Modular Helmet - Feedback needed

[t_man]

Another helmet question.

I'm a fairly aggressive trail rider and wear glasses. I currently have a BRP Modular 1 helmet and like it except in cold temps. When in single digits or below I have a real problem with the outside ports for the breathing mask getting plugged up with frost/ice. Eventually it cuts off the airflow and then my breath will leak out around the mask and fog my glasses. I use the absorbent pads in the mast but it doesn't stop the problem and it has gotten me into some dangerous situations where I could not see. I can crack the visor and that helps some but eventually it gets too bad. Second, air leaks around the visor and I have twice gotten frostbite on my cheek above the mask. When the weather is warmer I really like the helmet. I have been thinking about getting a new one and am headed to Bergland later this week. Seeing the latest forecast leads me to think most of my time will be in cold temps is motivating me to buy now.

Questions:

Does the Modular 2 solve these problems? I'm getting mixed answers on forum searches.

Are there any other full face helmet solutions glasses wearers should be looking at? (Not ready to jumt to open face with goggles at this time.)

Thanks

 

[chicagosledder]

I can tell you that I have a Modular 2 helmet and have not had the problem that you are describing. I rode this weekend and it performed flawless. I also have worn it in single digits.

 

[misty_pines]

I've ridden with the original BRP Modular helmet for years. I have had the exhaust ports get icy, but never clogged. Every stop for lunch, etc, I pull out the absorbent pad and wring it out then put it back in, since those things really collect the moisture from your breath. This has helped. Not sure if it will cure your problem but may help.

 

[attack_06]

I have a ckx mod with e-shield that I'm very happy with and is warm and you don't have to deal with those wet puss pads on your face

 

[maddog24]

I have had the Mod 2 helmet for 5 seasons. On 2 occasions I have had the ports freeze solid. Kinda of freaky when all of the sudden, you can't breath. This happened while making long runs in minus 10-20 temps.

 

[harski]

I have not had problem with mine either. I think it's important to make sure the vents from the mask are properly aligned when you close the shield. I know I find mine offset or mashed when I take off my helmet. Lastly, I'd try to use the additional layer that overlays the mask in colder weather as it does keep the air off of your face. Oh yea, I don't use the filter things either....... Good luck!

 

[heckler56]

I have the Mod 2 with the exhaust ports on the outside of my mask that are about a 1" slash while my buddy has a Mod 2 with a bullet size exhaust outside his mask. His ports have frozen as you discribed, I have not had that problem. Both of us have glasses and we have not had any fogging problems.

Last year riding in sub zero temps I got the same frostbite you discribed, and it looks like it is happening again this week while riding.

 

[raco_guy]

I too have the modular helmet (original) and have experienced all the above, esepecially when going long COLD distances in northern Canada- it's not like there's places to stop and warm up between 100 mile stretches.

They do make the cold weather adapter that fits around the face mask part that helps. That and a LOT of vasoline/aquaphor on your cheeks with duct tape around all the seems of the visor is about the only thing you can do to keep from getting frost bite on your cheeks. The freezing up air holes, although inconvenient can be easily remedied by taking off your helmet and poking your finger in the holes to clean out the ice. Depending on how cold and how much you are breathing, this can last 10 mins or hours, but it doesn't keep you from breathing through the helmet if you routinely clean it out.

The convenience IMO of the modular is not having to purchase an electric shield and mess with the cords or have a chance that some part of the system (sled, cord, shield) will break down when you are in the middle of nowhere in -10 degrees. It's not perfect, but I can't complain.....

 

[Jonger1150]

I also have a modular and have discovered how poorly they let air in... I have a rig I'm going to try tucking 1 inch foam tubing into my mask and possibly super-glueing it in... This should allow the helmet to function as a modular, but remove the air hole that allow fresh air to work in from the top.

 

[farmermark]

Look at a GMAX 54S. May not be what you are looking for, but no mask to wear and the sun shield is down even when you open it up. I've ridden in zero degree with no issues. Plus it is the most comfortable helmet since I have a very round face.

 

[dfattack]

I keep thinking about misty pines wringing out the pads....hahaha....that's just gross....

