Looking For A New Helmet Suggestion

A2 MIPS is the SHEET! F all you misshapen head haters!

 

My noggin liked the fit

 

I had a POC Trabec race that I thought was really hot. Currently using a Smith Forefront MIPS and happy with it, although it's not the coolest helmet either.

As for MIPS, it takes a little getting used to, but I won't buy a helmet without it or some other rotational force mitigation device. Recent evidence indicates you're much more likely to do serious damage to your brain with rotational forces than impact.

 

Good to know! I have my eye on a Smith MIPS. I don’t mind spending the $$ on a good one now that I know what can happen.
Thanks for the input!

 

I have a regular Forefront and a MIPS one. I like how the honeycomb keeps the UVs off my scalp, but they are hotter than my previous Bell helmets, and drip sweat in my eyes terribly. I have a Bontrager MIPS in the box, waiting to use, but so far can't tell you anything about it, other than it's blue.

 

“The-pen-is-BLUE!”
So one for summer one for winter? I hate the sweat in the eyes thing, it’s riding blind basically. I like the MIPS deal, I keep hearing good things about the technology , even since this whole helmet post!

 

Dammit Sara - get a helmet already or this thread is going to eclipse "I rode my bike today..."

 

This one should do the trick.

 

Haha, OK!!!! We can derail this thing..I’m sure one of you can come up w something good

 

LOL, yeah, ok...I’ll check it out

 

My helmets have MIPS but I’m not completely sure I buy into the concept. I don’t like the way I look in them but I think the 6D technology looks like it would make the biggest difference in a crash.

I also have a Smith Forefront (as a spare) and agree the sweat drips directly on to my glasses. I have started wearing a Halo headband with my Troy Lee A2 so don’t know if that would help with the Smith.

FWIW, the owner of the bike shop in Hurricane, Utah where Gooseberry Mesa is (Over the Edge Sports) can wear whatever helmet he wants and swears by Kali helmets...and he rides the gnarliest lines out there that 98% of riders wouldn't even consider. I borrowed one from him and the fit was just okay for me.

 

Some one posted that Super Sponge Head sweat dealio. I got one, works good!
.

http://www.traxfactory.com/

 

Sara......Speaking of your brain sloshing around, I read an article many years in I believe Mountain Bike Action and it was the best, most in depth article I've ever read on helmet technology. The article came out before MIPS and the current technologies used by 6D and Smith. That being said, the article mostly discussed the safety standards required in the US vs European countries. The short version is the author surmised that the standards in the US were too stringent and led to helmets that were too stiff didn't "crush" on impact as easily as they should. That led to more movement of the brain on those hard impacts. On the flip side, the Euro standards allowed the helmets to crush and/or break apart more easily which lessened the blunt force your brain was taking. I'm no engineer but it made perfect sense to my simpleton mindset.

The MIPS system supposedly allows your head an/or the helmet to rotate on impact, thereby lessening the force of the impact because it would be spread out rather than so direct. The 6D has a similar concept but uses a different method that looks technologically superior to MIPS. MIPS just appears to be a layer of plastic that could double as a set of rings for a 6 pack of Coke The Smith helmet uses a different design altogether using a Koroyd material that they believe crushes more effectively than the EPS foam that is standard in 99% of helmets.

 

Good to know! I’m hoping to try on a Kali today if the shop has my size...pricey at $180, but I’d pay anything for a good one at this point. I have a Smith Rover MIPS coming in the mail that I’ll use as a spare(it’s a hideous pink), as I like to have a backup too. I’ll prob get the Troy Lee A1 or 2 MIPS if I don’t like the Kali fit.
Thanks for the good info Mike!

 

That makes total sense! The 6D is new to me, but I’ll look it up. My friend Fadi swears by Leatt, they have a newer version of the MIPS. So many choices! Sheesh!

 

This is a joke right? There’s no ventilation!

 

Smart, I need to hand these out to my students in hot yoga Seriously!

 

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I didn't read all the replies (I probably should).
If you like your current helmet get another one. Most manufacturers have a crash replacement policy, and you should get a nice discount of MSRP.


Personally, I'm a big fan of Smith's helmets.
Not a perfect fit for everyone, but I hit the ground too many time, and the Smith Forefront never let me down.

 

Great product!

I used it for the first time during the Goldstate race in Big Bear this weekend with zero drips on a hot (dry) day.
Initially, it felt a little warmer them optimal and it blocked the front vent holes, but no drip!

 

Nice mix of old and relatively new blood (literally and figuratively) in this thread. imtbtrails is a living and breathing website.

 

Ya, replacement is only 20% discount and it’s Specialized..not the best IMO

 

Sweet!

 

This bugs me. I'm sure it works great, but a quality helmet that I'm paying $150 or more for should do something simple like not drip sweat in my eyes.
Shouldn't have to buy an aftermarket add-on to make something work.

/rant

 

I've had dozens of MTB helmets and I'm pretty sure not one of them ever prevented sweat from running down my face.

 

Alright, which one of you geniuses wants to come up with a solution for this sweat in the eyes problem? Maybe a removable / washable sweat band liner?

 

Nothing fancy here, just a separate tennis-type sweat band under an adjustable helmet. Helmet on, tighten fit; go.

And thanks for the IQ boost! I've been slipping lately.

 

I can never leave home without my Headsweats. On sale:
http://www.headsweats.com/grab-bag-cycling-styles/?attributes=eyIzNTAyIjoiMTIwMzYifQ
http://www.headsweats.com/shorty-black-grey/

also, I think it reduces bugs/bees getting stuck under and provides a little sun protection.

 

Can't recommend it as I haven't even tried it on yet, but I just ordered a Fox Flux w/ MIPS. I've been using a Bell Super for the past few years and I love the fit and coverage. Fortunately, I have not tested its impact protection. Ventilation seemed as good as any other helmet I've tried.

I sweat heavily and use a Pearl Izumi headband under my helmet during the summer months. I do have to ring it out if I am particularly sweaty.

https://www.pearlizumi.com/US/en/Sh...ls/Headwear/Transfer_Lite_Headband/p/14361808

 

Someone already posted a link but the Sweat Buster is what I’ve found to work the best. I have 4 of them but you really only need one and wash it with your gear. The Gutr thing I used to use worked ok but the Sweat Buster is more comfortable and soaks up a ton.

http://www.traxfactory.com/

 

I mean one that attaches to the helmet