Bluegrass Brave Helmet - Review
Catering to gravity pilots since 2010, Bluegrass is a relatively young player in the protection category, poised to make an impression with their downhill helmet, the Brave. In terms of quality and technological knowledge, there's nothing to fear with Bluegrass, as none other than helmet giant MET is backing the brand.
Using their own Virtual Impact Data software, the Bluegrass research and development team analyze and test their helmets before building a physical model. World Cup downhill pilot Sam Blenkinsop and Enduro World Series racer Isabeau Courdurier are among the riders who trust and help to develop Bluegrass equipment.
Using their own Virtual Impact Data software, the Bluegrass research and development team analyze and test their helmets before building a physical model. World Cup downhill pilot Sam Blenkinsop and Enduro World Series racer Isabeau Courdurier are among the riders who trust and help to develop Bluegrass equipment.
Bluegrass Brave Helmet Details
• V.I.D. composite shell
• D3O inserts
• Neck brace compatible
• Double-d buckle
• MOPOV video support kit
• EJECT bag compatible
• CE EN 1078, ASTM F1952-2032 Certifications
• Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL (three shell sizes: XS/S, M, L/XL)
• Weight: 1008 g (small)
• MSRP: €249,90
• www.bluegrasseagle.com
• V.I.D. composite shell
• D3O inserts
• Neck brace compatible
• Double-d buckle
• MOPOV video support kit
• EJECT bag compatible
• CE EN 1078, ASTM F1952-2032 Certifications
• Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL (three shell sizes: XS/S, M, L/XL)
• Weight: 1008 g (small)
• MSRP: €249,90
• www.bluegrasseagle.com
This colorway has been updated for 2017...
And while there are still several flashy options, there are also more low key colors as well.
Construction
A key advantage over other helmets is the Brave's utilization of D3O inserts within the shell structure, which, according to Bluegrass, enables the helmet to withstand double the number of impacts compared to a regular composite construction. The inserts – made of the soft orange wonder material that hardens under impact to reduce transmitted force – are situated at key areas more prone to touching the ground during a crash.
In combination with an EPS inner shell with an integrated network of air channels and a composite outer shell with 12 venting holes (16, if you count the well ventilated chin guard), the Brave is designed to dissipate the force of an impact by finding the best balance between materials used and structural layout. In other words, it doesn't appear clunky while even passing the ASTM certificate, which includes testing of the chin guard.
The back of the helmet is shaped to accept most neck braces without inhibiting the range of movement. It is also compatible with the EJECT bag system, which can be applied by emergency rescue services to reduce the risk of possible spinal injuries during the removal of the helmet, in case of a serious accident. To make life easier for aspiring movie stars, a MOPOV video kit is included in the package. The adapter can be applied to the side of the helmet with a self-adhesive fitting and is compatible with various camera systems, including GoPro of course.
Although the color scheme of the Brave reviewed here is no longer available, there are still four colors options, ranging from a more mild black and red to a bright yellow and blue version. There are five sizes: XS/52-54 cm, S/54-56 cm, M/56-58 cm, L/58-60 cm and XL/60-62 cm, and three shell sizes (XS/S, M and L/XL).
Generous padding, including padding on the D-ring chin strap make the Brave one comfortable helmet.
Twelve vents help keep air flowing on those hot summer days.
Performance
It's easy to feel properly protected with the Brave, thanks to its snug fit that doesn't create any pressure points. Compared to most other brands, sizing does run on the small side, though. With helmets, it generally makes a lot of sense to try before you buy anyway, but don't be surprised if you have to step up a number from the helmet size you are used to wearing. While I'm usually sporting a size S or even XS helmet, depending on the brand, I think I would prefer a medium-sized model of the Brave in the long run, due to its overly tight fit. The measurements that Bluegrass is correlating to the shell sizes are misleading by almost two sizes and should be disregarded.
Once you find the size that fits, the liner comfortably hugs your head in a way that neither brutal trail chatter nor hard landings can affect. The double-d ring is generously padded as well, adding to the overall level of comfort.
While I congratulate any idea that adds to the safety of a helmet, I wonder if Bluegrass' claim of being able to withstand double the number of impacts compared to a regular design encourages some riders to run the helmet past its life expectancy. However, since there probably aren't many riders that have the desire (or money) to exchange a helmet after each and every crash that doesn't leave behind massive visual damage, I guess it's a good thing if the Brave can live up to its expectation.
