News

Sweet Protection’s New 2017 Dissenter Helmet and Bushwhacker II

28.07.2016
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Sweet Protection are a brand that has always sat at the very high end of the helmet sector. Their popular Bushwhacker and Fixer Full Face are unashamedly expensive, but as a helmet plays such a vital role we have to ask what cost we can put on protecting our heads. Sweet Protection has just shown us their new revised 2017 Bushwhacker II, and have also not forgotten about those looking for a more affordable option giving us a sneak peek at their new Dissenter Helmet that will be available in March 2017.

The new Sweet Protection Dissenter Helmet

While it can be argued that you cannot put a price on your well-being, coming in at €129/£99 (€159/£130 for the MIP’s version) the new Dissenter certainly hits a very attractive price point. Sharing the same in-mould construction process as the Bushwhacker – all be it in a single piece polycarbonate shell rather than the Bushwhackers 5 interlocking pieces – the Dissenter also inherits the same 3 position Occigrip turn dial adjustments and in-moulded strap anchors. The only criticism we could aim at the original Bushwhacker was that it was a little warm, so we are pleased to see that the new Dissenter helmet also features Sweet Protection’s STACC venting, combining large entry and exit ports with a deep channel to draw air over the temporal artery to improve cooling.

The Dissenter weighs in at 300 g – 330 g depending on model so is lightweight and we were impressed with the coverage which feels substantial and extends well over the back of the head. The Dissenter will be available in both a standard and MIPS version and should hit the shelves in March 2017.

The new Sweet Protection Dessenter packs premium looks at a more affordable price point.
The new Sweet Protection Dessenter packs premium looks at a more affordable price point.
Coverage and protection at the back of the head is extensive.
Coverage and protection at the back of the head is extensive.
Venting is not as extensive as the Bushwhacker 2 but feels airy on.
Venting is not as extensive as the Bushwhacker 2 but feels airy on.
The same Oci-grip retention system is fitted as found on the Bushwhacker.
The same Oci-grip retention system is fitted as found on the Bushwhacker.
STACC venting ensures airflow over the main blood vessels
STACC venting ensures airflow over the main blood vessels
The dissenter will be available in 3 colours and also white and black.
The dissenter will be available in 3 colours and also white and black.
A Dissenter MIPS version will also be available for XX
A Dissenter MIPS version will also be available for €159/£130.
The MIPS harness boosts protection in an impact.
The MIPS harness boosts protection in an impact.
Three versions of the MIPS Dissenter will be available, black, white and blue.
Three versions of the MIPS Dissenter will be available, black, white and blue.

The Sweet Protection Bushwhacker II

The 320g Bushwhacker (360g in MIPS version) has also received a refresh for 2017, although on the surface it may look very similar to the current model using the same in mould construction with 5 interlocking polycarbonate (or carbon) shell sections, only 4 pieces have been carried over to the new model. The harness is all new with a thinner chin strap and cradle, which although non-adjustable provides more comfort under the ear. The well proven Occi-grip retention system has also been revised with a lower profile cradle and larger adjustment dial for easier use with gloves, and the visor is now adjustable and can be raised for goggle storage.

When we first tested the Bushwhacker we were impressed but did find it too warm. Sweet Protection has now addressed this and the new Bushwhacker II features revised exit ports and features a new continuous brow pad to help control moisture. The new STACC vents ensure uninterrupted airflow past the body’s own natural cooling surface, the temporal artery, claimed to aid cooling.

The new Bushwhacker II helmet will be available in 5 colours in the standard model for €199/£160, a MIPS version will also be available for €229/£190 and the top of the line Carbon MIPS model will retail for €279/£220.

The new Bushwhacker 2 retains the distinctive silhouette with some cool new features.
The new Bushwhacker II retains the distinctive silhouette with some cool new features.
The visor is now adjustable to allow goggles to be held under the peak
The visor is now adjustable to allow goggles to be held under the peak
A new fixed retention system boosts comfort.
A new fixed retention system boosts comfort.
The new 'straight through' STACC venting should boost cooling.
The new ‘straight through’ STACC venting should boost cooling.
Airflow and moisture control has been improved throughout the helmet
Airflow and moisture control has been improved throughout the helmet
The Oci-grip harness is now slimmer and more ergonomic.
The Oci-grip harness is now slimmer and more ergonomic.
A slimmer clip makes the harness more slimline.
A slimmer clip makes the harness more slimline.
New style and new colours, the Bushwhacker 2 looks great.
New style and new colours, the Bushwhacker II looks great.
The top of the line MIPS version will retail for xxxxx
The Bushwhacker II MIPS version will retail for €229
STACC venting ensures airflow and the MIPS cradle boosts safety
STACC venting ensures airflow and the MIPS cradle boosts safety
There will be two versions of the Bushwhacker II MIPS (left) and two version of the Bushwhacker MIPS Carbon (right) . A third slate grey colour will be available in the Bushwhacker II MIPS model.
There will be two versions of the Bushwhacker II MIPS (left) and two version of the Bushwhacker MIPS Carbon (right) . A third slate grey colour will be available in the Bushwhacker II MIPS model.

Our Impressions

As always, the best helmet is the one that fits, but if the revisions to the popular Bushwhacker can improve cooling then Sweet Protection will have an outstanding helmet on their hands. We look forward to testing one to bring you a full review. For those looking for good coverage and safety on a budget, the new Dissenter brings a cool style and performance to a very attractive price point.

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