There are two critical areas of protection that are vital for enjoying your snowmobiling experience—vision and warmth.
The vision comes down to your goggles … but often the goggles work in conjunction with the helmet. A goggle that fits the helmet opening and stays snug to the face can go a long way to prevent fogging
The warmth can be determined by several factors, including the temperature, weather conditions and wind chill. But if your head or your feet are cold, the parts in between will also be uncomfortable.
The editors of SnoWest have identified several companies that offer quality products that protect your head, eyes and feet—helmets, goggles and boots. Although there are various companies that make quality products that fall into these categories, we’ve clumped a few that offer all three to give you a quick look at some quality products.
Klim F5 Helmet—Custom engineered to allow top riders to ride all day, this helmet is built to expel heat and provide next-level comfort. It uses a lightweight Klim Karbon with a proprietary system of 17 wind tunnel-tested intake vents and 10 exhaust ports. It also featues a Direct Vent EPS structure and a dual-density EPS core with maximum field of vision. The Klim F5 Helmet retails for $499.99.
Klim Viper Pro Goggles—This goggle is engineered to provide the best optical clarity, vision, field of view and fit experience. Ventilation and moisture management systems aggressively combat fogging. Integrating a super-thin frame design, the goggle is compatible with a wide range of open-face helmets. The Klim Viper Pro Snow Goggle retails from $109.99 to $159.99.
Klim Adrenaline BOA Boot—Combining the Boa lacing system with Gore-Tex technolofy, this provides a perfectly distributed lacing pressure that you can fine-tune for all-day comfort. The quick-release function allows you to disembark your boots within seconds. The 600 grams of premium 3M Thinsulate insulation deliveres optimum warmth levels for active riders. The Klim Adrenaline Boa Boot retails for $349.99. For more information contact www.klim.com.
FXR Blade Carbon Vertical Helmet—Designed with a lightweight hand laid carbon fiber shell and an integrated mouthpiece for improved strength and style, this helmet features progressive density cheek pads and a hygienically-treated, removable, washable comfort liner. Intake vents and four exhaust ports keep you from over-heating. A removable breath box allows you to keep hot moist air from your goggles. The FXR Blade Carbon Vertical Helmet retails for $350.
FXR Pilot Goggle—A tough, lightweight thermoplastic alloy shell combined with an adjustable ultra hi-flow shape reduces drag. The goggle features a dual density EPS liner and an extended rubber nose frost and roost guard. It has an impact resistant pre-curved polycarbonate lens with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. The FXR Pilot Goggle retails for $100.
FXR Elevation LITE PRO Dual Zone BOA Boot—A Boa Dual Zone tensioning system highlights all the added features on this boot. It is 1.5-inches taller to offer greater calf support and features a Full-Flex molded tongue insert for maximum frontal impact protection and flex control. It also has molded inner heel flex inserts for backward flex. It is rated at minus-50 degrees F. The FXR Elevation LITE PRO Dual Zone Boa Boot retails for $365. For more information contact www.fxrracing.com.
Fly Elite Cold Weather Interlace Helmet—Constructed from a durable, lightweight polymer shell, the helmet has a dual density Expanded Polystyrene liner and custom molded rubber trim with an integrated nose guard. Removable comfort liner and cheek pads combined with a multi-port air induction cooling system provide great ventilation. The FLY Elite Cold Weather Interlace Helmet retails for $144.95
Fly Snow Goggle—Dual thermal lens matched with a single-layer face foam makes this goggle an effective and affordable entry level goggle. Non-slip silicone inside the adjustable strap ensures a secure fit to the helmet. The Fly Snow Goggle retails for $29.95.
Fly Marker Boot--Designed to dominate all terrain, this boot features 600g thermal insulation with a comfort rating down to minus-40 degrees F. A Hydroguard breathable waterproof membrane combined with an exterior leather upper design provide a long-wearing comfortable boot. A durable rubber sole minimizes wear from running boards. There are also oversized padded boot laces for easy tightening. The Fly Marker Boot retails for $169.95. For more information contact www.flyracing.com.
HMK Dual Boa Boot—By combining comfort, warmth and functionality to a boot, you create a product that works great in extreme conditions. This boot is waterproof, windproof and breathable. It features a dual Boa lacing system for ultimate tension control. An Ergonomic Comfort Cuff relives pressure on the calf while a D30 heel insert provides impact absorption and dispersion. The HMK Dual Boa Boot retails for $339.99.
HMK Carbon Goggle—A dual layer lens with XR-Performance Anti-Fog treatment provides the clear vision while a triple layer foam delivers comfort and moisture management. The goggle features a rubberized hinge that creates and ergonomic fit over helmet. It has excellent peripheral vision from contoured frame. Reinforced vents provide consistent airflow. The goggle also has a protective nose piece. The HMK Carbon Goggle retails for $99.99.
HMK Fly F2 Carbon Cross Helmet—The Snell and DOT approved shell is matched with flow-through expanded polystyrene and comfort liner air system for a comfortable fit. The multi-port air induction cooling system keeps you from over-heating. There are also tri-vent goggle anti-fog vents built into the shell. The HMK Fly F2 Carbon Cross Helmet retails for $339.99. For more information contact www.hmkusa.com.
Castle X Stance MX Helmet—Featuring a lightweight, aggressive, modern shell design the helmet is made from Advanced Polycarbonate Composite injection molding. The eye port shape is designed to allow excellent fit for Castle X goggles. The helmet features multi- density EPS impact liner that surrounds the head and chin areas and an advanced ventilation system. The Castle X Stance MX Helmet retails from $99.99 to $119.99.
Castle X Stage Blackout Goggle—Featuring dual-pane lens technology with anti-fog/anti-scratch coatings, the goggle offers customized triple layer over-sized face foam to create a comfortable fit by covering up gaps around the eye port. The over-the-glass design allows proper fitment for riders that wear glasses. A silicone lined strap secures strap position on the helmet. The Castle X Stage Blackout Goggle retail for $59.99.
Castle X Charge Boa Boot—Designed with a Boa single reel tensioning system and a technical triple layer insulation system, the boot combines a Merino Wool blend bonded to moisture wicking air mesh and air trap foam to create a warm and comfortable fit. The boot is waterproof and breathable. The Castle X Charge Boa Boot retails $219.99. For more information contact www.castlesales.com.
Choko Deluxe Modular Helmet—This modular helmet comes equipped with a dual lens visor with an optional heated electric visor. It is not designed to be worn with goggles. The modular helmet features: a single lever chin bar, adjustable removable breath box, Chin Storm Curtain and air deflector, drop down amber lens, dual multi-fit cheek pads with tunnels to comfortably accommodate glasses, and six points of ventilation. The Choko Deluxe Modular Helmet retails from $209.95 to $254.95.
Choko Thermal Eva Boots—The boots are ultra lightweight, incredibly warm and water proof. These boots have been designed with your comfort in mind and they have an astonishing rating of minus-95 degrees F. And for those who really dread cold feet, Choko offers rechargeable heated insoles. The Choko Design Ultra Lightweight Thermal EVA boot retails for $94.95. The Choko Rechargable Heated Insoles retail for $94.95. For more information contact www.chokodesign.com