Need a new helmet

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Hoosier

Well-known member
I'd had HJC helmets for probably 15 years. Had good luck with them so I bought a new one this year and it's awful. Lets in lots of air and fogs up instantly if the electric shield isn't plugged in. Luckily the place I bought it from said I could return it.

So - wondering what to try next. It's hard for me to get to a dealer from where I live so I'd prefer to have it shipped to me. I know that might not be the best idea.

I'm leaning towards another full face helmet or maybe a dual sport. I don't like the idea of a modular with the hinge on it, and the mx ones with the goggles don't seem warm to me - I know a lot of people think differently.

Seems some popular brands now are Gmax, Castle, 509. Anything else I should look at? Looking for opinions/recommendations. I'll get something with an electric shield. Don't mind spending a bit more on a helmet to get something better - I just always bought the cheap HJCs that were snell rated since I had good luck with them before.
 
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buddah2

Member
You might look at the Gmax GM-11 I believe is the model number....looks like an MX but has a full flip-down shield....can be worn either way, quite warm, and there are electric shields available for them pretty reasonable...I have that setup on mine.
 
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euphoric1

Well-known member
Castle X Dual sport, well vented, nice semi rigid breath deflector, wide view of sight, front of helmet dips down plenty room between mouth and front of helmet, large chin curtain not always rubbing under chin, visor helps greatly on sunny days, flip down yellow sun shield, heated visor, well padded. Have a larger noggin so hard to find helmet that really fits well, gave this one a try and like it very much!
 
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1fujifilm

Well-known member
Hoosier said:
I'd had HJC helmets for probably 15 years. Had good luck with them so I bought a new one this year and it's awful. Lets in lots of air and fogs up instantly if the electric shield isn't plugged in. Luckily the place I bought it from said I could return it.

So - wondering what to try next. It's hard for me to get to a dealer from where I live so I'd prefer to have it shipped to me. I know that might not be the best idea.

I'm leaning towards another full face helmet or maybe a dual sport. I don't like the idea of a modular with the hinge on it, and the mx ones with the goggles don't seem warm to me - I know a lot of people think differently.

Seems some popular brands now are Gmax, Castle, 509. Anything else I should look at? Looking for opinions/recommendations. I'll get something with an electric shield. Don't mind spending a bit more on a helmet to get something better - I just always bought the cheap HJCs that were snell rated since I had good luck with them before.
Click to expand...

Do you have a budget?
I ask as I am looking too and the range with a electric shield is $135 for a closeout at Ken's I. Little Chute, WI to $600 for the new Doo helmet.

Bear
 
S

slimcake

Well-known member
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mhbouch285

Member
I just bought a HJC CL-17 a few weeks ago. I have the heated shield but it does let in a lot of air from the side of the shield. Talked to a few people with the same helmet and they said to take a little silicon caulk and caulk almost the whole vent on the shield and it solves the problem. Just something to try before you go out and buy a new helmet
 
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tsg

Member
Dealt with helmets early this year and here is what we ended up with:

Youngest son - GMAX GM11s Modular with electric
Oldest son - 509 Delta R3 with electric
Me - Ski Doo mod 3 with electric

I have to say, for the money, the GMAX is the best deal / value. Very good helmet, feature wise, weight and price wise.

509 is also very good, light, but more expensive

Ski Doo modular 3 is basically same as the Mod 2 i had. I bought a non-current so good deal.

Oldest son and I also have 509 carbon moto helmets which are light but again, unless you buy non current, are expensive. Use modular helmets 25 and below, moto 25 and above.

All depends what you want, type, feature and price wise. Also problem these days is that inventory is low so hard to actually try on, but good online deals and returns are resonable.

Good luck.
 
P

parker

Member
euphoric1 said:
Castle X Dual sport, well vented, nice semi rigid breath deflector, wide view of sight, front of helmet dips down plenty room between mouth and front of helmet, large chin curtain not always rubbing under chin, visor helps greatly on sunny days, flip down yellow sun shield, heated visor, well padded. Have a larger noggin so hard to find helmet that really fits well, gave this one a try and like it very much!
Click to expand...

Hoosier - Mrs. Parker and I were HJC people too. Needed Upgrades and went with Castle CX-950's w/E shield. I agree with everything in the above quote. I also bought the accessory Smoked Flip-Down Shield .. NICE ! My review is based on using it all last year.
 
H

Hoosier

Well-known member
mhbouch285 said:
I just bought a HJC CL-17 a few weeks ago. I have the heated shield but it does let in a lot of air from the side of the shield. Talked to a few people with the same helmet and they said to take a little silicon caulk and caulk almost the whole vent on the shield and it solves the problem. Just something to try before you go out and buy a new helmet
Click to expand...

Funny, that's the one I had. I bought it because it was their only one that is snell rated. My old one was snell rated so I figured it was the right replacement. The dealer said I could return it so I'm leaning towards that, but if it doesn't work, I'll try the silicon. Thanks for the tip.

