GMAX Snowmobile Helmets Review

This is my review of GMAX snowmobile helmets. 

Hi, I’m Chaz. I’ve been riding snowmobiles for most of my life and have nearly 30 winters of experience under my belt. I’ve done thorough research into Gmax helmets to provide you with all you need to know about the brand and its helmets.

GMAX is a reputable brand in the world of motorsports, and they have a variety of options for snowmobiling. Their helmets feature quality construction and versatile application, with many capable of dual-sport use.

This review will give you my thoughts on GMAX, including what I like and don’t like about the brand. I’ll also provide a more in-depth review of one of their best snowmobile-specific options – the GMAX MD-04S. 

Get your gear together, and let’s get after it. 

GMAX Helmets Overview

GMAX has several excellent snowmobile helmets. I particularly like their full-face modular helmets because they are pretty comfortable and have a really solid fit. They also offer considerable safety protection from severe impacts. 

All GMAX helmets have a motorcycle helmet look and feel to them. The brand makes plenty of options specific to motorcycles and has many more that are designed for dual-sport use. This styling carries over into their snowmobile helmets as well. 

The liners of all of the brand’s helmets are really comfortable and provide reliable all-day use. I like the feel of the fabric around the ears and would recommend wearing these helmets without a beanie. 

Quality and thought-out additional features are also included in most GMAX helmets. From moisture-wicking technologies to heavily UV-protected sunshields, you can expect to get added value with any of these. 

My top choice for a snowmobile helmet from GMAX is the MD-04S. This is a helmet that will keep you warm, comfortable, and safe on any trail and has unique features that boost its capabilities.

The GMAX AT-21S is a solid choice for an open-face snowmobile helmet that will work just as well in other off-road situations. It’s lighter in weight than the modular helmets the brand offers. 

I also like and recommend the GMAX GM-11 because it has a very affordable price while still offering many great comfort and performance features. 

GMAX is a lesser-known brand than some of the industry’s popular options, but they still have excellent helmets to choose from that cater to anyone who likes to participate in multiple sports.

GMAX MD-04S Review

The MD-04S is a top snowmobile helmet from GMAX. It’s a quality option that will keep you warm and protected on the trail. It earns decent marks across the board but has some issues with visibility that are easily noticeable. 

Construction 

The MD-04S is well constructed and built to last. It’s a modular-style helmet that sits snug around your head for complete protection. It’s built with a lightweight poly-alloy shell that makes it comfortable without weighing you down. 

I like the simplicity of a sleek, modular full-face helmet. It can feel a little claustrophobic for some riders, but it’s my preferred style of helmet. This option stands out with its minimal materials used in the build to keep everything efficient and effective. 

Visibility

The downside of a full-face helmet sometimes shows up in lack of visibility. The MD-04S is noticeably limited in that regard. You can still see out of the visor clearly straight in front of you, but the total field of view is relatively narrow.

That said, the area you can see through is clear, and I didn’t notice any issues with fog or moisture building up. The visor lifts easily if you want to ride with goggles and is a dual-lens style to get the added benefit of a UV400 protected shield.  

Comfort/Fit

This is also a comfortable helmet with a standard fit. I like the inside liner quite a bit. It keeps you warm while also providing additional comfort. You can remove the layer for a more customizable fit or if you want to ride with a beanie. 

The helmet runs true to size, and I don’t think you’ll need to size up or down. Just be sure to get the proper size, or else it can be too loose or uncomfortably tight. 

Additional Features 

There are a few additional features worth mentioning here that increase the value of the helmet. Coolmax Core Technology helps to wick moisture away and keep the inside dry. It also has a breath box, and chin curtain designed explicitly for colder weather. 

And I mentioned the UV400 protected sun shield, but it’s worth mentioning again because it really is effective.   

The Alternatives

If you want to look into some good alternative options from GMAX, I recommend any of the following helmets. 

1. GMAX AT-21S

This is an excellent open face option from GMAX. It is lightweight and will give you plenty of protection if you need it. It comes with a removable visor and can function well as a dual-sport option if you like to play when there isn’t any snow. 

2. Ski-Doo Modular 3

For a top-of-the-line option on the other end of the price spectrum, check out the Modular 3. This is one of the best helmets on the market and comes highly recommended. It’s expensive, but the extra features make it a great value. 

3. GMAX GM-11

This is a recommended budget option. It’s highly affordable while still providing you with the benefits of superior protection and comfort. The downside is that it isn’t very warm. 

4. 509 Altitude Carbon Fiber 3K

A great option for sled racers or anyone who wants a lightweight helmet built to perform, the Altitude Carbon Fiber 3K is a great open face helmet. I love the look and feel of this one. 

My Verdict

I would recommend any of the GMAX helmets you find linked here and especially the MD-04S. These helmets are all very lightweight and offer excellent safety. They aren’t quite top-of-the-line but offer quality performance in a budget package.

I’m a snowmobile fanatic. I live for riding and am out on the trails or backcountry as often as possible during the winter months. I was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains and have snowmobiled in dozens of North American locations. When the snow is falling, you’ll find me on a sled.