Sweet Protection just announced that three of its full-face mountain bike helmet models have earned Virginia Tech’s coveted 5-Star helmet safety rating. Among the full face models tested, the Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS, Strayer 2Vi MIPS, and Fixer Composite 2Vi MIPS are ranked 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with the lowest (best) scores in the category. This brings the brand’s total of 5-Star-rated bike helmets to 7 out of the 48 models that currently have that recognition.
In recent years, Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet ratings have become an important measuring stick in the bike helmet market. Last year, Virginia Tech updated its Star rating score thresholds to better differentiate the “safest” helmets based on the results of its lab testing. This update to the Star-rating system has made it tougher for brands to earn the 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating, and even more impressive that Sweet Protection has so many top-rated models.
These three models represent all of Sweet Protection’s dedicated full-face helmets. They join Sweet’s Trailblazer MIPS, Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS, Falconer 2Vi MIPS, and the Falconer Aero 2Vi MIPS half-shell models on the list of 5-Star rated bike helmets. According to Ståle Norman Møller, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Sweet Protection. “Seeing multiple models across our range earn five-star ratings confirms that our approach to design, engineering, and safety, including our advanced 2Vi technology platform, continues to deliver best-in-class protection for riders.”
Sweet Protection Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS
The Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS is Sweet Protection’s top-of-the-line full-face helmet, and it carries the $650 price tag to match. In Virginia Tech’s helmet ratings, it scored a low (best) 7.66, placing it at number 6 of all the bicycle helmets tested, and the top-rated full-face model on the list. According to the brand, “when you’re hitting the gnarliest lines at maximum speed, this is the helmet you want.”
The Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS features the brand’s 2Vi helmet technology, which is a holistic approach to helmet safety. It starts with a “progressively engineered carbon shell made of linear, unwoven fibers in optimized directions throughout the whole shell to optimize strength, stiffness, and weight.” Inside, a low-density EPS shock-absorbing layer includes impact shields at the four corners “for optimizing impact dissipation where the head has a sharper radius.” Additionally, Sweet Protection is using an exclusive 2-layer MIPS system to help reduce rotational forces transmitted to the brain during certain impacts.
Additional safety features include vents that are designed to be “penetration-proof.” The two-position adjustable visor has a breakaway design, cheek pads are removable in case of an emergency, and the titanium double D buckle should provide secure chinstrap retention. It comes in five sizes, XS to XL, and in Matte Black Carbon or Bronco White Carbon
Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS Features
- 2Vi Helmet Technology Platform for increased performance and comfort, including a 2-layer Mips Safety System for protection against rotational forces
- Carbon fiber pre-preg shell
- Multi-density EPS Impact Shields in each corner for improved impact dissipation
- Adjustable (two-position) break-away visor designed to tear off at an impact to improve protection performance
- Emergency removable cheek pads
- 11 Penetration-proof vents
- Titanium Double D Buckle (Moto-inspired)
- Helmet bag included to protect your helmet when not in use, keeping it in top condition
- Built to pair with Sweet Protection goggles
- Certifications: EN1078 + A1:2012, CPSC 1203, ASTM F1952-15, NTA-8776
- Weight: 1055g (Size: 57-58)
- MSRP: $650
Sweet Protection Fixer Composite 2Vi MIPS
Sweet Protection describes the Fixer Composite 2Vi MIPS as “a high-tech everyday workhorse designed for those who crave the thrill of gravity-fed riding.” The brand states that it was designed alongside the Carbon version described above and shares the same silhouette, features, and certifications, but with a Composite outer shell. The Composite shell adds a bit of weight but reduces the price to a more approachable $450.
It slides into the Virginia Tech Helmet ratings with a score of 8.24, making it 11th on the list of all bike helmets, and the 3rd highest rated full-face model — behind the other two Sweet Protection models. It comes in sizes XS to XL, in Matte Black, Bronco White, and Envy Green.
Fixer Composite 2Vi MIPS Features (where different from carbon version)
- Hardshell glass fiber shell
- Weight: 1240g (Size 57-58)
- MSRP: $450)
Sweet Protection Strayer 2Vi MIPS
Sweet Protection says, “When you’re pushing past your limits, the Strayer 2Vi Mips Helmet has your back. Built for aggressive riders who charge hard uphill and send it downhill, this helmet offers lightweight, ventilated full-face protection with zero compromises.” As such, the Strayer is built with more of an emphasis on weight and breathability than it’s gravity-focused counterparts. Still, in Virginia Tech’s testing, it scored a 7.88, putting it at number 7 of all the bike helmets tested, and the 2nd highest rated full face model behind the Fixer Carbon.
Weight is reduced to just 720 grams (size M/L) with a hybrid 5-panel ABS shell with an in-mold EPS construction. The full-circumference, non-removable ABS/PC chin guard is fused to the helmet for strength and includes EPP reinforcement for targeted protection. The 2Vi technology includes a dual-density Impact Shield in the front, along with a 2-layer MIPS Safety System.
Given its more traditional in-mold construction and lighter weight, the Strayer 2Vi MIPS uses Sweet Protection’s Occigrip Fit system to optimize fit and stability, along with a Fidlock magntic chinstrap buckle. Given its greater range of fit adjustability, it comes in just three sizes, S/M, M/L, and L/XL. Color options are Bronco Wite, Matte Black, and Chili Red.
Strayer 2Vi MIPS Features
- 2Vi Helmet Technology Platform, including a 2-layer Mips Safety System for protection against rotational forces
- Full circumference ABS chin guard, in-molded solid with the helmet for maximum strength
- 5 shell hybrid ABS/in-mold construction
- Lightweight
- 17 vents to maximize the airflow
- Occigrip Fit system for easy adjustment of the helmet’s fit.
- Dual-density EPS front Impact Shield technology for improved impact dissipation
- Fidlock magnetic buckle for intuitive and secure fastening with only one hand
- Emergency removal cheek pads
- Built to pair with Sweet Protection goggles
- Certifications: EN1078 + A1:2012, CPSC 1203, ASTMF1952-15, NTA-8776
- Weight: 720g (size M/L)
- MSRP: $350
Sweet Protection Full Face Helmets: Availability
All of Sweet Protection’s 5-Star-rated full face helmet models are available now from your favorite Sweet Protection dealer, or through the brand’s website.
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