Personal Protective Equipment = Helmet and Pads
I have been using my 661 Comp shifted helmet and the BrandX
Elbow/forearm and knee and shin guards for a bout four months now. Thankfully I
haven’t needed to use them in anger! But thought I should write a short review…
661 Comp shifted
full face helmet.
I had previously been using a 661 dirt lid, this had
provided adequate protection but as I have gradually pushed my speed I decided
I needed something a bit more substantial and that would provide increased
protection.
After trolling through the internet and reading various
reviews etc I opted for the comp shifted helmet and ordered this from ChainReaction Cycles as they offered the best price and free delivery.
The helmet and pads were delivered really quickly, the
helmet came boxed and has a convenient storage bag, which now houses my pads!
I did measure my head in accordance with the guidelines on
the website and opted for a small helmet (I do have a small head!), but first
time I tried it on it felt very snug. The real advantage is there is no
movement or wobble in the helmet once it is on and the padding makes it very
comfortable.
My main concerns were that it was going to be very hot and
also that it may restrict my vision when buggying – both of which are
unfounded.
I find the helmet cooler and less sweaty than the dirt lid,
it is well ventilated and the padding seems to wick away sweat (I don’t know if
this is true?). But I have never over heated. And overall I find it very
comfortable.
It also in know way restricts my vision, the visor is adjustable
and either up or down I have a clear view. I wear a pair of Oakly sunnies and
these fit comfortably under it.
This was definitely a good buy and where the padding in my
old dirt lid is de-laminating, the shifted helmet seems to be a lot better
quality, is really comfortable to wear for long periods and as an added bonus
keeps most of the dirt and grit out of my ears!
Brand X X elbow
and forearm guard and X MkII knee and shin guards.
I ordered these at the same time as the helmet, I know a lot
of people opt for the 661 protection – but the reviews of these were good and I
like to be a bit different (awkward). Again with me pushing myself I was
concerned what would happen if I OBEed at speed on the hard rough surface of Lake Walyungup
The pads come in mesh bags which you can use for storage but
mine now live in my helmet bag.
The pads are comfortable and easily adjustable – but now I
have them set I can tend to slide them on and off without adjusting the straps.
Again I was concerned about how much hotter these would make me but I have
never really had any issues.
Once on they stay in place and have never had any issues
with rubbing and chafing – I have walked about a kilometre in them without any
problems.
As regards protection, thankfully I haven’t needed to try
them - I bought these to provide protection
more for the abrasive qualities of the lake as well as padding and with thir hard protective shell I think they will more than adequately do the job. After
4 months use they are not really showing any signs of wear and tear as all the stitching
is good and apart from being pretty dusty, there are no issues.
I would recommend them to anybody looking for an alternative
to 661 (I think they were cheaper to!).
