2011 O'Neal Products - Previewed

The O'Neal Backflip RL is their price point full face lid that still manages to look high end, unlike some options out there that seem to want to emulate moto lids from the '80s. The Backflip RL features a large opening up front that not only allows for a large field of view, but also makes it compatible with basically any and every type of goggle out there. If you've ever returned home with your new goggles only to find that they don't play well with your expensive fullface helmet, that is not a worry here. The 1,100 gram Backflip RL has a polycarbonate shell and O'Neal uses a removable and washable liner inside. All in all it looks to be a great helmet that won't break the bank.

Attention dirt jumpers and piss pot wearers: this is the new signature CG Dirt Lid helmet from O'Neal. How is it any different from other DJ lids? The easy to spot difference is the CG logo on the side, ideal if you are not shy about letting the other boys at the jumps know who you're a fan of. It also felt remarkably light in our hands, despite the protective, hard outer shell. While a lot of DJ lids have a few overly simple circular holes cut in the top to let a bit of air in, the Dirt Lid actually uses 14 proper vents to get the air flowing better than you'd usually find on this type of helmet. Proper wide straps hold it in place as well. There are three sizes available and you can check out the O'Neal site to see the other color options.

Looking for the whole kit and caboodle of protection in one go? Check out the Hellraiser Protector jacket shown above. This bad boy rolls all of the possible body armor combinations into one unit. One upside may be no longer showing up at the track to discover that you've forgot one arm pad at home, but also as anyone who has worn a full suit before will tell you, it eliminates that chance of pads moving around and not doing their job in a crash. The elbow and shoulder pads will always be where they're supposed to be, no matter how far you're rag dolling down the hill! Besides the arm and shoulder protection, the Hellraiser also incorporates back, chest, and even hip protection. Tying everything together is a mesh material that should keep you from overheating while hiking back up to have another go at that line that you ate it on. If you find that you want to pare it down even lighter, you can remove the back and forearm protection via zippers. While it certainly looks impressive from the outside, the best bits are hidden away from view, that being the same SaS-Tec memory foam that you find on the signature CG Sinner pads featured below. This neat stuff is soft and flexible until you find yourself crashing, upon which it instantly hardens up before the impact takes its toll. Pretty cool stuff, I'd say. Not a lot of racers seem to be wearing full upper body armor these days, partly due to not many options being compatible with neck braces. This isn't the case with the Hellraiser, it is designed to function with neck protection as well. Racers take note.

The legend that he is, Cedric also gets his own signature pads. These colorful knee pads are O'Neal's lightweight Sinners, but adorned with the CG logo of the perennial 4X and dual slalom shredder. Underneath the colorful appearance is some high tech SaS-Tec memory foam. This cutting edge material stays pliable until an impact occurs, but instantly hardens at a rate relative to the intensity of the impact. Not only does the SaS-Tec memory foam make for a more comfortable fit due to it being more flexible than hard plastic, but O'Neal also claims that it does a much better job of absorbing impacts as well. Sounds like a win-win to me! The foam is also removable for cleaning - you no longer have any excuse for being that guy that people can smell from 50 feet away while at the trail head. Maybe someone will finally offer you a ride to the top!

It looks like O'Neal has got you covered from head to toe, literally. This is the new Torque SPD shoe. The flat bottom skate inspired sole features a removable section that allows you to install SPD cleats if that's how you roll. If not, you can also run them as standard platform pedal shoes as well. There are some riders out there who prefer a stiffer sole for use with flat pedals, myself included, and these could be the bee's knees for that. Up top you'll find a traditional design that won't have people staring at your kicks like they would when wearing some of the more moon boot-like shoes out there. Skate styling, but functional as well. Backing up the laces is a Velcro strap to add a bit of extra security. Riders who are prone to catching their ankle on the crankarm, a most painful experience, should note the raised inner protection designed just for that.