The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

General Category => Totally Off-Topic Discussions, Rants, Tire & Oil Threads, Etc. => Topic started by: Milo_357 on September 03, 2011, 03:17:00 PM

Title: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: Milo_357 on September 03, 2011, 03:17:00 PM

Hey guys,

Being beautifully bald can, on occasion, be a negative when you wear a helmet.  I've been considering getting some kind of head covering.

My helmet is very snug, but pulls at my scalp sometime.  Does anyone out there use anything like this, what kind do you like, and what material is best?

Thanks gang,

Dell

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: Lucky_Lou on September 03, 2011, 03:48:18 PM

I wear a Balaclava thingy under my Helmet in winter its made from hollow fibre and i have ridden in -10c without feeling uncomfortable, but i did have an extra insulation layer of Hair.
Lou

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: montmil on September 03, 2011, 06:34:25 PM

I have my silk pilot's skull cap worn under USAF flight helmets. Good for all temps and seasons. Silk provides a slippery surface between head and helmet, keeps helmet hair at bay --not a concern for  you, Dell ::)- and weights next to nothing.

If you cannot locate a silk cap through motorcycle vendors, start checking pilot shops.

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: marcmax on September 03, 2011, 06:40:43 PM

Being a fellow baldy I always wear something between my helmet and my head. UnderArmour makes a skull cap that is basically a very thin polypro headband with a mesh center. Stretched easily, wicks moisture way and only has one seam, where the band and the mesh meet. Seams can mean the difference between a nice comfortable fit and wanting to tear your helmet off 20 minutes into the ride. I also have a polypro balaclava for winter riding.

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: nhmaf on September 03, 2011, 07:26:17 PM

A silk or poly-pro head-wrap can also be good for those of us still with our hair - to avoid that second day "helmet head" itchiness on those long, 500 mile per day, multi day trips.

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: Motu on September 03, 2011, 07:31:13 PM

I've been wearing a silk balaclava for the last 20 years,mainly in winter. I've tried a poly one,but they are more bulky.

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: Milo_357 on September 05, 2011, 07:03:16 PM

Having quite the manly beard also (which my wife loves), I am considering the balaclava to keep it from pulling also.  

Anyone have a link to a silk one? Off to google...

Marc, thanks for the UA advice.

Monte, remember, you can always shave your head, but you'll never be a pretty as we naturally bald guys are...  ;D

Title: Re: Opinions sought: balaclava, skull cap, or other
Post by: Semper Gumby on September 09, 2011, 10:07:25 AM

Hi Dell,

I have two Silkies from the Whitehorse catalog.  I throw one in the washing machine about once a week so once a week I get a fresh one.  If you don't throw them in the washing machine it kinda defeats the purpose.  I wear them year round.  Easier on my hair and makes the helmet liner last longer.

http://www.whitehorsegear.com/silky-motorcycle-helmet-liner

I have a Balaklava but I don't like it as when it is that cold (15'f - 35'f range) the Balaklava concentrates the moisture in your breath inside the helmet fogging my visor.  For me the Silky works better with a good set of Gerbings.   8-)