 

[Magnumb]

ZOAN makes a decent modular for $180. Better build quality than the GMAX.

 

[zimmer1310]

Just got back from 3 days of riding and love my Mod 1 and have had it for 3 years. Acutually had to give it to the wife on Saturday and Sunday as it was her first time and didnt want her to not come back! Anyone have one or seen an XL or XXL that they want to sell, let me know? Thanks.

 

[whitedust]

Another helmet question.

I'm a fairly aggressive trail rider and wear glasses. I currently have a BRP Modular 1 helmet and like it except in cold temps. When in single digits or below I have a real problem with the outside ports for the breathing mask getting plugged up with frost/ice. Eventually it cuts off the airflow and then my breath will leak out around the mask and fog my glasses. I use the absorbent pads in the mast but it doesn't stop the problem and it has gotten me into some dangerous situations where I could not see. I can crack the visor and that helps some but eventually it gets too bad. Second, air leaks around the visor and I have twice gotten frostbite on my cheek above the mask. When the weather is warmer I really like the helmet. I have been thinking about getting a new one and am headed to Bergland later this week. Seeing the latest forecast leads me to think most of my time will be in cold temps is motivating me to buy now.

Questions:

Does the Modular 2 solve these problems? I'm getting mixed answers on forum searches.

Are there any other full face helmet solutions glasses wearers should be looking at? (Not ready to jumt to open face with goggles at this time.)

Thanks

I have BRP Mod 1 & 2 & both do clog with ice in very cold temps in the mask & air holes unless you clean it out about every 4 hours. I carry an extra mask next to my body & keep it warm & insert it when mask gets clogged with solid ice. I'm a heavy mouth breather so BRP Mod works the best for me to keep glasses from fogging. I'm also using a bunch of different fog prevention wipes & pastes to see what works best to keep glasses from fogging. Some use medical tape on windblown cheeks to protect from frostbite me I change headware when it gets wet & eliminates frostbite. Change the cloth insert when it gets wet & try the spare mask tip as buying a new mod helmet will not solve your problem & waste of money. I feel you pain & have the same problems but only towards the end of a 250-300 mile day when I'm too bushed to give a darn after my last fill up & 13 miles to home in off trail & lake ice conditions so just push thru it & already on 2nd mask & always can see enough to make it home.

 

[t_man]

Thanks for all the quick responses. To be clear, the biggest problem with the freezing ports is the portion in the helmet. I can always clear out the mask, but the holes through the helmet are not straight and I have found it virtually impossible to clear it on the trail once blocked. I need to get inside somewhere warm long enough to thaw the helmet. Are the Mod 2 openings at least straight enough that you can knock the ice out?

Thx

 

[whitedust]

I can just shove my pinky in there but that has not been my problem the mask tubes freeze solid but not the helmet holes take a piece of gas line tube & shove in there to clear without damage.

 

[timo]

have you considered getting a full faced helmet with an electric shield. all your worries will be gone. no frosting at all.

 

[srt20]

Ski doo BV2S is what you are looking for. Way warmer than MOD 2, no air coming in from leaky shield. I have never iced up the breath vent on the outside even in -20*. Though you will get an icicle coming off of it, you can break it off every so often without taking helmet off. I take the spit cloth out, so if you leave it in it might not even get the icicle.

I will say, if you take helmet off outside and put it back on without getting warmth to it, the one way flaps in the actual breath box will freeze, but just take a few breaths with the shield up will dethaw the flaps in 10 sec or less.


I have a Mod 2 that I really like, but its my warmer weather helmet. I have even put extra foam around the leaking areas, but its still nothing next to the BV2S. I wear the BV2S in temps colder than 20* above. I have moto x helmet and goggles for out west, but I hate wearing it on trails.

 

[rayone02]

Get a BV2 best helmet out there for trail riding. I used the modular one helmet for years worked good but if the wind was blowing snow would enter thru the top part of the visor. Its now my back up helmet.

 

[81indycenturion]

My BV2S is awesome! I had the original modular helmet, experienced the same problems mentioned above, then moved up to the BV2S. The BV2S is a superior product; expensive, but worth it. I've ridden in -20F, no problems. Highly recommended.