full face mtb helmet
Discussion
Rob_T said:
i'm looking at getting a full face mtb helmet.
there seem to be a lot on the market at a variety of prices.
my main criteria are strength, ventilation and weight in that order. price not too fussed about.
can anyone make any recommendations?
Strength should be more or less equal across the board, there is meant to be a sweet-spot between being too soft to survive an impact and too hard as to not absorb the energy. there seem to be a lot on the market at a variety of prices.
my main criteria are strength, ventilation and weight in that order. price not too fussed about.
can anyone make any recommendations?
Ventilation - Fox Rampage is meant to be the best for that, has a few big holes in the shell, most don't.
Weight, D2 Carbon is slightly lighter than a D3 carbon, honestly, it just doesn't matter than much, I've tried carbon Troy Lee's and plastic Troy Lee's, the shell (the carbon bit) makes up a small proportion of the weight, it doesn't matter.
I don't want to sound like an arse, but if this is your first foray into FF lids, your criteria might not be ideal, they all offer far more protection than an XC type lid, I have never known one to fail ever, they really are superb for that, they're all very, very warm if you're not moving, but they're bearable if you are, but you'll get a very sweaty head and they're all heavy compared to XC lids, but not as heavy as motorbike lids and they won't make your neck sore.
Find one that fits the best, Troy Lee are the best looking and 'coolest' but also the most expensive, T.H.E are nearly as cool, Fox and the rest sit a little way below.
IIRC the newwer lids - particualrly the Troy Lee D3 - are curved at the base of the rear, to better integrate with neck braces. If you're considering a neck brace for future, then this helps.
I run a 661 Comp, which I've had for 3 years (and a few crashes
) and have been pleased with, but it's just a bit more tricky to get a fit with the neck brace that allows a comfortable, head-up stance when you;ve got your arse right the way over the back of the bike.
I run a 661 Comp, which I've had for 3 years (and a few crashes
) and have been pleased with, but it's just a bit more tricky to get a fit with the neck brace that allows a comfortable, head-up stance when you;ve got your arse right the way over the back of the bike.
One other thing that ocurrs to me, from my own experience and that of other guys I ride with, is that for the msot part, you'll not have a crash that breaks these lids unless you're very unlucky.
However, it is not at all uncommon to see crashes that result in the peaks cracking or snapping right off. This applies at all price points and the trouble can be that you can't get hold of replacement peaks, or at least not the right colour/graphics, which does tend to make me thing stuff like the 661 Comp is a good choice.
Then again, it dosen't stop the 'want' when I see some of these Troy Lee D3s.
However, it is not at all uncommon to see crashes that result in the peaks cracking or snapping right off. This applies at all price points and the trouble can be that you can't get hold of replacement peaks, or at least not the right colour/graphics, which does tend to make me thing stuff like the 661 Comp is a good choice.
Then again, it dosen't stop the 'want' when I see some of these Troy Lee D3s.
Digga said:
One other thing that ocurrs to me, from my own experience and that of other guys I ride with, is that for the msot part, you'll not have a crash that breaks these lids unless you're very unlucky.
However, it is not at all uncommon to see crashes that result in the peaks cracking or snapping right off. This applies at all price points and the trouble can be that you can't get hold of replacement peaks, or at least not the right colour/graphics, which does tend to make me thing stuff like the 661 Comp is a good choice.
Then again, it dosen't stop the 'want' when I see some of these Troy Lee D3s.
I swapped the peak on my comp for a longer (and chrome) TLD peak, I also got a TLD sticker pack as i only purchased a matte black one and got bored so had blue flames all over it However, it is not at all uncommon to see crashes that result in the peaks cracking or snapping right off. This applies at all price points and the trouble can be that you can't get hold of replacement peaks, or at least not the right colour/graphics, which does tend to make me thing stuff like the 661 Comp is a good choice.
Then again, it dosen't stop the 'want' when I see some of these Troy Lee D3s.
All helmets fit differently.
For me I can't recommend the D3 enough.
Coming from a cheaper helmet I was shocked when I tried on a mates D3 at how much more secure it felt on my head, so much so that I went out and bought one to replace my fairly new 661, which now just sits in its box.
Yes they are expensive but I believe you get what you pay for and you only have one head.
Ps has someone already mentioned they look cool?
For me I can't recommend the D3 enough.
Coming from a cheaper helmet I was shocked when I tried on a mates D3 at how much more secure it felt on my head, so much so that I went out and bought one to replace my fairly new 661, which now just sits in its box.
Yes they are expensive but I believe you get what you pay for and you only have one head.
Ps has someone already mentioned they look cool?
Just ordered one of these. Can't tell you what it's like yet as it hasn't arrived, but gets good reviews and looks a bit of a bargain price wise:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/661-evo-wired-h...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/661-evo-wired-h...
it would be for trips to the alps and stuff in wales where things can get a little more exciting than my stomping ground in and around the chilterns.
so mostly going down but assume a fair amount of riding up as well! to be honest i just quite like my jaw the way it's shaped and held into my face, and i've heard of a few horror stories that i would like never to be able to relate to...
so mostly going down but assume a fair amount of riding up as well! to be honest i just quite like my jaw the way it's shaped and held into my face, and i've heard of a few horror stories that i would like never to be able to relate to...
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff