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Modular Helmets, FXR vs GMAX

12K views 51 replies 28 participants last post by  Rev M&S  
#1 ·
Changing to a modular helmet for this season, can anyone give insight into either FXR's Fuel Modular vs GMAX 54 or 64 Modulars. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
 
#2 ·
The wife and I both run Gmax but we run the older 44S's with the external sun shade. We've had them for 6 yrs now and last year I tried the 54 and found it very drafty with very poor quality venting (vents popped off). Got my money back and went back to the 44S. The 44's are not the flashiest and not sure if you can get the external sunshade today as they still make the 44's, but for me they seal well, vent decently, have exchangeable cheek pads to find the ones that are comfortable for you personally. The only downside is they don't have a steel post for the modular lock as it uses a plastic locking system which won't be quite as safe if ever in a severe crash.

Here's an older pic from 2012.
 

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#3 ·
Friend of mine has a GMax 54s. I really like the rear mounted red light - really helps to see him at night when the snow dust obscures the sleds tail light and the pull down sun shield is really nice on those sunny days - although he says the sun screen fogs up a lot.
Also like the small LED on the electric visor to let you know the visor is getting 12v.

I bought a flat black one and can't wait to try it out this winter. :buttrock:
 
#8 ·
I have owned three of them since 2004 and I think it's a great helmet except that it is so damn heavy :wall:

I've been trying to find a carbon fiber sled lid with an electric shield, if anyone knows where I can find one post it up :bc2:

Hey BuRP, how about making a carbon fiber BVS2 :fistpump2:
 
#5 · (Edited)
If you go GMAX route, I would with with newer version GM64 that has less vents and draft issues. 3 of us having been using the GM54 for several seasons. Pretty happy for the most part but on cold days below 0 Fahrenheit on fast trails, it can get a little drafty and can get a bit cold in spots. Too many vents in my opinion and they can leak when closed. That's my only issue. I took the liners out and taped the inside a bit and it's better. The new helmet address this complaint supposedly. Otherwise they have been great. I'd go with the heated shield.
 
#6 ·
I like my GMax 54S. Can't say I have much experience with others, but I do like the GMax. Have to agree the LED on the shield is helpful, you know power is getting to it.

One downside could be that since there are not so many dealers, if the shield fails on a trip, you may have trouble getting another. For that reason, there is an upside to something like an HJC, they sell them most everywhere. Didn't consider that before I bought mine, but it has not failed either...
 
#13 ·
509 had the Xero modular helmet for a couple seasons. Designed / made by NiTEK as a motorcycle helmet (NiTEK Diamond) , then 509 added a few things to make it a snowmobile helmet. But expensive !!! And I think that might be why they no longer are being produced (??).
I like the one I have. But still find myself using my CAT TXI on real cold days.....
 
#25 ·
Good question! The one that you linked to is just a motorcycle helmet meaning that is just has a clear single pane shield. The $269.95 helmet on our site has an ELECTRIC shield. If you're not looking for an electric shield we also offer them in a dual pane no fog shield as well....the price on those is $189.95.

If you truly find the identical helmet online for cheaper we will BEAT that price!

LS2 Strobe Modular with Electric

LS2 Strobe Modular with Dual Pane

:bc2:
 
#30 ·
We have run communicators in a number of these (LS2) helmets without issue. Regarding sizing they run very similar to an HJC. Most find that the same size LS2 will be what they need but in about 20% of cases they will order the next larger size LS2. Not an issue with free returns/exchanges on helmets and gear when you purchase from us! :bc:
 
#38 ·
I have used the GMAX 64s with an electric shield for 2 seasons now and I really like it. It is comfortable, warm, real quiet with no air leakage and the shield is always clear. Being heated it does well in freezing rain or ice fog where an electric shield is the only option.
The internal shield works great and so far no fogging or icing other than when stopped with helmet closed. Clears up with a crack of the external shield or by opening vents if I'm stopped for a while. I have a tinted as well as amber internal shield. Quick click in and out to change over.

