Who has upped their helmet game over the years?

I’ve been riding mountain bikes since the 80s like many on here. I was an early adopter of EPS helmets and started back when Giro boasted 11 shell sizes on their one helmet with a lycra cover. I’m not even sure it had a model name.

Over the years, helmets have evolved a lot. I’m currently looking for a new lid to replace my Montaro. It has a lot more coverage than the Athlon that went before it. Now, I was using that Athlon with a Turner 6 pack, 160 coil f+r and happy doing so in the Alps and the Pyrenees.

I’m currently pondering Fox Dropframe type lids and maybe a Programme for occasional use.

I guess my question is, who else has found themselves upping their helmet game like this and who has stayed with a lighter more airy lid?

I mostly do gravity focussed stuff these days, so it’s either a DH rated FF or an airy ‘enduro’ FF. I’m fugly enough without rearranging my chin on the terrain.

I have 2 helmets. Which one I wear depends on the weather. On the 3 days a year when it’s hot and sunny then it’s my light and airy lid, the rest of the time I’m a bit more encased

I started with a Giro kids’ helmet – cos it was one size fits all, and you didn’t (don’t?) pay VAT on kids’ lids, so it was cheap. Grey thing.

(Ex)Wife wore it once on a borrowed bike and v brake rubs through the tyre going down a road hill, pops tyre, she goes over the bars, smacks head on road. Never went riding with us again. So I got something a bit better, then it was the Giro Xen a bit down the line, nice lid (was it the Supermoto before that?). Few others, now I’m Fox Speedframe MIPS. Squeaks a bit, that MIPs (pointless to imo), but comfy, airy and very protecty.

Defo upped the anti on lids.

1st was a mid 1990s Met something-or-other with mesh to keep bugs out from the front holes.

Then something ‘proper’.

Then a Giro Zen when they were all the rage with better coverage.

Then split between road, mtb and DH.  Lighter more airy road lid (but had a good rating in one of the uni crash test rankings), Troy Lee A2 for trails, and a big feckorf Giro carbon fibre full face for riding downwards in the Alps.

Bought a Bell Super Air “R” version with the chin bar thinking it might come in handy for doing a bike park one day.

Ended up taking it with me more and more, it’d be silly to smash my face with that on the shelf at home. Then ended up wearing it more and more for any descent, it’d be silly to smash my face with that attached to my backpack. Planning to do an uplift and park day, the Super Air R isn’t DH certified so decided to get a MET Parachute MCR which is – it’d be silly to smash my face for the sake of £150 sat in the bank.

In summer I often took off my helmet for fire road climbs, non tech grassy climbs, or pushing the bike. Then I had a pedal strike, fell down a small waterfall head first while not wearing a helmet and got extremely lucky not to die. Lesson learnt, bikes destabilise you and make it harder to save yourself – so now helmet on always.

Dropped my leisure commuting helmet on the floor cracked it, got a MTB one for the replacement because why not.

I’ve probably gone back a little bit, the best fitting helmet I could find is a fox striker which has less coverage and is a bit less burly than my old Flux. I’d like a bit more coverage,wouldn’t say no to adding MIPS or similar but I’ve just not found the hat that does it.

But my TLD Stage has definitely been a change, I’ll wear that for stuff I used to choose open face for. I used to have an Urge full face which was really well vented but even so it was only for the daftest and most uplifted of days, I didn’t wear it frinstance for most alps riding or for FOD uplifts, but I’m always happy sticking the Stage on for anything like that. Light well vented full faces are awesome.

That’s what I’m pondering. I don’t make a habit of crashing, I guess not many of us do. Like all risk, it’s likelihood x severity. While the likelihood is low, severity could be fatal.

I was pondering a ¾ shell but once you’ve gone that far, why not go full face given that they seem pretty light and airy these days.

Just don’t compromise on MIPS! (or other similar anti rotation (!!) solutions if they exist)

I agree. I’ll never wear a helmet without MIPs (or similar).

