Snowmobiling
Best Snowmobile Balaclava
When you gear up for your the snowmobile season, things like your helmet, snowmobile bibs, gloves, etc. will obviously make the cut. Oftentimes, the coveted snowmobile balaclava goes unnoticed. You might find yourself digging through the old sledding gear pile to pull out that old smelly head sock you forgot to wash last season…
Used in various sports and activities by ardent outdoorsmen and women, a snowmobile balaclava is an essential gear that can protect you from chapped skin and even frostbite, when you try to enjoy your favorite sport in extreme conditions. It is essentially a cloth headgear, just like a ski mask, with openings for your eyes, mouth, and face, and you get to decide which part of your face you would like to be open.
The additional level of protection that the best snowmobile balaclava provides in extremely windy and snowy conditions is highly valuable, and this simple gear can make your winter adventures a lot safer and more comfortable.
In our best snowmobile balaclava review, you will find the top options available on the market right now and their worth for your investment.
KLIM Arctic Balaclava
If you are an outdoor adventurer, a winter sport/activity fanatic, and/or a motorcyclist, KLIM is a name you would have come across a million times because it is one of the top brands to produce gear for all such activities. From snow gear and motorcycle gear to outdoor gear and accessories, the brand produces some of the bestselling and amazingly functional products that have gathered a strong customer base over the years. The Arctic Balaclava is rated as one of the best snowmobile balaclavas available on the market today and holds a strong place in almost every best snowmobile balaclava review out there.
The Arctic Balaclava, as its name suggests, is designed specifically for the coldest conditions on planet earth, and comes packed with an extraordinary list of features that together make it a perfect choice for even the harshest of climates. For the start, you get a huge, ultra-wide skirt from the base to make sure that the balaclava stays put even when you get hit by a forceful gush of wind while snowmobiling. This feature protects not just your face but also your neck, without impeding your breathing.
One of the highlights of this product is the Gore WINDSTOPPER, which is soft, comfortable, and does an excellent job of blocking cold wind. The mask is designed to fit nice and snug around the eyes without being uncomfortable. Not to forget, the full neoprene nose piece and breath deflector, despite covering your nose with a good fit, provides enough space for breathing, without allowing condensation to block your sight. The super stretchy fleece, conformed neck fit and lycra stretch back all work together to deliver this best snowmobile balaclava.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable.
- Offers great breathability.
- Ultra-wide skirt.
Cons
- The eye area is a bit small to make goggles sit comfortably.
KLIM Rogue Balaclava
As a leading brand to design, develop, and distribute some of the most advanced gear and accessories for powersports enthusiasts, including snowmobilers, KLIM manages to meet the demands of its target audience in every possible way. Products from the company are integrated with the best technology there is to make them breathable, waterproof, comfortable, and durable, and the Rogue Balaclava follows the same footsteps.
The Rogue Balaclava from KLIM should be your choice if you are looking for a minimalistic design in your best snowmobile balaclava. Though the design is minimalistic, this balaclava doesn’t compromise on the features it offers its users. It uses WINDSTOPPER and COOLMAX fabrics that enable it to be really comfortable when you are in the backcountry snowmobiling.
The over-the-collar design of the KLIM Rogue Balaclava stops cold air from entering your neck and face areas. The top and side areas of the head get the moisture-wicking COOLMAX fabric, which is also known to offer great breathability. Furthermore, there is a cinch cord at the bottom of the mask, which seals out external elements, including cold weather, thereby keeping you warm and comfortable during your ride. The flatlock stitching on the fabric makes it even more comfortable, and its hinging functionality allows you to use the balaclava in different formats, including as a neck warmer.
Pros
- Can be used in different variations.
- Minimalistic yet functional design.
- Moisture-wicking COOLMAX fabric.
- Cinch cord.
Cons
- The design may not be everyone’s favorite.
Castle X Team Sublimated Snowmobile Winter Balaclava
Castle is another brand that is well-known for its high-quality snow, cycling, and outdoor gear, which include jackets, gloves, monosuits, boots, and more. The Team Sublimated Winter Balaclava from the company easily takes a place on the list of the best snowmobile balaclava.
This snowmobile balaclava is made from a flexible material, which is a polyester blend, containing 88% polyester and 12% elastine. The level of flexibility offered by the fabric makes the balaclava suitable for almost all head shapes and sizes, which means you can wear it during your snowmobiling adventure comfortably. Another highlight of the fabric is its moisture-wicking and fast-drying capability, which are both essential aspects in any gear you use in extreme winter conditions.
The Castle X Team Sublimated Snowmobile Winter Balaclava is available in different color combinations, such as black/red, black/magenta, grey, and more, and the fun printed graphics on it make it even more appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The flat stitched seams on the mask add to the comfort, and this product is a one-size-fits-most type in terms of size.
Pros
- Flexible, moisture-wicking fabric.
- Attractive printed graphics.
Cons
- It may not be a perfect size and fit for everyone.
509 Heavyweight Pro Balaclava
509 is an industry leader in the motorsports, action sports, and outdoor sectors with thousands of independent retailers spread across the globe. From lifestyle apparel to offroad and snow gear and accessories, the company provides a wide range of products in a variety of categories, catering to the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts. The Heavyweight Pro Balaclava from 509 ranks among the top 10 snowmobile balaclavas in most of the best snowmobile balaclava reviews online.
