Five new enduro-ready helmets with removable chinbars
Helmets such as the just updated Bell Super 2R have redefined the category. Photo by Dave Kozlowski
Helmets have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days when you were forced to choose between light weight and ventilation versus legitimate all-mountain protection. The modern trail helmet can do it all — especially if it has a removable chinbar, which adds a whole other level of protection and versatility.
When the trail doesn’t mandate full-face protection, it’s easy to scale back to half-shell mode. Photo by Dave Kozlowski
These chameleon’esque brain protectors allow you to slog uphill without overheating or feeling suffocated, and then quickly transform into full-face weapons for the downhill. They’re a perfect fit for enduro racing and a place such as our Colorado test HQ in Crested Butte, where so many of the rides are straight up, then straight down.
This year, the crop of options is growing once again. Here are five of the most exciting new removable chinbar helmets spotted at the Eurobike trade show in Germany in early September.
Leatt DBX 3.0
The DBX 3.0 chinbar is removable with just two clicks, and it conforms to the ASTM1952 DH safety standard.
Leatt’s new DBX range of helmets feature a dozen safety-enhancing turbines, which are made of 3D molded Armourgel and then set inside the helmet. The idea is that these rubber-like discs stiffen upon impact and deform to absorb both vertical and rotational impact forces (think MIPS). Leatt claims this technology reduces up to 30% of head impact at concussion level as well as up to 40% of rotational acceleration to the head and brain.
The new helmet features a dozen safety-enhancing turbines, which are made of 3D molded Armourgel and then set inside the helmet.
Both the full face DBX 5.0 and 6.0 models, and the 3.0 removable chinbar helmet are also fitted with 3D in-molded V-foam, a multi-density foam that deforms and compresses to better absorb impact, and to reduce forces transferred to the head and brain. The resulting reduced outer shell size allows for a claimed 20% less rotational forces.
There are 4 color options with sizes S, M, L. Price is $240 with availability set for March 2017.
The DBX 3.0 chinbar is removable with just two clicks, and it conforms to the ASTM1952 DH safety standard, whereas the upper half of the 3.0 shell is certified to EN1078 and CPSC1203 (regular bicycle standards), which nets a lower weight. The 3.0 helmets also have 18 vents, a magnetic buckle and dial adjuster, and a multi-position breakaway visor. There are 4 color options with sizes S, M, L. Price is $240 with availability set for March 2017.
Bell Super 3R
After hearing some riders complain of pressure points around the temples, Bell has removed and reconfigured some of the padding to alleviate this issue.
The helmet that ushered in the current generation of removable chinbar technology (and has been our go-to during the summer riding season) has gotten a refresh for 2017 with a focus on fit. After hearing some riders complain of pressure points around the temples (yep, it’s tight), which often forced a size up, Bell has removed and reconfigured some of the padding to alleviate this issue.
The three-buckle attachment system carries over from the previous generation.
The new 3R also added a Float Fit retention system and incorporated MIPS slip plane technology. There are 23 vents, plus an additional 6 in the chinbar. Safety certification is for standard bicycle use, not DH. There are six color options and sizes S, M, L to ensure plenty of choices. Price is $230 with availability set for October.
Uvex Jakkyl HDE
The Jakkyl HDE has 14 vents to help keep you cool.
Winner of a 2016 Eurobike Gold award, the new Uvex Jakkyl HDE has 14 vents, a Boa tension adjustment dial, and comes in two sizes. The chinbar is attached via a pair of rotatable pins. It takes about 20 seconds to swap back and forth between uphill and downhill mode.
The inclusion of a Boa dial is a nice touch and will help users fine tune fit.
In addition, the helmet is formed lower than conventional bike helmets on the sides and at back, protecting a larger area of the head, claims Uvex.
Three color options.
Goggle fastening is integrated into the design, and the helmet can be used with goggles even in half shell mode. Check out this video to learn more.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu4uEMNchwE
Continue to page 2 to learn about new helmets from Lazer and Giro »
The post Five new enduro-ready helmets with removable chinbars appeared first on Mountain Bike Review.