Larger goggles can be a tight fit on smaller sizes - it's worth bringing a pair when you go to try the helmet on.
Putting the goggles in place makes you notice that the helmet opening is somewhat constricting in height, at least for the smallest shell that the small and and extra-small sizes share. It can be expected that riders with smaller helmets are also going to favor smaller shaped goggles, but it can't hurt to bring your favorite eyewear model to the fitting process and make sure that the goggles touch your face properly.
Made out of a rather flexible and forgiving material, it appears as if the narrow visor can take a beating in a crash, without immediately breaking into a couple pieces. However, with only a two-point attachment via aluminum bolts on the sides, the visor tends to shift its position during handling. It wasn't uncommon that it sat a bit crooked after brushing it somewhat harder by accident or storing it in its provided soft bag during transport, even with the screws tightened to the max. That said, there is zero movement while riding, so the issue is bearable.
While the Brave is compatible with neck braces, it does come in contact with the spoiler a bit sooner than helmets with a more rounded edge at the point of contact in the back. Tested with a Leatt DBX 5.5 neck brace, peering far down the trail wasn't a problem, though.
In terms of heat buildup underneath the shell, the Brave is running somewhere in the middle of the pack. Even on hot humid days it didn't feel as if you could fry an egg on your head, but naturally, for this style of helmet, you will shed some sweat on a hot summer day.
I can appreciate the solid but slender shape without unnecessary bulk; one of the best features is the Brave's low weight. At only only 1008 grams for a size S, the Brave is one of the lightest full-face lids on the market and can even beat one of the top dogs in that category, the Troy Lee Designs D3 Carbon (1118 g in size S). On a long day in the bike park or during extended enduro rides or races, taking weight off your neck reduces fatigue and might help make up your mind if you should go for that extra lap, or not.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | With an extensive list of features, snug fit and streamlined looks, the Bluegrass Brave comes at an affordable price with only some minor flaws - the visor mounting could be improved upon to keep it from shifting during transport and it's vital to pick the correct size, which might end up being one size up from what you're accustomed to wearing. Apart from that, the very lightweight Bluegrass Brave can hang with the best downhill helmets on the market while knowing that there's some serious technology with its D3O inserts hidden underneath the shell to protect your head. - Ralf Hauser |
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So am i.
It works. And it works all the time. If you can´t make it work, there´s something wrong with you, not the system.
I would even say it´s foolproof but sadly it isn´t, since i often encounter people who open and close the whole thing every time they put on their helmet, so that may be where a lot of the criticism may come from :-D
"Why are all XXXX helmets equipped with the ‘Double D’ ring fastner?
The ‘Double D’ ring is at the moment the safest way to fasten a helmet. A so-called quick fastener may be damaged or the build-up of dirt inside may influence the functioning of the device. Don’t forget that grand prix racers are obliged to use a similar system as the ‘Double D’ ring for racing use!"
What are those mythical "smaller shaped googles", because I wear small helmets and never managed to find googles which really fit. From my experience people with smaller head sizes are doomed when it comes to finding googles which do change helmet position when put on.
Imo also this one: www.uvex-sports.com/de/eyewear/sportbrillen/fx-bike-black
The green bike-spezific Downhill is a normal sized model. There are other Downhill models, made for skiiing, and available in small, just buy a not too dark tinted lense or a variomatic one to avoid problems in the woods.
Other then lense color/darkness wintersport and bikegoggles from uvex are identical. This is no problem from my experience (and Godzieks, Schumanns, Prokops
The Downhil and other uvex models use double lenses (+ other features) which are a tad more expensive - from ~25€ for the clear lens to probably 80€ or so for the variomatic + mega funky one
Putting it in a helmet sounds a bit iffy. Why not use one of the dampening foams that dissipates impact forces
isn't the helmet there to be sacrificed to save your brain?
At the beginning the fit of the helmet felt a bit small , after a couple of rides of bed in it now feels like a glove. The chin and head ventilation is great . My suggestion is to get a bigger size if your numbers are at the limit on the suggested chart. If you can get it on sale is gona be a good deal.
Looks horrendous, everyone buys a helmet based at some level on how it looks
Ugly. Not wearing it. Enjoy trying to sell it. Every feature on earth for $2.99 could be the motto...not spending a dime on it.
Good luck.