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Another Mtb helmet fret


boesman88

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Its time to trade my 10 year old roadie helmet for a proper MTB version and I need some help deciding please.

 

Usage include lots of trail riding, technical and downhill riding.

 

On my short list is:

 

1. Uvex jakkyl hde,

2. Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro

3. Bell super 3s

4. Fox Flux

5. Fox Metah

6. Specialised Ambush

 

The options with the removable chin guard is really useful, but would consider a helmet without that.  I’m sure all of these brands and models are in the “difference-between-them-is-negligible” category when it comes to the important stuff – which is keeping my pip away from rocks. 

 

What is however important for me is:

  1. Proper fit which is obviously specific to my kop, and I do have a big kop so I will have to go and fit before buy.
  2. Massive airflow.  I sweat a lot while riding and a cool head is a must.  Have heard some rave about the flow in the Ambush, others complain the Bell is too hot.  
  3. Some of these also feature a MIPS system, others not. How much of a marketing hype is this MIPS business, or is it vastly better that a traditional system
  4. Durability – any issues with any of these models?  The adjustment mechanisms, straps, etc etc.
  5. Built quality – some helmets feel cheap, others feel expensive – like a car’s interior.

 

Would love to hear your experiences on the above please (or if you have additional suggestions of course)

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Been using Fox Flux for +/- 4 years with no issues. I'm wearing a black one and keeps me cool with good airflow. Protection to the back of the head is also good but then again I've been lucky enough not to take a good bash against the head and properly test it.....yet. All the helmets you listed are good quality lids, not sure about Bell though. Seems like they are more catering for the entry level market?

The ultimate decider will be the fit.

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I've owned 3 of the helmets on this so I will comment on my experience only (helmets are after all as personal as a saddle).

 

1. Fox Metah - I found it extremely uncomfortable, the areas between the pads caught me at all the wrong spots on my head.

 

2. Specialized Ambush - only good things to say about this helmet. Specialized in my opinion makes some of the most comfortable and well thought out contact points (helmets, clothes, shoes, grips, saddles, flat pedals). The only reason I sold it was because I bought it when I had long hair so sized up. When I changed to a shorter hairstyle again it was just too loose on my head.

 

3. Leatt Enduro 3.0 convertable helmet - This is my current helmet (also had the half lid version which was exactly the same as the convetable version minus the chinpiecel. I needed some full face protection so I too can make fashionable instagram posts. But in all seriousness, as a half lid - very comfy, padding removes easily for washing, and comes with spare pads. The chin piece is holding together nicely so far, and is easy to remove and put back on. I do know of a few people that have had issues with the latches breaking (I used to be a dealer for Leatt so I sold a few) - in all of those cases Leatt were extremely good with warranties and replaced or fixed the helmets. One of the most affordable convertable options out there and very good value IMO. It's quite an attractive lid too and pairs well with the new Leatt goggles which are top shelf.

 

The only complaint I have with the Leatt helmet is that the pad soaks up my sweat and when at capacity starts dripping onto my glasses - this did not happen with the Specialized Ambush - the chanelling is better thought out. Other guys in my riding group do not have the issue with the Leatt helmet though - I sweat excessively, so if that's not a factor for you then ignore the above comment.

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@grease_monkey, thanks for the detailed response.  I will be trying out a couple of helmets this afternoon at a few LBSs in Centurion - will look out for Leatt - havent tried that before. 

 

@rudi_louwOn the Bell - at R4.5k its a pretty expensive entry level helmet?  you reckon the super3S MIPS is an entry level?  What makes it an entry level?

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Fox Metah - One of the best helmets I've used, very ventilated and light. It even has the ridge in the back for goggles. Very comfortable, if your looking for a Fox helmet for dh mtb that isn't full face I suggest this one. Great quality and you get an extra set of padding included.

 

As far as GoPro goes I had one mounted and it seemed to way far down on the helmet so I wouldn't suggest it unless you run the straps tight, I also mounted a flashlight on top resulting in similar results so I wouldn't suggest putting anything on top.  

Edited by slickjay007
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Fox Metah - One of the best helmets I've used, very ventilated and light. It even has the ridge in the back for goggles. Very comfortable, if your looking for a Fox helmet for dh mtb that isn't full face I suggest this one. Great quality and you get an extra set of padding included.

 

As far as GoPro goes I had one mounted and it seemed to way far down on the helmet so I wouldn't suggest it unless you run the straps tight, I also mounted a flashlight on top resulting in similar results so I wouldn't suggest putting anything on top.  

thanks, good point re the attachments on the Fox - will have to keep that in mind

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I love my Ambush. I'm pretty fussy, and there is nothing that niggles me. I use it for endurance rides, trail riding and enduro. Excellent airflow, great coverage, easily adjustable peak that functions well, nice adjustment dials, nice padding, light. Some people I ride enduro with complained that the pads were coming loose, but I have not had that issue in the 6 months or so I have had mine (but I also look after my stuff).

Something else that I have not seen mentioned anywhere.... With my old helmet I actually had a helmet strap tan on the side of my face as the straps sit flush to the head, but with the Ambush they are moulded into the helmet and sit slightly off the face and it seems to have done the trick to eliminate the strap tan.

 

If it were me I would use an Ambush for trail riding and enduro, and buy a one piece full face for hectic enduro and downhill.

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Imho MIPS is less hype than we think, their tech rated highly in an independant research paper by Virginia Tech. 
I have a trail helmet (Bontrager Rally) with MIPS, as soon as I'm ready/able to replace my XC lid it will be with the MIPS version. 

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/06/new-independent-test-ranks-bicycle-helmet-safety/

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings - https://helmet.beam.vt.edu 
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I bought a fox flux a few years back. When it arrived. I did not like the fit. My son loved it, so he owns it. I subsequently bought a bell super which has been replaced with the 3r mips. I hardly use the chinbar in all honesty, but when I do, its very comfortable. I like the extra rotational shell on the inside(mips).

The bell fits my head well and the ventilation is pretty decent, but I also sweat buckets.

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So I’ve tried on a view helmets over the past couple of days, and the ones that impressed me most were the Bell Super3S and the Ambush. I’m leaning towards the Ambush from a fit and built quality perspective.

 

Looked at the Uvex too and while its a seriously nice helmet, I dont think the chin protection attachment fittings are as good as the Bell’s and its just going to annoy me to be honest. Those plastic clips will definitely break at a time I can least afford it

 

The Specialized just seems to be a better designed and built helmet than the rest and fits my groot kop best - is also one of the lightest. Would love to see the MIPS bontrager rally as well before making a call, but so far the Ambush is the fav. Havent tried fox and probably wont bother

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