Snowmobile helmets are the unsung heroes of winter sports. They are an important piece of equipment that can literally save your life. Today, heated helmets, in particular, are seen as a must-have in the snowmobile world as they make your time on the trails even more enjoyable.
Look, the bitter winter cold can sometimes find its way into your snowmobile helmet, and heated helmets are one way to combat this. No wonder they’ve become more popular lately.
But how do heated snowmobile helmets work? What do they do? Are heated snowmobile helmets actually worth the hype? What form of technology do these helmets use even?
Well, in this article, we’ll look at how heated snowmobile helmets work, how they impact your ride, and also look at some of the different manufacturers on the market today. We also decided to include a quick rundown of oxygen helmets thereinafter to add savor into the mix.
Table of Contents
Heated Snowmobile Helmets Vs. Normal Snowmobile Helmets
There are a few key differences between a heated snowmobile helmet and a normal helmet.
For instance, a regular snowmobile helmet will have insulation and is designed to provide warmth to the wearer by keeping the heat within from escaping. There’s also a dual-pane shield, which is standard on snowmobile helmets that helps to provide warmth.
Heated snowmobile helmets, however, come with an electric heated shield that helps provide extra warmth. In fact, this is one of the main features that sets them apart from the typical snowmobile helmet.
Additionally, a heated snowmobile helmet will have breath deflectors that help keep the shields from fogging issues or fogging up while riding.
How Do Heated Snowmobile Helmets Work?
Heated snowmobile helmets are basically made to help improve visibility by reducing fogging and icy shields. It functions much like how the windshield on your car defrosts.
A heated snowmobile helmet will warm the shield and stop your breath from condensing moisture on it. This helmet features a power cord designed to be attached to the snowmobile where it draws power to produce heat.
In heated snowmobile helmets, the electric shields generally include a built-in heating element that serves to slightly warm the shield when activated thereby condensing any moisture. This, in turn, prevents foggy shields by condensing any moisture.
While fogging issues are most likely to occur when snowmobiling in extremely cold conditions, heated snowmobile helmets are particularly considered beneficial.
Moreover, these helmets are available in various models such as Dual Sport helmets, Full-face helmets, and Modular helmets.
Note that you can heat your snowmobile helmet using a heated shield (which is sold separately) as an alternative to helmets that come with built-in electric heating systems.
Are Heated Snowmobile Helmets Worth The Hype?
Generally speaking, heated snowmobile helmets are worn by the elderly crowd and trail riders who travel long distances. Perhaps we misestimated the elder demographic, but it’s also possible that they are simply wiser or maybe even wealthier than the younger crowd.
Nonetheless, it’s not common for mountain bikers to opt for heated helmets. The main cause of this is that mountain biking often requires significantly great physical exertion, which keeps riders warmer from constant movement so hesitating gear will be less appealing.
Also, the weather is often mild and rather stable in most parts of the mountain. But be careful not to misunderstand this; there can be frigid days in the highlands as well!
The majority of mountain bikers prefer helmets known as “Snocross style” helmets, which include an opening for your choice of goggles as opposed to heated helmets, which have a full cover face shield closing off the whole helmet from the elements.
And because of this, this kind of helmet is fairly common among mountain riders.
Riders can still get to choose different goggles with various lenses, or even no goggles at all, depending on the conditions to help improve their eyesight.
Note that mountain bikers require the option to either take off their goggles or swap them out for a different pair because they tend to fog up their glasses while riding, obstructing their vision. And the Snocross-style helmet they wear enables them to achieve this.
One of the main drawbacks associated with heated snowmobile helmets is that users cannot change or rather replace the visor in case it fogs up and impairs their vision.
If that happens, your only choice would be to lift the face shield, which can be uncomfortable, especially if it is snowing or sleeting because you’ll be exposing your eyes to the elements.
Fortunately, there is a dual-sport heated helmet available on the market that can have its whole face shield removed, allowing you to utilize the helmet with goggles or switch out shields as necessary.
Another thing you might want to think about before opting for a snowmobile helmet is whether your snowmobile can accommodate these types of helmets. In most cases, you’ll need to connect the heated helmet to your sled for it to produce heat.
So, if your machine doesn’t have this feature, you might want to consider adding it so that you can connect and use a heated helmet. This feature is generally associated with newer models, so if you have an older sled, it’s possible that it doesn’t have it.
