Electric Snowmobile Helmet Visors?

RUSTINPEACE · Sep 30, 2015

I'm wanting to buy an electric snowmobile helmet because the pinlock shield in my Shoei Neotec kept failing and started to freeze over last winter every time I was riding at night in single digit temperatures last winter. It worked fine during daylight but at night it didn't.

Here's two examples from last winter.

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&

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So does anyone have any suggestions on what electric snowmobile helmet I should purchase? I'm looking for a helmet that will work great down to about -10F in the dark. Also I would like it to work down to -24F at night but my budget is only about $400.

Edit: yes I already read this thread http://www.nt-owners.org/forums/showthread.php?8198-Foggy-Helmet

Warren · Oct 1, 2015

I believe AFX makes snowmmobile helmets that should be in your budget. If you go to their website they should be listed. http://www.afxhelmets.com/usa/snow/index.html

Competition Accessories has a good assortment when you get ready to purchase.

http://www.compacc.com/helmets-snow-mobile-helmets

RUSTINPEACE · Oct 1, 2015

A breath deflector might help some but at the temperatures I'm wanting to ride in below -0 Fahrenheit at night I don't think it's the solution. Last winter there was one night that I did a rotation of ride 2 miles with my visor down then ride 1 mile with my visor up and after only 70 miles I decided to just call it a night and ride home. I think the only solution is going to be an electric visor but I can't find anyone in east Tennessee that knows anything about electric visors.

Currently i'm leaning towards the Bell Revolver snow http://www.bellhelmets.com/powersports/helmets/snow/revolver-snow but I can't seem to find very much information about it.

Warren · Oct 1, 2015

Will,
I think you are right about needing to go with an electric visor.
During my winter commutes I have had the same problems with icing when the temps get really low.
I end up riding with my visor up a notch to keep my breath from freezing on the face shield but that only works for about 15 minutes before my face starts to get cold.
I also wear a Neotec which does come with a breath guard but at very low temps it is not very effective.
Standard motorcycle helmets are just not designed for riding in temperatures as low as you are riding.
I don't have any specific advice as to the best brand of snowmobile helmet to get but I bet there must be snowmobile web sites where the topic is discussed.

RedNigel · Oct 1, 2015

HJC makes several snowmobile helmets at reasonable prices

Bear · Oct 2, 2015

I have a Bell Revolver and do not recommend it for cold weather riding. I plan to look at HJC. My Nolan 103 has the same problem as the Bell.

charlie b · Oct 2, 2015

The Lazer folks used to have heated visors but their lineup has been reduced dramatically in the past year.

LS2 has a line of 'snow' helmets with heated visors.
http://www.leatherup.com/p/LS2-Snowmobile-Helmets/LS2-FF387-Electric-Solid-Black-Snow-Helmet/442329.html

RUSTINPEACE · Oct 2, 2015

What's the problem with the Bell Revolver?

seagrass · Oct 2, 2015

I also have a Bell Revolver and while I like it a lot, it is noisier than I had hoped and therefore I am reluctant to recommend it to others. Having said this, the helmet is not as noisy as a lot of other helmets and for the price I paid I am very happy with my purchase.

Seagrass

ett · Oct 10, 2015

Over the years I've used various combinations of cold weather riding gear.

For the longest time I used a bandana on my face, a long silk scarf wrapper around my neck, and a lengthened Lockhart Apple Warmer attached to full face helmet and tucked into riding suit/jacket.
This completely closed off the inside of my helmet to the outside and was very warm inside. Almost like driving in a car.
And the moisture from my breath's condensation usually would not freeze on the visor; until I rode at interstate speeds.
So this combination worked rather well. But I would have to replace the velcro for the Apple Warmer every year. Which became a hassle.

So I too had thought about getting a snowmobile helmet with a heated visor.
But was not looking forward to the costs or necessary wiring.

So a few years ago I tried something else before spending the money on a snowmobile helmet with heated visor.

I bought a Klim Artic Balaclava.
Which was nearly perfect; except for the builtin nose piece/breath deflector.
Instead of deflecting my breath; it acted as a scoop and directed cold wind into my nose and eyes.
A simple bandana across the face and balaclava fixed that.

Now I stay very warm and my breath does not freeze on visor; even at interstate speeds.
In fact; my breath doesn't even form on the visor.

--ET