True story…
Our work has a pool bike that you can use to get about town to meetings at other places etc. you have to be shown around it before first use and told what to do if you get a puncture etc. I was told in no uncertain terms that I had to wear a helmet. And not just any helmet, but their provided helmet. I’d brought along my own Fox Speedframe but no I couldn’t use that as it might not be safe…(As opposed to the shared and probably dropped Halfords special). So I told them where to shove their bike and now drive and claim expenses from them

Call me old fashioned, but I didn’t realise that there was a helmet game that could be ‘upped’!

Mostly ridden with lightweight well vented higher end XC lids for riding XC.
I do have an older Spesh Ambush for winter use as it’s warmer.

I guess the game can be “upped” by using one that offers more protection, covers your ears, full face etc – but they’re not for me.

Actually, I believe the Giro Supermoto saved my life, when a car hit me (my fault), sending me up in the air and my head smacked the A pillar on the way down, plus the road upon landing. Not sure if a game can be any more upped.

Got 1 helmet and I tend to buy on fit then price…I’m happy with how bad I look, but I’m not precious about my look so have avoided full face as they just seem to be seriously hotter than an open face one.
It isn’t something I really think about…as long as it fits well and I don’t think it is overpriced then I buy and use for 3 years and then replace.

Used to ride in a Specialized Piranha then the replacement, S3???? Very lightweight helmets. Over the last 15yrs or so I’ve switched to keeping a lighter helmet (currently a Kask Mojito) for road and mountain bike helmets with more coverage, current one is Specialized Tactic (I think!!).

The helmets I buy have become more protective just as natural development of better fit, more coverage – both my helmets come further down the back of my head than they used to, better materials, more adjustment, so I’ve ‘upped’ my game without really any intent on my part.

I do keep looking at helmets like the Giro Tyrant for park days, but my head sweats like a water fountain at the best of times, so I’m reluctant to go much more than I’ve got now.

yep. a lightweight trail lid feels wierd now. i do have one for commuting or bimbling. for any proper riding i use a lid with more coverage or a DH rated enduro lid.

Well I’ve failed to put up an image. I’ve actually gone from a Motocross style almost unvented lid to a Bell Super mips thingy with the removable chin bit.

The picture is supposed to show said lid with rocks embedded in the shell and me completely unharmed (head and neck anyway).

What’s mips?

I’ve got five lids. I don’t do any gravity stuff, so no full face. I’ve an expensive Bell Volt for the road bike (fair few years old but not used a lot.  I also have four PX lids – cheap, work well, and not worried if they get damaged. I’ve a ‘road one, XC MTB one and two enduro style ones ~(different colours).

I’ve cracked a few helmet’s when ‘commuting’ – expensive Bell Sweeps, due to stupid car drivers. Although, in one accident, the lid never hit the ground so was very handy when convincing the ambulance crew that my spine was the issue, not my head – look at the lid, not a mark on it.

Mainly, though, the lid has stopped me getting nasty gravel rash, even recently, the air vents were packed with mud following an off as I slid down the track on my shoulder and head. There isn’t much flesh on youe skull.

I do have a couple of mates that don’t like using lids, one never wears one unless forced to in an event. He’s bashed his head a few times but there is no convincing him (for me it’s the gravel rash I want to prevent).

Another mate came off his road bike recently, no lid. Has no recollection of falling off, and took a chunk out of his head. He’s reconsidering wearing the lid all times (he wears one off road).

I’ve always worn one as I had to when racing !

What does Mips mean?

1st was a mid 1990s Met something-or-other with mesh to keep bugs out from the front holes.

Was it a MET Jetstream.  I had a couple in the mid-90’s.  Went from them to a Giro Supermoto, Specialized King Cobra, and then to a Giro Xen.

More recently – last 20 years…  I have opted for a POC Trabec Race (My first MIPs equipped helmet.), Bell Super 2R, POC Coron Spin and, a Troy Lee A2, a POC Kortal Race.  I guess you could say I upped my helmet game somewhat.

Currently got two helmets.

IXS Trigger FF & Giro Montaro

Bought the FF for days where the focus is going downhill rapidly or less rapidly but where stealth trees grow. This was after a couple of instances where a relatively minor crash in those circumstances hurt way more than it should have due to open face. The FF is a bit warmer than open face but nor much, it’s a very airy helmet.

