Balaclavas & Neck Tubes

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Balaclavas and neck tubes are the base layer that makes every helmet and jacket work harder. Thin textile hoods wick sweat off your face, block windchill and keep your collar clean. Shark Leathers stocks lycra, neoprene, thermal and moisture-wicking options from ZAN HEADGEAR, Oxford, Macna, Motodry and Merlin to suit every season. How to choose a motorcycle balaclava A balaclava does three jobs: it wicks sweat, blocks wind and keeps your helmet liner clean. The right weave depends on the season you ride. Lighter lycra and moisture-wicking weaves suit summer, while thermal fleece weights around 180g hold heat in winter. A neck tube or neck sock covers the gap between collar and helmet that lets cold air down your back. Type Material Best for Key spec Lycra balaclava Stretch textile Year-round, under any helmet 1 to 2mm flat seams, single or dual eye port Thermal balaclava Fleece-backed textile Sub-10C winter rides 180g fabric weight, full face coverage Neoprene face mask Neoprene Wind and cold blast 2 to 3mm panel, half-face fit Neck tube / sock Microfibre textile Collar gap, light layering One-size tube, 12-plus wear styles Fit and layering facts Fit decides comfort. A flat-seam balaclava sits under a helmet without pressure points, and one-size designs stretch across roughly 95% of adult head shapes. Keep total head-layer thickness under 3mm so your helmet still passes its 20mm cheek-pad fitment check and does not loosen. A dual-eye-port hood gives a wider field of view than a single round port. For winter touring, pair a 180g thermal hood with a neck tube to seal the 2 to 3cm gap most jacket collars leave open. Layer it under a certified jacket and a properly sized helmet for a complete cold-weather setup. Related: All Helmets · Full Face Helmets · Cold Weather Riding Gear · Road Textile Jackets Frequently asked questions What is the difference between a balaclava and a neck tube? A balaclava is a full hood that covers your head, neck and most of your face under t