Is this the one helmet for everything? With the new Vanguard Core Edition, Bluegrass are introducing a new lightweight full face helmet that only weighs 790g. Despite the moderate weight, it’s supposed to offer enough protection for rowdy DH laps, while at the same time ensuring excellent ventilation for tough enduro stages. We put it to the test on the scenic trails around Lake Como.
Bluegrass is an Italian manufacturer that produces helmets, protectors and gloves for gravity-oriented mountain biking. The brand is a subsidiary of MET, which is mainly known for its road bike helmets. MET is a northern-Italian family business based near Lake Como. In the mountain bike world, they’re mainly known for their Parachute helmet, which was one of the first convertible helmets to make it on the market, allowing you to switch from half shell to full face at the twist of a hand. With the Vanguard, Bluegrass are now launching their first ever lightweight full face helmet, which relies on a fixed chin bar, thus lining up alongside Bluegrass’s downhill helmet, the Legit. With its high level of protection and generous ventilation, it’s aimed at racers, freeriders and leisure riders alike.
The new Bluegrass Vanguard Core Edition full face helmet in detail
The Bluegrass Vanguard is available in three sizes: S, M and L, offering a suitable option for head circumferences between 52 cm and 61 cm. The thin padding is complemented by an adjustment mechanism at the back of the head that’s supposed to provide an optimal fit. There are two versions to choose from: the conventional Vanguard model for € 270, and the Vanguard Core Edition, which retails at € 330. While both variants share the same shell construction, the Core Edition features a FIDLOCK closing system and a removable plastic grill at the front of the chin bar, which is called the mud-grill. The cheaper model relies on a conventional snap buckle. The biggest difference, however, is that the Core edition comes with an integrated MIPS liner, which provides additional protection in the event of crashes with rotational motion. We would therefore recommend the Core model, despite the additional 40 g added by the MIPS system. Both models are available in four colours and should be available for purchase from the beginning of July.
The visor is flexible and doesn’t snap off too easily in a crash. However, if you’re unlucky enough to break it, you can get a replacement for € 20. Moreover, the visor is secured with a popper button and should detach itself in the event of a crash to prevent the head from twisting. The visor can be easily clicked back into place after a crash or after cleaning your helmet. However, the system has one drawback: the visor can’t be adjusted. That said, both the visor’s position and length are spot on, and we didn’t feel the need to move it while riding.
The C-shaped cheek pads follow the contours of the ventilation holes, allowing airflow into the helmet. For a secure fit, the pads can be moved forwards and backwards in two positions. The Vanguard helmet comes standard with a bag and two cheek-pad sets in different thicknesses. The chin straps run through the opening in the cheek pads, which keep the straps in place and prevent them from slipping backwards. All pads are removable for easy washing.
The Vanguard meets both the American ASTM standard and NTA standard for ebikes. Since both certifications are based on linear impact testing, Bluegrass also work with MIPS, Certimoov and Virginia Tech to minimise the likelihood of injuries caused by rotational forces. Needless to say, safety is high on MET’s priority list, which is why they test all their helmets hundreds of times in their in-house facilities. According to the manufacturer, the lightweight Vanguard offers the same level of impact protection as their Legit DH helmet. The Vanguard is built to the highest quality standards – the shell’s foam is extremely smooth with no rough edges, and the transition from the outer shell to the foam is neat and seamless.
The new Bluegrass Vanguard Core Edition full face helmet on the trail
When putting the Bluegrass Vanguard on your head for the first time, you’ll have to spend some time finding the right fit. However, that’s a good thing, because you can adapt the helmet to your head shape using the different cheek pad positions/thicknesses and the adjustment mechanism, which allows you to secure the helmet in three different positions. The finely-graded rotary wheel allows for fine adjustment, ensuring a secure fit on the head.
Once you’ve found your optimal fit, the Vanguard sits on your head securely and comfortably, while at the same time ensuring excellent ventilation. And that’s the Vanguard’s greatest strength, because it successfully combines the secure fit of a downhill full face helmet and the ventilation of a lightweight enduro helmet. The 24 vents are strategically placed, optimising airflow both through the helmet and chin bar, and quickly making you forget that you’re even wearing a full face helmet – especially when the goggles block out the chinbar.
The Vanguard has a wide field of vision, and the visor is only slightly visible at the top of your peripheral vision when riding – we never felt the need to flip the visor further up. However, the large opening positions the upper edge of the helmet far up the head, causing small goggles to slide up your forehead while riding. On the other hand, this leaves plenty of room for bigger goggle models, such as the POC Ora and Scott Prospect. The chin straps sit securely and don’t slip, which is mainly due to the fact that they’re attached to the shell at two points and routed through the cheek pads. The small recess on the cheek pads prevents the straps from pinching your skin. When riding uphill, you can easily remove the two cheek pads and clip them together on the handlebars to improve ventilation. Removing the mud-grill also improves ventilation considerably, reducing the build up of moisture inside the helmet, especially during high efforts. This is a practical feature, especially on warm days when flying mud isn’t an issue.
Our conclusions about the new Bluegrass Vanguard Core Edition full face helmet
The Bluegrass Vanguard is a high-quality, lightweight full face helmet with plenty of adjustment options and a secure fit. The huge opening ensures a wide field of vision, but also causes smaller goggles to slip out of place. The Vanguard offers the best of two worlds, combining the confidence-inspiring fit of a downhill full face helmet and the excellent comfort and ventilation of an enduro helmet.
Tops
- Top craftsmanship
- Countless adjustment options
- Good ventilation
- Confidence inspiring fit
Flops
- Visor can’t be adjusted
- Small goggles slip out of place
For more information, visit Bluegrass’ website.
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Ulysse Daessle / Bluegrass
