Erich

I am thinking about upgrading from my polypropylene balaclava to this:
SPARCO FORMULA 1
http://www.ltbmotorsports.com/spfo1badueye.html



Since it is 5 times the cost of what I paid for my current balaclava, I am not sure if it is worthy as an investment.
On top of that, I bought a cotton shemagh for summer riding, because the black balaclava feels like an furnace around 75+ degrees. However, the shemagh has a multipurpose use, i.e. too lazy to wear a tie (and works as a head-cover in the summer).

The only bonuses I can think of are: it be cooler to wear in the summer (it's white), and it would be cool to wear (it's white and badass).

Pictures of what I currently use:
polypropylene balaclava (made in the USA, I hope)
Cost: 10 dollars, roughly
Purpose: To protect my neck from rain and wind. Does a reasonable job.
Cons: Hot in summer, looks like a bank robber if worn without helmet
Pros: Conceals my hippy hair, keeps head dry, appear like a ninja


(desert) shemagh (cotton, made in India)
Cost: I bought this at a surplus store 16 dollars
Purpose: An alternative for warmer weather, and when I want to appear more casual (I'm in college).
Cons: looks like terrorist apparel, very large, must wrap/fold or it is too bulky, costs more money
Pros: breathes better than the polypropylene (at least that's my experience), kind of stylish depending on the audience, very long (could be used as a large hand-towel)


What would you do, or suggest?

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Mithras

wtf would you waste your money on a nomex balaclava? planning on lighting your face on fire?

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Erich

You never know dude.

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Mithras

I used to wear nomex hoods all the time....they are usually thick and very hot....but comfy.

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Erich

Even in the summer, which do you think is cooler (less heat)?

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krautBurner

I've got a nomex hood,
never thought of wearing it on my bike tho.

just the car (because they tell me I have to)
along with my nomex jacket, gloves, ect...

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Mithras

I wore one when I was a firefighter and no matter what it was cooler than the 1000-2000 degree room I was currently in...

As for riding...it'd be like cooking your brain in the summer. Winter would probably be ok.

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DJ Nathan V

Might be thick enough to make your lid not fit right, also.

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Mithras

One of the problems I think you have is that you are considering trusting cotton to keep you cool. Cotton absorbs heat and sweat like crazy and holds onto it so it is not a good material to keep under your helmet.

Buy a synthetic material which will not trap sweat like cotton. For summer use buy something like this.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...lator-Cap.aspx

or this

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...at-Beanie.aspx

For winter wear what you already have or something like it of the thicker variety if you're still getting cold.

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Erich

Actually, I'm just looking for something that going to keep my neck and head covered ALL the time. That's why even in 90 degree weather I'll wear a balaclava anyway. I just want something that won't cook up as much as what I currently have.

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XcaptainXbloodX

what color shemagh did you get? diferent colors have different (and very serious) affiliations.

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DJ Nathan V

I use a microfiber balaclava when it's cold. It's thin enough not to affect lid fitment much but it still blocks enough wind to help.

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Mithras

Maybe you need...



or



and I'll take

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Erich

The same one in the picture above. Desert.

Mithras, lol. No!

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