2 in 1 Helmet: A Brilliant Concept!
From the get-go, I must underline the audacity of the company 509 in the design of this helmet. I do not recall coming across or seeing another hybrid helmet on the market. A helmet that offers the ability to oscillate between trail and off-trail snowmobiling. Also, it only takes a few minutes to transform the helmet depending on the choice of excursion you want to do. WOW! Moreover, there is a significant growth in interest in the crossover snowmobile market, so why not export the idea into a helmet design? What a great idea!
Who Doesn’t Like to Save Money?
If you are like me, you will enjoy not only trail riding, but also off-trail riding, which is sport that can become very expensive, because each category requires different equipment. A snowsuit with or without insulation, same idea with gloves, a modular helmet versus an open face helmet, etc.
That said, 509 knows how to help you save your money with the Delta R3 Ignite helmet. This helmet can be worn both for on- and off-trail snowmobiling! A single helmet that can do both; my wallet thanks you!
Graphics, Colour and Sizing
The 509 Delta R3 Ignite helmet come in no less than eight colors. The colour palettes and graphics available give you the opportunity to make a statement on- or off-tail, or the option to be more neutral; therefore, everyone will be pleased.
In terms of sizing, I find that the helmet is made a large.
My Observations
A friendly reminder: when buying a new helmet, no matter the brand or type, it’s imperative that you take the time to study it well at home before you take off for the adventure!
Full-face for trail configuration
Using the full-face configuration is very easy. In cold weather, I really enjoyed the electric visor. If you want to avoid fogging, you must be plugged in. Also, be sure to close the visor until you hear the click: this ensures that the visor is in the locked position. This locking option is only found in the latest version of the R3 model. The drop-down internal sun visor is very practical during sunny days. The vision is also good and wide.
During trail riding, the helmet is quite noisy, but keep in mind that this is a hybrid helmet so it’s to be expected and almost inevitable. Remember: this is not a modular helmet! If you are looking for a modular helmet, the 509 Delta R4 Ignite helmet is a much more logic choice.
I really liked the polyurethane chin curtain. In cold weather, it will protect you from the elements. That said, it’s important to take the time to position it well in your snowsuit before closing it. Do not forget to fasten the helmet before performing this last step, as the clip is located below the chin curtain.
It’s also possible to use the goggles with the full-face configuration. You simply need to open up the visor completely and wear the goggles.
Open face for off-trail configuration
Converting the helmet is very quick and easy. The visor is fast to remove using the push buttons available on both sides of the helmet. Subsequently, two plastic pieces are provided and interlock on each side of the helmet to fill the void in the absence of the visor.
In order to use the helmet in off-trail mode, the use of goggles* is necessary.
*The goggles are not included with the purchase of the helmet.
The helmet also comes with a removable chin curtain as mentioned above. For off-trail riding, I suggest removing this piece. The frequent movements that off-road driving requires will cause the chin curtain to come out of your snowsuit. In my opinion, this is useless and too hot for this type of riding.
The helmet attachment, oh my goodness! The attachment is equipped with the FIDLOCK technology, a magnetic attachment technology. By far a unique experience of its kind. After two uses I have mastered this, and I will have a hard time going back to the traditional attachments that we find on other helmets on the market.
For more detailed information’s on the characteristics of this helmet, I invite you to visit the site https://ride509.com/
My Conclusion
This hybrid helmet fulfills its mandate well. It adapts well on and off the trails. As in every sport, it’s crucial to choose the right equipment according to your needs. If you only do trail riding, I therefore recommend a 100% modular helmet, and if you only go off-trail, an open-face style helmet is the ideal choice. If you do both, and want a helmet that will generally meet both categories, then this helmet is the perfect choice for you.
On that note, enjoy the remainder of the season, and perhaps we will be crossing paths on trails or between two mountains!