My Montaro is going to be five years old soon, so likely getting ready for replacement. I’ll probably still keep it for pub and cafe runs but I expect my next helmet for the pedally stuff will be a dropframe type thing

When you say “upping your helmet Game” do you really mean spunking exponentially more money on each plastic hat?

If so, then nope, I had a Giro or two in the 90s a couple of METs and a bell too IIRC, but in recent years I’ve been happy enough buying a 661 Full facer a while back (Barely used since TBF) and then cheapo Carnac branded lids from PX, plus a couple of DHB lids before Chiggle went tits-up. I’d say my “game” has decreased as it dawned that they’re just a bit of moulded EPS with a shell and some straps…

Over the years, helmets have evolved a lot…

Has they really though?

The fundamental core technology a dome shaped lump of polystyrene strapped to your noggin hasn’t really changed IMO. People seem to use the term “evolved” to describe things that have been slightly refined over time. they’ve got more holes in them now, they get a moulded in shell the strapping acquired a harness to cradle the back of your skull and most recently we’re being pushed MIPS so they apparently can Squirm a bit with oblique impacts and reduce twisty neck syndrome (of questionable benefit to some).

But really they’re just the same plastic hats they were back in 1988, except people spend some staggering sums on them now because they’ve become as much of a fashion item as they are PPE…

I’v ended up with an Endura MT500 MIPS – the main reason being that I have a track history of large insects flying into vents, getting stuck  &  subsequently angry.. The last wasp sting wasn’t too bad but a bee sting to the head whilst miles from home made for an interesting ride back.

Back in the early 90’s mesh of sorts was seen on a good number of helmets but rare these days (not that the MT500 has mesh per se).

Probably, as helmet tech and coverage has changed. Never wore a helmet, until an OTB over 20 years ago where I probably had concussion. But then I’m old enough to remember that no one wore helmets cycling to school, or you’d look like a right twonk. Because that’s what’s important when you’re 14 years old, obviously ?

Got a Giro something or other (havoc) after that, early 2000s. That did it’s job when I fell off on ice commuting. Replace that with a Giro Hex around 2013. That then did it’s job when I managed to crash on the tamest bit of trail and broke/tore my shoulder ligament in 2022. That was replaced with a Giro source MIPS helmet.

Over time you can see that even on an open faced helmet coverage has increased. Didn’t necessarily want MIPS but the Source was a good price and I liked the colour, so that decided it for me. Just happened to come with MIPS.

.FFS

they’re just the same plastic hats they were back in 1988, except people spend some staggering sums on them now because they’ve become as much of a fashion item as they are PPE…

virginia tech might disagree that there’s been no progress in 30 years. it’s your head, so if that’s all it’s worth to you crack on. no need to spend vast sums, but something that fits that has some useful features are a wise investment IMO.

But really they’re just the same plastic hats they were back in 1988, except people spend some staggering sums on them now because they’ve become as much of a fashion item

Yep, nailed it. My Speedframe does look a million times better than the kids’ Giro that saved my ex-missus’s head from the tarmac and the Supermoto that saved my head from the car body, but they were the same tech and did the job. I’ve never crashed in a MIPS but crashed loads in non-MIPS and they all did what I was wearing them for..

Yep, each time I’ve bought a helmet is got more technical and more expensive.  Gone from a pink splatter Etto in the 1990’s, and now onto a very flash POC Tectal.  I feel well protected and not overwhelmed with a big full face affair.

Nope my most expensive helmet I have at the moment cost £15 from on-one.

I compared it to a £130 Catlike helmet and couldn’t see any difference, apart from marketing BS

I bought a bell super with a detachable chin bar. I also had a massive trouble lee full face.

If it’s a pedaly ride bell, no chinguard. If it’s pushing or uplift full face.

A couple of mates have been doing harder stuff. I might finally break out the chin guard as there’s a chunk of peadaling to get there.

