Choosing the right snowmobile helmet can be difficult for people who wear eyeglasses. Their glasses can often fog when using enclosed helmets which impair their ability to see. It is not only inconvenient but can also cause accidents. To minimize fogging, people who wear glasses can either opt for an open-face helmet or use one that has an integrated electric shield. A few helmets also come with breath boxes that control the air exhaled via the nostrils and help prevent fogging. Helmets with breath boxes are ideal for riders whose snowmobiles don’t have a 12V outlet required for electric shields. If you are in a hurry here are a few of our favorite helmets:
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ski-Doo Modular 3 | Best Overall |  | Check Price on Amazon |
 | 509 Altitude Snowmobile Helmet | Best Snocross Helmet |  | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Typhoon Full Face Snowmobile Helmet | Best Value Full Face Helmet | | Check Price on Amazon |
 | AFX FX-39DS | Best Value Dual Sport Helmet | | Check Price on Amazon |
There are two primary concerns when purchasing a snowmobile helmet for glasses – fitting and fogging. While fit depends on the physical dimensions of the helmet and glasses, fogging is caused by environmental conditions. If you are required to wear prescription glasses while riding a sled, then here are a few suggestions to help you choose the best snowmobile helmet for glasses. The tips cover how to ensure an optimal fitting while eliminating fogging.
Choosing the Best Snowmobile Helmet for Glasses with a Great Fitting
The best snowmobile helmet for glasses will be the one that can properly accommodate your prescription eyewear. Each of them must be compatible with the other. Sometimes the issue can be with the helmet while at other times, the glasses are at fault. Here are a few tips for ensuring a proper fitting between a helmet and glasses.
Buy a Bigger Helmet
One of the most overlooked facts when buying a snowmobile helmet for glasses is that you will need a slightly bigger helmet. Not only do smaller helmets make it harder to wear glasses, but the lack of space in them also increases the chances of fogging. A bigger helmet has more area for air circulation and prevents exhaled air from fogging up your glasses. However, never compromise the fitting of a helmet for the sake of glasses. You will need a slightly bigger helmet that still fits your head well enough without being loose.
Buy Suitable Glasses
If you find that your glasses don’t fit well in your helmet, then you may want to change the glasses themselves. Get a frame that fits in the helmet. Avoid large frames that may not be ideal for it. Sometimes, the snowmobile helmet may be perfect for you, and the issue can be with your glasses. It may be the better option if you already have purchased an expensive snowmobile helmet for glasses and don’t want to buy another one. Changing your prescription glasses will be significantly cheaper than buying a new helmet. When shopping for the best snowmobile helmets for glasses, take your spectacles along with you. It will allow you to check if the helmet and your prescription glasses are compatible with each other.
Choosing the Best Snowmobile Helmet for Glasses to Eliminate Fogging
The second hiccup for choosing the best snowmobile helmet for glasses is fogging. The reason behind the fogging of the glasses is the temperature difference between the air you breathe out and the surrounding environment. When you breathe warm air out, it comes in contact with the cold external air. The particles in the air condense on cold surfaces such as your glasses, enveloping them in a layer of fog. There are various ways that we can tackle the same.
Consider a Helmet with a Breath Box
If you are on a budget, then the best snowmobile helmets for glasses will be those that come with a breath box. The box is designed to direct condensation out of the helmet for eliminating fog. While breath boxes can prevent fogging up of eyeglasses, their effectiveness depends on several factors. They must create a sealed passage for the air or they may not eliminate fogging entirely. Some glasses may not fit perfectly with a breath box and won’t allow a sealed environment. It will impair your ability to see in addition to irritating you. If your helmet does not come with a breath box or the one included does not fit your face perfectly, then you may purchase a breath deflector separately.
Opt for Helmets with an Electric Heated Shield
Snowmobile riders who are willing to spend a little more money can opt for a helmet that comes with an electric heated shield. There is a heating element inside the shield that runs off the 12V outlet on your sled. It not only heats the shield but also warms the air inside the helmet. The temperature difference between the air you breathe out and the air circulating inside the helmet (or the surface of your glasses) will be negligible, thereby eliminating condensation. An electric heated shield will prevent the fogging of both the shield itself and the prescription glasses.
