Balaclava vs Beanie + Facemask with Windcollar?

buttercreamsunshine · Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:44 pm

I've been looking at these two items, and I'm trying to decide which I should get:

I live in Southern California, so it doesn't get snowy-cold or anything, but I think just something to keep my warm breath circulating around my face would be nice (and also something to break the wind around my chest and neck)!

The reason I'd go for just the facemask would be the ability to pull it down and breathe freely if I wanted to.... But I'm not sure if this would be a problem or not? Would a true balaclava keep me warmer than the combination of a facemask and beanie? And should I put a neck-warmer underneath in addition to either of these options?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

batgirl101 · Post by **batgirl101** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:59 pm

full face helmet and scarf works well.

heatherkay · Post by **heatherkay** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:00 pm

Depends -- do you want to be an outlaw or a ninja?

All kidding aside, I wear something similar to the top picture. I can pull it up to keep my chin and mouth warm, and I don't have to worry about my helmet being too tight.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:03 pm

Have a look at the Foggy mask to prevent shield fogging and a separate neck gaiter. I think both of the items you posted are overkill for where you live. Yes, I realize it does get cold there (I suffered two years in Orange Cty

actually went to Big Bear once and said "wow, snow?") but you'll have more flexibility with a Foggy and a gaiter.

Respro Foggy
The ONLY thing I've found that eliminates fog. I thought the pinlock was the solution until I had to remove it to clear the dust out of my shield. Silicone bead destroyed, out 20 bucks.

Buff, my favorite neck gaiters (yeah, yeah, they're expensive for a tube of fabric but they have cool patterns and lots of options; I also have a couple of Turtle Fur that I picked up at the thrift store)
http://www.kitshack.com/
http://www.planetbuff.com/
If the wind really bothers you, search for "windproof" as you'll find the Gore Windstopper Buffs. Swear by 'em. I can pull it over my mouth and chin when riding, and then pull it up as a headband over my ears sitting in front of the fire.

buttercreamsunshine · Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:29 pm

batgirl101 wrote:full face helmet and scarf works well.

I have both of these, but I'm a big baby!! I haaaaaate to be cold at all!

siobhan wrote:Have a look at the Foggy mask to prevent shield fogging and a separate neck gaiter.

Buff, my favorite neck gaiters (yeah, yeah, they're expensive for a tube of fabric but they have cool patterns and lots of options; I also have a couple of Turtle Fur that I picked up at the thrift store)
http://www.kitshack.com/
http://www.planetbuff.com/
If the wind really bothers you, search for "windproof" as you'll find the Gore Windstopper Buffs. Swear by 'em. I can pull it over my mouth and chin when riding, and then pull it up as a headband over my ears sitting in front of the fire.

Actually, I wish my shield would get more foggy! That would mean the cold wind wasn't blowing away my warm breath as much!

But thanks for the suggestions! I will check out the neck gaiters!!

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:04 am

I ride in temps 25-45F wearing something like the top item, but cut off at the bottom of the neck. Along with a 3/4 helmet and a face shield (and a good coat), it keeps me warm enough, down to 40mph windchill. The ability to just pull it down and flip the face shield up in case of fogging is nice.

P.S. With the pictured options, I would get one of each. Especially if they include the gear.

LunaP · Post by **LunaP** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:12 am

I suggest the brand Schampa (search any of the MC gear sites, I got mine at a good price from motorcycle superstore.com)

I got a deluxe thing that goes three ways- just around the neck, covering part of my face or covering my whole head. It's fleece but has a thinner material around the face area (neoprene, I think?) to help not fog faceshields with breath. Mine also additionally had a mesh part right where the mouth goes, for the same purpose. It worked as well as anything could on the cold nights over here east. )I have a 3/4, if that matters for reference.

