So... I've been thinking about this whole "enduro" helmets trend a bit. They are being marketed as safer because the offer greater coverage of the back of the head. I am skeptical of this claim. As far as I know, they have to pass the same tests as other lighter, better ventilated "traditional" mountain bike helmets. Granted, this might mean that the tests haven't adapted to "the new realities of trail riding", but again, I'm skeptical.
I've actually had an accident where more rear coverage might have helped. Might being the operative term. Because the more I think about it, the less I'm sure. I was riding the Lost Lake trails at Whistler one time, and noticed a big rock that looked like it would have a nice view. So I started climbing it but stalled half way up. I hit the brakes and basically fell backwards doing a wheelie into the abyss. I fell about 4 feet down on my back, and my head whipped back against a stump. One of the roots essentially tore my ear open. Luckily, the health clinic is at the bottom of the trails, so it was a quick rip back to get sewn back together.
Anyways, for a while I kept thinking these new enduro helmets might have saved my ear. But then in thinking about it some more, I'm not so sure. the root essentially came from below and pushed my helmet up and uncovered my ear. That got me thinking about the basis for claiming these new helmets are safer. Any hit to the back of the head that far down will be coming from an awkward direction, which is likely to push the helmet out of the way anyways isn't it?
So, am I trading lightness and ventilation for unproven marketing claims of better safety when I buy these helmets?
anyone else had these thoughts?
I've actually had an accident where more rear coverage might have helped. Might being the operative term. Because the more I think about it, the less I'm sure. I was riding the Lost Lake trails at Whistler one time, and noticed a big rock that looked like it would have a nice view. So I started climbing it but stalled half way up. I hit the brakes and basically fell backwards doing a wheelie into the abyss. I fell about 4 feet down on my back, and my head whipped back against a stump. One of the roots essentially tore my ear open. Luckily, the health clinic is at the bottom of the trails, so it was a quick rip back to get sewn back together.
Anyways, for a while I kept thinking these new enduro helmets might have saved my ear. But then in thinking about it some more, I'm not so sure. the root essentially came from below and pushed my helmet up and uncovered my ear. That got me thinking about the basis for claiming these new helmets are safer. Any hit to the back of the head that far down will be coming from an awkward direction, which is likely to push the helmet out of the way anyways isn't it?
So, am I trading lightness and ventilation for unproven marketing claims of better safety when I buy these helmets?
anyone else had these thoughts?