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1fujifilm said:
Do you have a budget?
I ask as I am looking too and the range with a electric shield is $135 for a closeout at Ken's I. Little Chute, WI to $600 for the new Doo helmet.

Bear
Click to expand...

I'd say $200 - $300? That Doo helmet looks cool but that's pushing it I think for me.

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slimcake said:
I don't know what you don't like with modular but I think they are the cats pajama's! I bought the Polaris branded modular CKX helmet with a heated shield. I really like it. It has provisions in the inside for speakers so my Uclear fit in like it was meant to be. Very warm and actually could use a couple extra vents. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015RLI8N2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Been using it for 4 seasons now and I would buy it again!
Click to expand...

I don't know if this is actually the case but I'm not sure how a modular would handle impact. I could be wrong there.
 
O

old abe

Well-known member
Hoosier, myself I have had 3 Doo mods. Some like them, some don't. First a Mod 1, Then tried a BVS2, but gave BVS2 to my daughter in law as I, and my son liked the Mod 1 better. I am now using a Mod 2, bought on close out. The mod 2 works for me in variable weather conditions. -35 in Canada, with wind I use the face protector, or +50 in spring U.P./mountain riding. Wife, daughter, and many friends like the BVS. It's all about what works for ya. I have never needed a heated shield with my Mod 1, or 2. I have to wear glasses, and I don't like cords.
 
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brad460

Member
FXR Torque-X with heated shield. Its the perfect helmet- You can wear goggles with, or without the shield down. Hands down best helmet I have ever ridden with.
 
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wirev

New member
brad460 said:
FXR Torque-X with heated shield. Its the perfect helmet- You can wear goggles with, or without the shield down. Hands down best helmet I have ever ridden with.
Click to expand...

I have the same thing and I love it. No problems with it fogging or me getting cold.
 
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Magnumb

Active member
Zoan is often overlooked and the quality for price is unmatched and they have great modular selection.
 
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gkolar

Member
Agree, tough to beat the value on a Zoan or GMAX modular with electric shield. We had two AFX modular helmets and could no longer find electric shields for them. Ended up buying two GMAX modular helmets. They work great. You can lift the shield only if the modular part bothers you. If the airflow is higher close the vents up some or wear a thicker balaclava. What's not to like about a modular??
 
H

Hoosier

Well-known member
gkolar said:
Agree, tough to beat the value on a Zoan or GMAX modular with electric shield. We had two AFX modular helmets and could no longer find electric shields for them. Ended up buying two GMAX modular helmets. They work great. You can lift the shield only if the modular part bothers you. If the airflow is higher close the vents up some or wear a thicker balaclava. What's not to like about a modular??
Click to expand...

Just my perception but I'm not convinced the modulars are as safe as those without the hinge. I may be wrong but I'm looking that those that aren't modular.

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Magnumb said:
Zoan is often overlooked and the quality for price is unmatched and they have great modular selection.
Click to expand...

I tried on a zoan helmet once and really liked it. This was a couple helmets ago. I didn't buy it since I never heard of it. Good to know.
 
gary_in_neenah

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
I just replaced my Mod 2 with the Mod 3 this week. My Mod 2 was beginning to show it's wear and I found an excellent price at a local dealer. I have zero concerns regarding safety and fogging has been eliminated. On the coldest days I simply crack open the visor for a minute and it clears. Yes, it took a short time to get accustomed to the hinge and face mask but once mastered it's a breeze.

I suppose the heated shields are the way to go but I have to chuckle every time I see a power cord along the trail. Apparently it's easy to forget to plug them in after a stop and then run over them when leaving. To each his own, find what you like and enjoy the ride!
 
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euphoric1

Well-known member
been there done that... one other drawback of cords...turning around to see if everyone is behind you, forgetting you are plugged in


I suppose the heated shields are the way to go but I have to chuckle every time I see a power cord along the trail. Apparently it's easy to forget to plug them in after a stop and then run over them when leaving. To each his own, find what you like and enjoy the ride![/QUOTE]
 
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buddah2

Member
euphoric1 said:
Have a larger noggin so hard to find helmet that really fits well,
Click to expand...

Been fighting that one my entire career...never find one that's completely comfortable.... hat size = 8 3/8 or 8 1/2 depending upon mfg....and virtually NOBODY makes helmets that size...
 
snomoman

snomoman

Active member
In the beginning I used to have the Yamaha snow force helmets which were pretty decent at the time and as technology got better I went to the skidoo modular helmet the second generation one without the hinged breath deflector. one thing I’ve always found is to control your breathing if you breathe real heavy you’ll almost automatically going to fog up your shield. I always bring some large bandages usually 2“ x 3“ if the weather is really cold and the air is leaking in. I put those on each cheek and it keeps me from getting frostbite
 
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