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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.