Ranking the best snowmobile helmets for 2022

Snowmobiling is just as dangerous as other open vehicles. Therefore, the person sitting behind the wheel must be suitably equipped. And not just a set of motley clothes and related details, but a carefully selected set. One of the main roles in this situation is played by a helmet that protects the rider's head from all kinds of damage and injuries.

Design features

In appearance, headgear for snowmobiles practically does not differ from motorcycle. They have the same streamlined shape, glossy structure, softening possible impacts of the inner upholstery. But there is one nuance that largely ensures safe driving in the winter season.

This is a double visor. Motorcycle helmets use a single glass to provide protection to the eyes and face of the rider as a whole. But when the temperature drops from its inside, during the exhalation of the driver, condensate forms, gradually turning into frost. Thus, it becomes completely opaque, which leads to adverse effects. To avoid this, manufacturers began to apply a special film on the protective glass, which excludes the formation of condensate. But, unfortunately, it does not withstand winter frosts, and a new question arose before the designers. Soon the answer to it was found, and a double visor was installed on the helmets. It consists of two layers of glass with an air gap between them. Tightness in the points of glass attachment ensures complete impermeability of moisture from the inside and outside of the visor. As a result, the screen remains transparent all the time.

To minimize the ingress of air exhaled by the driver on the inside of the glass, the designers also provided for a higher and larger cutoff. In addition to this, experienced riders recommend the use of an inner mask. It also effectively removes the heat generated during breathing to the outside.

Varieties of helmets for snowmobiles

Depending on the degree of passion for snowmobiling, whether amateur and leisurely, or professional and high-speed, manufacturers offer customers three types of hats for this purpose.

Integral

So, the easiest option for people who are learning to ride snowmobiles is an integral helmet. This is an open model and is designed for use on machines with a large windshield. It is rather inconvenient for high-speed driving, but can be optimally suited for leisurely leisurely riding.

Cross

For lovers of high-speed sports mountain descents, a cross-country helmet model is perfect. Although it has an open look, it is remarkably tuned for the use of special cross-country glasses, which fit as tightly as possible to the body of the structure and do not let cold air through. This option is the easiest of all offered by manufacturing companies.

For winter cross-country sports professionals, experienced riders strongly recommend using a nose cutter with a helmet. This is a mandatory attribute in winter, as it protects the lower part of the face from exposure to cold frosty air and the possibility of frostbite. As experts advise, before buying any individual piece of equipment, you should try on the entire set for better matching of all equipment components with each other.

modular

The most common among fans of high-speed driving on snowmobiles are modular helmets. These are more massive specimens than other representatives of this category, but at the same time the most convenient and comfortable to use. They give maximum protection to the rider's head. During a stop or emergency digging out of the machine, it is not necessary to remove it, just lift the front of the helmet. Also, all of them are equipped with double visors, which in their bulk have a heating function.The temperature amplitude, which allows the driver to drive with high-quality visibility without activating the heating, is up to -10°C. When using this function, the degrees are lowered to -40°C. Such advantages and put forward this category of hats in the first place.

Applicable material

For several years, carbon fiber and Kevlar have been used to make snowmobile helmets. They are particularly durable due to the synthetic composition. The adhesive fragment in the design of the outer part of these hats is epoxy resin.

But just recently, BRP introduced a brand new M-Forge® Composite material to consumer markets. It is a completely different manufacturing technique based on the use of soldered threads, designed for use in the outer shells of helmets. This significantly improves their strength under impact and indentation loads, and also lightens the overall weight by 30% compared to their predecessors.

Selection Tips

Many beginners in the snowmobiling business, when choosing equipment, and in particular a helmet, first of all focus on the appearance and design of the product. But, according to experienced drivers, in this area this factor should be in last place.

