[Closed] Enduro full face helmets, feedback please..

have worn my endura mt500 full face constantly through every season until last year when i switched to a half shell for some riding. I believe, it is downhill rated
I found it light and easy enough to cope with in all conditions, also replaced it under Endura's excellant crash replacement scheme

I have a previous gen Met Parachute (fixed chinbar).

I can't comment on your suggested helmets, but the fixed chinbar works for me - it's reasonably light (removable chinbar will add weight) and is surprisingly OK for pedaling in. I've used it in Italy in hot weather.

Have used it more than expected since - if I'm doing an uplift day or pushing my skills envelope.

There was a recent thread on this.  I have a TLD stage which I use for most UK park/uplift riding. It’s light, well vented (I get a hot head so this is important to me) and comfortable, also DH certified.  It’s expensive vs some of the finish (shell does not wrap fully on some edges), but I’d buy again.

I've just bought an IXS Trigger FF to replace a cheap 10 year old Bell full face helmet that I use a couple of times a year for uplift days.
I got the Trigger because it's light, well vented, DH rated and on sale at £130.
Not ridden in it yet so can't really rate it properly.

I've been using a leatt dbx 4.0 and it's been great over the last year and a half. Most of it's use has been at uplift centres but I've also done some pedalling in it and it's not very hot as it's got a lot of vents. I also find it to be quite light but that's comparing it to my old 661 full dh type so a little obvious.

I got the trigger too it fits me well. Its really light, well ventilated and a good price.

I wanted a parachute but it did not fit my head in any size

Get the one that fits

How is the sizing on the IXS? Ideally want MIPS so good to see they have that variation but not sure where I will fall size wise as usually around the 58cm point..

Have been to a few shops locally (Glasgow) but no real FF stock, bar the proframe which I have heard is a touch fragile so likely to do mail order and return a few..

Out of interest, have you tried Sprockets? I've never been down, so wondering if its worth the trip for such things. The selection is Glasgow for anything like this is always dire

Negative, bit of a journey and nothing on their website at least. Inners might have a few options hopefully so will maybe look this weekend if no further snow forecast 😂

Our daughter crashed and damaged a Met Parachute whilst competing in the EWS in America. Next stop was straight to Canada and the only helmet she could get that fitted right was a Giro Switchblade which cost an arm and a leg. She has competed in it since then and removes the chin bar for long climbs.

Now that FF are getting lighter with better ventilation most of the EWS competitors don't bother with the detachable helmets. Mines a detachable one but I don't remove the chin bar

She uses a Giro Disciple when competing in DH.

If you are going to be using it throughout the race its probably best to try a few on and get one that does the job but fits well and is comfy.

rockthreegozy
Full Member

Negative, bit of a journey and nothing on their website at least. Inners might have a few options hopefully so will maybe look this weekend if no further snow forecast

If you could report back on your findings it would be much appreciated!

Super quick reply from Sprockets to say no stock but should have Fox and 100% at some point..

use a trigger FF. you can take the chin pads off for climbing which makes a big difference.

I've got a Smith Mainline. Bought it to replace a Fox Proframe which felt a bit flimsy. Much prefer it. It's reassuringly sturdy, only slightly weightier than the Proframe and much better ventilated. Would recommend.

Just been through same choice for SEE race and went for fixed chin bar. Couldn’t see myself using a convertible with chin bar removed when I’ve got a nice trail helmet for most of my riding. Got a 100% Trajecta but not used it yet. Nice snug fit round head and cheeks but plenty of airspace in front, especially compared to motorbike helmets. Not ridden it yet through.

Got a Endura MT500 full face.

Extremely comfy to wear, far better than my previous fox proframe and bell super2, slightly annoying to take on and off pulling it past my ears.

Notable high effort highlights:
Have done 21 pedal up laps of Aston Hill riding everything but the steps by the golfcourse, and 10 laps pedal up at BPW in hot weather. Had no desire to remove it on either occasion.

I'm quite a hot running person generally. All the wintertime threads about wearing buffs and skull caps under helmets have me scoffing for example.

I have a TLD Stages, really like it- agree with the comment about it feeling a little cheap for the cost, but it's the helmety performance I care about not the cosmetic attention to detail and it's a really good helmet. Best vented real fullface I've used, and light too.

But I still wouldn't want to ride in it all day.

Tried a MET Parachute on at the weekend and it looked ridiculous on my heed - whereas I currently have a Bell Super DH and that doesn't. Comfy too and looks ok as a half shell (subjective) and not the best pic to see - straight on

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TLD stage, use it all the time on the EEB. Light and comfy and well vented. Got it from Merlin for a great price so worth checking them. Magnetic buckle is ace too.

