Snowmobile helmet technology has evolved at a throttle-pinned speed. While classic options remain, high-tech helmets offer features simply unimaginable just a few years ago.
“The past 10 years have seen some great advancements in both safety technology and overall snowmobile winter user experience” said Matt Hamm, director of snow brands for FXR. “But it honestly seems like it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
Unlike helmets for other sports, snowmobile lids are made for high-speed impact protection and cold, said Dana McGinty, product specialists for Z1R helmets. A ski helmet or hockey helmet, for example, is made for multi-impact, close-contact protection or single impact falls and isn’t made for motorized speed. Snowmobile helmets are DOT-approved.
It doesn’t take much convincing for a snowmobiler to wear a helmet. It’s not just safety: It’s protection against the cold. Technology costs money, though, and some snowmobilers are willing to dig deep to get top-level protection for a very important asset.
“It’s hard to put a price on your head,” Hamm said. “As riders, we’re all aware of the potential risks associated with a crash, so investing in a quality helmet should be something that people prioritize.”
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Delta V Carbon Commander, $900
The Delta V offers a lightweight carbon-fiber shell, a wide field of vision and an integrated communication system. The Bluetooth-based Cardo Communications system allows riders to communicate with up to 15 riders with a one-mile range. Venturi venting pulls out moist air. A lithium-ion battery powers the heated shield and a full-power chase light on the back of the helmet. The strap uses a Fidlock magnetic connection. Weighs 1,680g (starting).
Best Value Tech
Latitude Helmet Goggle System, $370
The Latitude has an injection-molded ABS shell with a Vees all-weather liner for a good goggle seal. The Venturi venting pulls out breath and sweat. Standard with a built-in L6 Ignite heated goggle. It has the space to add the Cardo Communications setup as an accessory. The strap uses a Fidlock magnetic connection. Weighs 1,680g (starting).
Castle
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CX950 V2 Jag Electric Modular Helmet, $430
This modular helmet uses an advanced LG polycarbonate shell, specifically engineered to maximize impact dispersal. Dual-density EPS foam provides energy absorption and light weight. The aero-tuned ventilation system optimizes airflow at riding speeds. It comes with a five-year warranty.
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CX200 Wrath Dual-Sport Helmet, $250
A motocross look with full-face features, this helmet uses advanced polycarbonate composite injection molding. It uses multi-density EPS foam lining, including in the chin bar laterals. The lens is an anti-fog and anti-scratch material and includes a drop-down sun visor.
CKX
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CKX Titan AMS Pro Helmet Solid -
Apex Goggle included, $1,049
This helmet uses air management system (AMS) technology to move humid breath through a channel near the neck and then out an exit vent. The mouthpiece drops open. The aerodynamic visor has a break-away system on impact. It includes an Apex google with a magnetic, impact-resistant lens and a quick-strap attachment. Weighs 1,420g (size small).
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CKX Titan Air Flow Electric
Combo Helmet, $460
This double fog-fighting helmet has a high-circulation Titan Air Flow system, with a perforated lining and optimized aeration, plus ventilated electric goggles. The mouthpiece drops open. It has a fiberglass composite shell with EPS lining. Weighs 1,430 (without goggles).
FXR
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FXR 6D ATR-3, $949
Made in cooperation with 6D Helmets, FXR’s model features 6D’s proprietary Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS), which sets a global standard in snowmobile helmet safety in terms of crash protection and reduced potential for head injury or concussion. This helmet is for racers, backcountry pros, and anyone that’s safety minded and wants a helmet that has the highest level of safety technology. It can be rebuilt after a crash.
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FXR Clutch X Evo E-Shielded, $365
The Clutch X features a unique vertically tilted electric shield, bringing the lens closer to the face at a more perpendicular angle allowing for more optical clarity and an enhanced field of vision. This helmet is for the snowmobiler who does it all and wants a helmet that’s comfortable and just plain works for a great price point. The vertically tilted shield makes this helmet the best candidate for a goggle rider who’s considering the switch over to a shielded helmet.
Klim
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F3 Carbon Pro Helmet ECE, $500
This helmet is designed to reduce fatigue and improve comfort. The Koroyd energy-absorbing core decelerates energy from an impact in a controlled manner. It’s built with ultralight hand-laid carbon fiber, and it uses a Fidlock magnetic quick-release strap. It offers high ventilation with 13 intake and 6 exhaust vents. Weighs 1,200g (size large).
