Couple questions on SnowCross style helmets

[mdkuni]

I have been thinking about going to a SnowCross style helmet but have a couple questions.

How much louder is it when riding compared to a full face?

I am concerned about lake riding with the fin, is there a lot of resistance causing you to force your head to stay down?

Also what benefits are there compared to full face. One thing I am looking forward to is getting direct air. I always try and ride with my full face open some to breathe in the cold air...

Other then that is sounds like a nice no fog mask and cold should not be a problem.

I see Choko came out with a helmet in Shade Tree with Goggles for about $75 that might be worth a try.

 

[Yamahnator]

Most who have gone to them ride with them all the time now. I'm one of them. So much better visibility, and as long as you have a good pair of goggles next to zero fogging. As far as sound, yes it is louder and if you have a loud exhaust you will hear it more. But nothing exaggerated.

I never noticed anything with the fin, just tilt it down and tighten it.

 

[Len Todd]

They work best at lower speeds. There are some special goggles and face protection products out there to minimize exposed skin. Exposed skin = frostbite or wind-burn at best. If you have a low windshield, then it is even worse. I went to a higher windshield, and then ended up going back to a fully enclosed helmet.

 

[KnappAttack]

I have gone to them. I run turbo trail sleds and have no problem. I find them quieter than a full face with shield. Good set of goggles never fog, ever. You can run in any element with a good balaclava. My buddy wanted to try my M/X helmet and I had to use his Cat full face. I could not stand the noise and wind going through the full face. I could see with that helmet how some would complain about track noise. I hated it after having my M/X, and couldn't wait to get mine back. I really think it depends on the fit and brand of helmet, as to its performance. I like mine. Its my second one. First was a Bell Moto. Current is a HJC made for snowmobiling with the breath deflector, which they all seem to have now. Mike Knapp#17

 

[edge_kw]

" They work best at lower speeds."
What?!?
If you have the proper gear (goggles, balaclava, breathguard) then you'll be just fine. I've been using the HJC helmets for 6 or 7 years now. No problems.
Couple years ago up in Wawa, coming back at night.....25 below, 15 mile long reservoir, warrior.......what do you figure the windchill is at 90 plus mph??

If the helmet is comfortable, and you protect yourself properly, you'll probably discover that MX style is the best thing out there.

Go for it!

 

[YamiSmurf]

I also wear the HJC model with breath deflector. It's definately more noisey than a full face, but you also don't have to worry about the smell of exhaust from your buddy ahead trapped in the helmet. Runs cooler, but not cold if protected. The wind resistance at higher speeds can be a problem as it forces the helmet up via the visor. But that's at 80mph+ and the visor on my helmet is all the way forward.

YS

 

[SRXSRULE]

I would say I've been wear an open face for 7-8 years now and they work very well. They key points area good helemt (the HJC's are fine) and a good set of goggels that fit well with the helmet. Then you need some type of breath deflector or a balaclava with a built in nose piece.

I would guess a 75.00 helmet/goggle combo is likely going to be a pile of crap and possibly make your first M/X style helmet ride a bad one.

I think the HJC snow's are around 150-180 and a good set of goggles 40-60. Eric

 

[phazerfly]

I've been running mx helmets for 7 years and would never go back. A no fog mask and a good balclava and you'll stay warm. The only thing I'd say is don't cheap out, its your head we're talking about, right now I've got an Oneal helmet and Oakley goggles, excelent combo. My buddy just bought a new Shark helmet and that is a very nice helmet also.

 

[onlyblue]

I love my HJC/Smith goggle combo.... i almost always ride with the MX style now.... still have the full face, but it gets used rarely..... the only time i really prefer the full face is on the wide open rr grade type trails or when it is wet snow/rain mix, it is easier to wipe the shield off underway..... otherwise, MX all the way.

 

[mdkuni]

Thanks for all the input. I bought a G-max with Smith goggles. I can't wait to try it out.

 

[SledderSteve]

Ditto the above, switched in '98 and never went back

As mentioned, the key is to have a good fit, mainly between the goggles and helmet. Some goggles work well with one helmet and not so good with others. I switched to the BRP rubber texture helmet last season as it looks trick but mostly doesn't show scratch marks from branches as bad as the more "shiny" helmets.

Speaking of branches, you'll come to love the visor when you come across those inevitable ones across the trail or when you're boondocking.

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

I love my Fly Racing Helmet/Oakley Goggles and Fly Racing Helmet/Scott Goggles combinations. My Fly/Oakley Combo is for sunny days and the Scott Goggle go on in overcast/flatlight days. Both sets of goggles have a Roko Quick Strap systems so they hang to the right side of my helmet when not in use yet easily to put in one handed when they are needed.

My FlyHelmet/Oakley Goggles are hanging from my bars in this picture.

Jim

 

[Black 1000]

I just got a Fly 606 helmet and 2 pairs of Oakley Crowbar snowcross goggles. One pair tinted blue for day and a clear for night. I have yet to try them out.