Ducati Monster Forum

I like to wear a balaclava under my helmet to keep my head warm and also because I can easily wash it.

However, I have a problem with it leaving indentations on my face (from the seams) for a little while after a ride. :(

Most of the balaclavas I have seen are "one size fits all" which are way too big for my head.  I did end up getting one at REI, it is "Outdoor Research" and comes in small and fits better, it also has flat seams, but it still leaves some lines.  The seams are both inside and outside so reversing it will not help.

Has anyone found a good solution to this?

I have seen one that is made from a fleecy material that doesn't seem to have "face" seams.  I'll check at home and let you know the manufacturer.  The problem is that it may be too much warmth as the weather heats up.

It won't be. It's cold up in these hills.

Hi Dolci,

That would be great if you could let me know what you find out, thanks! :)

Not that I wish anyone to age any faster than we already do but fast forward to hot flash age and you'll be ditching your balaclava and a few other things too!

 ;D

sorry for the delay - did Avon Walk for the Cure this past weekend so I've been a bit preoccupied.

the fleecy one is a Gator (at least that's the only tag in there).  I'm going to ask another friend about it since I think the main manufacterer is probably someone else.  There are NO seams at all.

This is the company it came from:

http://www.gator-sports.com/ (http://www.gator-sports.com/)

http://www.gatorgear.biz/index.html (http://www.gatorgear.biz/index.html)

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much, I'll check it out! [thumbsup]

Paula -
    the go cart place had these thin liners for people to use whe they didn't bring their own helmets.  Not as warm as fleece, but easy to wash.  probably less seam to make skin indentations. 
     Unfortunately, the go kart place is over an hour away.  Next time I'm in the area, I'll see if I can buy one for you.
laura

Thanks Laura, actually I also have one from our local go kart place but it has seams and is way too big for my head.

I did order the gator one that dolci suggested, but it is too thick and doesn't fit under my helmet so I am going to try to return it. :(

I'll keep my eyes peeled for what would work.....

Maybe Mr I's Tin Foil Hat??  Oh yeah, the tin foil would also causes creases.  Duh!!!

Sorry about that. 

I found this one (http://www.brigadeqm.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/store/level4c.tam?M5COPY%2Ectx=30937&M5%2Ectx=30937&M2%5FDESC%2Ectx=Headwear&level3%2Ectx=level3c%2Etam&BC3%2Ectx=Clothing&BC4%2Ectx=Headwear&backto=%2Fstore%2Flevel3c%2Etam). Not sure how much insulation it offers or how big it is, but being married to Mr. I, the flame retardant feature could come in handy.

http://www.indiebike.com/Cycling-Apparel/Head-Wear/Giordana-Roubaix-Balaclava (http://www.indiebike.com/Cycling-Apparel/Head-Wear/Giordana-Roubaix-Balaclava)
(http://www.indiebike.com/core/media/media.nl;jsessionid=0a0109491f43d89789821a4341058cabf65b722cc7e7.e3eSc38LcheTe34Pa38Ta38MaNr0?id=3770&c=651453&h=db7ca98c89888757ff30)

http://www.bicyclingworld.com/templates/product.aspx?rqProductID=17052 (http://www.bicyclingworld.com/templates/product.aspx?rqProductID=17052)
(http://www.bikemania.biz/v/vspfiles/photos/Nalini_Alpinia-2.jpg)

Both leave a seam running down a the middle of her forehead.

You could easily make a pattern of your own by cutting up one that fits you. Just make sure you cut it from ear to ear over the top of your head.

Good idea, thanks! :)

This doesn't help with the cold head issue, but my Scorpion helmet has removable liners and cheek pads that I just throw in the washer.  This is nice for your everyday helmet, but is especially invaluable for a track day helmet.  My track helmet gets sweaty nasty funky!

I use one of these http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=1036 (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=1036)
and it works really well.  Keeps me warm and cuts the wind down.  And, is made specifically for riding so they keep the material fairly thin.

Thanks for the tip! :)  Unfortunately that one is one size fits all so it will be too big and it is full of seams so I doubt it will solve my original issue.

I just got my gf a Buff for Xmas: https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1 (https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1)

No seams, different materials (including merino wool) and loads of colors.  Hope this helps. 

yay for reviving old threads!

as i was lookign around i started thinking about your issue with the lines left by seams.
are you trying to keep you whole head warm or jsut keep the wind off of your neck?

how about something like this?
http://www.mfiap.com/halo/helmax.htm (http://www.mfiap.com/halo/helmax.htm)


also, all of the balaclavas that i have found have flat seams which will still leave marks.
some of them are actually sized S, M, and L though.

Thanks for the bump and the input. [thumbsup]

I'm trying to keep my face warm.  I also have a neck scarf that I use almost all the time (without issues) and that keeps my neck comfy.  For some reason, even though I keep all my helmet vents closed, I still feel lots of cold air coming in.

If all had I was a line left from a flat seam, it might not be so bad, but even my S-sized balaclava bunches up and I get the wrinkle marks.  I may try pinning it in the back to see if holding it more taut helps out.

the air might be coming in from the underside of the helmet. look inot the foggy guard or i believe it's called "windjammer" which is basically a gasket that fits tight around your neck to keep the wind out of your helmet.

I have a neck warmer from Cycle gear. Its most excellent cost is around $25.00 or so. Awesome product, forgot what it is called though, Wind and cold resistant. Simply fit over your head and neck and then do your jacket up. It usually sits just under my nose so my neck is never exposed to the cold in the winter.Does not cover my head like a balaclava.

p- i found this one in the closet this morning. i forgot i bought it. it's only got a fleece neck instead of the goretex one i usually use, but it stopped the wind at 30 degrees well enough. the seams are also pretty nice. they are the flat seams, but they are smaller than my other ones and don't have the same amt of stitching.

http://www.spyder.com/Girls-Accessories-Hats/GIRLS-SHELTER-BALACLAVA-5950.html?color=677 (http://www.spyder.com/Girls-Accessories-Hats/GIRLS-SHELTER-BALACLAVA-5950.html?color=677)

if you don't want the hot pink look at the boys section, still small, and black. (this one is easier to see the definition on)
mine def makes my helmet tighter, but the seams arent' bad at all. i didn't notice any lines when i got to work or got home today.
i also put the hood further up on my head so it doens't come down and obstruct my field of view as i put my helmet on. i use it in conjunction with the foggy breath guard and have no trouble (except when a mustache hair gets turned the wrong way and goes up my nose  [laugh])

Thanks T!  I found one place that carries the girls version in black as well, good thing as I'm not sure MrI would come near me with the big spider on the boys version.  I'll have to check it out.
http://www.ski-n-stuff.com/product-info.php?pid9020.html (http://www.ski-n-stuff.com/product-info.php?pid9020.html)

Good idea on looking at kids stuff, that's what I did for my dirtbike gear.


Hopefully I won't have that problem. ;D

tell him to stop being such a pansy or you'll set him on fire  ;D



if you suddenly show up with a stache i'll be really freaked out.