Popular brands
Today, balaclavas of the Starks and Hyperlook brands are very popular among athletes. The Gears Anti Freeze Balaclava trademark does not lag behind. The Italian manufacturer Dainese has shown itself on a good side. The company received the title of a leader in the world market, as it manufactures high-quality outfit suits. Moreover, this manufacturer is constantly introducing new technologies in the process of sewing uniforms, namely, converting familiar materials into more perfect fabrics, increasing their properties.
Thus, Dainese liners, made of perfect silk, instantly eliminate sweat discharge from the surface of the head and provide maximum thermal regulation.
Advantages and disadvantages
Balaclavas have a lot of advantages, but there are also disadvantages. The main advantage is human protection. It covers most of the face, and at the moment of movement at high speed, the skin does not weather, and insects do not get into the eyes. The inside of the helmet itself is always kept clean. No foreign smell remains inside. Thanks to this fact, cleaning a helmet or helmet disappears by itself.
In principle, a comforter can be called thermal underwear. In the hot season, it absorbs the sweat that comes out, and during the cold weather it warms its owner. This piece of equipment makes riding a bike or snowboarding more comfortable.
The disadvantage is the inconvenient slit for the eyes. However, with the right choice of this item of uniform, such a problem does not arise. It is not always convenient to use a balaclava in summer or in conditions with an increased room temperature. People with too sensitive skin may develop an allergic reaction. This is due to the incorrectly selected liner material.
Materials (edit)
Modern models of comforters differ in the material of manufacture. Some are made of high quality fabric, while others keep their shape until the second wash.
Further, it is proposed to get acquainted with the most popular materials used in the manufacture of balaclavas.
Cotton. Natural fabric of low cost, which is why it is in demand. Ideal for beginner motorcyclists. Experienced bikers try to bypass cotton balaclavas as they appreciate the pleasant sensations while riding. But cotton actually causes discomfort. And after the second wash, the fibers of the fabric begin to creep, and small holes form in places of thinning.
What are they?
Today there are many types of balaclavas, differing not only in design features, but also in design. For example, for bikers or snowboarders, a lot of monochrome models and with an unusual print in the form of a skull or tongues of flame have been developed.
Construction balaclavas, as well as liners designed for firefighters or welders, are made only in one color. This outfit does not have any logos, stickers, patches and other decorative elements. Among other things, seasonal models have been developed. At the same time, winter options can be worn even in everyday life.
Whole
The presented type of balaclava has an open area only in the eye area. Some models are equipped with a mouth slit. In a one-piece comforter, a person is maximally protected from unwanted influences.
Hats
This type of balaclavas is mainly used by motorcyclists. It has the shape of a hat familiar to everyone, only a helmet is put on over it.This model is very easy to use, but its usefulness is much lower.
For motorcycle helmet
Helmet balaclavas are mostly worn by bikers. Its main function is to protect the user while driving. A distinctive feature of the helmet liners is their design.
Masks
A mask-like comforter hides the face, protecting the respiratory tract from dust, insects and other particles flying in the air.
Tubular
A distinctive feature of the presented type of comforters lies in the design. Tubular models not only cover the head, but also serve as protection for the neck and shoulders.
Buffs
A unique transformable balaclava variety that can be worn as a hat, bandana or as a trumpet model.
How to choose?
Choosing a quality balaclava is not an easy task. External characteristics and design are not the most important aspects.
There are a number of special parameters that you should pay attention to first.
Comforter material. It should be elastic, soft, after washing, take its original shape, in the hot season it must absorb sweat discharge well, while not creating a feeling of discomfort
For allergy sufferers, it is extremely important to choose a balaclava made of natural silk.
Design. Perforated inserts should be present in the nasal area to facilitate human breathing.
The visual part of the face must be open so that the user of the comforter has a full view.
Operational requirements. For summer wear, it is preferable to purchase light comforters. Such models have excellent ventilation properties, while protecting a person from dust and dirt. During cold weather, it is preferable to choose insulated balaclavas. These options are also suitable for skiing and snowboarding.
What is it and why is it needed?
Having started a conversation about balaclava, parents of young children imagine their child in a colorful knitted winter hat with a pompom that covers most of the head and throat. In children's models, only the face area remains open. Adults wear this item of clothing along with the outfit for extreme pastime. In such outfits, the balaclava plays the role of protection and personal hygiene of its owner.
A comforter is worn by many bikers, all snowboarders, sometimes cyclists. As the driving speed increases, the open visor protects its wearer from dirt, dust, snow and insects flying towards it. With such a product on your head, even the wind ceases to be a hindrance. The face, which is mostly closed, is not weathering. And with the arrival of cold weather, insulated liners protect a person from frostbite.
Do not forget that the protective balaclava is an important element of the equipment of specialists, whose work is associated with a risk to life. In this case, we are talking about firefighters, welders, electricians working with high voltage, rescuers and other similar professions. For these people, special suits have been developed with different bells and whistles and equipment. However, the common items of equipment are shoes, a helmet and a comforter.
Firefighters are skeptical about balaclava. Some try to dress her for challenges of any complexity in any weather conditions. Others are sure that this piece of equipment was created exclusively for the winter season. In conversation, fire-fighters prefer to call balaclavas "podkasniki". You can call this word professional firefighter slang. However, the essence of this piece of equipment, regardless of the name, does not change. And only the technical documentation reveals the correct name for the fire balaclava.
According to the current GOST R 53264-2009, a specialized element of a firefighter's outfit - a comforter made of knitted material using heat-resistant fibers - must be used in a complete set of SZO designed to protect the head of a fire fighter with thermal and climatic influences. The comforter, present in the welder's outfit, also plays a protective role. Its fabric construction fits snugly around the head, covering the shoulder and neck regions of the torso. At the same time, it makes no difference which part of the equipment will be worn over the balaclava, be it a regular construction helmet or a welding mask.
The modern market of protective uniforms for welders is replete with a wide variety of liners. In this case, we are not talking about design solutions, but about technical characteristics. In simple terms, welder balaclavas are classified according to performance requirements.
Care Tips
Any item of specialized equipment must be properly cared for. Balaclavas among the complete list of uniforms require special attention.
When washing, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the material. On the liner tag there is an explanation at what temperature and at what mode this item of clothing can be washed
For example, if the liner is made of silk, it is recommended to set the delicate mode in the washing machine. Do not under any circumstances add spinning to the program. And the most important thing is to use the minimum amount of powder. It is recommended to use a mesh handbag or pouch to wash your balaclava.
