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661 Full Bravo
James - 15th June 2005
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What helmet to choose? There are only a few out there but it's still a difficult choice.
I tried to justify spending 200 quid on a lid, but since i'm more than likely to crash a few times at this stage, it'd be best going for one with equal protection, doesnt look quite as trick but does the job non the less.
So I had to choose between a 661 Full Bravo or a Fox Tracer, a quick call about the Tracer finds that non can be sourced by my LBS (local bike shop for the non forum people). So 661 it was, i'd see a fair few people donning them at the races so they cant be bad. I ordered the 60-62cm sizing (yep, top end sizing ;) ) in graphite and waited with baited breath to see if my 90 quid was well spent.
Out of the box, looks pretty nice, some good attention to detail with sparkly bits in the silver paint (bling!) and tough material inside to hold my bonce in one place.
The outer shell is constructed out of tough fiberglass, which shrugs off the scratches pretty well. It uses a quick release buckle (the same thing as backpack buckles) and foam padded straps to keep it comfy.
The fit was good, its always difficult to get used to a new helmet but this was nice, good and light and with plenty of space to see the outside! When you're out riding the helmet is nice and cool, after a while you forget you've got it on. When you're pushing it can get hot, but thats simply fixed, take the lid off!
I did have a few niggles though, theres an internal fabric mesh to sit your head into, which pads out the gap between your head and the polystyrene inside, but this did slip up sometimes when putting it on, as its held on by velcro, but once its attached properly it doesnt slip and feels nice, maybe a consideration for future versions to have a full liner TLD style? But even with the liner in the wrong place it doesnt slip or feel uncomfortable.
The great thing is that the helmet has a crash replacement policy, so if you choose to go headbutting trees you can get a new one at a cut price.
Overall i'm pleased, it felt good to wear and the protection is well up there with a hard plastic outer and a thick layer of impact absorbtion foam. Well worth the money (89.99 at CRC) and when you're feeling a little more flush you can splash out on a 661 Flight, which looks even better and is MX approved. The sizing is pretty much spot on too.
You can get it in a range of colours, and at £89.99 can you go wrong? 661 Full Bravo at CRC.
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