Wear OTG Goggles with an Open Face Helmet
Another effective way of preventing your glasses from fogging up is to wear an open-face helmet along with OTG goggles. OTG or Over The Glasses goggles are designed to be worn over prescription glasses. As the helmet has an open design, the warm breath from your nose and mouth goes into the environment. It helps to prevent the glasses from fogging up. A disadvantage of wearing OTG Goggles with an open-face helmet is that your nose and face will be exposed to the cold air. You will either need to wear a ski mask or balaclava for protecting your face. However, it won’t be as effective at shielding you from cold as an enclosed helmet.
Use Anti-Fog Lenses
You can also opt for anti-fog lenses for your prescription glasses. These lenses have specially formulated surfaces that are designed to prevent fogging. They are available in prescription lenses as well. You may replace the existing lenses of your prescription glasses with anti-fog lenses. The only downside of anti-fog lenses is that they are expensive. Be prepared to spend $40-50 for a pair of these.
Employ Anti-Fog Products
If you don’t want to change your prescription glasses, then you may consider using an anti-fog product. They are available in the form of spray and wipes. You apply the products to your glasses a couple of times, and they will get to work. Anti-fog products don’t prevent fogging completely, but they reduce it while ensuring that it evaporates quickly. You may also use them on other goggles and glasses. While anti-fog sprays and products are cheap, they are not as effective as some of the other ways of eliminating fog mentioned above. Also, not all anti-fog products are created equal and some of them perform worse than others.
Best Snowmobile Helmet for Glasses – 2023
If you are looking for the best snowmobile helmet for glasses, then here are a few recommendations for you.
1. Typhoon Full Face Snowmobile Winter Helmet with Electric Shield
The Typhoon Full Face Snowmobile Winter Helmet will appeal to riders who have to wear glasses. It comes with an anti-fog electric shield that can be plugged into a 12V DC outlet on the snowmobile. The shield also prevents fogging of the rider’s eyeglasses. The package also includes a breath box and a chin skirt for added protection. The modular design of the helmet allows the rider to lift the front when required. It has two adjustable air vents that enable the rider to control the airflow. It is a great option for frequent riders who wear sunglasses. Typhoon manufactures the Full Face Winter Helmet in many sizes and vibrant designs.
2. 509 Altitude Snowmobile Helmet
The 509 Altitude Snowmobile Helmet is a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a snowmobile helmet for glasses. It has also been designed to fit perfectly with the 509 goggles yielding maximum performance. The helmet has a thermoplastic allow outer shell and dual density internal EPS foam for maximum protection. It comes with a cold weather breath box and mesh chin curtain, both of which are removable and prevent fogging of glasses. There are eight intake and exhaust vents for ventilation. The helmet also features a rigid GoPro mount allowing you to record your adventures without having to worry about losing your GoPro. If you are looking for a more affordable option from 509, then consider their Tactical Snow Helmet that can be used with goggles and glasses.
3. AFX FX-39DS
If you are looking for a versatile snowmobile helmet for glasses, then the FX-39DS from AFX might suit your needs. It is a dual sport helmet crafted from lightweight poly-alloy. It comes with a face shield that can be removed for using goggles/glasses or open-face riding. The helmet will accommodate goggles from most brands though it is recommended to check compatibility beforehand. You can even substitute the standard double lens snow shield for an electric one for rides in harsh weather conditions. Additional features on the AFX FX-39DS include three intake and six exhaust vents, a removable screw-on visor, and a washable interior.
4. Scorpion EXO-AT950 Helmet
The Scorpion EXO-AT950 helmet is another excellent option for riders searching for a flexible snowmobile helmet for glasses. It comes with an anti-fog shield as a standard that can be removed for using the helmet with goggles. The cheek pads are designed to accommodate glasses from different manufacturers. The helmet also has a removable visor making it suitable for both adventurous rides as well as touring. Riders in extremely cold areas can opt for the EXO-AT950 model with an electric shield. The Scorpion EXO-AT950 also has an oversized eye port for improving visibility, polycarbonate and EPS construction for safety, and an all-season comfortable liner. The Scorpion EXO-AT950 Helmet also has a cold weather kit that comes with a breath box and a snow chin curtain.
5. Ski-Doo Modular 3
The Ski-Doo Modular 3 helmet has been one of the best snowmobile helmets for glasses since its introduction. It comes with the BREATH EVAC mask that prevents fogging by removing breath and allows the rider to wear glasses without any issues. The helmet has ample space for wearing eyeglasses underneath. Its sun shield can be raised or lowered easily using the provided button. Its dual lens visor further enhances vision thanks to its optically correct construction using the Clear Vision technology. Riders who trek in frosty conditions can consider the Modular 3 model with an electric heated shield.
