509 Delta R3 Helmet…….Take 2!
509 is well known for great DVD films and the development of innovative helmets, goggles, and apparel. 509’s Delta R3 electric shield, multi-use all in one snowmobile helmet was first introduced last year.
Due to a few design and part supplier short comings, it fell short of anticipation and expectation. It had too much air flow from both its venting design and coming up from under your chin. Realistically the Delta R3 was too cold for most riders.
The other problem was that a large number of the 1st year electric shields had defective internal wiring connections, not a good situation for a helmet that was designed to be an electric shield helmet.
Fortunately, the 509 team doesn’t give up on getting it right, and they don’t leave their valuable customers hanging. To address the first year issues they designed airflow solutions, re-sourced the manufacture of the shields under tighter quality control and offered everything in a free retro fit kit to anyone who had a problem in year 1.
These same retro kit improvements were integrated into this year’s Delta R3 2.0 models. Foam plugs for vent intakes, a longer neoprene type chin curtain, and higher quality wiring connections within the shield as well as better power cords with better connections. While the provided cords were higher quality, they ended with a female connection which does not allow it to connect with most (also female) sled mounted visor outlets without modification or the use of a different cord. 509 definitely missed the boat on this detail. I read that some purchasers were offered adaptors for this issue, but how many separate connections do we really want in our electric shield setups?
For me, the first hurdle of trying something different was the old dog, new tricks thing. At first, I didn’t prefer it and being attached by a cord connection was an extra step in getting on or off my sled. I’m very set in my ways, and I typically don’t like change. Also having confidence that the power would always flow was a scary thought.
I typically ride with a non-electric shield model of helmet which relies on external breath and moisture removal for effective fog control. I must admit that at the beginning of this trial, I was a fair weather user and selected my tried and trusted model on longer or colder missions.
As time went on, I knew our readers were counting on me for a multi conditions review, and I forced myself to step out of my comfort zone and use the 509 Delta R3 2.0 more and more often. To overcome my hesitations I carried extra power cords, extra fuses and a pair of goggles in case my power OUT fears became real.
Over time I became more comfortable that the power would indeed keep flowing to keep my visibility clear. Now that I could relax a little more, I could concentrate on everything else that the Delta R3 2.0 had to offer.
For starters, the Delta R3 looks great and really tough with a sleek design and a wide selection of available colors and graphics. There is most certainly a color that will look sharp with your sled or apparel.
The Delta comes with the patented FIDLOCK magnetic strap hook system. You just get the catches close to each other, and the magnet effortlessly and securely latches it. An easy one-handed pull of the tab and it releases. It’s really very cool. I found that the less you try, the easier it becomes. Just get it close and don’t try to force the simple process.
I had the opportunity to test fit the Delta helmet for proper sizing at one of the snowmobile shows, and I found that sizing ran slightly large. I typically wear a large in most helmets, but in the Delta, a Medium seemed to be the proper fit.
I found that the Delta is very easy on the neck due to its lightweight, which made it very comfortable for longer trips.
The easily “push button” removed shield was optically correct without any noted distortion, which is exactly how a helmet shield should be.
If you desire you can remove the shield, install the provided trim plates and use your 509 goggles with the Delta.
The Delta comes with a drop down sun shade, but I found that the operating slide was less than easy to locate and operate with an (on the go) gloved hand. It includes a cold weather breath box and snapped in interior padding that can be easily removed for cleaning. The Delta also comes with a GoPro mount.
The area of focus where I could make the Delta R3 2.0 work best and really fit my personal preference was in managing airflow and warmth. I found that my balaclava selection was of extreme importance in making this helmet all that it could be.
On warmer outings (above 10-15F) I would select a lighter weight open nose balaclava and regulate internal airflow by leaving the included chin skirt free hanging over my collar or only partially tucked into the collar of my jacket.
For colder temperatures (10F and below) I would wear my Klim Arctic balaclava with nose coverage breath box and longer neck gaiter. With this added wind protection, I could leave the helmets chin skirt outside my collar which aided in evacuating interior moisture. The helmet was noticeably quieter when I used my colder weather setup. The revised 2.0 chin skirt is definitely longer. But I think it should be even longer for optimal function.
Most successful fog controlling helmet systems have some type of internal air evacuation flow in their design. Maybe I’m just a heavy mouth breather, but I need to get air out, or I’ll be riding in a fogged up terrarium.
My head sock selection and advanced preparation for air to get out without too much air getting in, kept interior moisture under control. It took a little experimentation to get it right and to know when to do what. Just like every other helmet choice, the 509 Delta R3 2.0 is not a slam it on your head and go item.
Wouldn’t it be cool if helmet companies started to address internal airflow in more modern ways? Hmmmmmmmmm!
After significant time and miles with the Delta R3 2.0, I’m no longer inconvenienced by the cord. I’m no longer overwhelmed by the fear of power outage. I’m not cold, and I’m not wet.
I would say that my trial of the 509 Delta R3 2.0 was a success that ultimately proved it to be a worthy option for snowmobilers who are thinking about a stylish new brain bucket.
For fact and fun, I installed the 509 2.0 retro kit on the original Delta R3 helmet that never passed go last year and had the same successful final results.
Nice job 509. I wonder what’s next. Check out 509films.com for everything 509 for 2020.
