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*probably more “adapted” than replaced.
Just got the eldest (5) a Met Parachute. He really likes it, it’s light, it fits. Only snag is the D-rings. Given I know adults that can’t use them, I’m not fancying our chances of successful training here. It would also be very handy for him to be able to buckle up his helmet as he’s hoping to head to trail club before too long, so will need to be able to handle his kit for snacks etc.
I’ve seen a few different options for magnetic or ratchet type clips that can be fairly simply added to the strap. Anyone tried one though? They just thread onto what’s already there, so don’t seem a bad idea, but would be good to hear any experiences.
How long are the straps?
I've never had a lid with D rings where the strap wasn't long enough that I couldn't just push it all forward while sticking the lid on, then pulling back and cinching up.
My motorbike helmet has them but has a clip for the loose end that helps stop them coming fully out which is helpful.
No experience of the extra clips sorry.
Given I know adults that can’t use them, I’m not fancying our chances of successful training here
You have to use some story to illustrate, such as the dog jumped through the hoops and... etc... 😊
I’ve never had a lid with D rings where the strap wasn’t long enough that I couldn’t just push it all forward while sticking the lid on, then pulling back and cinching up.
Weird, i've never had one that I could do that!
If it's a youngster i'd prefer to check that it was done myself tbh.
But a kid would learn quickly, especially if you made a game of it. Time how fast he can put it on, do it up properly, etc.
Weird, i’ve never had one that I could do that!
TBF, I’ve had both. This one is in the category where he’d need to be able to remove his nose to do it that way
You can get ratchet buckles, so dead easy to hear is it’s fastened. Sound kind of audible feedback seems like a good idea
All mine have been the same, MTB or car, feed then through off the head but leave loose then tighten on the head. Removal just requires them to be loosened
No personal experience, but would these work?
Field Repair Buckle - Travel & Outdoor Accessories - Sea To Summit UK
You can buy Fidlocks on Amazon pretty cheap. I’ll probably do it for the next helmets that I get my kids. Think they were only between £5 and £10 for genuine ones.
I did it for my last helmet as I really like them (well I say ‘I did it’ but actually I got the wife to do it as I cannot use here sewing machine).
Obviously it voids the warranty, but they’re dead handy
Hadn’t considered that you could get actual Fidlock buckles. Wouldn’t fancy changing that myself but do have a friend who’s an actual professional at such things so might speak to her.
Not totally convinced the adapter kits would work here as I don’t think we’d want the strap any longer at the moment
Edit: helmet was £60 and being looked after by a 5 year old. So luckily not bothered about warranty
I changed mine after my 4 year old met a 3 year old with an old specialized lid with Fidlock and saw how easy they were for him to do himself.
Then I saw how cheap they were to buy and just did it.
Yeah I really didn’t expect them to be that cheap! I’ve just got a first Fidlock helmet of my own, already sold on them
My kids had fidlock helmets years ago, back when they were too small to do them up... believe it or not I still managed to trap skin in the youngest ones. I thought they were just a kid's helmet idea until I got a Fox helmet for myself with fidlock. So much better.
@zerocool did you manage to get the proper Fidlock Snap “helmet” buckle or did you just make do with the normal one? Normal one stil takes 55kg of load, so not insignificant but not as high as the 75kg the helmet one can handle (pretty sure 75kg would pop his head off). Can’t find a 20mm helmet one anywhere at the moment (everything seems to be 15mm, MET apparently didn’t feel like joining in)
@Mashr - um, not sure now that you mention it. It was a while ago. I assumed it was a helmet buckle.