Coming down to cost, there’s not much to say about these products, but of course, when we first consider a heated snowmobile helmet, we assume they are pricey.
As it turns out, heated helmets are comparatively equal to other similarly-quality non-heated snowmobile helmets out there. You can literally spend as much money as you want on them even though they are essentially similar to any other piece of equipment.
The price varies a little, but depending on the features, you can get a good-quality heated helmet for about $300 to $400, which most people deem to be affordable and worth the money!
As earlier stated, there is a dual sport heated snowmobile helmet that allows the rider to remove the whole face shield so they can use goggles or replace it with a different shield.
A good example of such great options is the 509 Delta R4 Ignite Helmet. This helmet costs $299.95 and comes equipped with a drop-down internal orange-tinted sun visor, a Fid-lock magnetic chin strap buckle, and much more, making it one of the best choices on the market.
Before making your final choice, though, we highly suggest that you visit a local dealer and try on a variety of helmets to get the correct size as each helmet comes with a unique fit and feel. The best part is that it’s hard to get wrong with these items, whether heated or non-heated.
In the end, the best snowmobile helmet for you will come down to personal preference, riding style, and how often you do it. Overall, heated helmets can be a wonderful choice for you if you frequently ride outside in very cold areas at greater speeds.
Here are some of the best pics that you might want to see and try!
The Best Heated Snowmobile Helmets On The Market
Well, the best heated helmet allows you to ride in confidence knowing that even in the worst trail conditions, your visibility will be maintained untapped. There’re many choices to consider, of course, but here are some of our favorite pics that come highly recommended.
509 Delta R4 Ignite Heated Helmet
One of the best heated helmets in the market is the 509 Delta R4 Ignite. If your top priority is heating, this helmet will always provide just that because it has the best heating mechanism.
Even when it’s really cold outside, the dual-pane heated shield presents reliable fog-free capabilities that will keep you safe and attentive while on the trail.
Additionally, the Delta R4 Ignite heated helmet has one of the trendiest looks in the industry. There’s a dual-density EPS layer and an incredibly durable Polly alloy shell construction that complies with DOT safety standards, which very well complements its awesome style.
Furthermore, this modular type design’s chin bar can easily be flipped with the use of a Fidlock magnetic strap. Plus, the Pro Series liner and cheek pads that are included in the package come in handy for that added comfort without being overly large or in the way.
Overall, the R4 is a reliable helmet in terms of function and design, but you’ll have to pay dearly for the extras, pushing it a bit far from being a bargain option.
Key Features
- One of test heated snowmobile helmets
- Lightweight with great design
- Very comfortable
- Polly allow construction
- Dual-pane shield with a heating system
- Fidlock easy-open magnetic strap
- DOT approved for safety considerations
- Complies with FMVSS 218 standards
EXO-CX950 Modular Snowmobile Helmet by Castle X
Made by Castle, the X EXO-CX950 model is yet another fantastic all-around snowmobile helmet. It is a heated helmet, which is why it is included. But the reason why it holds the top spot is due to all of the other excellent qualities it comes with.
For instance, the stated heated feature is meant to be super-friendly to ride with and you can have the whole thing charged up at home and use it all day. This function is included within the double-lens shield and works really well to reduce the possibility of ice, fog, and snow accumulation or such obstacles getting in the way of your vision as you ride.
Aside from that, the EXO-CX950 excels in many other areas as well. Given how versatile it is and its amazing functionality, it has to be a favorite pick among skiers and snowmobilers alike.
What you get here is superior protection that beats DOT pars, thanks to a dual-density EPS foam cushion and an ingenious LG polycarbonate outer shell. And there’s a huge eye port that provides you with a fantastic field of view adding even more usability to the heating system.
Moreover, your ability to stop glares and better eye protection is well-enhanced by a drop-down sun visor. Plus, the unit’s anti-microbial liner is comfortable and easy to detach and clean.
The unit also features a breath box, chin curtain, audio system, and a reliable five-year warranty; these features essentially add to the EXO-CX950 overall value and performance.
Perhaps the only significant drawbacks to point out are that this alternative is slightly more expensive and has more replaceable components that could go missing.
Key Features
- Best heated snowmobile helmet overall
- Anti-microbial liner
- Big eye-port for an excellent view
- Drop-down helmet visor
- A five-year warranty.
