My Troy Lee A1 has had a few bangs and knocks now. Including one huge flip and roll where my bike came down on top of me and my downtube hit me in the head like a bat.
I like the look of the new Switchblade. But I can't find anywhere to try one on.
I was dead set on an Endura MT500 but it doesn't fit. No matter how tight it is it just rolls off my head. I had a Fox Flux and it used to slide forward on bumpy trails. The A1 has been perfect so far. So how do I know if I have a Giro shaped head?
Also, I've got a proper full face (D3) which I'll continue to use for uplifts and Alps stuff. I just thought the Switchblade looks like a pretty substantial trail helmet for every day use. Or is it total overkill? Those ear muff bits look pretty toasty in this weather.
Anyone using one and either love it or hate it?
Wheelbase have some you can try on. Ive just bought one....not used it yet though sorry!!
It's a big lid, it's warm in hot weather, I'd probably wear one at the moment and it's the only lid I brought back to the UK as my other ones were all too old, it's a great enduro lid but never managed to wear it for anything but the days I was riding up to bomb back down
Should have said, I'm in Sheffield if anyone knows of any stock anywhere.
Or if someone with a Troy Lee shaped head has also tried a Switchblade I'll just gamble on it.
Had loads of A1's and an A2 and D3 which fit me really well.
Also got a Switchblade which fit's just as well.
They are a bit of a struggle to put on and take off with the chinbar fitted though. Works best if you undo the rocklock a bit first.
Hotter than an A1/2 but still just about OK for xc rides without the chinbar.
I managed two holidays in Spain and Switzerland last year where we did a fair bit of climbing and only had to take it off on one fireroad climb as my head really was boiling. I have had to take my xc lid off on the same climb in the past though.
Removing the chin guard doesn't do much for ventilation.
Tried in the Bell DH the other day and that fitted well both with and without the chin guard.
Removing the chin guard doesn’t do much for ventilation.
Helps a lot with breathing though. 😉
18 Bikes had them in when I was last in the shop. My daughter had to pay a silly price for one in Whistler last year as she crashed and damaged her Met Parachute and needed a new helmet to compete in. She rates it over the Parachute as it fits her better and is easy to remove the chin guard for the long up hills.
I've got a D3 shaped head, couldn't find another ff that was comfy to wear, the giro is a similar fit, but less encompassing at the same time does that make any sense!?! As in it fits great but feels more like a normal lid when on than a full face does.....
Bought my lad the Switchblade for all MTB use, with the chin bar it looks like a full on full face.
I got a Parachute for me, and it is much more ventilated, and I can imagine wearing all day. (I have done but only this winter).
I normally wear Giro, and the Parachute is fine fit wise.
You could wear it all day but there's no doubting it's warm - I did a 20mile enduro race thing with one, most of the time without the chin bar, but you are enclosed and sweat was pouring out of it (October) - just wish they did a version with more venting on the sides. I totalled mine and now wondering about a Fox Proframe instead as they look more vented - still, solid helmet tho
I have an A1 and a Switchblade and they're both the most comfortable best fitting helmets I have (better than my Giro Xar, and various others). Both side M (my head circumference is 59cm so I'm on the limit of both, but not a problem).
I got my Switchblade from 18 Bikes a year ago, they had stock of M and L for me to try.
The Switchblade is great. I can't take it off or put it on without removing the chin-guard, so that's a slight faff. And over the last year I've only once removed the chin-guard for a big climb - but overall I tend to leave it on all the time during a ride. It's handy when doing shuttle-runs or between Enduro stages. I know I could have spent half as much on a FF, but it has been worth the extra money. Does make sure you practise fitting the chin-guard as it's not as easy as you'd think.
There's also the Leatt dbx 3.0, looks well vented.
Have you seen the new Bell Super DH? I'm quite interested in a helmet like this, and I think the Giro is close but let down by the ear coverage and heat as everyone says. The Bell looks like a proper FF and a well liked trail lid combined. Not seen a review yet however.
I've ordered a Switchblade. Can't really get out to Eighteen cycles I'm stuck at work until Sunday.
Should have it tomorrow apparently so I'll let you know how I get on.
I always buy everything I black so I wanted to branch out with this one...
I got it today and I think I'll be keeping it! It feels like a really substantial bit of kit but also very lightweight. Perfect fit as well. Because it fully encompasses your skull it really doesn't move at all. I like the ear and cheek coverage, I feel pretty naked in the A1 compared to the Switchblade.
I might even use it this weekend. Haven't been out since New Years day!
Can't help thinking it defeats it's own purpose - the issue with a full face (for me, at least) is that it's too hot to pedal in. The switchblade still has nearly all the covverage of a full face, so really doesn't help with that problem very much at all.
You should probably try one out then....
It's there to fit the market of a proper solid FF that you can get the chin bar off to breath more and increase air flow, chin bar off it's comfortable for short pedals on a hot day and good enough for longer pedals out of the full on heat. It's also still much better vented than a traditional FF lid and it sits up a bit due to the Mips which gives you better airflow around your head rather than the enclosed FF lids.
It feels like a more substantial and better lid than the Bell Super with the chin bar removed.
I agree. They're really rather good - feel good but better vented than a full face and have good coverage without the chin too..