I've got a Bell Super DH MIPS helmet with removable chinbar.
Was at Antur Stiniog couple of weeks ago and took a massive hit when I fell off.
Helmet did its job and didn't hesitate to buy again.
Can definitely recommend

been using a giro switchblade for racing the last 6 years, never once taken of the chinbar, only bought it as its all i could get at very short notice. ridden with it on for big race loops, like 30 miles and 25 temps and while a bit warm was ok but i cope with higher temps than a lot of my mates do.
just bought a proframe as i'm hoping the more open front helps with my breathing on more pedaly stages, its also noticbly lighter

Kali Invader is a great ‘Enduro’ full face, with chin bar tested to motorcycle standard, very light, super ventilated, and the latest version has a dial on the back for adjusting fit, like an open face. It’s not DH rated, but only because of the amount of ventilation holes it has apparently.

I have the Bell Super DH. I rarely ride uphiil with the chinbar ,but really i think that's just habit, will do so more often.

I just got my 14 yaer old daughter new helmets, after she grew out of the last ones.

I ordered any I could find that had some kind of rotational impact system, and preferably some kind of low speed impact protection (MIPS spherical on my Super DH is both). I think we had about 6 Enduro and 4 DH. And of course she had already tried (and rejected) my Super DH and 3 helmets she tried in the local shop.

Then I had her try them on. Only a few fit comfortably. Once we had the comfy ones, we checked for how secure they seemed as far as shaking your head, and I pressed a small (18cm diameter) ball against the face opening, to see if the chinbar actually did something*

She ended up with the Leatt DH and Enduro models. We considered just taking the Enduro, but it is cut up in the back, so doesn't work with a neck brace in the back. (Ironic for that brand).

So basically, I's say, just try a bunch. It needs to be comfortable and secure, and that will be different for everyone.

*A few years ago she borrowed my Bell Super to ride at the bikepark, had a small crash and the chinbar slid down, exposing her entire face. Might as well not have had it. Luckily a small scar under her lower lip is the only lasting result.

Tried an IXS Trigger in both sizes. One was too small, the other too large - fairly typical for me. Shame, as they're nice things although a bit on the bulbous side (which surprised me tbh)

Was that from a shop the IXS? Shop on Inners high street had a small and medium Specialized Gambit at the weekend but at £295 its the upper range of what I want to spend. Light mind!!

at £295 its the upper range of what I want to spend

I know our brains and faces are really important, but holy ****.

Nah, Wiggle so free returns luckily. I'm not sure I can get past the looks for the new Spec helmets, luckily wont be near Inners for a while to find out

I'm also on the lookout for the same reason so watching with interest. I sweat like a pig when I'm riding so as ventilated as possible is my priority.

I've tried on the Fox Proframe, 100% and Specialized Gambit so far, wasn't overly enthused by any. Yet to have found a physical shop with the Troy Lee Stages in stock yet, that appears to be the best ventilated.

I personally don't see the appeal of a removable chin bar. It's not the chin that makes the full face hot, so it's just compromising the helmet and creating extra faff for minimal benefit.

Monster Bike in Inverness stocks the TLD. Not handy for most though

I want to want the Fox (I have a Rampage that fits really well) but the possible chin guard issue puts me off

Had a Giro Switchblade with the removeable chin bar but after the first couple of rides I stopped removing it as it was a faff to put back on without removing the helmet.

Now have a Fox Proframe which is lighter and better ventilated, plus it's a better fit than the Switchblade.

I had the Giro switchblade(DH certified) comfy but would be super warm at this time of year
Met Parachute MCR is my new detachable and has MIPS,Mega comfy and light
Got mine around £200

MET parachute, older style with the non detachable is very well vented, and keeps nice and cool.

Sounds like we need a friendly magazine to do a group test...

Met Parachute MCR actually looks pretty good. I don't think I'd seen that version and had discounted them because I hate the look of the older ones.

Update on my endura MT500 hot weather performance following the bank holiday weekend
Friday - tidworth. Hot and humid with no breeze in the trees. 21 runs I think based on strava. Merino tshirt soaked with sweat. Wore helmet the whole time, didn't feel hot.
Sunday - 417project. Wore it in the van, no issues. Most others were pulling off helmets revealling a hot and sweaty head beneath.

mashr

I want to want the Fox (I have a Rampage that fits really well) but the possible chin guard issue puts me off

Tried on several proframes, found them all uncomfortable around the brow, which is something several reviewers commented on also.

After the IXS fiasco (bit over-dramatic) I just went balls-deep and ordered a TLD Stage - fits pretty much perfectly, does not feel like a £300 (RRP) helmet. One good ride in it so far, was a muggy day but don't think it felt any hotter than my Sweet Protection open facer. Only thing that i've realised will annoy me is trying to drink with it on - probably should've seen that coming I suppose. . .

honourablegeorge
Full Member
Tried on several proframes, found them all uncomfortable around the brow, which is something several reviewers commented on also.

