Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

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Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
fotolia, mps-Studio

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

16 pictures

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
Javier Brosch – Fotolia (1) / mps photo studio

1/16
Anyone traveling by motorcycle in winter would like to have the hair dryer bring a dryer hood when the temperatures are icy. Twelve balaclavas for the cold season prove that it doesn’t have to get that far.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

2/16
Sinisalo Rob Hood: With its cozy fleece lining, the Rob Hood sits very comfortably on the skin. The large nose guard provides excellent protection, but makes it difficult to put on.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

3/16
Rukka Windstopper: The Rukka Windstopper impresses with a great fit and good protection against wind and weather. The wearing comfort should be a bit higher. The hood is visually reminiscent of the main characters of the Assassin’s Creed series, which in a way builds a bridge to Robin Hood. Or in this case to the next balaclava: Rob Hood …

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

4/16
Richa Balaclava: Even if the Richa Balaclava has a good fit, it cannot fully score in terms of comfort. The weather protection is only mediocre, not least because of the short overhangs in the shoulder area.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

5/16
Rev’it Maximus WSP: The Rev’it balaclava sits like a second skin on your head and lets the helmet slide over it very easily. The processing is great. Not only is the model laughing, but also the hood itself.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

6/16
Reusch Pro: The Reusch Pro offers excellent weather protection thanks to extensive insulation in the chest and neck area. The fit is acceptable.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

7/16
Probiker Windbreaker: Unfortunately, the good weather protection cannot hide the poor fit and the rough materials. There is still room for improvement. You have to look up anyway so as not to come into contact with the very annoying seam in the mouth / chin area.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

8/16
Held 9050: The Held balaclava 9050 cannot convince in terms of fit despite its different sizes. The lower seam of the neckline quickly wanders over the eyes in all sizes. The weather protection is okay.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

9/16
Forcefield Tornado +: The Forcefield impresses despite its universal size. Best fit and highest wearing comfort in the test; however, it can still improve a bit in terms of weather protection. With a price of 31.90 euros, it is our test winner.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

10/16
Dane Saksun: Not bad, but not a brilliant achievement either. The Dane Saksun is worth considering, especially for those who wear glasses thanks to its large field of view.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

11/16
Bad balaclava: Despite the different sizes, the Buse balaclava is not convincing in terms of comfort and fit. The hood slides over the eyes all too easily. The weather protection is okay though.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

12/16
Bering Cagoule: The Bering Cagoule leaves a very solid impression across the board. Only the food should be a little softer.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

13/16
Alpinestars Balaclava: The elaborate construction with two layers in the neck area is a matter of taste. Otherwise a really recommendable balaclava.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

14/16
All test specimens first had to prove in cool weather whether they could keep the icy wind away from the head, shoulders, neck, neck and chest with flying colors. The fit and wearing comfort were later tried out and assessed again with different head sizes and shapes. The hoods also had to be examined in detail in terms of processing quality.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

15/16
The MOTORRAD editorial team has tested twelve current balaclavas so that you don’t lose track of all the offers.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test
mps photo studio

16/16
Anyone looking for a decent balaclava that effectively protects against wind and weather can rest assured. All test persons deliver an at least acceptable performance here. The chest, neck, throat and face are safely prevented from cooling down. In terms of fit and comfort, however, the wheat is separated from the chaff. Extensive trying on and trying out before buying is strongly recommended. At prices between 19 and 50 euros, a bad buy would be quite annoying. Particular care should be taken to ensure that no rough or thick seams irritate the skin in the long term. People who wear glasses should choose a specimen with a fairly large field of vision.
Although all test candidates were tried out on different head shapes and sizes, in the end the Forcefield Tornado + in one size was able to convince all testers. It is also in the middle of the range in terms of price and is the MOTORRAD test winner.

clothing

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

12 balaclavas put to the test
Under the hood

Anyone traveling by motorcycle in winter would like to have the hair dryer bring a dryer hood when the temperatures are icy. Twelve motorcycle balaclavas for the cold season prove that it doesn’t have to get that far.

