78 mbr MARCH 2018
Trail
helmets
Howwetest
As well as one tester wearing each helmet on multiple
rides over the last few months, the lids have done the
rounds between friends and family on various test rides
and photo shoots. This gives us a better consensus as
to what works best on different head shapes and sizes,
and also feeds in information from riders that run at
different temperatures or sweat different amounts.
The main tester has a 58cm skull, so all helmets
tested refl ect that circumference. On top of actually
riding in the helmets, the lids had to deal with extended
life in the back of a van that’s often home to muddy test
bikes and kit; something that represents an accelerated,
real-world test scenario for the kind of knocks and
scrapes all helmets are subjected to over time.USED & ABUSEDW
hen things go pear-
shaped, you don’t want
to have to second-guess
whether or not a helmet
is going to protect you.
Thankfully, modern open-face lids
have kept pace with just how fast
you can ride the latest bikes, and the
best examples are just as cool and
comfortable as ever too.
Extra protection is always welcome,
but not many riders want to wear a
stuffy full-face all the time, so it’s
unsurprising half-shell helmets with
more coverage have become the
staple design. With deeper shells,
these helmets offer way more
protection around the ears and down
to the nape of the neck, but also
maintain a good level of ventilation.Essentially, by reaching down lower,
there’s more hard shell (and whatever
inner liner each brand uses to absorb
impacts) between your head and
whatever you point it at. It also means
helmets feel more secure and stable
than they used to and are less likely to
expose the forehead or neck.
Some brands license protection
technologies, such as MIPS, that aim
to reduce rotational impact forces by
twisting in a crash, while others use
their own proprietary technologies for
a similar safety boost. Strap grippers
and clips now help secure enduro
essentials like goggles, with plenty of
modern helmets even geared up to
stash them under the visor. Integrated
P.O.V cam and light mounts are also
increasingly offered.Open-face lids keep you safe without having to
pay in sweat; we put 10 of the latest to the test
Words & photos: Mick KirkmanGROUP TEST