For several years now, I have had the privilege of trying out many accessories and clothing in the world of snowmobiling. 509 Helmets and Goggles – Trial – My passion has given me access to many manufacturers who have, for the most part, very interesting offers in the field. And for the most important part of my body, I have opted for a company that specializes in snowcross helmets and goggles for the past 3 years. The 509 brand is now recognized as a leader in the field, not only for the marketing aspect of its products which is very strong, but also for its technological innovations as well as the North American safety ratings that it respects. As you will see in my various articles, I like to present you the products that I really use and that I really enjoyed, while not forgetting to tell you about the points of improvement to be made.
After years of testing with 509, my first two years were spent with Altitude models made of thermoplastic. With a very successful look and flamboyant colors, I particularly liked these models for their comfort and their versatility in terms of temperature variations. Moreover, the quality-price ratio of this model is very competitive in the market. As with all snowcross helmets in the industry, the type of balaclava used has an important impact on the performance of the helmet itself. After trying out several models, I decided on the Klim Arctic model as a cold weather addition. This model, made of wind and cold resistant materials, also features a fabric air deflector integrated into the balaclava. By removing the removable baffle originally built into the helmet, the performance is optimal. In warmer weather, I opt for the balaclava 509 which is lighter for warmer temperatures (-5 degrees C and up).
But for my last season, I had the chance to try the Altitude carbon fiber model from 509. Once again, comfort is a trademark at 509, but it is increased tenfold thanks to the lightness of carbon fiber. With an obvious reduction in weight when comparing the two types of helmets, it is the lack of neck and head fatigue that makes us quickly appreciate this model. Even with the extreme lightness of the helmet, industry safety ratings are still met. Also with this model, the original baffle built into the helmet simply needs to be removed from the start, and choosing the right balaclava is a must. With the original baffle, a perfect seal between the skin, the baffle itself and the goggle insulation cannot be achieved. This often creates an air leakage from the deflector to the glasses or an infiltration of cold air on the skin, which is not desirable. For this model as well, the balaclavas mentioned earlier in this article are also recommended. Although more expensive than the thermoplastic model, the price of the carbon fiber Altitude is still very competitive with the competition or with the manufacturers’ models.
509 Helmets and Goggles – Trial
For both types of helmets, my choice of glasses stopped on the 509 Aviator model. In addition to the really good look of these, the visor change system allows to change it in a few seconds. Thus, you can have a tinted visor for sunny days, or a lighter one for darker days or even for evening rides. As someone who does 50% of his snowmobiling on the trails and 50% off the beaten path, I particularly like the concept of the rimless goggle, exclusive to the 509 Aviator series. Specifically in powder snow, the snow does not tend to stay in the visor. In addition, the option of a fan built into the goggle can be useful when hiking in cold weather or off-trail. In these more intense moments, the body sweats through the skin pores around the eyes, which can quickly fog up the visor. By creating a cool airflow inside the goggle, the fan greatly reduces the chance of fogging. However, the use of the right balaclava is still a must for a successful operation.
