When you’re out on the snowmobile it’s important to stay warm. It’s also important to wear safety gear, such as gloves and a snowmobile helmet.
Your snowmobile helmet is what’s going to protect you from debris on the trail and in case of a crash or accident. It should also keep your head warm without obstructing your view.
These days, the best snowmobile helmets come loaded with features and design qualities that make you comfortable to wear when you’re out on the trails. Unfortunately, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the different helmets available.
To make it easier for you, we put together this helpful post covering our recommendations for the top rated snowmobile helmets. This way you can find the right helmet and head out for a ride knowing that you’ll be comfortable and safe.
Let’s jump right into it and take a look at our recommendations!
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KLIM F5 Helmet (Best Snowmobile Helmet Overall)
The KLIM F5 Helmet is our recommendation as the best snowmobile helmet for most riders. It’s claimed to be one of these latest helmets in the industry and comes with a number of practical features that will improve your snowmobiling experience.
For starters, the KLIM F5 Helmet has been designed from the ground up using years of snowmobile riding feedback, practical testing data, and cutting-edge technology. This has resulted in a lightweight snowmobile helmet that has been engineered to provide the best possible writing experience in the most demanding environments.
The KLIM F5 Helmet is equipped with a full carbon-fiber shell. It has an extra large eyeport, which provides the maximum field of vision so you can easily see what’s going on ahead of you.
When it comes to ventilation, this helmet also happens to be the most ventilated element in the industry. It comes with 18 intake vents and 8 exhaust vents that can be used to officially control your temperature when you’re out riding.
On the inside is a moisture wicking comfort liner. It’s anti-microbial and antibacterial while providing a snug fit to keep the helmet on your head when you’re riding in rough conditions.
As for winter riding, this helmet comes with a ventilated breath box that prevents your goggles from fogging up. It even has a windstopper liner that prevents wind from blasting you in the head while you’re riding in the cold.
Overall, the KLIM F5 Helmet is one of the best snowmobile helmets currently available. It’s super lightweight and a practical choice to bring with you on the trails if you’re looking for something comfortable, light, and durable for riding in.
ILM Snowmobile Helmet (Best Cheap Snowmobile Helmet)
It’s the ILM Snowmobile Helmet that we would recommend if you’re on a budget and looking for the best cheap snowmobile helmet. Not only is this one affordable, it comes with some pretty cool features for snowmobiling as well.
The first thing worth mentioning is that this helmet comes with an included winter scarf. This helps to keep you warm by protecting your neck and preventing wind from blasting down your snowmobile jacket or into the helmet.
The helmet itself features a streamlined, and aerodynamic design. This helps to reduce wind noise and drag, making it more enjoyable to wear when you’re out on the trails.
It’s designed using lightweight materials and has a durable, ABS shell. This is great for protecting your head in case of a crash or accident while keeping it lightweight and comfortable to wear.
When it comes to wearing this helmet, it features a quick-release strap for easy on and off. On the inside is a removable and washable helmet liner that’s designed to retain heat while keeping it firmly mounted on your head.
Another feature worth mentioning include the two included visors, clear and smoked, depending on the conditions you’ll be riding in. The visors themselves are anti-scratch, anti fog, and are wide to provide you with a clear and unobstructed view of the trails ahead.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best cheap snowmobile helmet, it’s the ILM Snowmobile Helmet that we would recommend. This helmet has great reviews online and some practical features that can definitely improve your snowmobiling experience.
Castle X EXO-CX950 Helmet (Best Modular Snowmobile Helmet)
It’s the Castle X EXO-CX950 Helmet that we would recommend if you’re searching for the best modular snowmobile helmet. What makes this a great choice is that it comes with a heated lens for providing you a fog-free view when you’re riding.
This helmet is designed with an advanced polycarbonate shell. It’s lightweight, meaning it’s comfortable to wear for all day riding, while still offering you protection you need in case of a crash or accident.
As a modular snowmobile helmet, it’s easy to flip up the chin bar when you’re stopping to talk to your riding buddies. There’s no need to remove the helmet to take a drink or to relax for a short while before heading out again.
On the inside is an antimicrobial comfort liner with fitted cheeks pads that help to keep the helmet properly mounted on your head. There are a number of different ventilation ports that you can use for controlling your temperature depending on the conditions you’re riding in.
