Rise of the "all-mountain" helmet

[wesley_r]

It seems there's been an increase in the number of what are being labelled as "all mountain" helmets - mtb-specific helmets with increased rear coverage for more risky trail / all mountain type riding...

 

First there was the Fox Flux, and Giro's Xen and Hex...

 

 

 

 

Then Specialized jump on board with the Vice

 

 

And now we've got offerings from 661 and Lazer, as well as the Giro Xar - the replacement for the Xen (as well as other manufacturers jumping on board)

 

 

 

 

What do think? Are you riding with an "all-mountain" lid, or if not do you plan to? Do you like the extra protection, or does the slight increase in weight and bulk put you off?

 

I'm curious to see what the hub thinks. Sadly I think we'll only get half of these in SA...

[Tumbleweed]

Protection over weight concerns any day.

[AndreZA]

I won't classify them as "all mountain" but rather just "trail". All mountain is full face. I can guarantee you that all those blokes are wearing baggies as well.

 

I will not wear on as where and how I ride does not warrant it.

[dirtrider]

Been riding with one for years .

[KnobbyMech]

I have not come across a helmet as comfy as the Giro Xen. My wife has the Xen and Hex and loves them too. Perhaps not the best ventilated around, but even if they are not as light as the roady lids, they are not exactly heavy either. I ride with mine in Winter and at the bike parks. Looks crappy without the sunvisor though, so would not use it on the road bike.

[wesley_r]

I won't classify them as "all mountain" but rather just "trail". All mountain is full face.

 

I agree and disagree... Agree that "trail" might be a better description, but I simply use the term "all mountain" since that's what the industry is labelling them as. Disagree, because as I see it. all mountain means pedalling up and bombing down all day long - "all of the mountain"... a full face is hot and heavy in that situation. Freeride and downhill are where I'd don a full face...

[dirtrider]

[Tumbleweed]

I won't classify them as "all mountain" but rather just "trail". All mountain is full face. I can guarantee you that all those blokes are wearing baggies as well.

 

 

Totally disagree. All-mountain and trail are interchangeable. All mountain bikes have to go up and well as down.

[Wernervdmerwe]

The trail vs AM discussion is a fine line..

I ride the Fox Flux for trail and a THE full-face for All-mountain.

 

My personal line between the two disciplines is the amount of time I spend in the air.

I would venture anything less than a second is trail, rest is AM.

 

Mate of mine spent about half a second in the air and landed skew - concussion, seriously hurt his wrist etc.

I came off at Eden at about 40km/h on a straight gravel part and was off my leg for a week, so I would ALWAYS vote protection above comfort or ego, specially as you grow older, you don't bounce back as easy.

[Beer4Recovery]

What trail or AM helmets do you guys use? I'm torn between these...

 

 

 

661 Recon Wired Helmet

 

 

 

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/product-images-large/661-recon-wired-helmet-grey-cyan-66531.jpg

 

 

661 Recon Stealth Helmet

 

 

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/images/661_recon_stealth_helmet_2012.jpg

 

2012 Fox Flux

 

http://img.artscyclery.com/big/FXFH-TA-1.jpg

[TCRCARBON]

Trail riders are by nature not weight weenies. A few grams to protect your scone is worth it. I have the Giro Xen and it definitely has a bit more bulk around the sides of the head. Not sufficient weight penalty to concern me.

Problem is that you never plan to wipe out so you have to be on guard all the time. I have a friend who would have been drinking through a straw with a wired up jaw had he not been wearing a full face helmet. Wiped out 100m from his house on a spot he'd ridden many times. Trashed his helmet though.

Edited August 14, 2012 by TCRCARBON

[ThePubSA]

What trail or AM helmets do you guys use? I'm torn between these...

 

 

 

661 Recon Wired Helmet

 

 

 

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/product-images-large/661-recon-wired-helmet-grey-cyan-66531.jpg

 

 

661 Recon Stealth Helmet

 

 

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/images/661_recon_stealth_helmet_2012.jpg

 

2012 Fox Flux

 

http://img.artscyclery.com/big/FXFH-TA-1.jpg

I got the top 661wired,(its more white then it looks in pics btw),they all much of a muchness,boils down to fit & fashion

[Beer4Recovery]

Cool.

 

TCRCARBON, I think a full face helmet is a bit overkill for me, I don't think it warrants my type of riding.

[RockCoach]

Add the MET Kaos to the list which is my lid of choice at the moment.

[The Ghost]

What trail or AM helmets do you guys use? I'm torn between these...

 

 

I love them both, currently use a Flux, but a Recon would be just as nice.

 

For those wondering, I often dont even know that im wearing my flux because its so comfy and light. Not had any venting issues at all either.

[ichops]

I won't classify them as "all mountain" but rather just "trail". All mountain is full face. I can guarantee you that all those blokes are wearing baggies as well.

 

I will not wear on as where and how I ride does not warrant it.

 

I got hit on the back of the headby a 20m container truck while commuting to work >> thank goodness for my "all mountain/trail" helmet- there is no such thing as "does not warrant it"

You got a 10 buck head use a 10 buck helmet

For me the best protection I can afford is the minimum - thanx