Roman Kirschbauer, Jorg Lohse

11/26/2015

Do they have to be that expensive? Do you even need these functional materials? In freezing temperatures, won’t the self-knitted scarf do the trick in an emergency? In the car, yes. But on the motorcycle you should always wear a well-insulated balaclava in the cold season. This ensures that the area between the torso and head is protected from cold drafts and precipitation in a windproof and weatherproof manner. Numerous manufacturers now offer textile suits that want to put an end to the wind with an extra-wide collar. But all those who have sat on the motorcycle for more than twenty minutes in temperatures around freezing point know what happens when only a gentle breeze finds its way into the helmet. Then not only is the nose hypothermic, but in the medium term the entire upper body will shiver.

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Alpinestars Balaclava


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


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Alpinestars Balaclava.

Providers: Alpinestars, phone 00 39/04 23/52 86, www.alpinestars.com

Price: 39.95 euros

Sizes: University

Country of Manufacture: Vietnam

plus: Elaborate two-layer construction in the neck area, drawstring for fixing; lies close to the head; no slipping when putting on the helmet; very good weather protection

minus: Relatively narrow entry; Less suitable for small heads; Breathing opening a little too small; fiddly handling

Conclusion: The elaborate construction with two layers in the neck area is a matter of taste. Otherwise a really recommendable balaclava.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Bering Cagoule


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Bering Cagoule.

Providers: Shark Helme Germany, phone 0 41 08/45 80 00, www.bering.fr

Price: 28.00 euros

Sizes: University

Country of Manufacture: China

plus: Comfortably tight fit on the top of the head; very effective wind stop on the neck and collar; draft free; proper processing; flat seams

minus: Lining should be a bit fluffier; The face cutout is tight and unsuitable for people who wear glasses

Conclusion: the Bering Cagoule makes a very solid impression across the board. Only the feed should be a little softer.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Buse balaclava


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Buse balaclava.

Providers: Buse, phone 0 24 71/1 26 90, www.buese.com

Price: 18.95 euros

Sizes: S to XL

Country of Manufacture: k. A..

plus: Good weather protection thanks to broad chest, neck and shoulder overlaps; when putting on the helmet slides easily over the head

minus: Unpleasant materials; thick and rough seams; Fit in size S / M already very loose; Hood slides over eyes; Pressure points always present

Conclusion: Despite the different sizes, the balaclava can be from Buse not convincing in terms of comfort and fit. The weather protection is okay though.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Dane Saksun


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Dane Saksun.

Providers: Motoport, phone 0 44 51/91 52 00, www.motoport.de, www.dane.eu 

Price: 37.95 euros

Sizes: S to XL

Country of Manufacture: China

plus: Large face cutout, great for people who wear glasses; flat seams; the relatively short wind stop effectively protects against drafts; proper processing

minus: Sits too loosely; not very elastic; Lining a bit scratchy; annoying seam on the ear; The mouthguard slips when you put it on

Conclusion: Not bad, but not a brilliant achievement either. the Dane Saksun is worth considering, especially for those who wear glasses thanks to its large field of vision.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Forcefield tornado+

Providers: Germot, phone 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de

Price: 31.90 euros

Sizes: University

Country of Manufacture: Portugal

plus: Great fit despite one size fits all; soft and supple feel; very good thermal properties; flat seams without pressure points; Also great for people who wear glasses

minus: Neck and shoulder overlap too tight; the nose has no protection

Conclusion: the Forcefield convinces despite universal size. Best fit and highest wearing comfort in the test; may improve something in terms of weather protection.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Hero 9050


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Hero 9050.

Providers: Held, phone 0 83 21/6 64 60, www.held.de

Price: 29.95 euros

Sizes: S to L

Country of Manufacture: Hungary 

plus: Pleasant feed; applies only slightly; short wind stop effectively keeps you warm and protects against drafts

minus: Poor fit, as the lower seam of the face cut runs from below over the eyes in all sizes; rustic processing; annoying seam on the mouth

Conclusion:: The hero Balaclava 9050 cannot convince in terms of fit despite the different sizes. The weather protection is okay. 

