Sure, a a helmet but you need more than that when it comes to road safety. You’ll want your helmet visor to not fog up even when you breathe heavily or drive during cold weather so you can clearly see the road ahead.
Condensation is the major cause of fogging inside your helmet visor. Since your entire head is enclosed with the helmet, the air that you breathed out will get trapped inside the helmet and create a mist or fog. This fog condition gets worse during the cold weather.
We know how annoying it is to have a helmet visor that keeps fogging up so we’ll offer you solutions and tips for maximum visibility. Here are 9 solutions to stop the fog from forming inside your helmet visor.
1. Anti-Fog Inserts
Anti-fog inserts are thin, clear plastic sheets that affixed to the visor’s inner side in one way or another. They prevent your visor from fogging up by stopping the condensation from developing inside. These inserts have a hydrophilic layer that effectively absorbs the moisture and keeps everything clear.
We believe that anti-fog inserts are the best solution for a fog-free helmet visor. There are many versions available on the market, but they all function in the same way. Some popular anti-fog inserts are:
2. Pinlock Lens
The Pinlock anti-fog lens is another type of insert which can be installed inside the main visor. It makes a double glazing effect, which helps keep the same temperature between the outside and inside of the visor. This ensures that your visor can remain closed even on cold, wet days.
The Pinlock lens is usually made of an organic and clear material, which is built with a silicon edge. To install, simply lock the lens between the plastic pins at both sides of the main visor. The silicon edge creates a tight bond with the visor around the insert, preventing the moisture from getting trapped between these two areas.
The greatest advantage of Pinlock is it can keep you warm during the cold days and nights. When remains warmer than the primary helmet visor, no moisture will condense.
Many motorcycle helmets already include Pinlocks in the package. If you want a helmet that includes a Pinlock, look for Pinlock enabled helmets. These helmets have small Pinlock locating posts already set inside the visor.
3. Anti-Fog Sprays
There are many anti-fog sprays and treatments available on the market today. All of these products aim to temporarily stop the fog from building inside your visor. Most of them use a chemical surfactant to break the surface tension of the water, thereby evaporating the water and offering a clear view.
Here are some of the best anti-fog sprays that you should consider:
Since the result is only temporary, you may need to reapply the anti-fog spray after 24-72hours. Ideally, you need to treat your helmet visor with this spray each time before use. To apply, simply clean your helmet visor then spray the anti-fog solution evenly and dry.
This temporary anti-fog solution is suitable for people who rarely ride in wet conditions. However, you may need to consider the next option if riding a motorbike is your hobby or lifestyle.
4. Anti-Fog Coating
Let’s get this straight: the anti-fog coating isn’t a permanent solution but it’s longer lasting than anti-fog spray. The anti-fog coating can last for about 1-2 years. Still, this is a better option if you don’t want to reapply the anti-fog spray before each use.
There’s no hassle in applying the anti-fog coating because the manufacturer will apply it themselves. Generally, the manufacturer may use various grades of hydrophilic ingredients to eliminate fogging on the helmet visor.
5. Foggy Mask
Since your breath can virtually cause fog inside the visor, the better way to stop it is to wear a mask. The Respro Foggy Breathguard is a neoprene mask that covers your mouth and nose to prevent the visor from fogging up. This foggy mask is designed to fit for all full-face crash helmets.
Besides preventing your visor from fogging up, the Foggy Breathguard can filter all the pollution outside. Your visor stays clear while smelling clean air while you’re out riding.
6. Anti-Fog Wipes
One best way to prevent fogging up in your visor is to clean the grime and repel the water. Moisture is one major cause of fog so you’ll want to eliminate it at all cost. To remove moisture and dirt buildup, use an anti-fog wipe. These wipes try to stop the fog from setting in.
Some of the best anti-fog wipes available today are:
7. Water Repellents
Another anti-fogging solution is to use water repellents. These water repellents use chemicals to prevent fogging inside your helmet visor. Besides using them for your helmet visor, you can also use these products to clean your glasses or spectacles.
8. Clean With Dishwashing Soap
Perhaps, the cheapest way to prevent fogging in your helmet visor is to clean it up. All you need is a dishwashing soap and some soft rags.
To do, put a small amount of dishwashing soap on a soft rag and apply it inside of the visor. Next, take another soft rag and gently rub the visor until it becomes clear. Now, put your helmet on and try to be amazed at how it won’t fog up even when you breathe on it directly.
Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwashing soap can be effective when done right.
9. Increase Ventilation
Increasing ventilation is one way to prevent the fog from developing inside your helmet visor. Open your visor to ensure that the air you exhaled goes directly outside the helmet. When you ride at high speed, the increased ventilation will drive the exhaled air away.
But what happens if it rains? Your face will be soaked wet if you open the visor. The best way is to open the visor slightly using the notch on the helmet visor.
Another way to increase ventilation is to open the vents, specifically those that are positioned around your chin. Doing this technique will dispel the air that you exhaled away from your visor. If your helmet has a removable chin bar, the better because you can just remove this piece for proper ventilation.
Final Thought
Helmet manufacturers do take fogging seriously because not seeing the road clearly can be incredibly dangerous. Thanks to technology, many solutions are available to solve this fogging problem. Anti-fog inserts, Pinlocks, and anti-fog sprays are some of the best solutions for visors that fogs up when wet and cold.
Try all our anti-fog solutions and be amazed! Ride safely.
