Comatoast
Expert
So I finally decided to put the ol $90 HJC Mutant CL-15 on the shelf after 5+ years.
It was a descent budget helmet, but wanted to go a different direction to try things out.. I was originally looking at a Castle Modular ( EXO-CX950 apex ) But nobody locally had them, so I ended up with
509 Altitude Stamp
509 Sinister XL5 w photochromatic lens
and a Klim Arctic Balaclava
I removed the "breath box" from the helmet as the nose piece of the xl5 goggles made for to snug of a fit on the nose, and everything seems to fit ok, But about the arctic..
Those who have one or have used on, know the gonzo looking nose piece/breather box .. Well I thought that would hang out of the helmet and not be an issue, but it stops right above the chin curtain. Problem is, if I tuck the chin curtain away, air comes straight up the gonzo chute....
SO I guess what I'm asking, is this
Is there a better balaclava to use with a 509 altitude/ sinister combo?
Am I the only oddball this has happened too?
Should I maybe just try a "Light/mid" weight balaclava without the big breather?
This is my first MX/SX helmet, so I'm hoping Im not that dumb and just missing something simple
It was a descent budget helmet, but wanted to go a different direction to try things out.. I was originally looking at a Castle Modular ( EXO-CX950 apex ) But nobody locally had them, so I ended up with
509 Altitude Stamp
509 Sinister XL5 w photochromatic lens
and a Klim Arctic Balaclava
I removed the "breath box" from the helmet as the nose piece of the xl5 goggles made for to snug of a fit on the nose, and everything seems to fit ok, But about the arctic..
Those who have one or have used on, know the gonzo looking nose piece/breather box .. Well I thought that would hang out of the helmet and not be an issue, but it stops right above the chin curtain. Problem is, if I tuck the chin curtain away, air comes straight up the gonzo chute....
SO I guess what I'm asking, is this
Is there a better balaclava to use with a 509 altitude/ sinister combo?
Am I the only oddball this has happened too?
Should I maybe just try a "Light/mid" weight balaclava without the big breather?
This is my first MX/SX helmet, so I'm hoping Im not that dumb and just missing something simple
I have the HJC ?? MX style helmet. I took the breath box out. Just like you not enough room for the box, goggle nose protector and my nose.
I took a Unwind balaclava and sewed a neoprene biker facemask to it. This did 2 things for me. It gave my extra frostbite protection between the goggles and helmet and also gave me a built in breath box.
I have the Artic and use it only on real warm days. There is too much fresh air flowing in for me at -25. There is some duct tape closing off the mouth area as the wind was -48 the other ride
I took a Unwind balaclava and sewed a neoprene biker facemask to it. This did 2 things for me. It gave my extra frostbite protection between the goggles and helmet and also gave me a built in breath box.
I have the Artic and use it only on real warm days. There is too much fresh air flowing in for me at -25. There is some duct tape closing off the mouth area as the wind was -48 the other ride
Comatoast
Expert
That is awesome in the most deformed way!! haha , It reminded me of leatherface!!!!
It should be about 10*F tomorrow so we will see how it goes with the Arctic... My biggest concern is fogging.. I can deal with cold, but a fogged mask? That just make the ride, not fun.
A few days ago me and the GF ran 25 miles or so in -2*F temps.. She was fine, but apparently I move alot more hot air as we were using basically the same helmet ( hjc dual screen "no fog" )
Maybe it's just a trial and error thing that I have to try different combinations for
I don't have an issue with fogging on either balaclava. Just make sure the goggles are pressed firmly against your face.
Comatoast
Expert
Got it. I got the xl5 goggles which apparently have 20% more foam to seal up any leaks vs the standard sinister x5s.. is there a "warmer weather" balaclava you suggest with the 509 helmet?
Comatoast
Expert
Above 10*F the arctic is a little warm for me
You could try just a regular single layer balaclava. FXR has them as well as many others.
Comatoast
Expert
Sounds good. Like I said. New to this so don't want to just toss out money on something I'll never use.
$10 or $100. Just was wondering what might work with the 509 setup..
Seems like some things work better with other brands, I realize, but just trying to cut down on trial and error as some balaclava seem to be worthless above/below a certain temp
$10 or $100. Just was wondering what might work with the 509 setup..
Seems like some things work better with other brands, I realize, but just trying to cut down on trial and error as some balaclava seem to be worthless above/below a certain temp
Sorry. No magic combo that works for every body. My first ride with goggles was almost life changing and not in a good way. I have about 5 diff balaclavas and 6 sets of goggles. I have found the X5s and the balaclava pic'd above works the best for me. I will be on the prowl for a CF 509 in the off season when the local dealers have their sales. Can't see myself spending over 3 bills on a lid right now. My HJC and Smith goggles that I started with was only 200. Cheap when compared to switching out heated shields every other year.
In short you will need to experiment a bit and try different combos that work for you. No matter what you do this sport costs.
In short you will need to experiment a bit and try different combos that work for you. No matter what you do this sport costs.
Comatoast
Expert
Yea, And this is the reason I procrastinated buying a new helmet, haha.. Just finding the right combo can sometimes be a PITA, But then again, so is pulling over to wipe off your shield every 3 miles!!
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2004
- Messages
- 7,693
- Location
- sudbury on
- Country
- Canada
- Snowmobile
- 2016 apex xtx
2011 apex xtx
2009 phaser rtx/x
1997 et410t/r
1988 vk 540
Hmm. Must be doing well with 5 full seasons on a heated visor in the trees. Any sled goggles available that you can get prescription lens in as I cannot use contacts.
super1c
Moderator
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2010
- Messages
- 897
- Age
- 53
- Location
- Freeland - Otsego lake, MI
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- 22 sidewinder LTX-LE
Also give the helmet time to break in and soften up a bit. I run same combo (altitude, x5's and artic) and it was a bit snug on nose with breath box but over time it will settle in. Mine is perfect now and never a unwanted draft and nose is free and clear. I leave the "gonzo piece tucked inside the chin curtin and no issues with fogging, as mentioned tight goggle seal to balaclava/face a must.
Comatoast
Expert
I don't think my problem is the seal. I have the xl5 goggles and they seems to fit fine, but there is so much air coming in all the vents on the goggles , I'll get a straight cold rush the entire ride. I need to stick some road foam insulation ( almost like a really small diameter pipe insulation in there and try again. Tape didn't work well
Comatoast
Expert
super1c
Moderator
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2010
- Messages
- 897
- Age
- 53
- Location
- Freeland - Otsego lake, MI
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- 22 sidewinder LTX-LE
They do move a lot of air. On my wifes i blocked all those vents with similar foam. I used the door seal stuff. Also taped up all the vents inside the helmet and no wind at all. Now i sweat a lot due to my BP meds and like all the fresh air. But blocking the vents will work well.
Similar threads
