CKX TX696 helmet and Falcon electric goggles
Here is my report on the CKX TX696 helmet and Falcon electric goggles I tested. Snocross or mountain-style helmets are getting more and more popular since a few years. Manufacturers are developing products that are more adapted to on-trail riding.
With its lightweight design of about 1 300 g depending on its size, it competes against the carbon fiber helmets at a fraction of their price. Its shell made of light plastic, offers an excellent protection against impact. Not only does it meet the FMVSS218 DOT standard, but also the ECE 22.05 European standard. For on-trail riding, we must wear a breath guard sold seperately. Cheek pads are removable and washable and the attach is padded for more comfort. Offered in XXS to XXL sizes and in many colors and graphics.
Padded strap and chin strap of the breath guard
The Falcon electric goggles are now offered with the new electric lens system for 2015. The flexible polyurethane frame is equipped with oversized triple density foam. The anti-fog and anti-scratch dual pane lens offers good protection against UV rays. For our safety and to prevent any contact with the accelerator, the electric connection is located on the left side; also, a light indicates when it is working. If you do not like the presence of the power cord between the goggles and the snowmobile, you can buy the battery kit with 4 heat levels. The double buckle strap with triple silicone grip sticks to the helmet.
The electric connection of the Falcon goggles
My test…
As you probably already know it, a helmet is a personal article and we must try many helmets to find the most suitable one. Personally, I found that the TX696 was comfortable. The inner sides of the helmet took the shape of my head and there was no pressure, no discomfort from it. The D-ring buckle of the helmet is quite basic, even if still largely used in the industry; I think it should be revised and maybe replaced by a quick-release device. The chin strap of the breath guard reduces air infiltration inside the helmet.
Our collaborator, Marie-Andrée Robert, with the TX696 helmet and the Falcon electric goggles
Two issues are important when we wear snocross-type helmet and goggles : cold and fog.
With the new CKX electric lens system, no more fog. I tested it in various conditions, cold as well as moist, and I never saw any sign of fog. It is important to know that the lens produces some heat. Using it under cold weather increases your comfort, but it has to be used moderately under milder temperature.
For a pleasant experience, it is essential to use « THE » right balaclava to prevent air infiltration due to different shapes of face.
On a long snowmobile day, the lightness of a helmet and not worrying about fog are priceless to me!
Special thanks to our partner Kimpex for making this test possible.
To your helmets… Get set. Go!
