Mototech Storm Balaclava review, after a week of usage. I needed one, given that Bangalore (after a long time) was getting a bit chilly in the nights. Glad that we had a club meet at a motorcycle store, time to give them some business.
Mototech Storm Balaclava’s Fit
There are many elements that make up a good balaclava. Three of the most important for me are being able to see, being comfortable and having the neck protected from wind and insect hits.
1. How well can you see
The Storm balaclava on wearing it first feels good. But, this feeling goes away quickly as the opening shrinks back pushing your lower eyelids. I really do not know how people with larger heads or more hair will squeeze into it. They will just try it and move onto other products, I guess.
2. How does it feel under the neck
It feels soft. I had not shaved and sometimes the cloth against the stubble can be a pain. No issues there.
3. How well does it protect
The neck feels long enough. But, this is when I’m not wearing a helmet. The main use of the balaclava for me is under a helmet. I’m not an army sniper on the top of the building. I’ll come back to this in a bit in the conclusion since this is the most important for me.
Under Helmet Performance
The material is pretty good and does not bunch up under the helmet and holds it position. I need to do a quick post wear adjustment, but this is totally understandable. I do not think you can get around that if you are wearing a correctly sized helmet. Featured here under a SOL dual-sport helmet.
Given that this product is specifically for motorcycles, I would have expected them to have thought through the design for breath vents. The balaclava directs the hot air from the nose straight up and fogs up the glasses. Very evident when you are stopped at traffic lights. Fogs up to a level where the glasses become unusable.
Cost, colors, where did I buy it, etc.
I paid Rs. 300.00 for it from Moto Store & Café, here in Bangalore. I bought the Black one that you see in the pictures, it is also available in Grey as you see on the packaging.
Also, see how close the edge of the balaclava is to the eye, even on their own photos on the packaging.
Mototech Storm Balaclava Specifications
- Gender: Unisex
- Proudly, Made in India
- Size: Open Size
- Content: 97% Cotton, 3% Lycra
- Machine Wash Cold
- Do not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low
Mototech Storm Balaclava Review Conclusion
The quality of the material is good. But, it is really let down by the design. Especially about deflecting breath away from goggles.
The most important reason why I picked up a balaclava was for weather protection for the neck. But, I am a disappointed that this does not have a long neck to keep your neck completely protected from the wind. Especially given that once you strap up the helmet under the chin, the length of the neck is woefully short.
It’s not going to keep you warm. You’re going to have cold air hitting your neck. And, on a long ride on the highway, like the one to Nagpur that’s coming up in a month, it is NOT going to be fun. I bought this as a complete solution, but if I use this I think I will have to use a buff for the neck or a scarf.
Will I buy this again?
At the end of Mototech Storm Balaclava Review, though I liked the material, I will not buy this again. Unless they change the design.
To Mototech, let me know if you guys decide to update the design of this balaclava.
What is a balaclava anyway?!
If you have read the Mototech Storm balaclava review but still are not clear what a balaclava is, here goes.
balaclava
ˌbaləˈklɑːvə
noun BRITISH
noun: balaclava; plural noun: balaclavas; noun: balaclava helmet; plural noun: balaclava helmets
a close-fitting garment covering the whole head and neck except for parts of the face, typically made of wool.