Posts
98
Joined
1/6/2025
Location
Calgary , AB
CA
My better half prefers a convertible helmet for it's combination of breathability on the way up and extra protection on the way down. Acknowledging it isn't as good as a vented full face but those are hotter to climb in and harder to drink through.... And this isn't for use in actual bike parks where we have proper DH helmets.
The new Bell has taken at least one option of the list and Leatt doesn't really fit her so I'm hoping I've missed some other options? Bonus if available in Canada....
Not sure if it's still available or if it's available in Canada, but I've heard a few people loving the Arbitrator from Sweet: https://www.sweetprotection.com/eu/en/arbitrator-mips-helmet-matte-blac…
The MET Parachute MIPS saved my brother from a really bad TBI so I have to recommend it. I also run it and it's nice to only have one helmet for everything
I am somewhat surprised that convertible helmets are dying breed.
Still small or large Giro Switchblades at Fortnine:
https://fortnine.ca/en/giro-switchblade-mips-mtb-helmet
IMO convertibles are the worst of both worlds. I've tried a few over the years and they just generally suck. My wife has the same desire for ventilation and safety. She uses the IXS Trigger full face. It's a 600g full face with venting that is so good it's at most a 10% reduction in breathability over a half shell.
FWIW, you are 100% right about harder to drink through. It's my only complaint about my TLD Stage helmet. However, I just saw this product that I think I'll check out myself: https://us.leatt.com/products/water-bottle-steadysip-convertible?srsltid=AfmBOopXu9b3dvjTnPgGJbawCnvOWAMvUjYjmy-ID16hM-L0Kq7XUwhe
https://theloamwolf.com/reviews/gear/review-leatt-steadysip-convertible-bottle/
As far as hotter to pedal in, I haven't noticed any appreciable difference between the Stage and a standard bike lid. The Stage is very ventilated and has no flat spot in front to reflect your breath. If you cannot find a good convertible option, I'd say an enduro full-face (Troy Lee or Fox) plus the bottle above might be a great compromise.
I have a few soft flasks like this one. HydraPak SoftFlask Speed 500ml – Original Free Range
Even a ventilated full face still has cheek pads which aren't great if you are really exerting.
She's actually randomly found an abus that fits. It's clearly not for DH but that's okay as we have DH helmets for that.
The giro might be good for junior though..
Regardless of how well ventilated a full face helmet is, it will nevertheless impact visibility and hearing more than an open helmet will. Which can be a problem in traffic in my opinion...
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