Helmets That Seriously Resist Fog?

[RobLav]

I'm trying to find a good helmet and/or visor that reduces fogging. I've done the penny thing taped at the bottom of the visor (it lets in debris which pits my glasses), the breath deflector, and anti-fog liquids. It's still awful in dry - never mind the rain.

Are there double visors around like on ski goggles? How about a helmet that moves a LOT more air? My old M3 does not seem to cut it.

TIA

[turnbaugh]

I had an M3, not so good. My HJC Si-12 has pretty good ventilation and a built in deflector and updraft flow. If it is fogged it clears up as soon as you start moving.

[Offcamber1]

Go on Ebay (or Google) and search for "Cat Crap Anti Fog." Many of the BMW "adventure riders" (Ewan and Charlie wannabees) use it on the face shields of their helmets to avoid deadly fogging on their way to Starbucks for a Sunday morning Latte.

I'm told it works though, by several real riders in a position to know...

[Daryl DeArman]

Test anti-fog solutions on your bathroom mirror before you find out they don't work when you are at the track.

Two frugal options you might try first.

1 oz white vinegar dilluted with 16 oz hot water apply to inside of a clean shield with a lint free towel.

-or-

Dove bar soap

[glenn cooper]

I suppose i should "Google it" and find out...

Fog City Fog Shield

[DanW]

Keith Averill might have them

Pegasus has them for an M3

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pro...oduct=2239-050

I used one on my Bieffe and it worked well.

[Paul LeCain]

Nothing else comes close.

The Bell version that Pegasus sells looks like the same thing, but I've never tried it. It's also more expensive.

[iamuwere]

The double shield on my Zamp 31 is really good (Bell GP2 in another name).

[a. pettipas]

Hey RL,

I've suffered from fogging with every helmet I've worn, including an M3 (hated that helmet), Simpson + Impact, though I should preface this statement by mentioning that I was driving GT cars in these instances, so cockpit airflow was minimal. I strongly recommend my current lid, HJC Si12, the best helmet I have personally owned:

- lots of internal airflow
- shield has some kind of very effective anti-fog coating, no need to apply anything else
- lightweight at around 3lbs.
- quality is excellent
- great looking helmet, IMO
- reasonable cost, great value at around $700

I would rather have a helmet that is designed to mitigate the fogging problem (and keeps your melon cool + comfortable) like this one, rather than have to apply anything to the shield. If you're thinking about replacing your old helmet, you should definitely give the Si12 serious consideration.

Aaron

[kea]

Even if you find a helmet that resists fogging it's shield, what about your glasses? To me, that will be the problem.
Bell now has an inner shield liner (Fog City ?) called Hyper Shield.
Lately, I've had an increase interest (sales) in the Bell Star GP model, because of it's ventalation and I'm sure it's weight. If you like the way a Bell helmet fits you, than this might be a good choice.

[a. pettipas]

I should also mention that I wear glasses (hopefully not for much longer, going for a Lasik surgery consultation soon!) and have had fogging problems with both glasses + shield in the past. My Si12 has totally obviated this problem. I actually wore this helmet in a GT1 car last season, very warm in there, little airflow, the Si12 passed this test too, no fogging of anything! I was very happy + impressed to say the least. The ventilation seems to be that good that just a little air moving through the top vent/scoop and out the ports in the back eliminates the dreaded fog.
http://www.hjc-motorsports.com/si12.htm

I don't seem to have a "Bell head" per se, as I've never been able to find a comfortable one - probably due to my misshapen coconut - but as Keith says, they make some pretty trick-looking helmets with various scoops + holes to improve air movement in/out. I think the choice comes down to what brand/model fits a guy's head the best.

Aaron

[kea]

As Aaron said, get a helmet that fits.
If you find you need to go a size larger to be comfortable in one, don't. Like a bead seat, the ideal helmet will (after about a couple of hours time) fit most, if not all of the shape of your head, like it was made for you.
Maybe I'm a bit fussy about this issue, but it will give you the best protection over the longest period of time.
And isn't that what the helmets #1 job is.

[ctracer18]

Hey Rob,

I use a Bell helmet and their antifog shields, and they have been great. I recall Bell supplies both regular and antifog versions of most of their shields in various shades. I'll look what I have exactly if you wish, or just check out their website or supplier site. Good luck.

Sherman
Stohr 01D #18
Stohr WF-1 #33

[turnbaugh]

I wear glasses also. Witht the Si-12, when you start moving it all goes away.

[RobLav]

Wow! I come home from work and find great suggestions! I ordered the M3 inner shield from Pegasus yesterday to try and give it a whirl. If that doesn't solve it, next step is either the Bell Star (I seem to have a Bell head - but the GTX did not fit at all) or the HJC.

The vinegar and Dove soap options are quite unique.

[marc sproule]

Low-tech, but cheap....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4668198...7623311357576/

[Offcamber1]

As Aaron said, get a helmet that fits.
Maybe I'm a bit fussy about this issue, but it will give you the best protection over the longest period of time.
And isn't that what the helmets #1 job is.

Jeez Keith, I thought the helmet's #1 job was to help the driver look really cool? Have I been away from racing too long?

Kip

[kea]

Kip,
That's still true.
Just send it over to Mike Kolthoff and have him do one of his "paint jobs" and that will take care of it, no matter what the make/model.

[rmccown]

Wait, you're implying that the whizzy paint job I'm getting on mine won't make me safer? Next thing you'll tell me is that it's not gonna cut 3 seconds off my lap times!

I'm disillusioned...

[kea]

Bob,
Did you ask your painter for the correct paint to be applied.
Harder than Carbon, with low-drag, low lift properties?

[rmccown]

No, but I did ask for a Type-R sticker, that's supposed to help, right?

[La Scuderia Raggi]

I tried rainx on the inside of my sparco shield. No good.
Since I didn't have a raw potato, which works the best, plain ol' spit followed by shining it up with a micro fiber cloth worked just fine, thank you!
And yes, I'm sure I'll be using it this weekend at Thunderhill!!

[kea]

"No, but I did ask for a Type-R sticker, that's supposed to help, right?"

Oh, great idea, I never thought about that !

[RussMcB]

I think I remember reading in a Carroll Smith book about adding a second visor shield with an air gap in between the two, and they both should have drilled holes to encourage circulation. The holes in the two shields should not align so rain drops can't hit you in the face. I never tried it.

[F five hunj]

I've played hockey for a number of years with a clear face shield and have always found a touch of dish soap applied to the inside of the visor with a clean cloth and buffed out to work fine. A very small amount will work well.

[a. pettipas]

I've played hockey for a number of years with a clear face shield and have always found a touch of dish soap applied to the inside of the visor with a clean cloth and buffed out to work fine. A very small amount will look good.

+1, eh!

[Steve Demeter]

Regular Rain X on the inside of a shield will produce instant fogging.

Rain X fog free in the black bottle has worked great for me for years.