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Probiker windbreaker


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Probiker windbreaker.

Providers: Detlev Louis, phone 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de

Price: 16.99 euros

Sizes: S to L

Country of Manufacture: Taiwan

plus: Good weather protection thanks to an effective wind stop and large overlap

minus: The wide collar is difficult to stow under the jacket; heavily bulky, rough seams; centrally located, very annoying seam in the mouth / chin area; Field of view too tight

Conclusion: Unfortunately, the good weather protection cannot hide the poor fit and rough materials. There is still room for improvement.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Reusch Pro


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Reusch Pro.

Providers: Polo, phone 0 21 65/8 44 04 00, www.polo-motorrad.de

Price: 24.99 euros

Sizes: University

Country of Manufacture: China

plus: Processing ok; soft, fluffy fabric; very good weather protection, keeps you warm 

minus: Due to the universal size, mediocre fit; Presses seam below the nose; Helmet slides badly over head; For those who wear glasses, it may be too close to the eye area

Conclusion: the Reusch Pro offers excellent weather protection thanks to extensive insulation in the chest and neck area. The fit is acceptable.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Rev’it Maximus WSP


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Rev’it Maximus WSP.

Providers: Rev’it, phone 00 31/41/2 69 67 40, www.revit.eu

Price: 49.99 euros

Sizes: S and L

Country of Manufacture: Vietnam

plus: Sits comfortably crisp; Seams barely noticeable; overall accurately processed; wide viewing window; Material slips nicely into the helmet

minus: Scratchy in the neck area; Perforation for air inlet not optimally positioned, does not fit for mouth or nose

Conclusion: The Rev’it Maximus WSP balaclava sits like a second skin on your head and lets the helmet slide over it very easily. The processing is great.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Richa Balaclava


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Richa Balaclava.

Providers: Hein Gericke, phone 02 11/9 89 89, www.hein-gericke.de

Price: 29.99 euros

Sizes: University

Country of Manufacture: Vietnam

plus: Sits comfortably tight; The fabric on the top of the head ensures good climatic conditions

minus: Narrow entry; uncomfortable seams in the nose, mouth, eyes and ears; only moderate weather protection due to short overhangs in the shoulder area

Conclusion: Even if the Richa Balaclava has a good fit, it can’t really score in terms of comfort. The weather protection is also only mediocre.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Rukka windstopper


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Rukka windstopper.

Providers: Rukka Germany, phone 0 40/5 5110 55, www.rukka.com

Price: 42.95 euros

Sizes: S to L

Country of Manufacture: China

plus: Tight, comfortable fit; very good weather protection with optimal overlaps; Processing ok

minus: Lining quite rough; very annoying seam directly under the nose; Field of view can shift while driving; is statically charged

Conclusion: The windstopper from Rukka inspires with a great fit and good protection against wind and weather. The wearing comfort should be a bit higher.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Sinisalo Rob Hood


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Sinisalo Rob Hood.

Providers: Rukka Germany, phone 0 40/5 5110 55, www.sinisalo.com

Price:
29.90 euros

Sizes: S to XL

Country of Manufacture: China

plus: Very cozy fleece fabric; effective wind stop; Nose well insulated; proper fit

minus: Nose protection makes it difficult to put on the helmet without complications; Tissue somewhat bulky; Seams in the head area noticeable; unsuitable for people who wear glasses

Conclusion: With its cozy fleece lining, the Rob Hood sits very comfortably on the skin. The large nose guard provides excellent protection, but makes it difficult to put on.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Final scoring


Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


mps photo studio

The final evaluation at a glance.