Had various helmets that I can’t remember, then started to up the game if you like with a Fox Flux

Think I was wearing this when I broke my jaw, so then decided to go down the Bell Super 2R (removable chin bar) route.

The Bell saved my noggin on a big crash at BPW, although not sure if the chin guard can into play.

Replaced it with a Bell Super DH, which I still have and will use for bike parks or the occasional big day on the Ebike.

Without the chin bar it is a tad bulky for sedate or less gnarly rides, so bought a Fox Speedframe Pro

Subsequently for in between, I bought a Dropframe Pro

Nope my most expensive helmet I have at the moment cost £15 from on-one.

I compared it to a £130 Catlike helmet and couldn’t see any difference, apart from marketing BS

A mate has an On One helmet and I look at it and think there’s no way I’d want that protecting my head after some of the crashes I’ve had. Wouldn’t want to wear it for much more than a gravel ride tbh.

Noticed a bit of a scuff on the Speedframe the other day, so ordered a POC Kortal Race. Felt comfy enough, but looked ridiculous on my head – seemed to perch high up, so sent it back

Gone the other way. First was a Bell when I did my first triathlon back in the early 90’s. Now a £15 special from On-One.

The helmets on sale all have to pass the minimum safety standards, I suspect more expensive helmets will pass those minimum standards checks far easier than the cheaper helmets, but they all pass and can be sold.
A huge amount is paying for the name and look, but likewise it is up to the individual on what they deem an acceptable cost for a helmet. I’m not seeing the benefit of spending more on helmet B if helmet A has same features and is cheaper, but others will think differently, which is fine.
I’m of the view that wearing any properly fitting helmet is better than none.

Call me old fashioned, but I didn’t realise that there was a helmet game that could be ‘upped

I’m more intrigued by Bob saying this

Defo upped the anti on lids.

and then proceeding to do just the opposite!

there’s no way I’d want that protecting my head after some of the crashes I’ve had

But why are you crashing that often on your head? IMO if your mashing your head that often then you either need to learn to crash or back off a bit.

I might be more risk adverse than some but at 50 I avoid doing stuff that could end up braking bones/smashing my head every 2 mins

virginia tech might disagree that there’s been no progress in 30 years. it’s your head, so if that’s all it’s worth to you crack on. no need to spend vast sums, but something that fits that has some useful features are a wise investment IMO.

It’s kinda in VT’s financial interests to disagree though innit. Their scoring system is opaque at best.

£100+ kask or POC Vs a £20 carnac or BX, they all fit, perhaps that’s the thing that’s actually been refined, fit, I’ll give you that. Still doesn’t justify the pricing gaps IMO l.

I suspect more expensive helmets will pass those minimum standards checks far easier than the cheaper helmets, but they all pass and can be sold.

The fact that some of you believe more spend buys more protection is interesting, aside from not wanting to feel like you’ve been mugged, what is that based on?

But why are you crashing that often on your head? IMO if your mashing your head that often then you either need to learn to crash or back off a bit.

I wouldn’t class two significant head strikes in 35 years as often tbh

The broken jaw was blamed mostly on lethal Specialized tyres back when they were literally trying to kill most people that used them

The incident with the Bell Super 2R was overcooking a tabletop at BPW

Crashing is part of MTB’ing unfortunately, unless you’re a certified mincer and even then it’s still possible.

It makes me laugh the amount of frothing that goes on if someone dares to be seen riding a bike without a helmet, yet in the next breath people aren’t really bothered about the amount of protection said helmet brings to the party.

That said, I’ll happily ride to the shops or down the railway path to the gym without a helmet at all.

I’ve said it before, it’s all about an assessment of risk. If that risk is magnified and I’m chucking myself down some rocky terrain, potentially at speed then I’ll take a big helmet

I wasn’t really thinking about price when I started this thread. It was more about the coverage, level of protection and to some extent, the advanced technology. The slip plain in my first helmet was the lycra cover. Most of the time, I’m not riding anything different from what I did 30 years ago, a bit faster I hope, but not fundamentally different. However, I started in a lid that barely reached my ears. I’m now pondering something like a Dropframe and possibly a Proframe.