Best Snowmobile Helmets With Breath Boxes

Introduction

We have compiled a list of the best snowmobile helmets with breath boxes. These are designed for comfort and safety, giving you peace of mind while out on the slopes. We have also included a buyer’s guide to help you find the right helmet for your needs.
Snowmobiling is one of America’s favorite winter pastimes, but it can be dangerous if not done properly. The most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe while riding is to wear all safety gear: goggles, gloves, jacket, pants, and top them off with a quality snowmobile helmet that includes a breath box. the best snowmobile with heated shield will provide protection from head injuries in case of an accident or collision – as well as protect against cold temperatures outside when exposed.

After some exploration and thorough research, I’ve come up with 10 different snowmobile helmets with breath boxes. Each of these helmets was picked based on several criteria, which I’ll explain a bit later.

But the end goal was to ensure they have all the proper safety features. Nonetheless, let’s see what’s in store-

Types of Snowmobile Helmets

Snowmobile helmets come in 4 different types based on their face shapes and usability. You might’ve already seen most of these. But you need to know the differences to understand what’s better for you.

1.  Full-face Helmets

Full-face helmets are the most common type of helmets for snowmobiling. Apart from snowmobiling, they’re also a popular choice for sports such as mountain biking, BMX, etc. The design of these helmets is simple, with a seamless shell covering another protecting shell.

The best part about full-face helmets is that they give you complete protection. No matter which side the impact comes from, these helmets will have your back.

You see, the seamless design allows the helmet to withstand severe impacts. This is more applicable for jawlines as these helmets are perfect for protecting jawlines.

Other than that, all full-face helmets come with a built-in visor. However, you can switch the visors whenever you want. At the end of the day, you wouldn’t want to wear clear visors on a sunny day, right?

2.  Modular Helmets

As the name suggests, modular snowmobile helmets with breath box come with special features allowing you to remove ¾ part of the helmet. However, this modular design reduces the overall strength of the helmet.

You can’t expect a modular helmet to be as powerful as a full-face helmet. So, the question is, why do people still use it?

Well, there are 2 reasons. Despite having a modular design, these helmets provide 99.99% protection against most impacts. So, there’s no need to worry about that.

Let me explain the other point with a story. Suppose someone had an accident and he was wearing a snowmobile helmet with breath box. When the medical crew comes to rescue that person, they don’t have to remove the entire helmet.

By opening the lower part of the helmet, they can get access to the face and airways. With medical emergencies, the faster you can get help, the better it is.

Snocross Helmets

Snocross helmets are kind of like MX helmets. Designwise, I’d say they resemble full-face helmets. However, there’s a big difference.

Unlike full-face helmets, these don’t have a built-in visor. You’d have to get yourself some goggles for protection. With no visors, wind-breaking can become a complicated issue.

So, if you want to go for these, make sure to look out for a model that has deflectors. That way, you’ll keep the wind away from your nose.

Although they do have an advantage over other helmets. As they don’t come with visors, you’ll never have to see fog on your goggles.

Dual-Sport Helmet

Dual-sport helmets took the best parts of all helmets and came up with this unique design perfect for snowmobiling.

The outer shape is almost like a snowcross helmet with the protection properties of full-face helmets. Unlike snowcross helmets, these come with built-in visors.

However, you get the option to remove those whenever you want. You could go for goggles too if that’s your preference.

How to Choose the Best Snowmobile Helmets?

Knowing only about the types of snowmobile helmets isn’t enough when you’re trying to choose a top-notch snowmobile helmet. That’s why I’ve come up with 5 different factors you should look out for.

Lenses

Even though a helmet’s primary concern should be about protecting the head, let me explain why lenses are a crucial factor. Suppose you’ve bought a fantastic helmet, although the lens keeps getting fog on it.

If that’s the case, there’s a high risk of falling into an accident. That’s why I’d suggest you go for anti-fog technology. Even though you’d have to spend a bit more money, the end result is worth it.

This type of setup goes hand to hand with snowcross helmets. With those, you’d only need a pair of anti-technology goggles, and that’s it.

However, snocross helmets are not at all suitable for colder days. Even if you wear a balaclava, the sweating makes it uncomfortable after a while. But they’re great for regular days.

Other than that, some full-face helmets or dual-sport helmets let you choose whatever kind of lens you want. So, depending on the weather condition, you could select whichever is better.

That said, you’ll find 3 kinds of options when choosing a lens for a snowmobile helmet-

Dual-Pane Lens Shield

These lenses are kind of like dual-pane windows. With 2 lenses acting as an external and internal lens, there’s a little gap in between. This gap insulates the heat, resulting in zero patches of fog.

You’ll mostly see these lenses on full-face and dual-sport helmets. However, you should remember that not all full-face or dual-sport helmets come with these lenses.

Heated Shields

As the name suggests, heated shields heat the lenses to prevent fog. These have a heating strip providing warmth to the lens. It works by connecting a wire to the snowmobile’s battery.

But it’s not as complicated as you might think. You could think of it as connecting a plug.

Thanks to their effectiveness, they’re becoming more and more popular every day. However, these can leave a big hole in your pocket.

Framed and Frameless

Nowadays, you don’t see that many framed lenses. Even though older models used these lenses, most modern models prefer to go with frameless lenses.

Apart from the outdated design, framed lenses are known to block viewing angles. In comparison to that, frameless lenses are a lifesaver.

Other than that, you get to change the lens whenever you want. So, that’s a plus point. 

Breath Guard

Breath guards work as a barrier to channel air from your mouth. With a breath guard, the air is forced to stay in the lower part of the helmet. That way, the fog doesn’t get near your eyes, resulting in fogless visors.

