What do locks, smoke alarms and cycle helmets have in common? Not much, except that they’re all manufactured by ABUS. With the HiDrop full-face, the German security tech brand introduces a new helmet that was designed for the toughest trails. How did it fare in our test?
ABUS is a German manufacturer with a 100-year history specialising in all things security. Their portfolio is huge and includes everything from locks and security systems, to smoke detectors and… bicycle helmets. While the brand has a pretty strong presence in the road segment, their helmets are still relatively unknown in the mountain biking world. With the HiDrop full-face helmet, the German manufacturer offers a helmet with maximum protection for bike park sessions and tough enduro riding. It’s available in four sizes, S to XL, offering a suitable option for head sizes from 55 to 61 cm. Our test helmet in size L tips the scales at 1040 g, which is pretty average for a full-face helmet in this category. However, at € 199.95, it’s a little cheaper than your average full-face helmet. Of course, it meets all current safety standards in its class, but how did it fare in our practical test?
ABUS HiDrop Fullface helmet on test
With the HiDrop, ABUS have created a stylish and subtle full-face helmet, achieving a harmonious blend of round shapes and clear edges. The visor is fixed in one position and cant be adjusted, though it has been designed to snap off in the event of a crash to prevent additional forces on the head and neck. However, the visor blends seamlessly into the shape of the helmet, never interfering with our field of vision while riding. For the buckle, ABUS rely on a double-D strap. While this is standard for DH full-face helmets and is super secure, it’s far less intuitive to use than a clip or Fidlock closure system. The helmet forgoes any sort of size adjustments, meaning that it’s crucial to choose your size carefully. However, the HiDrop is comparatively small and, despite the manufacturer’s size recommendation, which suggests the size L is suitable for head circumferences between 59 and 60 cm, it was also a good fit for our test riders with a circumference between 57 and 58 cm. If in doubt, we recommend sizing up.
The pads of the ABUS HiDrop are removable and, of course, washable. However, the small pins that secure them to the shell are quite flimsy. Although we didn’t have any problems with them during this test, we have had problems with other helmets using similar systems in the past, with the pins breaking off far too easily – so just be careful! The pads are soft on the skin without pinching, ensuring a secure fit. This makes the HiDrop very comfortable to wear and inspires huge amounts of confidence on the trail. However, the surface is a little rough and the cheek pads can scratch the face a little when worn for long periods of time. The chin guard is quite flexible, but still firm enough to give you a secure feeling. It’s also quite narrow, letting plenty of air onto your face – together with the vents, this ensures a pleasant inner climate while riding. Of course, it can’t compete with a lightweight full-face helmet. Goggles fit securely in the face cutout and can be easily adjusted using the guides at the back of the helmet.
Our conclusions about the ABUS HiDrop full-face helmet
The ABUS HiDrop full-face helmet impresses with stylish, discrete look and a high level of comfort. The soft cheek pads ensure a secure fit, providing a sense of security and safety downhill. Nevertheless, the helmet is well ventilated and accommodates your goggles securely. The ABUS HiDrop is a solid helmet at a fair price, provided you can put up with the fixed visor and the somewhat scratchy cheek pads.
Tops
- Secure fit
- High comfort
- Good ventilation
- Fair price
Flops
- Visor is not adjustable
- Cheek pads scratch the skin a little
For more info, visit ABUS’ website.
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
