Any winter activity requires the right clothing and equipment to practice one’s favourite sport with peace of mind. In my opinion, two elements are essential for practising and enjoying snowmobiling: clothing to protect yourself from the cold and a good quality helmet that provides great visibility, is comfortable and waterproof to prevent frostbite.
Kimpex provided me with the new CKX Mission AMS Helmet to try out for the season. It was with great pleasure that I agreed to try it and then share my observations with you.
My tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 0 C to -40 C and in conditions that included mild weather, rain, ice, and gusty winds. I have to tell you, I didn’t need a whole season to get an idea about its full potential… this helmet is amazing!
Exterior Design
The exterior of the helmet has an aerodynamic look with an adjustable peak and an uneven shell design. The glossy black paint with a peak on the top of the helmet gives it a futuristic look that will surely attract young and old customers.
Exterior and Interior Ventilation
There are two zone-adjustable air vents at the front and the rear of the visor that allow moist air to be evacuated outside. The two rear air vents are connected to the front on each side near the mouth. This is part of the new AMS integrated air management system. The principle is simple, it prevents condensation and fogging by evacuating the moist air to the outside. As a result, the visor remains clear at all temperatures.
Temperatures from 0 C to -15 C
When I tested the helmet at these temperatures, I did not plug the visor in, and with the front air intake setting, my visor never froze.
Temperatures from -16 C to -40 C
In temperatures up to -20 C, with the visor unplugged, some frost formed on the sides, but visibility was not affected. In temperatures ranging from -20 C to -40 C and a wind factor of about 60 km, I had plug the visor in, and no frost was present. The visor was very clear.
Small Precision
During my trial, I came accross several snowmobilers who had purchased the Mission helmet. Many of them told me that even at -30 C, they didn’t need to plug in their visors. However, some did have to plug them in. Obviously, perspiration isn't the same way for everyone. As far as I’m concerned, I sweat a lot!
Visibility
In my opinion, for good visibility and efficiency, a visor should be wide. The Mission helmet provides exceptionally good visibility both upward and downward. It’s very safe. You don’t need to turn your head all the way to either side to see if it’s clear or when danger appears in the distance or at the edge of the trail. The visor is of double design, which is very suitable for the northern cold. There is also UV protection as well as an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.
Breath Guard
This part of the helmet, which is placed to cover the nose and mouth, can sometimes be annoying. I performed most of my tests without it. I experienced no discomfort nor any ice build-up at the air intake. It’s up to you to judge.
Aerodynamic Peak
It’s easily adjustable with two positions and gives the helmet a great look. A simple press of the push buttons on each side allows the peak to be removed easily.
It’s the same to remove the visor.
Retractable Yellow Sun Visor
It’s very handy when it’s sunny and when the sky gives the impression of snow in vast expanses. In these circumstances, it’s challenging to detect the surface of the trail and the yellow visor solves this problem.
Inner Padding
The inner lining as well as the removable cheek pads are washable and amazingly comfortable. I also noticed a considerable reduction in engine noise. In my case, with a 4-stroke, the noise is almost non-existent. The neck gaiter protects very well the air intake inside the helmet with its waterproof Velcro; it keeps air out. The ProClip chinstrap system is simple to operate. By merely pressing the clip, you're all set to remove the helmet. In the freezing cold of -40 C and a 60 km wind, the well-clipped visor ensures that no air is felt inside the helmet.
Front Visor Opening
When you stop and don’t need to remove your helmet, all you need to do is lift the visor, and you can converse with your trail-riding buddies, eat or drink freely.
End of My Trial
The helmet is an essential item to enjoy snowmobiling fully. There are several helmets on the market whose visors do not frost at temperatures between 0 C and -10 C. However, when it comes to freezing cold temperatures, that’s when you notice the quality of a helmet.
A few people I spoke to wore their goggles with the Mission helmet and did not have any frost problems. I didn’t do that; I only got comments from snowmobilers I encountered on the trails.
I recommend this helmet without hesitation. It has an incredibly good quality/price ratio. Do not hesitate to pay for this kind of quality helmet. Comfortable, efficient, and lightweight, it allows the driver to feel less neck fatigue at the end of the ride.
You have the choice between several models/colours, and the cost varies according to your budget, between $599.99 and $899.99. Regardless of your choice, however, I recommend you purchase a helmet with a heated visor. With the changing climate, you’ll avoid a lot of trouble.
So, here’s what sums up my appreciation of the Mission helmet. The only drawback for me is the breath guard. I hope I could answer your questions and that you are ready to make the right choice when purchasing your new helmet.
I would like to thank Kimpex for allowing me to express my appreciation for the new CKX Mission helmet.
Have a good end of the season, and be safe on the trails!