The 509 Heavyweight Pro Balaclava is designed to layer seamlessly under your goggles and helmet, providing you with much-needed warmth and protection from the wind and other climatic elements during your snowmobile rides. Wind protection is offered by the heavyweight windproof laminate used in the front panels, and thanks to its overlap panel design, you can wear it over or under your mouth. Flatlock stitching on the mask makes it fit comfortably under your helmet, and the main ventilation areas are made with jersey knit material for easy breathability.
As the name indicates, this 509 balaclava is heavyweight to offer maximum protection in cold weather, and its longer cut provides added protection but stays tucked in. The product comes with a 12-month warranty and is available in sizes Small/Medium and Large/X-Large.
Pros
- 12-month warranty.
- Longer cut for added protection.
- Flatlock stitching for comfort.
- Breathable material in key ventilation areas.
Cons
- Some users find issues with the sizing.
ROTTO Balaclava Ski Mask
Designed by ROTTO as a unisex balaclava, this product is ideal not just for snowmobiling but also for other outdoor winter sports and activities like biking, running, skiing, motorcycling, hiking, skating, snowboarding, and more. This best snowmobile balaclava is available in two versions – with zipper and without zipper, allowing you to choose one to suit your needs and preferences.
The ROTTO Balaclava Ski Mask is made of lycra material, which is windproof and can protect your head from the harsh cold weather during snowmobiling. The neck warmer in this product has quite a bit of length, long enough to easily tuck it into your jacket. While the outer layer is made of lycra, the middle layer of the mask is waterproof TPU, which does a great job of keeping water from getting under the lining, and the final thermal fleece lining gives you all the warmth you need.
It is important to note that the ROTTO balaclava is only temporarily waterproof, which means it can stay so only for a short period and cannot be exposed to water or rain for a long time. The product has passed the air permeability test, which proves that it is breathable. If you choose to go with the zipper version of the mask, you get a reflective zipper on the back, which will be useful when you snowmobile in the night.
Pros
- Available with and without zipper.
- Lengthy neck warmer.
- Breathable.
- Reflective zipper.
Cons
- Only temporarily waterproof.
Castle X Deflector Balaclava
Another great offering from Castle, a manufacturer of quality products for outdoor sports and activities, is the Deflector Balaclava. While the front of this best snowmobile balaclava is made with a combination of 90% polyester and 10% polyurethane, its back contains 90% polyester and 10% spandex, which work together to deliver a product that is comfortable, durable, breathability, and offer a secure fit.
The dynamic 4-way flex 360-degree wind skirt here is made with Ven-Tex windproof membrane, which protects your face from the winter winds, and the soft micro-fleece lining keeps moisture out when you go snowmobiling. The inclusion of Dupont Coolmax on the top of the head and face transfers moisture and dries quickly. Similar to most other balaclava models from Castle, even this one is a one-size-fits-most model, and it is machine washable.
Pros
- Good breathability.
- Dries quickly.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- There could be issues with the size.
FXR Shredder Tech Balaclava
What started as a clothing company has grown into a brand that offers high-performance snow ride gear, and many of the products from the company have redefined specific product categories with their industry-leading quality. The Shredder Tech Balaclava comes with the FXR proprietary 4-way stretch mapped wind-stop system, which works on making your snowmobile rides windproof.
The ultra-lightweight brushed inner polyester-spandex fabrication on the mask gives you amazing comfort while also keeping you warm in extreme conditions. This lightweight brushed interior also blocks wind to reduce the risk of frostbite, which usually happens with exposure to the collar-to-helmet gap. The FXR Shredder Tech Balaclava comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- 1-year warranty.
Cons
- Shorter skirt.
How to Choose the Best Snowmobile Balaclava
To choose the best snowmobile baclava, there are some factors to consider, apart from reading the best snowmobile balaclava reviews, and some of those are:
Material
Of course, the material used to make a snowmobile balaclava determines its quality, and some of the most widely used materials are polyester, fleece, nylon, neoprene, and merino wool. When it comes to choosing the material, you need to make sure that the mask is designed to be breathable, lightweight, weather-proof, and has moisture-wicking properties as well. Many manufacturers achieve this feat by combining two or more materials to make their balaclavas; therefore, finding one with such qualities shouldn’t be a problem.
Fit
The fit of your snowmobile balaclava is another vital feature to consider. What you need is one that fits you just right, snug enough to provide you with ample protection from the cold, but not too tight to make you feel uncomfortable.
Comfort
When you are on your snowmobile, comfort is key on all fronts, which means your snowmobile balaclava should also be highly comfortable for you to enjoy your ride. As you will be wearing the mask under your snowmobile helmet, you need to make sure that there are no loose spots that could let the wind in or tight areas that could make breathing difficult. Just go with a product that makes you feel the warmest.
Conclusion
Protecting your face, neck, and head when you fight the snow on your snowmobile is extremely crucial to protect yourself against any harm done by the harsh weather. A snowmobile balaclava would be the perfect gear you can have that not only protects you from the external cold elements and keeps you comfortable at the same time. By choosing the best snowmobile balaclava that comes equipped with all the features you know you need, you can enjoy your favorite powersport with no concerns.