As mentioned earlier, the electric double lens shield is one of the best features of his helmet. When it’s plugged in, the lens will be heated and won’t fog up, regardless of the weather conditions.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best modular snowmobile helmet, it’s the Castle X EXO-CX950 Helmet that we would recommend. The electric heated lens is a great feature to have, especially if you’re riding a lot throughout the winter.
HJC CL-Max 3 Snowmobile Helmet
The HJC CL-Max 3 Snowmobile Helmet is a great choice if you’re looking for a basic helmet to protect your head when you’re out on the snowmobile. HJC is a popular brand that’s well known for making motorcycle helmets and is a brand you can count on.
This is one of the best modular snowmobile helmets, especially if you’re on a budget. It’s designed with a polycarbonate composite shell that’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear when you’re out riding.
Thanks to the advanced channeling ventilation system, this helmet provides full front to back airflow. This feature helps to flush heat and keep humidity out while making sure you’re warm and dry inside.
The inside of a helmet is where you’ll find the removable and washable liner and cheek pads. These comfortably hold your head inside the helmet while wicking away moisture and sweat. There’s also a drop-down visor to help with riding in sunny conditions.
The helmet comes with a pinlock face shield, which provides 95% UV protection. Even with this protection, it’s a good idea to wear sunglasses or goggles to even more eye protection or comfort.
The modular design is easy to open and close when you’re out riding. This way you don’t need to take the helmet off to have a drink, chat with your friends, or get a few breaths of fresh air.
Overall, it’s the HJC CL-Max 3 Snowmobile Helmet that we’d recommend if you’re looking for the most affordable modular snowmobile helmet. Coming from HJC, it’s hard to go wrong with this one when it comes to comfort, fit, and durability.
Snow Master TX-45 Helmet
The Snow Master TX-45 Helmet is a simple and affordable snowmobile helmet. It offers incredible value, even for a low price, such as the included electric shield.
Despite the simple design, the Snow Master TX-45 Helmet is a great choice if you’re on a tight budget and want to protect your head and face out on the trails. It’s both DOT and ECE approved, meaning it’s safe and durable when it matters.
One of its best features is the included electric shield. This means you don’t need to worry about the shield fogging up when you’re riding, as you can keep it plugged in and heated regardless of the conditions.
The helmet itself is designed from a lightweight and durable polycarbonate material. It’s equipped with a quick-release buckle chin strap, a removable or adjustable visor peak, and a detachable anti-scratch visor.
To help with ventilation there is a large intake/exhaust port on the front and a number of exhaust vents on the back. This helps the air to flow through the helmet to keep you dry and prevent you from overheating.
Overall, if you’re looking for a basic snowmobile helmet, it’s the Snow Master TX-45 Helmet that we would recommend. While it’s not loaded with features like some of our other recommendations, it comes with an electric shield, which is an amazing feature to have.
How to Choose the Best Snowmobile Helmet
Types of Snowmobile Helmets
There are different types of snowmobile helmets available depending on what you’re looking for. Each type offers its own benefits and drawbacks for different conditions and riding styles.
Full-Face
Full face helmets offer the most protection and typically come with the most features. These are the most popular type of snowmobile helmets and are great for riding with in all conditions.
Full-face helmets sometimes come with a visor, while some can be used with your snowmobile goggles. They typically have ample ventilation and an interior liner that will help keep you warm during the winter.
Modular Snowmobile Helmet
Modular helmets are another popular choice due to their convenience and comfort. With one of these it’s possible to flip up the entire front of the helmet so you can talk, drink, or just get some fresh air without having to take your helmet off.
The benefit of this style is that they’re also safe to use, similar to the full face design. It’s possible to lock the bottom part of the helmet in place, so it acts like a full-face one whenever you want to use it.
Another benefit to using a modular snowmobile helmet is that it’s easy for your friends or paramedics to access your face in the event of a crash or accident. The other types of helmets are harder to remove.
Snocross
The Snocross helmets are a combination of dirt bike helmets and a full face snowmobile helmet. These are a great choice if you’re doing a lot of technical riding or hitting jumps when you’re out on the snowmobile.
The benefit of Snocross helmets is that they allow for more ventilation and customization. They’re designed to be used with snowmobile goggles, which means you don’t have to worry about your lens fogging up.
Another benefit to using goggles with a snowmobile helmet is that the open face design means your sweat, heat, and breath are carried away by the wind. You’re less likely to have to deal with fogging goggles and not being able to see.