The most important positions that should be carefully considered are comfort and safety. Therefore, before buying a helmet:

• You should definitely try on the model you like so that the head in it feels comfortable and cozy. It happens that the external design of the product inspires complete confidence, but the internal design delivers some inconvenience. This should not be.
• It is not recommended to buy a helmet without trying it on, relying only on the right size.It is possible that the daily size of the headgear, transferred to the snowmobile helmet, will run small and crush in some places. Such minor inconveniences, at high and continuous speeds, will cause quite noticeable discomfort to the driver.
• To avoid irritation due to poor visibility while riding, it is better to purchase products with a double visor and a heating function. This will provide a high-quality view of the terrain and the road throughout the entire journey.
• Bindings play an important role in the safety and convenience of snow skiing. Be sure to check them before purchase for easy disconnection and connection. This is necessary for a possible situation when the helmet needs to be removed quickly, and the bindings can fail.
• If the choice is stopped on several models you like, then it is advisable to choose the lightest of all.
• The next point to pay attention to is the details of the inside of the helmet. They must be removable, especially those that are in contact with the body. They need to be removed, cleaned or washed periodically. This is necessary for hygiene.
• To finally verify the safety of the purchased product, experts recommend contacting the seller with a question about the ongoing strength tests of this design in the near future. Retail outlets interested in selling their products will definitely follow this information and share it with the buyer with pleasure.
• And only now you can start choosing the external design of the product. Although for those who want to learn and professionally engage in snowmobile riding, this is not too important.

Rating of popular snowmobile helmets for 2022

According to the opinions of many experienced snowmobile drivers and people who have been involved in this winter entertainment for many years, the most advanced companies for creating quality helmets are Klim, BRP, Airon, Altitude and others. They produce both headwear for adults and children.

For adults

Model 509 Altitude 2.0 Carbon 3K High-Flow, Storm Chaser

The construction of this product is made of carbon fiber. Thanks to the introduction of a new lightweight and durable material into the creation, the weight of this model has been significantly reduced. The minimum weight of a helmet from this series is 1.12 kg. The presented headpiece is equipped with holes for air ventilation in the amount of 8 pieces, a Fidlock® magnetic fastener. The safety of the presented products is at a very high level. The size range of the product is 8 steps, so choosing the best option is not difficult. External design varies in 3 types. Each unit of goods is completed with a breathing mask and a lining of the latest development of "Pro Series".

• great quality;
• high strength;
• convenience of design;
• light weight;
• a wide range of sizes;
• choice of design;
• camera mount available.

• not identified.

Model SKI-DOO EX-2 Motion

This item is a variant of the hybrid cross helmet designed for all-season all-round use. It is equipped with the functions of partial protection of the face, that is, from flying snow, dazzling sun and a full-length visor. Outer shell construction is 80% polycarbonate and 20% ABS.

The sun visor is a removable part that can be easily replaced if necessary. It also has a mechanism for lifting and lowering, fixing the angle of inclination in several positions. The function of electric heating included in its structure provides constant high-quality visibility to the driver.

The design has an elongated deflector that protects the lower part of the head from frostbite in cold winter weather. On the body there are air ducts with possible adjustment and an aerodynamic removable visor. The inner part is represented by a comfortable lining, which is made of high-quality washing material.

• product versatility;
• structural strength;
• the presence of removable and replaceable parts;
• the possibility of cleaning the inside;
• maximum face protection in winter;
• the presence of the function of heating the visor.

• not detected.

Model F3 Carbon

KLIM manufacturers have equipped their products with excellent functionality, durability, safety, and especially lightness. This option is one of the lightest snowmobile helmets available. The comfortable, extremely durable case contains 13 inlet and 6 outlet valves for air movement, as well as a special system for its circulation. The use of an enlarged visor provides a wider view of the road and terrain to the driver.

In the inner shell of the structure, a technology is used that gives a secure fit of the helmet in the neck area. It also features a water-repellent lining, an antibacterial liner, and a 3D foam cheek pad (available in 3 sizes for a custom fit). This product is offered in 3 sizes.

• reliability and durability;
• complete security;
• maximum comfort;
• excellent ventilation;
• the ability to fit any type of face.

• not found.

