I use a Stilo ST5 Composite helmet, but really struggle with the use of tear-offs. I have tried both 2mil and 4mil thicknesses, encountering aggravating issues with both:
- I have tried several versions of Racing Optics tear-offs.
- 2mil seem to tear prematurely at the mounting posts. I have been careful to not twist the post too far, but it needs to stretch the films tightly. Thus, struggle to not get too loose and they work themselves off while driving or get too tight and they tear.
- I would prefer to use the larger quantity 2mil pack simply for economics.
- 4mil do not tear at the post, but I struggle when removing a layer it leaves all marks on underneath layer reducing clarity.
- Do yall fold over the finger hole extensions on one or both sides of your helmet?
- One of the versions of tear-offs had an oversized Large Tabs finger hole extension - total waste as those flaps were destroyed while driving in wind
- Before reloading a new packet, I normally remove the visor entirely and really clean both sides of the visor using Acrysol before packet application. Thus, I know the visor is clear.
- For whatever reason, after application of any of the tear-off packets, it seems visor vision clarity is reduced. I am curious what it takes to get clear vision thru visor with tear-offs in place?
Do yall have any recommended tear-offs for me to try: link, part number, etc?
Hi Dan (@raider89), I can’t help much here but I can share a few things. Yes, there is a minor loss of clarity when using tear offs, but it is very minor on my Bell helmet. Regarding the folding of the tabs… yes fold the tabs on alternating sides. For example, the first tab is on the right and the second tab is on the right. It makes it much easier to know that you are mot tearing off multiple sheets.
Tear offs knowledge seems to be hard to come by, as helmets vary and everyone has their own experience. Dirt track drivers seem to run stacks of 10, and pull them off as a normal part of every event, so you can find some tips and tricks in that space.
The tear offs I run with my Zamp helmet only have 1 pull tab, likely the oversized one you're referring to. The tab takes a beating in the wind and usually fails (2mil to 5mil just changes how long it lasts). You can "fix" it with a piece of duct tape folded over to reinforce the tab, it also makes it easier to grab with a gloved hand. I do this inconsistently.
A reduction in vision clarity is expected. You can't avoid it, and you'll get accustomed to it if you always use one.
Each additional tear off reduces optical clarity. I use a single tear off 100% of the time, and in theory would do multiples during a rainy day at a potentially muddy track. I prefer the 5mil which I'll use 1 per day and live with it getting beat up, or swap mid-day if it has picked up something optically undesirable. The 2mil don't last as long, and swapping them all the time is a bother. I haven't (yet) had a scenario where removing a tear-off while driving would restore vision, but I've practiced removing one while at speed (where do you put it after you remove it? I tucked it under a harness strap, but it seems like letting it fly is the easy option). It's a workable setup for me even with a wind buffeted frayed tab.