Lenses
One of the most important features when it comes to snowmobile helmets is that the lenses use anti-fog technology. If you’ve gone snowmobiling before, you know how annoying it is to have your lens fog up when you’re riding along.
The cold weather combined with the warmth of your face is how the lens gets foggy. Poorly ventilated helmets and lenses without anti fog capabilities can result in an unenjoyable riding experience.
When you’re looking at the best snowmobile helmets, keep an eye out for heated or dual pane lenses. These help to best manage the fog and allow you to enjoy a clear and unobstructed view of the trail ahead.
Here’s a quick look at the different shields and helmet lenses available:
Dual Pane Shield
This is the most common type of lens and it’s essential for snowmobile helmets. It’s designed with two lenses that are separated by a thin layer of air that acts as insulation.
This design prevents condensation from the warm air from your face coming into contact with the cold air that you’re riding into. It’s less likely for fog to form and it helps to keep your lenses clear.
Heated Shield
Another great feature to look for are heated lenses, also known as a heated shield. While the dual pane lenses work fine in normal conditions, there are certain weather conditions where the lens will fog no matter what.
With a heated shield, this prevents the lenses from fogging regardless of the weather conditions. It’s a heating system that runs around the perimeter of the shield and plugs into the electrical system of your snowmobile.
Framed vs Frameless
Older snowmobile helmets with dual pane lenses have a frame around the lens. This helps to keep them sealed and prevents any moisture or air from coming in.
However, this is an older style of lens and isn’t typically found on newer helmets. Current lens technology has eliminated the frame and most now come with a frameless design.
Other Snowmobile Helmet Features to Consider
Breath Guard
Depending on the helmet, some of them come with a breath guard. This is an accessory that inserts into the helmet to prevent your hot breath from circulating up and onto the lens.
These inserts are adjustable and designed to seal your nose and mouth. They’re a great accessory to have, especially if you’re riding in a lot of near freezing or very cold conditions.
When properly installed, the breath guard should form a tight seal around your face. All of your warm breath will be directed down and away from the lens and they shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
These are usually attached with velcro strips or snaps. Some of them even come with a metal strip along the top of the nose, which helps provide a better seal.
Another benefit to breath guards is that they keep the cold air away from your skin. This helps to keep your face warmer and means you can spend more time riding in colder conditions.
When used with a high-quality, dual pane lens, breath guards are an excellent choice and almost guarantee no fogging. These happen to be one of the best snowmobile accessories, especially if your helmet didn’t come with one.
Ventilation
It’s important that your helmet is well-ventilated, even in cold winter conditions. When you’re riding, the helmet can get hot quickly, especially if you’re riding aggressively or in technical areas.
What you want to avoid is sweating too much and then cooling down because of all the cold winter air. This can cause issues when you’re out on the trail, such as hypothermia, and make it difficult for you to stay warm.
Air flow through the helmet is important for heat management and staying comfortable. Look for helmets with adjustable vents and exhaust ports for better ventilation.
A well-ventilated helmet also prevents the lens from fogging up. Ventilation is a must when you’re out riding and a feature should keep an eye out for.
Safety Rating
One more feature to consider is the safety rating. This is a designated rating about the overall safety quality of a specific helmet.
DOT – The DOT, or Department of Transportation, is one of the most important safety certifications. Never buy a helmet without this certification.
Snell – This is a safety certification from an independent group. Their safety standards are high and this certification is great to have along with the DOT rating.
ECE – This is a European safety standard. It’s from the Economic Commission for Europe and is similar to the DOT rating here in North America.
FAQ
Are Modular Helmets Safer?
Modular snowmobile helmets implement the full face design with a standard visor. The difference is that they can be hinged up at the jaw to fully expose the face.
In case of an emergency, modular helmets provide easier access for first responders. Otherwise, they’re not any more safe or less safe than the standard, full face design.
Another benefit to the modular design is that people find them more comfortable to wear. It’s easier to lift up the front part rather than removing the helmet.
Should You Always Wear a Snowmobile Helmet?
Yes, you should always wear your helmet whenever you’re riding. Just like with boots, gloves, and the other snowmobile gear you own, it’s an important piece of gear for keeping you safe and warm.
It doesn’t hurt to wear additional face protection as well as well for even more warmth. Keep this in mind when you’re riding and pick a helmet that would fit accordingly.
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