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T1 Freeride Helmet ECE, $230
The T1 Freeride Helmet ECE is made for adventurous riders. It offers high airflow with 13 intake and exhaust vents. The shell is polycarbonate with a multi-density EPS foam liner. It has extra-large eye ports for wide visibility. Weighs 1,460g (size large).
Z1R
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Solaris 2.0 Electric Snow Helmet, $240
This modular-style helmet has a polycarbonate shell and comes with a standard electric outer shield and a dropdown amber sun visor. The amber lens gives better all-around visibility in flat light or with glare. It also has ear pockets for speakers. A micrometric chin strap is secure, comfortable and quick fastening. It comes with a standard outer shield for use as a street helmet.
Best Value Tech
Warrant Snow Helmet, $190
The Warrant Snow Helmet has similar features to the Solaris but a standard full-face polycarbonate helmet. It also comes with an electric outer shield and drop-down amber sun visor. Ear pockets allow easy integration of speakers for communication or music on the trail.
Find the Right Fit
One of the biggest challenges in helmets is finding the right fit for your head.
Not sizing correctly is one of the biggest mistakes helmet buyers make, McGinty said. Proper fit provides better protection, improves comfort, prevents fatigue and reduces noise.
First, measure your head. Use a flexible tape measure, and wrap it around your head starting just above your eyebrows and make sure it winds around the thickest part of the back of your head. Use this measurement when you check a helmet-maker’s size chart. Dealerships can help with this, too.
An adult with a petite head may fit into a youth size, which “is lighter and physically smaller than an adult full-face helmet and puts less strain on the rider’s neck,” McGinty said. On the flip side, don’t buy a larger helmet for a child, thinking they’ll grow into it.
Second, realize that helmets are molded to different head shapes: round, intermediate oval and long oval. Intermediate oval is the most common. “Different head shapes fit some helmets better than others,” McGinty said. Your head shape is not the same as your face shape. You’ll need to get a birds-eye view of your head from the top. Use a mirror, get fancy with a camera or have a friend help you out.
The right helmet should be snug with even pressure around your head, like your favorite baseball cap. It shouldn’t move when you shake your head, nor should you hear excessive wind noises at speed. Neither should it be so tight that you feel like you’re biting your cheeks. “Press against the back of the helmet to see how much room you have between the liner and your forehead,” Hamm said. “There should be a little bit of room, about enough to fit your finger.”
If you feel any pressure points, note where they are. A pressure point on your forehead likely means the helmet is too round for your head shape. Pressure points on the side likely means it’s too oval.
Some pressure points can be mitigated by adjusting the padding or using alternative padding provided by the helmet manufacturer. Any other adjustments, such as carving out foam, will compromise the helmet and you’ll lose any warranty.
Helmet Buzz Words
6D Omni-Directional Suspension: Created by 6D, this is an in-helmet dual-liner suspension and impact energy management system that reduces energy transfer to the brain over a wide range of impact levels. Unlike other helmets, 6D helmets can be rebuilt after impact.
Polycarbonate: A type of plastic that is stronger and lighter than general plastics. It offers impact resistance and dimensional stability. Advanced forms also maximize impact dispersal. Helmets use this as a shell, and it’s also used in goggles.
Dual-Density EPS: Expanded
Polystyrene (EPS) foam, common as helmet liners, absorbs and dissipates impact energy.
Koroyd: An energy-absorbing lining originating from aerospace safety research. It replaces a foam helmet lining with welded plastic tubes that look like honeycomb. On impact, the tubes crumple and absorb force in a controlled manner.
Fidlock: A magnetic helmet buckle that meets snowmobile helmet
safety requirements.
The Impact of Impact
If you simply drop your helmet on the ground, that’s probably not enough to cause impact damage — but consider the force involved.
“Think of a Styrofoam cooler,” McGinty said. “If it hits the ground forcefully, even if from a low fall, it is damaged on impact. That is why a helmet should always be replaced after an impact even if it wasn’t high speed.”
No matter the cost of the helmet, it’s a one-impact piece of protection. The protective foam compresses to absorb impact and does not spring back. Even a helmet expert will have a hard time determining if a helmet is compromised.
An exception is the FXR 6D helmet, which can be sent in for inspection and a possible re-build after an impact.