That also helps me think the TLD was the right choice. Although I noticed that the Proframe RS has a different design at the join for the chinbar too - oddly doesn't seem to be mentioned in the press release. Anyway, the RS isn't available yet so it was a moot point

Just done 13 miles in the sunshine wearing my Bell and whilst I sweated (I sweat even without a lid), it wasn't uncomfortable

I too have ordered a TLD Stage off eBay for a reasonable price. Yet to receive but despite not the nicest looks wise in the Camo evrything else had a niggle or two so this is my starting point

Hold on - you got the cheap camo one that "mtbgirl2009" was selling?? If so, i absolutely hate you and you just cost me £100 🙂 I had that ready to go, went to push "buy" only to find it has gone! Agreed that the camo isn't the best, but was happy to pay that for it

but despite not the nicest looks wise in the Camo

Do TLD ever do a nice colour scheme/colorway? All their kit looks like someone ate a pack of highlighters then vomited over the transfer sheet.

Sorry @mashr guilty!

@mashr

I want to want the Fox (I have a Rampage that fits really well) but the possible chin guard issue puts me off

What chin guard issue?

This sort of thing

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/fox-proframe-crashed-design-problem-or-material-defect.1104969/

and some of the comments here (and other places they come up for discussion):
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/preview-foxs-new-race-spec-proframe-full-face-helmet-sea-otter-2022.html

The guy that broke the chin guard whilst taking his helmet off being a particular favourite 🙈

rockthreegozy
Full Member

Sorry @mashr guilty!

My procrastination (basically having a coffee) cost me £100 in idiot tax!

I ordered the blue nova Troy Lee Stages in M/L. It's too small for me, but not so small that I'd want XL/XXL. No idea why they use different sizing to the D3, where a large fits me perfectly.

Any takers at £250 BNWT? Considerably cheaper than what you'll find that model for online.

The search continues. Going to try the 100% version, then look into the removable chin route if that's no good.

Also tried the Smith Mainline on. Feels much like a better helmet than the Stages but doesn't appear to be as well ventilated. If you're less of a sweaty pig than me I'd say that is worth a look.

LD Stages here too. Put it back on for the first time in a year at the weekend and remembered how much I hate full facers but at the same time I never oversweat in it, just a bit hotter than an open helmet. Would fully recommend the Stages due to its relatively excellent air movement.

I’ve had a couple of decent rides in my TLD now. First was a couple of hours on a muggy day, but sweaty but the person I was riding with (in an open face) was getting a sweat on too).
Yesterday was a bigger ride with just under 5,000ft of climbing. It was fine really. Probably slightly warmer than my open face but really not bad. Better than I was expecting

OTOH I could do with wearing riding glasses instead of goggles so I can keep them on all day. Not ready for that sacrifice to fashion yet though. . .

i am doing the megavalnche this year and full face helmets are mandatory, much to my frustration, as having owned and worn one many times, i just dont like them anymore.

So as per the OP i was in the market for one. I didnt want to spend mega money, so went with an IXS Trigger FF. £132 from CRC (as i went for the grey, i preferred the white, but refused to pay nearly £30 premium).

Helmet seems really well made. It fits well (comes with 2 cheek pad sizes and has a ratchet cradle that tightens up). Way lighter than my old Fox rampage carbon full face and far more ventilated.

I did want the new POC Otocon, but £250 for something i may wear a couple of time a year at most seemed a bit excessive.

That IXS helmet looks pretty good for the money, I like their stuff.

Have you done the Mega before? I think you'll be very glad of the full-face helmets rule once you're riding the course.

The IXS does seem very nice. Would have been happy with it if it had fitted me (and the 2 tone grey looks alright too)

Would definitely be wanting a full facer for the Mega

not ridden the mega before, but the guys i am going with have and think i am mad for suggesting that i would prefer to not wear a full face. but it is what it is, so will embrace it.

plus it appears the 'enduro' full face helmets are far more open than my old fox one, which makes the tunnel vision/claustrophobic feeling disappear, which was my main dislike of wearing a full face.

Are there any situations where the newer 'enduro' full faces are not allowed? I have heard that there are some DH (race?) rules that stipulate a more traditional full face. Not sure if that just means a fixed chin bar or a different CE mark?

I want to replace my sweaty old FF with something lighter, and I don't plan to do any DH racing so probably an Enduro FF makes sense. But are there situations where I'd regret that choice?

I tried on quite a few and settled with the Troy Lee Stage. For anyone interested, my mini group test:

Troy Lee Stage - Sizing isn't ideal as there's no Large. I eventually settled for the XL with thicker pads. Ventilation feels good and face opening is wide.

100% Trajecta - Liked the looks but felt like the front would rub on my forehead. Face opening doesn't feel as wide as the Troy Lee

Smith Mainline - Feels comfortable and well made, but didn't seem much better ventilated than my normal full face

Specialized Gambit - Padding felt a bit sparse. Expensive and don't like the look of it

Met Parachute MCR - Light, comfortable and well ventilated and looks great for a convertible helmet. Probably my favourite, but it was a bit too fiddly getting chin bar back on. Maybe something I'd get used to in time, but it really put me off.

I got a Giro Switchblade as it was the strongest convertible available at the time.
I wear it for trail riding without the chin guard in the winter for a little more warmth.

In the summer I take out the padding and use some thinner padding from an IXS lid which makes a big difference to the air flow and heat management.