The world of MTB helmets is constantly evolving. The advent of enduro first and then of the e-bike universe prompted designers to imagine solutions that would allow you to breathe while pedaling and to have maximum protection during descents.
The choice has always been between greater ventilation or total protection, whether we are talking about open face helmets or light full faces.
Then comes this Arbitrator; which redefines the concept of double helmet and, as the name suggests, acts as arbiter in this dispute; making everyone agree. The technicians of the Norwegian brand have designed a helmet approved for Dh races which, through a simple device, transforms into an open one.
Inside with the device MIPS extension. now almost obligatory choice for every manufacturer, lower part and chin guard in carbon to maintain a high level of protection while containing the weight which is below XNUMX kg.
Attractive graphics with a wide choice of colors make this Arbitrator a very interesting helmet.
HISTORY
The brand Sweet protection is little known in the panorama of fat wheels, its story begins in the mid eighties, with a somewhat rebellious attitude, linked to the world of skateboarding, which was forbidden in Norway until 1988 and develops around a crew that in clandestine way builds a 7m ramp for this sport, feeding on magazines and information that were secretly imported from other countries.
The first steps were taken in the field of freestyle kayaking, where they created a carbon fiber helmet with the aim of giving enthusiasts the possibility to descend with greater safety and therefore be able to go beyond their comfort zone.
From there a series of steps that led the company to enter the world of MTB in 2011 as well. The rest is recent history and the helmet in question shows the innovative and unconventional spirit of this Scandinavian reality.
THE TEST
A month of intense use, which also included the Pogno enduro race. A use in all conditions which allowed me to get a fairly clear idea of the potential of this helmet.
Fortunately, I haven't had the chance to test it in a classic crash test, but I can honestly tell you that the solution adopted by the Sweet Protection technicians is very interesting. An open helmet, with all the strengths and weaknesses of the case and a real one from DH. This in summary is the Arbitrator.
In racing use, the possibility of changing modes quickly was a solution that I really appreciated, especially with the hot climate of Pogno and with the more than five hours of racing. The mode change is quick and intuitive and the feeling of maximum protection given by the massive chin guard and the rear shell give that feeling of security that only true full face can convey.
The double closure that occurs in Dh mode increases safety in the event of a fall, but it could be remedied by leaving only that of the open version. The generously sized flap protects very well when the sun beats down on the eyes and the front opening allows you to wear every mask in the best possible way. The only detail that could be revised is that of the double closure; in fact, if on the one hand it increases protection and in the event of a fall, on the other in some cases it could create a bit of confusion.
THE CONCLUSIONS
Net of the important price (349,95 euros), this Arbitrator could be defined as an almost obligatory choice for the modern enduro rider; who wants the maximum protection that only a helmet approved for DH can give, combined however with the possibility of having a jet helmet for ascents.
For info: https://www.sweetprotection.com/us/en/gear-guide/mountain-bike/
