Look to buy a new helmet. What's good what's not?

[backcountryislife]

2 seasons ago we switched to Mountain Bike Downhill Racing helmets.

SixSixOne and Gyro are the 2 main brands.

I'll never go back to a heavy MX helmet. I use to wear M2R Carbon Fiber model, and the mountain bike helmets are a full pound lighter and WAY more ventilation.

They conform to the European testing standards...and are designed for impacts more likely to be seen in mountain snowmobile riding.

DItto.

Hands down, WAY better. I will never ever buy another sled or moto specific helmet.

If you're always cold, the DH type helmets might keep you a bit cooler, but I've never in 4 years of riding them, been cold with one on, and you sweat less.

The weight of a helmet is a huge factor, so many people underestimate how much it affects you.

Nearly everyone who has tried one of ours on has switched to them & been very happy that they did. (you'll never convince me that sledding is more likely to injure your head than DH, not even close. DH is sketchy!!!!)

 

[xrated]

just to get it out after going around with backcountry before,

He does somehow have a DH helmet that is DOT approved for what it's worth.

 

[600xc4me]

Not to steer ya away from a good local dealer(I believe in supporting them) but if you are serious about a One or Fly, etc try some on and then check bobscycle.com(it's OK they are pretty much a local shop for us MN boys) and check their prices. And even check some of the holdover stock, way cheaper then current year.

DItto.

Great thanks I'll check them out! I just found out my local dealer has had One Industrries in stock before, so I'll check if he has any now and see about sizing. Thanks for the tip.

Hands down, WAY better. I will never ever buy another sled or moto specific helmet.

If you're always cold, the DH type helmets might keep you a bit cooler, but I've never in 4 years of riding them, been cold with one on, and you sweat less.

The weight of a helmet is a huge factor, so many people underestimate how much it affects you.

Nearly everyone who has tried one of ours on has switched to them & been very happy that they did. (you'll never convince me that sledding is more likely to injure your head than DH, not even close. DH is sketchy!!!!)

Sounds like a good switch... Only thing I don't like is MOST DH helmets are not, (in my opinion) Made to take the kind of impact that you might get in a sled crash. I just don't see them being as strong. Unless of course I found an approved one, then I would consider it a lot more.

 

[backcountryislife]

Sounds like a good switch... Only thing I don't like is MOST DH helmets are not, (in my opinion) Made to take the kind of impact that you might get in a sled crash. I just don't see them being as strong. Unless of course I found an approved one, then I would consider it a lot more.

On a DH bike, I take crashes regularly that are much worse than I have ever taken on a sled (btw, I live off the ground, and like to go fast). The crashes on a DH bike are MUCH more violent imo.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

Of the 3 helmet options you have, I bought my girlfriend the middle one last winter because she needed an MX helmet to start sledding, It is a really nice setup, good vents, and is rather warm(GF is pretty cold blooded). BUT, I know when helmet shopping, unless sticking with the same brand, GO PUT ONE ON!!! I spent days trying to find a good helmet to fit really nice, most fit "well" but a good fitting helmet is hard to beat, and you dont realize how nice it is to have one that fits great until you have it, I have actually asked people where my helmet was when Im wearing it I dont notice it at all.

Even if its a few more $$.. buy one local.. makes you feel good about yourself.. and its nice to try it on.

 

[yz400ex]

The second Fly helmet you have pictured is the one I bought last year and is the most comfortable and best fitting helmet I have used in many years. Super light and breathable as well. I am looking for a new helmet to use this year that I am hoping is even 1/2 as good as that helmet..

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

Nearly everyone who has tried one of ours on has switched to them & been very happy that they did. (you'll never convince me that sledding is more likely to injure your head than DH, not even close. DH is sketchy!!!!)

Just doing some searching as I was curious, it seems everyone is curious about DOT ratings on MX helmets, where MTB ones arent..

From what I gather its all speed related testing.. ALSO, honestly RARELY crash going over 50mph.. and Impacts include snow most of the time, or soft types of ground.. trees and rocks more or less are bounced off of.

It just seems, like you said, DH wipe outs are worse 9 times out of 10 first off, your on hard dirt/rocks, not snow. and going headfirst downhill. I am still all for nice big brain buckets, its just seems like just because you can have the ratings/exta stuff, its not needed at all. I find most my injuries on sleds arent bad at all, and my baddest spills result in a sore neck from the helmet smacking around. Not to say it doesnt protect me, Im just curious HOW much the MX helmet does compared to a MTB in sled conditions. I know dirtbiking, even small spills always resulted in more injuries then on sleds.. I mean, in snow, I will jump of a small cornicer or something and do a flip and land on my back, no big deal, its all good.. on dirt, you could easily break/fracture your ribs/spine/neck... Again, I know you hit more then snow, I just am curious, especially for those of us who dont do any large jumps, and prefere slow speed boonocking type stuff, your not even into DOT approved testing levels yet.

 

[snowmobiler]

 

[backcountryislife]

I find most my injuries on sleds arent bad at all, and my baddest spills result in a sore neck from the helmet smacking around.

Exactly what I mean. I found on a poor landing that the heavy helmet did more harm than good & that I was normally the most sore from my helmet yanking my head around.

 

[hard2handle]

helmet

Thor force carbon nice light weight helmet,still heavier than DH,but doesn't affect me.A little pricey but find a left over for discount.

 

[newmy1]

I own that one as well, great helmet. 509 is great as well. Trying KLIM this year, yeah need to sell a couple.

I bought a HJC at the snow show last year. I love it!! It was about $125
CL-X5N Royale
Its light weight, but strong as H3LL. Interior is removable and washable too.

My white OAKLEY splice goggles w/ High Intensity Persimmon lenses looks wicked in the shell

 

[modsledr]

Sounds like a good switch... Only thing I don't like is MOST DH helmets are not, (in my opinion) Made to take the kind of impact that you might get in a sled crash. I just don't see them being as strong. Unless of course I found an approved one, then I would consider it a lot more.

you should do a little research on the different testing methods. at least then your opinion will be an educated one. DH helmets are rated and approved, just a different standard than DOT or SNELL.

 

[MrClean409]

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[snoprojoe]

Had very good luck with gmax. Great fit and good wind protection.

 

[Kordero]

For the DH MTB helmet people:

What brand/models are you wearing? Anyone using the Giro Remedy or are you guys & gals going more for the moto style face guard?

I'm ready for a new helmet too!

 

[tudizzle]

I use the Giro Remedy Snow on warmer days...but I would never recommend it to others as it is clearly not meant for snowmobiling. But since the conversation drifteed that way a bit. I don't feel unsafe using, and agree with many of the opinions OP stated in regards to this style of helmet. They work sweet with the 509 aviator goggle too

 

[ruffryder]

Whatever you decide, definitely try them on before buying. SnowShows are a great place to try on a lot of different brands/models and sizes.

Did that have them at the last Puyallup snowshow? Or did you check them out someplace else locally?

What was the fit difference like between the Gyro and SixSixOne?

 

[03rmking]

Did that have them at the last Puyallup snowshow? Or did you check them out someplace else locally?

What was the fit difference like between the Gyro and SixSixOne?

I would be very surprised to see a manufacturer or dealer market a non DOT helmet specifically for motorized use.

 

[tudizzle]

It says in quite a large disclaimer that they are not to be used for motorized winter sports.

I'm guessing there is a reason they feel so light

 

[ullose272]

i love my fox v3, there like 375 new but i picked up a previous year model for 185