Model SCX Flex RSV Solid EDL

This product belongs to the category of modular helmets. It is versatile and designed to be used at any time of the year. To protect the eyes from the sun, a removable amber-colored visor is provided, and for winter skiing, a double visor with a heating function is installed. The set of equipment includes a set of necessary wires. The outer casing is made of high-strength molded plastic. A breath deflector and lower face protection made of neoprene are attached to it. It is also equipped with a mechanism for quick removal and installation of the visor. This product can also be used in open form, if you need to use glasses with diopters. The design of the product allows it to be adapted to such a situation. The housing has an internal ventilation system, which, if necessary, can be completely closed. The interior consists of a removable lining that can be cleaned or washed. The mass of each unit of goods is about 1.7 kg.

• strength and reliability of the structure;
• universal application;
• complete with the necessary wires;
• Removable lining.

• appreciable weight;
• just one size.

Shiro SH501 Freedom Modular Helmet

This product is represented by a fairly well-known Spanish company Shiro. It is also an example of a universal model used at different times of the year. For warm weather, a regular visor is provided, but to use the equipment in winter, you must purchase a special visor with the possibility of heating separately from the product.

High strength, as well as light weight of the structure, is provided by ABS plastic, from which its body is made. Additional protection of the face from ultraviolet rays is attached to it. Comfortable and reliable fixation of equipment on the head is carried out using a micrometer buckle. A well-thought-out and efficient ventilation system allows high-quality air exchange inside the shell, while removing excess heat and moisture from it. A special advantage of this product is that the lining of the inner part of the body is made of hypoallergenic material, which provides additional comfort. It is easy to remove and wash or clean.

• product versatility;
• reliability and strength of the body;
• additional UV protection;
• high-quality ventilation system;
• removable lining.

• the need to separately purchase a winter visor.

SKX Tranz RSV Modular Helmet

This model provides the proper level of comfort and safety even in severe winter frosts. The high-strength plastic body eliminates the possibility of accidental damage to the driver's head. Removable sunglasses and the ability to install a visor with a heating function, put this product in a range of universal products. The design has a sun visor and adjustable ventilation zones. Breath deflector and chin mesh add extra protection to the helmet. The shape configuration has decent aerodynamic properties. A removable lining on the inside of the case brings additional convenience in the care of the product.

• universal application;
• structural strength;
• good functionality;
• ease of use;
• heated visor.

• not identified.

For kids

SCX VGK1 Raven

Products of this brand are intended for teenage children. The aerodynamic shape of the hull reduces lift. Made of high-strength plastic, it provides maximum safety and protection. The helmet has a double visor, breath and chin deflector, which creates comfortable conditions when using it in winter. The mechanism of removal or installation of the visor determines the speed of its replacement for the purpose of necessity. The product provides a system of effective and high-speed fixation on the head using a micrometric buckle.

Removable lining on the inner shell of the body provides convenience in the care (washing) of the product. The mass of each unit of production is about 1.3 kg.

• convenient design;
• high strength;
• safety;
• maximum protection;
• Removable lining.

• there is no visor heating function.

SCX RR610Y Cosmos DL

This product is also intended for use by children. The robust molded plastic housing provides the necessary safety for the driver when driving. A neoprene breath deflector and protection of the lower part of the face eliminates the possibility of frostbite in the winter. The presence of a double visor allows you to carry out high-speed riding on a snowmobile without endangering your eyes. The design has an efficient ventilation system, which, if necessary, can be completely closed. The helmet is equipped with Bluetooth-preparation for hands-free calling.Particular comfort in the care of the inside of the product is provided by a removable lining, which can be cleaned or washed at any time. Comfortable and reliable fixation of equipment on the child's head is made by a special fast mechanism. The weight of each item is about 1.27 kg.

• comfortable use;
• maximum security;
• the presence of bluetooth-preparation;
• removable lining;
• double visor.

• no visor heating function.

To fulfill the desire to ride or learn how to drive snowmobiles on your own, of course, the main desire. But this alone is not enough. In order to provide yourself, and possibly the passenger with a comfortable and untroubled walk or downhill, you must follow basic safety precautions. And it, in turn, consists in the selection of the optimal equipment, which allows to exclude possible unforeseen damage or injuries during the movement. Therefore, by listening to the advice of experienced professionals outlined in this article, you can organize the best winter vacation on snowmobiles!