I don't imagine it gets quite as cold there, but that's all I can say for advice- other than to give another +1 to the Buffs that Siobhan recommended. My bf has one, not the windproof one, just one for cold weather and it seems to do him fine with his full face.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:27 am

It is always a good idea to wear a beenie or skull cap or something over your hair when wearing a helmet. Especially if you put product in your hair. Sweat and gel, hair spray etc. will get all over the inside of your helmet (particularly in hot weather). You can always wash the skull cap, but without a skull cap, the inside of your helmet will just get nasty.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 1:43 am

I've made the rounds with different products and I have several but only use a couple now. I am adding my $.02 worth to hopefully save you some money trying different products, YMMV.
Since you live in OC, my opinion is that you don't need a balaclava. Others may disagree.
My favorite item is the Schampa fleece face mask. I was adding a skull cap of some sort for the reasons others stated above but my helmet liner comes out and can be washed so I don't bother with that too much anymore. I have found that my helmet hair is actually less chaotic without using a beanie.
I also really like myMotley Tube ($8 from lots of places) for just keeping the area between my collar and full face helmet protected and warm. You can pull this up over your nose and/or ears, too.
I have this thing and I hate it and I also have one that sits below my nose and I hate it equally.
I can tell you that most face masks will pull down some when you don a full face helmet so be prepared to mess with the face mask to re-position it after you put on a helmet. That's one reason I really like the balaclava.
Since I live in Denver, I love my balaclava. I have this one. It's great and comes in two different sizes.
If you ever have a problem with visor fogging, I can also vouch for the Respro Foggy mask as a solution that works 100%. You just have to be able to tolerate the fit. I wear surgical masks at work a lot so it's no big deal for me.

So, in the Winter, I just rock the balaclava. I have ridden in 16 and 19 degree temps for about an hour with that balaclava and it absolutely works.
In cooler temps, I either go with the Motley tube or will use the face mask if it's colder; or sometimes both.
In Summer, I may throw on a beanie for sweat.

Good luck in your search.

Swordsman · Post by **Swordsman** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:54 pm

My own personal experience is with the ninja-styled balaclava. They work great, but something you don't think about is the elastic opening around the eyes. If it's the least bit snug, it will leave an oval mark on your face. Not exactly what you want when you're commuting to work.

~SM

buttercreamsunshine · Post by **buttercreamsunshine** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 4:49 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! The major appeal of the items I posted above is that they also include the windcollar: like I said, I'm a big baby with any cold!! But I may still look into the other items in addition to those I originally posted.

Skootz Kabootz wrote:It is always a good idea to wear a beenie or skull cap or something over your hair when wearing a helmet. Especially if you put product in your hair. Sweat and gel, hair spray etc. will get all over the inside of your helmet (particularly in hot weather). You can always wash the skull cap, but without a skull cap, the inside of your helmet will just get nasty.

Good advice! I'll be sure to do so! :]

Swordsman wrote:My own personal experience is with the ninja-styled balaclava. They work great, but something you don't think about is the elastic opening around the eyes. If it's the least bit snug, it will leave an oval mark on your face. Not exactly what you want when you're commuting to work.

~SM

Hahahaha What a nightmare!! Sounds like you learned this the hard way?

Tocsik wrote:Since you live in OC, my opinion is that you don't need a balaclava. Others may disagree.

I can tell you that most face masks will pull down some when you don a full face helmet so be prepared to mess with the face mask to re-position it after you put on a helmet. That's one reason I really like the balaclava.

Hmmm that does sound a bit annoying.

Now to choose the lesser of two evils! Do I want to be able to pull the face mask down, or do I want to not have to mess with it??

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 5:05 pm

Can you pull the ninja-style one down off your face easily?

I have one similar to option A, the bandit, but it's fleece. The big issue is that it doesn't go up/down easily. Once I pull it down, the sides come out from under the helmet and when I pull it up again, it doesn't stay.

Anyways, our super-mild winter (even for SoCal) meant that I never wore mine this year. I also never used my glove liners.