10:19 PM

The nice thing about the modular style helmet is that you can open it and have a snack or drink without removing it and it makes it easier to talk at quick stops too.
They are also easier to put on because of this. Especially if you wear glasses.

taperman · 10-30-2006, 11:26 PM

Thanks for all the info. I now have more questions! What is a modular helmet? Where does the power come from for a heated shield? I'm looking at HJC or Z1R helmets, any complaints with either of these?

**RJ Gleason** · 10-30-2006, 11:53 PM

A modular is where the whole front of the helmet can open up, not just the shield.

The power for a heated shield comes from the sled itself. There are plugins that can be used to provide power.

ncorrieri · 10-30-2006, 11:58 PM

yeah but easier to flip up means its basically as safe as an open face then? so if convinience is a big factor when buying a helmet, i would go for it. personally, i dont like the idea of dentures if i hit a culvert the wrong way.

I do have an HJC helmet, cl14, with the heated shield. Heated shield is new for this year. The heated shield does have a slight tint, so keep that in mind when purchasing. They do come with dual tunnels in the top for ventilation, adjustable outside front fresh air controlls, and an adjustable chin vent for keeping your fog down (some hlemets have inside controlls). They also have pockets for speakers, and removable padding.

personally i dont communicate well when sledding. i point and gesture like a trained ape

segleski · 10-31-2006, 01:42 AM

i have a vented motocross helmet now that i got for free from a friend...i firgure if i wear some good ski goggles and a cool face mask that would be ok....dont forget i dont got in the public trails its just for around the my land and stuff....i think it will do

JohnDeereSleds · 10-31-2006, 03:05 AM

I have a modular. I think you would have to hit at a VERY wierd angle to open the face.

I think the main selling point for the open face/goggle is the fact that you can use it for fourwheeling in the summer

PolarisINDY500 · 10-31-2006, 08:57 AM

dude, go modular. i had a regular helmet for 4 yrs...i just bought a modular (see my latest post), however, i havent had to test it out in the cold just yet...but i still think it will be 100x's better.

imo the open snow x style helmets are not really ment for trail riding...more for boondocking, snow x, mtn riding, or "other". imo it doesnt appear to provide essential comforts associated with the typical closed faced helmet trail riders are accustomed to. each to their own.

700RMK151 · 10-31-2006, 11:19 AM

I use a snocross style HJC helmet with goggles. On warm days I don't wear anything under it but on the colder days I wear a helmet liner/ski mask type thing that keeps me plenty warm. Then again I only do mountain riding which is done at slow speeds compared to trail riding. Each style of helmet has its pros/cons. I would get snocross style for mountain riding or shield style for trail riding.

SnowBunny550 · 10-31-2006, 11:57 AM

Basically, do what you're comfortable with. We've got friends that ride trails in sub-zero weather with the Snow-X style helmets and goggles. I'm afraid it'd be too cold for me, but they swear that if you get a good helmet and properly fitted goggles (to your face AND the helmet), there aren't heat/lack of heat issues.

taperman · 10-31-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDeereSleds

I have a modular. I think you would have to hit at a VERY wierd angle to open the face.

I think the main selling point for the open face/goggle is the fact that you can use it for fourwheeling in the summer

We will be at Disney in January!

taperman · 10-31-2006, 01:40 PM

Thanks everyone for the info!

meeko · 10-31-2006, 02:05 PM

also go looking around at local places and see what they have and u might get last years helmets at a cheeper price like i did with my helmet...i payed 80buck for it and it was originally worth 350