The vents are well laid out and allow you to keep the helmet free of sweat while not getting cold.

I can't wear the Doo BVS2 or Modular as the face piece makes me feel claustrophobic.
 
#42 ·
Well I purchased and already rec'd the 64s this weekend. The fit and finish is great. The seal looks like it should work very well.
Ordered it with both the dual lens and electric just in case.
It fits very well with my glasses even with the sun shade. The breath box folds away when in the up position and comes down for a perfect fit with out fuss when I close it.
We will see how it works in the real world this winter.
 
#44 ·
Going Modular

Make sure you give the CKX Modular Helmets a good look over.

I was going to go FXR because this is what I got my GF last year and it has worked great. Then looked into the Gmax line-up. Finally decided on the CKX Tranz 1.5 RSV EVO Snow Modular with Electric Shield. denniskirkdotcom/3309013L
I am not going to advertise the features of this or that product here, I am just letting yall know what I chose to do after my due diligence. I research things a lot before pulling the trigger and the Tranz 1.5 EVO covers all my modern helmet needs.
So far I am nothing but impressed with the Tranz 1.5 EVO as I have used it in several riding conditions on my motorcycle with great results. I believe this will continue into snowmobile season.

Now to decide on communicators... :bc:
 
#49 · (Edited)
Make sure you give the CKX Modular Helmets a good look over.

I was going to go FXR because this is what I got my GF last year and it has worked great. Then looked into the Gmax line-up. Finally decided on the CKX Tranz 1.5 RSV EVO Snow Modular with Electric Shield. denniskirkdotcom/3309013L
I am not going to advertise the features of this or that product here, I am just letting yall know what I chose to do after my due diligence. I research things a lot before pulling the trigger and the Tranz 1.5 EVO covers all my modern helmet needs.
So far I am nothing but impressed with the Tranz 1.5 EVO as I have used it in several riding conditions on my motorcycle with great results. I believe this will continue into snowmobile season.

Now to decide on communicators... :bc:
CKX Tranz, Very warm, Pretty quiet, Decent venting..
But,
The hinge points and the latches are extremely weak, I had a 40mph dismount, I landed on the groomed trail (thank God) face first.
The whole face shield sheared completely off. All parts that hold the shield to the helmet are broken.
The disturbing part is, the impact was not hard enough to even put a scratch in the helmet or visor.
I vote GMAX64S.
GMAX64 and LS2 helmets have metal pins/latches
:bc:
 
#46 ·
Is your chin touching the chin skirt when closed?! Or is your chin actually touching the front of the helmet where the latch is to open the modular!?

If your chin is touching the skirt, just remove it by pressing near the dots in the material.
If your chin is touching the helmet's shell, you really need to check if the helmet sizing is right for you.

I am usually L during summer, and XL during snowmobile season. I definitely had to go XL with the CKX, as they run just slightly tight.
 
#50 ·
GMax report.
Fits great. Have only used the heated shield and must say it is nice not having issues with the glasses now.
Wind noise is not to bad. Not sure how quiet a helmet can be. No wind in the helmet at all. Installed all the foam plugs they supply due to 6 degree F temps last week and was able to ride with it unplugged but fogged a little bit with no heat due to swapping sleds.
The sun shade works great. No fogging at all and spoils you on full sun days. Surprised me. I have noticed the pivot hinge can be shifted to one side enough that only one side locks if in a hurry and man handled. Only happened once. This produces noise and wind which will be noticed immediately. All in all very happy so far. Only have 5 rides so far.
On another note the helmet will produce water vapor from breathing in it. The breath box can freeze when left on sled seat for a length of time. Place on handle bars and no issue.
 
#52 ·
Comparing mine to the you tube vid..My helmet has 1/2 the foam thickness on the sides..(same size helmet as per vid)..Wife's is good..Must have screwed up on my helmet..The nose piece was also 1 inch to short to contact the side where it attaches..
Hence wind coming around my neck and up inside..sending pics to my dealer in the morning..