However, the air doesn’t stay inside the helmet. Almost all helmets come with several vents. When there’s air, it passes through the vents in no time. Before there’s a chance of condensation, the vents take care of the situation.

This is why you should always lookout for a model that has breath guards. Without one, you’d have to lift the visor to let the air out.

It’s hazardous to open the visors when you’re riding a snowmobile. I mean, you’ll be keeping one hand on the handle, another on the helmet. You never know when something bad can happen.

Apart from all that, you’ll notice that most breath guards use a velcro strap to fit correctly. However, some models use metal strips(like surgical masks)to make a custom fit.

Pair up a breath guard and dual-pane or heated shield lens, and you’ll be good to go for a long time. Nonetheless, its undeniable breath guards keep out all cold winds from a rider’s face.

Ventilation Ports

When it’s about ventilation ports, the more, the merrier. You see, your head can generate thermal energy that transforms into heat. With a helmet on, that heat has nowhere to go. So, the helmet sucks in all the heat.

Without a ventless helmet, this heat can make wearing the helmet quite an uncomfortable situation. As it doesn’t take long for the heat to expand, the fog starts showing up. And we all know how dangerous fogs are for a snowmobile rider.

That’s why vents are there. With proper ventilation all around the helmet, you’ll have a constant flow of fresh air, balancing the helmet’s temperature.

Apart from all these, you’ll find vents in mostly 3 parts of the helmet; the front, top, and sides. Depending on your weather condition, the vents can open up 2 or 3 positions.

Weight

When choosing a snowmobile helmet, it’s always better to go for the lightest model. With a more lightweight helmet, you’d have less chance of severe injuries. You should consider this as a serious matter. Many people suffered from severe injuries only because they had a heavy helmets.

However, you could step up the safety with a neck brace. No, it’s not a medical neck brace. This one connects to the bottom of your helmet, ensuring it doesn’t move while you’re snowmobiling.

Safety Rating

While snowmobiling is a fun sport, it’s no doubt that many people suffered injuries from this. That’s why you must lookout for the best safety features in your helmet.

Although models with better safety will cost you a bit more money. But ask yourself this; is your life more important than money?

That said, here are 3 safety ratings you’ll find in snowmobile helmets-

DOT

DOT means Department of Transportation. This certification is the minimum safety rating for any kind of helmet. If your preferred helmet doesn’t have a DOT certificate, I’d advise you to look for another one.

Snell

Snell is an independent safety rating measured by the Snell Memorial Foundation. Unlike DOT, helmets don’t need to have a Snell rating. In fact, the current SNELL M2020 rating is only for street purposes.

ECE

ECE or Economic Commission for Europe is the safety standard for Europe. More than 50 countries in Europe use this standard for safety rating. To get the ECE rating, a helmet has to meet ECE 22.05 standard. 

How to Fit a Snowmobile Helmet Properly?

Riding a snowmobile in winter is quite a thrill. The chilled wind with the adrenaline rush of snowmobiles makes these experiences lifetime memories. However, accidents can happen at any time in such sports.

In snowmobiling, most of the injuries happen in the head and neck area. But you can minimize the damage by wearing a properly fitted helmet, and here’s how to do that-

Step 1: Measure Your Head

Before you make the final decision, it’s better to know beforehand about your head size. Simply put a measuring around your head and note down the measurements.

However, you should make sure the tape stays a little above your eyebrows.

How To Size a Snowmobile Helmet Correctly if You Can’t Try It On

Step 2: Try on the Helmet

You’ve got your new helmet and can’t wait to go outdoors. But my suggestion would be to do some tests before that.

The best way to do that is to chew gum while trying out a new helmet. With those movements, you’ll immediately know if the fit’s right for you or not.

Other than that, helmets shouldn’t tilt when you move around your head. It should have a snug fit all around. Although make sure it’s not too tight.

Step 3: Check out the Fitting Features

If the helmet’s primary fit is okay, you can start testing these fitting features. However, remember not to clasp the straps when you do these tests-

• Check if there’s a gap between the inner linings and your brows. On a snug fit, there shouldn’t be one.
• There shouldn’t be a gap along the line between your brows and temples.
• The cheek pads should feel comfortable.
• The top pad should sit in a secured manner.
• Your viewing angles should be regardless of which direction you’re looking at.

FAQs on Best Snowmobile Helmets

Question: Are modular helmets the safest choice?

Answer: Modular helmets let you access the lower half without fully opening the helmet. While this is handy during rescue missions but it’s not suitable for safety. The hinge that makes the helmet modular is also the reason behind the lack of protection. With a severe impact, these might not hold up that well.

Question: Do DIY breath guards work?

Answer: The thing is, breath guards, come with precise measurements. So, making it a DIY project is a waste of both time and money. The money and effort you’d be giving to make a breath guard would be the same as getting a new one.

Question: Should I wear anything under my helmet?

Answer: Even if you wear something under the helmet, it won’t be that effective. Top-graded snowmobile helmets already come with all the necessary insulation you need. If you need to wear something for the cold, get yourself a balaclava.

Final Verdict

When you’re buying a snowmobile helmet with breath boxes, never compromise with the safety features. Snowmobile helmets are designed to safely protect your head and face from injury in case of a fall or accident on the slopes. You should always go for the best possible product at an affordable price when it comes to protecting your most valuable asset-yourself. This is why we recommend these snowmobile helmets that have all of the essential safety features including breath box and neck protection.

I’m telling you to buy the most expensive one but try to bring a balance. At the end of the day, it’s your life, your safety.

Nonetheless, I’ve tried to provide you with a round-up solution for snowmobile helmets. I hope this guide helped you to find the best snowmobile helmet with a breath box.