I am in the market for a helmet. I will mainly be riding on lakes but I want something good for trail riding and longer rides. What should I look at and is there certain features that are a bonus? Also is there manufacturers I should look at or avoid. Thanks guys. 
I have a Shoei full face TZ-R ,anti fog lense.$376.00 helmet and only paid $75 for it. 
When you find a brand you like check out your local pawn shops for one or just call to see if they have any,its worth a check thats for sure. 
I’ve got an HJC that is the modular style. I love it. Won’t fog up and easy to open and talk, fill up with gas etc…
I also have an HJC. I would say they are the front runner in helmets. Check out Dennis Kirk to see what you like. They usally have some good closeouts that you can get a good buy with.
From my experience I would go with a full face helmet rather than one that uses goggles. Other than that it is pretty much up to you as to what looks you like.
I’m fairly new to sledding, and got a HJC Symax modular with my sleds. Doesn’t fog up (has that breath-deflector “fighter pilot mouth piece”) and I really like being able to lift the face mask up.
I’m more old school and use a motocross style helmet with goggles, they never fog up. The breath and neck deflector are must haves in my opinion.
Jami
What they said. 
You do get a little more of a “Brain Freeze” on the really cold days with the Moto helmet, but no fogging is a bigger benny in my book.
If you opt for the traditional helmet style where just the shield goes up and down I would definitely recommend getting a heated shield and wiring your sled for it.
I rode for a few years with out one and then when I got one I kicked myself for not getting one right away.
I have an HJC helmet and I really like it, compfy and with the heated shield I can ride in any temp or conditions and be able to see just fine.
Another vote for motocross style helmet with a good pair of goggles. I made the switch ages ago and I’ve never looked back. I’m not sure about out east, but here in the west and especially among the mountain riders, I’d say that 99.9% of guys are going that way. In fact, the modular helmet or old school full face and shield is usually a dead giveaway that they guy is on vaction from the “flatlands” lol.
They can be a little colder, but get the right balaclava and close up all the vents and you’ll be just fine. The goggle fit inside the helmet is important too. I’d WAY rather be a little cooler and be able to see where I’m going.
As for brands, I’m an HJC guy, but just about any brand is good as long as it’s DOT. Go and try them on and buy the one that fits you the best and is the most comfortable, that’s the biggest factor. Next most important to me is weight, followed by removable washable liner, and venting.
Waxy
I’ve always been happy with HJC.If you want the best possible scenerio go with heated face shield. As serious riders my wife and I could not live without them.
I have a motocross style helmet now that I use for trail riding on the atv now. The goggles I have a pretty cheap and basic. Do you reccomend a better pair for the winter also what do you like for underneath a motocross style helmet?
I use Spy Blizzards and I’m really happy with them.
Scott makes some good ones too (Turbo) that are reasonably priced, Oakley if you want to spend the big $$$.
As for a balaclava, get the one that Klim makes, it’s the best there is IMHO.
Waxy
Full face HJC with heated shield
I think full face is definatly the way to go for me. I feel like it would give the best wind protection. How hard it it to wire a heated shield to your sled?
Go full face, modular, with a double shield. I bought an off brand from Sportsman’s Guide before Christmas for $75, good helmet for the price.
*With a modular, you don’t have to take the helmet off when you stop to take a drink and chat. They’re worth the extra pennies.
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I think full face is definatly the way to go for me. I feel like it would give the best wind protection. How hard it it to wire a heated shield to your sled?
Depending on the sled, it likely already has a 12V accessory outlet.
If not, you’d have to get a wiring diagram for your sled and figure out where to tap into a 12V DC wire. I know on Arctic Cats, it’s the yellow wire.
Waxy
There are differences in a actual Moto Cross and a Sno Cross Helmet. The one you run with your ATV is not the same most likely. I run a Open Face HJC ACX^2. It is lightweight, warm and extremely comfortable. It does have the breathe deflector and I do wear a good balaclava. I think the best advantage the “open face” helmets give you is WAY BETTER VISION. It really improves your peripheral vision along with as others have mentioned a lot less fogging. I have run these helmets in -30 to -32 straight temps (not windshield) in Canada and MN that was the only times my face got a lil’ bit cold. The other advantage is at dusk and dawn is the visor on the Open face helmet can be used to help you see and shield the low sun. Believe me nothing sucks worse then not being able to see on the trail with all the “idiots” out there. Not to mention the ability to run different goggles depending on light conditions. I run 3 different ones (clear for at night, Amber for low or dead light and a Yellow tint for sunny and multiple light conditions. I have run mainly Oakley’s, Spy’s and Smiths “WARPS” as I love the way these sit on my face and have the “outriggers” on them to allow the goggles to slide back into the helmet for a better seal.
Thank you for the insight. I had no idea there was a big differance. Time to do more research. Thanks again.
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