Helmet/Goggle set-up Newbie

snowdance

snowdance

Member
I know there have been many discussions about this. I'm looking to make the switch and have no experience with this. I have a few questions. What I'm looking for is a reasonable priced combo that work together. What I don't understand is how I know if the goggles will match up with the helmet? Also, what else do I need? I have heard talk of a breath box and face mask. I ride about 50/50 off and on trail. So I need a set-up that will be OK for cold weather trail riding. I don't want frost bite if I'm riding in sub zero weather. I can't afford a lot, but don't want to go cheap and regret. So I'm looking for the best bang for my buck. Anyone have an opinion on 509 helmets and goggles? Any info is appreciated
 
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fgsacts

New member
Have been very happy with the HJC helmets. CLX5N or CLX6N. I just purchased Scott 89XI goggles and like them. Always used Smith before and also have been very happy with them. I have talked to more people that did not care for the 509's than did. Don't know anyone with their helmet. Check out www.upnorthsports.com They have pretty good pricing and always include the breath box/breathe down with the HJC helmets. All you need additional is a balacalava. I still own a full face helmet and can't remember the last time I wore it. Prefer the open face. It gets a little chilly in sub zero temps but anything above 10 F I don't think twice about wearing it. Everyone is going to have a different comfort level so you are bound to get varying opinions.
 
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polarisrider1

New member
go into the clearance bin sections of the snowmobile catalog companies web sites. I got my SR1 helmet for $35 this way. Goggles I like the Scott Voltage X OTG thermamax. They have a removable nose pc. I paid $49 for the goggles. order replacement lenses in various colors if you wish. Find the color you like. They run around $7.99 for those. good luck.
 
snowdance

snowdance

Member
So are motocross and snocross helmets the same or is there a difference? Also what the opinion on quick starps for the goggles?
 
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fgsacts

New member
To the best of my knowledge they are the same except the addition of the breath box. I have used both the quick straps and regular straps. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage to the quick straps is that when it is snowing and you stop they get snow in them because they are dangling on the side of your helmet. They are convenient when it is not snowing. I have been using the regular straps recently after about two years of using quick straps.
 
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micelist

New member
I also quit using the quick straps for the same reason.. It is a lot easier to keep them dry if they are not tied to the helmet when stopped.. I agree the no fog mask is a must if you can find one..darned hard to find the last couple of years.

The progrip single pane lens doesnt fog. I dont even carry a no fog cloth anymore.
 
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kimmer

New member
I don't mind the quick straps, when i stop i put them over my helmet or around the back to keep the snow out of them. don't seem to have a proplem with them.
 
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Skylar

Super Moderator
Staff member
Here is an example of what my brother is saying, Emanuel has just done the same thing, if it is snowing out, just run the goggles around the back of the helmet.
 

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Skylar

Super Moderator
Staff member
micelist said:
I also quit using the quick straps for the same reason.. It is a lot easier to keep them dry if they are not tied to the helmet when stopped.. I agree the no fog mask is a must if you can find one..darned hard to find the last couple of years.

The progrip single pane lens doesnt fog. I dont even carry a no fog cloth anymore.
Click to expand...

Another thing you can do with the quick strap is to make the opening where they click on to the "stud" a little bigger. Once you do this, it is very easy to take them off and place them under the hood, or in your bag, or wherever.

Hi Performance Engineering has the no fog masks.
 
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t660redrocket

New member
Buy your favorite helmet (I have HJC Moto-X), good goggles (I have Spy Targa's). The absolute key to being fog free is buy the No-Fog Mask and also purchase the optional headband. Only wear the mask and headband with NO blaclava. Do this and be fog free guarenteed.
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
t660redrocket said:
Buy your favorite helmet (I have HJC Moto-X), good goggles (I have Spy Targa's). The absolute key to being fog free is buy the No-Fog Mask and also purchase the optional headband. Only wear the mask and headband with NO blaclava. Do this and be fog free guarenteed.
Click to expand...

I wear a Klim helmet and use the breath box and Klim Covert Balaclava with no fogging issues. I don't use a quick strap and just tilt my visor all the way back and put the goggles up when I stop. I like this because no snow can get in and I can easily put them down with my gloves on, while moving, etc.
 
snowdance

snowdance

Member
OK after lots of research here is what i'm thinking of getting.

Helmet: HJC CL-X6 Matte Black W/breath box

Goggles: Scott 89xi snow(debating wether to upgrade to the light sensitive ones). Not going with the quick strap.

Will most likely buy the NoFog mask also.

Any comments/suggestions? I can get these at http://monstersportsinc.com/ for about $160. Not including the fog mask. Just helmet and goggles.
 
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scottd

New member
I've got HJC (CLX5N I think?) and Klim. I like both. I really like the Klim, but because of all the venting it is very loud on the trail and therefore I personally would not recommend it for a 50/50 rider. I use quickstraps on both helmets and love them. If it's snowing I do as others stated or if I take the helmet off I just reconnect the strap. My favorite goggles I have are Scott 89xi turboflow light sensitive.
 
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cdsprague

New member
I have the 509 goggles and helmet. They are the best out there! All of my buddies have tried my goggles and are buying them. They are that good. They will work with any helmet. If you get the goggles, get the polarized lenses. They look cool also!
 
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cdsprague

New member
Oh yeah, the 509 goggles will match up with any helmet. They have a lot of foam on them, they fill the holes completely. $80 and they have a lifetime warranty also.
 
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special_k

New member
Goggles: Scott 89xi snow(debating wether to upgrade to the light sensitive ones). Not going with the quick strap.

fyi, I have the HJC CL X4, with the Scott 89xi goggles. Light sensitive goggles. My first experience last weekend riding with them. Very impressed. worked great night and day, protected well against the cold, ventilated well and didn't fog. I have the flexible "nose protector" added to them, worked nicely. If you can block the wind coming through the front of the helmet, you might not even need the breathbox. I didn't have one all weekend, riding in 5-15 degree temps. Got a little chilly, not bad, but will try a neoprene facemask this weekend to see the difference.

Overall I think you'll like the setup. Everyone needs to tweek a little to their liking, but I liked it for my first few hundred miles...
 
snowdance

snowdance

Member
Thanks for everybody's input! This seems like such a big decision, going from closed face W/electric shield to this. I just don't want to regret it. Before the 509 goggles were mentioned, I was looking at them. Love their look! Having a hard time paying $30 more for them. Does anybody know if the lenses that come with them (Chrome W/yellow tint) can be used at night? Are they worth the extra cost?
 
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