Don’t fear the camo. Also available in black, white and coral as well as this invisible colourway. Great big hat.
- Brand: Bluegrass
- Product: Vanguard Core
- Price: £279.99
- From: Extra UK
- Tested by: James Vincent for 6 months
Our rating
This full-face helmet from Bluegrass – MET Helmets’ gravity subsidiary – is available in two flavours – the regular Vanguard, or this upmarket Core version. The upgrade brings with it a MIPS liner for extra protection against rotational forces, and a Fidlock magnetic buckle, which is quick and easy to use versus the more fiddly ratchet strap found on the base model.
Twenty-four vents do an excellent job of keeping your head cool even in the height of summer, and there’s a neat little plastic grill that stops unwanted items flying into your mouth through the ginormous front vent, which can be removed for increased ventilation. Just don’t do as I did and lose it. Ahem.
The combination of MIPS liner and breakaway visor of the Vanguard Core means it passes the ASTM F1952 (Downhill) and NTA 8776 (high-speed ebike) tests. On top of these, it’s been awarded a five-star rating from the well-respected Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. Fortunately, I didn’t crash once during the test period, so I’ll take their word for it.
As is common, the cheek pads are removable and they come in two sizes. What’s less common are the two mounting points for these to really fine-tune the fit, and that they’re shaped to fit around the huge vents in the chin bar.
The main opening is nice and wide, with the edges barely coming into your peripheral vision, so the helmet doesn’t feel claustrophobic at all. It also means it plays nicely with a wide range of goggles, sunglasses and normal glasses.
Aesthetically speaking, it’s not quite as refined as offerings from some other brands, and if I’m being really fussy, then this camo colourway wouldn’t have been my first choice, but it’s well specced, not too heavy at 776g (L), the fit is good, and it’s well ventilated.
Manufacturer specification
- In-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner
- Mips® C2 rotational management system, engineered to add protection in case of certain impacts
- Five-star rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab
- Fidlock® magnetic buckle makes it easier to secure the helmet
- Adjustable C-shaped cheek-pads to help achieve the perfect fit, with two different thicknesses included.
- Integrated, fixed chin bar for full face protection.
- ASTM 1952-15/2032-15 and NTA 8776 certified
- Safety release and flexible injected visor to avoid extra rotation of the neck in case of a crash
- Breathable chin bar with removable mud-grill
- Safe-T Heta fit system
- 360° head belt and 3 vertical adjustments give you everything you need to find a uniquely individual fit
- 24 vents work in concert with internal, engineered air channeling system to improve ventilation and comfort
- Comfort pads are hand washable for improved hygiene and extended product lifespan
- Wide field of view makes it compatible with all goggles and sunglasses
- Soft storage bag included
I bought one of these recently and was left a bit disappointed by the fit, finish and feel of the helmet when on my head, especially when compared to a knackered old 7idp lid I had.
Sent it back and got a Fox Rampage as I wanted something that felt a bit more moto on the head for uplift days.