I’ve known about it for many years. I had heard about it, but I had never dared to try it before. In 2016, CKX literally created a revolution in modular helmets. With its removable chin guard concept, Kimpex was able to bring a breath of fresh air to winter powersports enthusiasts. Personally, I have a particular fondness for helmets. Beyond their look, I enjoy trying them, evaluating their comfort, their features and, above all, their level of protection. Last winter, when I was given the opportunity to test the CKX Titan helmet, let’s just say they didn’t have to twist my arm. That very evening, I chose my helmet. I opted for the standard model rather than the Air Flow edition, since I planned to use it on the trail and not off the trail. Even so, I still had a slightly different test in mind for it. My heart quickly settled on the carbon model, in glossy red and orange. I love carbon fibre—not only for its very distinctive look, but also for its light weight. A 100 g reduction can be an advantage at the end of a long day.
First Impressions of the CKX Titan Helmet: Design, Comfort and Fit
As soon as I open the box, I have the same expression as a kid on Christmas morning! You can immediately see that CKX left nothing to chance and that the quality of the materials is flawless. No complicated or fragile parts. The matching 210° goggles were already installed and, of course, the famous removable chin guard that made its reputation. Wow! From the very first moments, I notice several very interesting features…
Notable Features of the CKX Titan Helmet
- 5 ventilation ports;
- Adjustable front ventilation;
- 210° goggles with a quick-attach system;
- Removable chin guard that allows the face to be exposed;
- Height-adjustable visor with a clip that can accommodate a GoPro-style camera;
- Inner liner and cheek pads, both removable and washable;
- ProClip chin strap system (in my opinion, all helmets should have this!).
Next, I remove one side of the goggle, open the chin guard and put on my new CKX Titan helmet. Whoa! The fit is just perfect. The size is exactly what CKX indicates on their website. Finally, a lightweight trail helmet! I really feel as if I have a motocross helmet on my head, with cold protection as a bonus. I like that the goggles offer a wide field of vision—another aspect that is very important to me.
CKX Titan Snowmobile Helmet: Ventilation, Modularity and Real-World Conditions
Before heading out on my first ride with the CKX Titan Carbon, I decided to do something I don’t do often enough: read the instructions! That’s when I realize that the helmet is fully configurable. You decide yourself the level of ventilation you want, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There is even a second lens with adjustable ventilation included with the goggles. In the end, I have to admit that it’s sometimes worth reading the manufacturer’s information.
Designed for Real Conditions
I then decided to go for a short ride on a local trail to carry out the first tests. Since the temperature is around -15 °C (5 °F), I chose to keep the nose guard and neoprene pieces in place—basically, just as it came out of the box. Once again, I appreciate its light weight compared to the modular helmet I usually wear. I start by installing my communication system. After a few kilometres at varying speeds, I notice the effectiveness of the protections in the chin guard that allow me to breathe freely. However, I do have to pay close attention to properly positioning the goggles to avoid feeling the wind. Otherwise, everything is going very well, and I see no fogging on the horizon.
I then headed back home to finish preparing for the ultimate test I had planned for it. In fact, I wore it during my first participation in the Ste-Béatrix cross-country snowmobile race. I also published an article about that experience, which I invite you to read by clicking here. For the purposes of this test, I chose to remove all the deflectors and replace the original lens with the ventilated one to maximize airflow. Throughout the day, I have to admit that I completely forgot about the helmet… Yet I really put it through its paces—and not just a little. To be clear, when I say that I “forget” I have a helmet on my head, it confirms that it is comfortable, that the fit is right and that I feel safe.
CKX Titan Carbon Helmet: An Investment Focused on Safety and Comfort
When shopping for a new helmet, you should always prioritize features and safety over price. You have to stop seeing a helmet as an accessory and, instead, view it as a primary comfort and protection element.
When I saw the quality of the materials, the technology and the modularity, I quickly understood that the suggested price of $719.99 represents a justified investment.
That said, I do have two criticisms of the CKX Titan Carbon. First, I must mention that you need to be careful to properly position the goggles to avoid frostbite—yes, it happened to me. I also like less the fact that you must remove the goggles in order to close the chin guard.
Personally, for trail riding at temperatures below -15 °C (5 °F), I prefer my CKX Mission helmet. On the other hand, for more active rides, or when I know the sun will push the mercury up by mid-day, I don’t hesitate to take out my CKX Titan helmet!