Anyone looking for a decent balaclava that effectively protects against wind and weather can rest assured. All test persons deliver an at least acceptable performance here. The chest, neck, throat and face are safely prevented from cooling down. In terms of fit and comfort, however, the wheat is separated from the chaff. Extensive trying on and trying out before buying is strongly recommended. At prices between 19 and 50 euros, a bad buy would be quite annoying. Particular care should be taken to ensure that no rough or thick seams irritate the skin in the long term. People who wear glasses should choose a specimen with a fairly large field of vision. 

Although all the balaclavas tested were tried out on different head shapes and sizes, in the end the Forcefield Tornado + in one size was able to convince all testers. It is also in the middle of the range in terms of price and is the MOTORRAD test winner.

Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test

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Twelve balaclavas in a comparison test


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First without, then with a helmet: the balaclavas were tested by a total of six people

Even MOTORRAD editors sometimes have to work under the hood: All twelve test copies first had to prove in cool weather whether they could keep the icy wind away from the head, shoulders, neck, neck and chest with flying colors. It was also tested whether the balaclavas begin to slip in the heat of the moment and possibly restrict the field of vision dangerously. The fit and wearing comfort were later tried out and assessed again with different head sizes and shapes. The hoods also had to be examined in detail in terms of processing quality.

Head, face and torso are particularly sensitive to temperature

Mutti used to be only partially right when she grabbed you by the collar as you step out the front door, put on a cap and repeated the mantra of “You know that the body loses the most heat through the head”, she was still far widespread misbelief.

There are at least two reasons why the head is particularly in need of protection. First, the human organism tries to keep the head area at a constant 37 degrees for as long as possible, even in icy temperatures. The brain must always be well supplied with blood so that it can meet the diverse requirements. Accordingly, it has absolute priority when it comes to heat supply.

In other words, if a few fingers or toes freeze off, it can be annoying and painful, but the turnip on the neck is simply a matter of survival. So it makes sense to support the body right from the start. Second, the head, face and torso are particularly sensitive to temperature. If we keep these areas in cozy warmth, we feel better, are more concentrated and also have more fun.

A balaclava must provide effective protection against wind and moisture

So there are enough reasons not to allow so-called cold bridges to arise in the first place and to provide the chest, shoulders, neck and neck with extensive insulation. This is exactly what modern balaclavas do nowadays. In fact, they have nothing in common with a primitive cotton mask. The specifications for a perfect high-tech balaclava can be roughly described as follows: On the one hand, it must be equally tight on different head shapes and securely cover the face. The seams must not press into the skin, and the lining should be pleasantly cozy. The entire balaclava must not be too thick so that the helmet still fits and does not restrict the head. 

On the other hand, the hood must allow air exchange and moisture transport in the upper head area and have perforations or a large hole in the area of ​​the mouth and nose so that you get enough air to breathe. In the section below, this make must effectively protect against wind and moisture. In addition, the facial section should expose as little skin as possible, but also not be so tight that the field of vision – even with glasses wearers – is restricted at any point in time. In addition, a choice of material is required that allows the helmet to slide easily over the hood and thus makes nerve-wracking readjustment superfluous. Ultimately, the shoulder, chest and neck areas should be generously covered by the mask, but not throw any bulges under the jacket or helmet.

Between weather protection, fit & Comfort

Maria Musterhansel is quite amazed at what the manufacturer has to consider when producing balaclavas. The extensive test procedure reveals that it is not so easy for manufacturers to walk the fine line between weather protection, fit and comfort. With regard to weather protection, all products can still achieve a decent result. But there are noticeable differences in quality, especially when it comes to fit and comfort. Particularly annoying with numerous masks are the sometimes poorly made seams in the nose and mouth area. It is of little use that the inner fleece fluffily flatters the skin if, on the other hand, the seams rub all the harder against the upper lip.

In this respect, there are still opportunities for optimization in one place or another with the high-tech products. Incidentally, Maria Musterhansel is now back under the hood. She is looking forward to the first trip at single-digit temperatures – without the self-knitted scarf. And on the following pages we present all of the tested balaclavas so that you too will soon be well prepared if winter does come.

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