Open face Helmet

[Powder8]

Thinking of making the switch to an open face helmet (moto style) now that I am exploring the logging roads by me and the full face is fogging up as I work on the carving skills or get stuck. Any recommendations from those who have been using them for a long time? I recall reading about some in a thread but can't find it.
I am a skier and have lots of goggles. Will those work?

thanks-

 

[Yooper_Bob]

What ever googles you use, make sure they have a double layer lens....this will prevent fogging. Scott Turbo-Flows for example.

I also use a No-Fog mask to keep my face warm. I have used this set up for years with no issues.

http://www.nofogusa.com/NO-FOG.htm

 

[staple66]

I use a face mask and a no fog when riding with open face. Made the switch about seven years ago and would never go back.

 

[maximumpsi]

I was hesitant to switch but made the leap to an open face in December, and I'm glad I did. Rode two weekends ago in -22 and no fogging or frostbite. Everything is sealed up very well. Add a breath box to your helmet if it doesn't have one and wear a balaclava. First choose your helmet and then try on a bunch of different goggles. Some fit into the helmet better than others, some have a wider field of view than others. Most importantly, get goggles with a very thick foam. There is a noticable difference with some goggles having thin, cheap foam, which may not seal or block wind as well.

 

[polarisrider1]

I learned a lot about helmet goggle combinations on my last trip out west. Key not all goggles work with all helmets. You actually need to bring your helmet with you and test fit the goggles to the helmet. You want goggles that fit snug to your eyes with no air gaps around and between the goggles and helmet. Double lens in amber works for me. I have several helmets and many more goggles that don't work together. Recently after openning several boxes of goggles in the store (store not so happy, until I explained I was trying to spend money with them) and trying them for fit, I found that on my Fly helmet the Scott 89 XI turbos with nose pc. and quick releases on goggles and helmet quick straps are the way to go. On my ZR1 helmet the Scott 87 XI with nose pc. works the best. Other goggles I have that fit fine but do not "match" my helmets are Zeal, 509's, Rudy Project and Spy, all good goggles but not for my helmets. Yes there is a little bit of science to this. and Yes each manufacturer makes different models. Put some time and effort in matching the two and you will be happy. That is why the "best helmet" or "Best goggles" threads don't hold water, they need to be paired.

 

[mxz500rider]

Staple, when you wear that no fog mask, do you still have the breath box in your helmet??

 

[LoveMyDobe]

Tape

I saw a guy with an open face helmet that used duct tap on his nose to keep it warm. I think he got the idea from the Red Green show!

 

[yamaha24]

Goggles are key

I made the switch to a open style helmet approx 6 years ago and never looked back.
I have not once had an issue with fogging goggles never...

When shopping for goggles they have to be designed for snowmobile use BECAUSE snowmobile goggles have an oversized foam that seals up the entire space in your helmet to your face.

I have been using 509 goggles for the last 3 years, I have found them to be the best for me, whenever I am out riding with my buddys I am the only one who never has to switch goggles because of fogging.

I use the helmet supplied breath deflector.

Hope this helps

 

[Sled Solutions]

This question gets asked a lot both on line and on the phone.

I switched to an open face helmet 5 years ago and once I tried a lot of goggles I finally found the ones that work.

Most important is the goggle/helmet fit and the balaclava you wear to keep you warm.

509 goggles are hands down the best goggle for midwest riding, they were designed to be a snowmobile goggle not a dirt goggle with dual lenses. Sinister2 509's work Aviator 509's DO NOT. If you notice on our website we don't even offer the Aviators because they fog real easy.

Helmets - Many to choose from, ventilation is key. I've ridden in a HJC (good), Fly (good) and Klim F4 (great). Guys in my group are riding in 509, HJC, Fly and Scorpion which all accept the 509 really nice. You want the goggle to seal up on the sides and top so there are no air gaps allowing exposed skin.

Balaclavas - Klim Covert is the best that I've used, covers up over your nose, Gore-Tex windstopper material and high quality.

As far as value goes I would recommend the following:

509 Helmet/509 Goggle/Klim Covert head sock Combo for $279.90

Highest quality, best ventilation combo:

Klim F4 helmet/509 Goggles and Klim Covert head sock $504.99 for the whole package. Not cheap but something you'll have until you WANT something new.

 

[Cliffhanger]

Say bye bye to your peripheral vision with the goggles over your full face.

 

[indy_500]

Say bye bye to your peripheral vision with the goggles over your full face.

huh?

 

[Cliffhanger]

With the goggles, you are like a horse with blinders on. It takes away your side/peripheral vision. I find it tougher to see what's going on around me.

 

[polarisrider1]

With the goggles, you are like a horse with blinders on. It takes away your side/peripheral vision. I find it tougher to see what's going on around me.

Not with any goggle and helmet combos that I have. Zeal, scott, 509's, Rudy Project along with others have goggles that actually improves peripheral vision. Cliffhanger are you referring to your stunt at the gravel pit. That was pure blinders on that time. lol

 

[Cliffhanger]

I was wearing my 509 that day but don't blame that for my awesomeness. Wore my 509 with 509 goggles and my trusty HJC full face last weekend. The HJC is MUCH easier to see out of than the goggle 509 combo. My opinion only. I urge anyone who is looking to try one first is all. Can't deny the cool factor though.

 

[09summitetec]

I have to agree with hanger. My open face and goggle combo severely restrict peripheral vision. I went back to my GMAX modular and run it with a No Fog mask and with the chin curtain of the helmet removed so the hot air can evacuate out the bottom when I'm getting a work out in the powder. I have had very little fogging with this set up and am enjoying the unrestricted vision. It could be that other open face and goggle combos are less restrictive but I'm ditching mine for the time being.

 

[robinson]

Fly Helmet, 509 goggles.

 

[SnoracerX]

i started with mx helmet this year

fly helmet
hjc universal breath deflector
oakley goggles fit best for me
also smiths work very well
i have a pair of spy that are ok

 

[eagle1]

With the goggles, you are like a horse with blinders on. It takes away your side/peripheral vision. I find it tougher to see what's going on around me.

Here I thought I was the only one on the planet that felt that way.

Fly racing helmet and 509's.
I can see them for off trail but I don't like it for on trail.

 

[mxz500rider]

What is this chin curtain that you are referring to and also when you are wearing the no fog mask, do you still have the breath box in your helmet??

 

[Powder8]

I know the goggles I use for skiing have good peripheral vision. Have to find the frames that fit your face. Lots of them to choose from but you get what you pay for. Smiths and Oakleys are among the best.