Full face helmets

Hi all.

I’m looking for advice regarding full face helmets. I have done a fair bit of research on ‘tinterweb and found a couple I like.

There is a 661 for £50 that looks pretty good but as far as I can tell does not have removable pads, I’m thinking it would be good to have that option so I can wash them etc.

I have only just started doing jumps and not doing anything totally mental but I would like to add to my arm/leg protection. So I’m looking for a relevantly cheap helmet for occasional use. Something I could take to the Alps too.

Being 36 and self employed I would rather look like a storm trooper and show up for work than spend Monday morning having my teeth glued back in.

What do you use? Why did you go for it?

Anything from £50-£80 would be nice.

Any advice on what to avoid is also very welcome.

Thanks

MH

I have a Giro Remedy that is really comfy and fits me well. It also has removable pads so they can be washed.

To be honest though, I would strongly recommend trying some on because they don’t all fit the same.

For DHing, I’d say a full-face is pretty essential.

Bought a 661 Evolution from CRC last year for a trip to Fort Bill, cost around £60 iirc – found it perfectly acceptable, but I didn’t give it the opportunity to protect my head 😉

Thanks Mikey and TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR,

I like the look of that 661 and Mikey, The Remedy is not one I have seen yet so will check it out. Good point about trying them on, few bike shops round here so will go and get a feel for them.

Thanks again guys.

MH

Another vote for the 661 Evolution, fits much nicer than my Troylee which costs nearly 4 times as much (plus there are a load of colours to pick from).

But as already said, it’s essential to try before you buy…

There are lots of good deals around on 661 helmets but most of them seem to be only available in S or XL. I got the 661 Comp 2 for about £45 from Merlin and it’s my first full face, so I had no idea how restricting it would feel wearing it. Needn’t have worried as it’s so comfortable you forget you’re wearing it. Probably something to do with the fact that all your concentration is focussed into not killing yourself on the way down. Highly recommend it.

I bought mine because it fits and although it has removable pads I’ve not yet felt the need to remove them (nearly 2 years), so unless your head gets really sweaty I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

I second 661 evolution, good comfy helmet with removable pads and good fit for my big head! like above I highly recommebd trying on a few brands before buying.

Trying them on’s absolutely essential… I liked the look of the Remedy but it just wasn’t anywhere near fitting me, my cheapo 661 Strike is a good fit but I decided to upgrade to the same size Evolution Carbon and it doesn’t fit…

Removable pads aren’t that big a deal IMO, you can just wash them in the helmet.

You can return mail order items of course but that can get expensive

If you can find the extra pennies for this one I’d seriously consider it. A tiny bit over budget but I think it’s a definite cut above those mentioned above. Great value…

O’neal Airtech

i picked up the ’11 specialized full face in the shop the other week. was surprised how light it was. and it was only €70 as the ’12 was in stock, but that doesn’t have the adjustable ratchet system.
i’ve got a Giro Remedy and am happy.

main point is fit.

661comp II is very comfortable and it won’t break the bank. The interior is not removable but i only wear mine when i’m going downhill i sling it over the bars when pushing up so i don’t wear it much while i’m sweating. 661 sub gear layer is also most excellent has saved me from a number of hefty impacts you just stand up and think ‘hey! I’m ok!’ Also wicks very well, it is not hot at all.

As above, you really need to try them on before buying.

I found even though a Giro Zen does a good job of fitting my head for normal ‘trail’ duties, Giro’s fullface, the Remedy didn’t fit at all, it were like wearing a spacemans helmet ! 661’s don’t fit, Troy Lees were OK but too $$$. Luckily I found the Fox Rampage a perfect fit (in XL even though my head is 61 cm around !!!) and has so far preserved me from several offs for the last 3 years 🙂

je james THE1 vegas at night £120

But showerman, it’s fugly….

Try them on, honestly. Me, my husband and my son all have one, but 1 is actually smaller ‘on paper’ then the other, but comes up miles bigger!

I love the Bell bellistic (although I think they don’t make it anymore) for small heads, comes up very small and fits well, my son has this one>

I have a small spesh deviant, nice and light, but rear adjuster not that good.

My husband has just bought a IXS helmet (about £60), nice finish and not too heavy, not many air vents though.

HTH
Simone

a word of warning to avoid the 661 Stike (if they still do it) as it is really bad with goggles forcing them down you face.
The Comp (£65rrp) and EVO(£99rrp) are much better. CRC have selected EVO’s for £80.

Evo is top dog but the Comp seems like a decent budget lid.

Few people picked up my Evo and asked if it was Carbon this summer!

I’ve got a spec deviant and am happy with it. It’s light and for a FF, relatively cool when you’re moving.

mikewsmith – Member

a word of warning to avoid the 661 Stike (if they still do it) as it is really bad with goggles forcing them down you face.

Never found that. Sounds like yours was a bit loose fitting?

I have a Bell Drop it cost me about £60 and while the graphics are a bit in your face I quite like them and it is very comfortable. Im not a fan of the D loop strap system because its hard to use with gloves on, and the Drop has a normal buckle.

Northwind – Member
mikewsmith – Member
a word of warning to avoid the 661 Stike (if they still do it) as it is really bad with goggles forcing them down you face.

Never found that. Sounds like yours was a bit loose fitting?

Nope, got the same size evo and the different design in the ends of the face hole (for want of a better word) is squarer rather than curved making the goggles sit better. Comp has same features/design as the Evo

Had two Bell Bellistics ( 1st one a write off after a trip to Morzine), worth the £60 to be able to walk away from an accident rather than the alternative.
As above, whichever you chose check fit first.