- Electric dual-lens shield heating system
- DOT approved
- Made of high-quality LG Polycarbonate
Vega Ultra Electric Heated Helmet
This Ultra Electric Helmet takes the lead as one of the most reliable heated snowmobile helmets and also one of the least expensive options around.
There are SURE SEAL curved edges surrounding the visor for enhanced fog resistance as well as preventing cold air infiltration thereby improving the heated system.
The Ultra Electric helmet also boasts a well-made breath box, a detachable liner, and a five-year warranty so users can rest assured of years of dependable performance on the trail/snow.
But given that this helmet is rather inexpensive, it won’t exactly provide the top-notch performance you’d get from other options out there. Also, based on reviews, the helmet is rather too big and bulky. Some also stated that the heating mechanism isn’t quite as efficient.
However, if you want to save some money, this Vega Helmet is an easy recommendation.
Key Features
- Best budget heated snowmobile helmet
- Features an aerodynamic design
- A breath box
- Excellent ventilationon
- A removable liner
- Electric shield with curved edges for superior performance
- DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE R 22.04 aproved
- The shell is made of polycarbonate
What to Look For in A Heated Snowmobile Helmet
Here are the various important things to look for when choosing a heated snowmobile helmet.
Visor Design
The main purpose of a dual or rather two-pane visor in heated helmets is to help eliminate fog and frost buildup. There are single-pane visors, which are usually less expensive, but if you want to fully enjoy the features offered by a heated helmet, go for two-pane helmets.
Reliable Performance
A heated helmet’s performance depends on its ability to maintain heat. This is allowed by either a battery included in the helmet or a mechanism/system connecting the helmet directly to the snowmobile’s battery.
Some snowmobiles prefer heated helmets that can be used without having to connect to the snowmobile, but keep in mind that you might end up losing power on the route. Still, there are helmets that work either way.
Extra Features
Heated helmets typically cost more than regular options. So it’s only wise if you search for extra features to justify the higher cost of this style of helmet.
Now let’s take a quick look at the oxygen helmet.
Oxygen Snowmobile Helmet
Well, the Oxygen Snowmobile Helmet has a lot going for it, and the 4-year limited warranty is not the least important. Meanwhile, its many outstanding pros showcase BRP’s dedication to innovation and in-depth research & development, and thorough consumer testing of course.
For instance, there is no Ski-Doo branding on the Oxygen helmet, which is done so that owners of all sled brands can wear one without jeopardizing their commitment to their primary sled. so if you fall into this category, then be sure to consider an oxygen helmet.
But keep in mind that the concept behind the Oxygen Snowmobile Helmet is new. It entails a number of fresh ideas, working together to help snowmobilers navigate the challenges they face on the trail. Users of Oxygen helmets might wonder about the way the BRP did this.
In comparison to most other snowmobile helmets, the Oxygen Snowmobile Helmet is highly advanced and this means that might require some individual experimenting to attain the best personal outcomes. But once you know how it works, it’s fairly simple. And a lot of motorcyclists will like the outcome. Just keep in mind that it’s not your ordinary helmet at all!
Oxygen Helmet Expectations & Variables
Getting closer to the details of the Oxygen Snowmobile Helmet, let’s now have a little discussion about the general expectations and factors related to helmets. Most oxygen helmet buyers will have high expectations mostly because of its marketing claims and hefty price.
Adjustable Heat Settings
With the Oxygen helmet, the rider has a variety of heat options thanks to the face shield‘s adjustable settings. This way, you could modify the visor heat to your own liking. This is especially important for consistent fog control throughout the ride and it represents a significant improvement above other electric visors that usually have two setting options: on and off.
Adjustable Air Vents
Other features worth mentioning include the built-in vents on either side that serve to regulate airflow from the outside. The most suitable settings for you will depend on the riding conditions, variables, and preferred visor heat setting.
Some riders stated that they encountered a visor problem when certain visor panels split to enable fogging, but such issues are covered by the warranty. Also, you can try turning the visor heat up high to clear the clouding as much as you can.
Final Words
Put simply, a heated snowmobile helmet is a headgear designed to take your snowmobiling to the next level, through improved riding performance and comfort. Hopefully, we have been able to enlighten you on the many benefits of heated snowmobile helmets and the various ways they can improve your overall experience. And, if you are interested in purchasing a heated snowmobile helmet, we’ve shared some of the top picks on the market as well.
