MTB Helmet choice
Discussion
My trusty Giro Switchblade is, well, it's ****ed, basically. Long period of non use has lead to the shell delaminating and the pads all falling off. It probably does more harm than good.
So, with that in mind, what do people recommend in the £60 ish region? Used for trail hacking, light DH, jumps, and general stuff of that ilk. Not really road/XC, although a bit at times.
Fox Flux looked a contender but seems to get mixed reviews (the ones I've seen vary from saying it's the best thing ever to it's the worst!)
I've been out of the game for a long while, but had an awesome weekend's riding with a mate and would like to start hitting the trails again, but not without a decent lid.
So, with that in mind, what do people recommend in the £60 ish region? Used for trail hacking, light DH, jumps, and general stuff of that ilk. Not really road/XC, although a bit at times.
Fox Flux looked a contender but seems to get mixed reviews (the ones I've seen vary from saying it's the best thing ever to it's the worst!)
I've been out of the game for a long while, but had an awesome weekend's riding with a mate and would like to start hitting the trails again, but not without a decent lid.
markoc said:
I went from only ever having ridden Giro's to a Fox Flux. Fitment is different and the helmet rear strap feels weird to start - but the adjustment at the rear is very good. I'm a big fan - plus with big air channels it cools nicely.
Cheers 
I know that in the past I've had a 'Giro' head - had several of their helmets over the year that fitted nicely, but obviously both my head and theirs could have changed, I'm just trying to draw up a shortlist - obviously protection, fit and comfort are top priority, but decent cooling and light weight are pretty high up as well.The game seems to have changed since I bought my Switchblade with far more rear protection being the norm now.
Main complaints I seem to see bout the Flux are the weight.
Flux and Hex are on the shortlist, along with the IXS trail RS (IXS are a new name to me - any good?)
Just trying to find stockists for them (I don't do mail order on helmets!)
Edited by FD3Si on Wednesday 27th May 12:35
I have a 661 Recon, Similar in style to the Fox but for me a lot more comfortable - I wanted the Fox but it didn't fit my head.
Some of the UVEX helmets look pretty good;
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/helmets/adult-helm...
I also have a couple of Giro Rifts, fairly cheap, very comfy - They are getting on a bit now but when riding a couple of days on the trot, its nice to alternate the lids.
Some of the UVEX helmets look pretty good;
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/helmets/adult-helm...
I also have a couple of Giro Rifts, fairly cheap, very comfy - They are getting on a bit now but when riding a couple of days on the trot, its nice to alternate the lids.
I'm on my second Fox Flux now (first damaged after thumping head on ground at Afon Argoed!). They're a good fit on my head and to be honest I don't feel that it's at all heavy. I've also got a Giro (can't remember which one) that fits as well so I guess if you've got a Giro shaped head, then a Flux will fit. Loads of trail type helmets around though. IIRC the latest MBR magazine has a review of helmets in it but as the OP says, try before buying. Troy Lee one looks pretty good too and has a good finish (my son has one, tried that on and is a good fit too). As well as fit, a good reason for try before buy with a trail helmet is to see whether the peak gets in the way of vision. With most you can see the peak but some are worse/better than others.
As above try a few on, will be amazed at the differences in fit between brands/models.
I settled on a Troy Lee A1 Drone, about the most expensive helmet in the shop if I remember but fits nicely around my huge swede!
Do look to have come down in price a bit, colour is a bit choice but good value for money IMHO.
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/16329/troy-lee-...
I settled on a Troy Lee A1 Drone, about the most expensive helmet in the shop if I remember but fits nicely around my huge swede!
Do look to have come down in price a bit, colour is a bit choice but good value for money IMHO.
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/16329/troy-lee-...
I've got a Catlike leaf for MTB rides. I'll admit its a bit of an acquired taste with all the holes.
The only complains I have with it the strap clips make it a pain to get 100% comfortable around the ears and because of these, the front straps twist, which means at speed the wind noise is loud!
The only complains I have with it the strap clips make it a pain to get 100% comfortable around the ears and because of these, the front straps twist, which means at speed the wind noise is loud!
TLD A1. Best fit I've ever had. Not as good ventilation as others but not been an issue.
Mine was £55 from TLD.
I hated the IXS as the range between their sizes are massive i.e L is 58 - 62 which meant it was far too big for me and the front points down so it obscures your vision looking forward through corners etc (which is pretty important it seems).
Fox was good though.
Mine was £55 from TLD.
I hated the IXS as the range between their sizes are massive i.e L is 58 - 62 which meant it was far too big for me and the front points down so it obscures your vision looking forward through corners etc (which is pretty important it seems).
Fox was good though.
one of my friends has recently bought one of these...super light and no issues so far. Bargain.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/661-rage-helmet...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/661-rage-helmet...
Gren said:
Try them on - it's the only way to know. Some Giros fit me better than others - my current Hex fits very well whereas some of the other models didn't. Same sizes.
The missus on the other hand couldn't get on with any of them and ended up with a Fox Flux.
What he said, I've got a massive swede and find it hard to find helmets that fit me well, unfortunately my dome seems to favour the more expensive end of the market...The missus on the other hand couldn't get on with any of them and ended up with a Fox Flux.
I'm just not sure it's worth the risk. I replace mine every three years, and definitely if I've crashed - which typically happens on a more frequent basis as I'm hardly delicate with my riding style. Two crashes with the same helmet just doesn't compute for me. I don't know what scientific tests a shop would conduct on a helmet to determine if it is safe, but that's not to say that they can't do this - and they've talked themselves out of a sale. However IMHO these things aren't designed for repetitive impacts. Two crashes may be to the detriment of its ability to withstand a third and the crash response may be different to how a new helmet would perform. I emphasise "may". Perhaps I'm being overcautious, but at the ripe old age of 35 and with my sensible head on I just don't take risks anymore. I know it sounds cliched (and it is) but as expensive as a new helmet is, I can't get a new head.
Would be interesting if PH have any opinions?
Would be interesting if PH have any opinions?
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