First Look: Bluegrass' New Vanguard Lightweight Full Face Helmet

Jun 1, 2023
by Dario DiGiulio  
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Bluegrass has a solid reputation when it comes to making robust and reliable full-face helmets, but their lineup has historically had a gap when it comes to lighter-weight enduro offerings. That changes with the introduction of the Vanguard, a DH-certified lid that won't weigh you down over a long day.

With a two model lineup, you can choose between the Vanguard Core, which features Mips rotational protection as well as a nicer trim package, or the Vanguard, which is lighter and less expensive.
Bluegrass Vanguard Details
• Intended use: enduro, e-bike, downhill
• Sizes: S (52-56cm), M (56-58cm), L (58-61cm)
• 5-star Virginia Tech rating
• Mips protection (Core model)
• ASTM F1952 & NTA 8776 Certified
• Weight: 725g Core, 690g Standard
• Price: $350 Core, $289 Standard
www.met-helmets.com

Regardless of which you choose, there are plenty of colors to suit your style and taste, with four to choose from in either of the trim options.

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Vanguard Core, $350 USD, 725g
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If I were choosing between the two model options, I'd likely go for the Core, as the increased safety performance and nicer detailing makes it a far better value. The standard Vanguard keeps the weight even lower, but it's worth a few extra grams to protect your dome.

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Vanguard, $289 USD, 690g
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On the safety front, the Vanguard Core received a 5-star rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which is quickly becoming the de facto helmet test for the MTB world. It also passed the ASTM F1952 downhill chinbar test, as well as the NTA 8776 high-speed ebike test. This is achieved by implementing a Mips rotational impact system, safety release visor, and a polycarbonate shell with an EPS liner.

There are 24 vents to keep things cool, and the Core version comes with a removable mud grill to keep your teeth clean. The Core also uses a magnetic Fidlock buckle, as opposed to the ratchet buckle on the regular model. As per usual, there are multiple cheek pad thicknesses that come with each helmet, to help dial in the fit. Additionally, the Vanguard uses MET's Safe-T Heta fit system, which allows you to fine tune the cradle to your exact head size.

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The weight of the Vanguard is quite impressive, considering the competition in the high 600 to low 700 gram space. Other options in this realm would be Specialized's Gambit, the Troy Lee Stage, and the IXS Trigger.

All of these options fall well below the 1000-gram mark that is typical for more DH-oriented full faces, but notably the Bluegrass is the only option to tout a Virginia Tech rating in addition to the typical downhill certifications. This of course doesn't mean that the other options are unsafe, or that this is guaranteed to keep you in better shape after a nasty crash, but it's a nice bit of reassurance when you're pushing it in a race or on the trails.



The Bluegrass Vanguard and Vanguard Core will both be available in early July, and you can learn more at MET's website.

Author Info:
dariodigiulio avatar

Member since Dec 25, 2016
162 articles

65 Comments
  • 27 0
 I tried to buy an FF for my 57.5cm head and it was a NIGHTMARE. Almost no reviews talk about the number of ACTUAL shell sizes helmets have. Typically manufacturers make shortcuts and make 2 real shell sizes, typically the smaller one in S-M and larger is L-XL. This means that the size gap between those shells is big and if you happen to be between M and L you are f*cke or buy a helmet too loose. And if your helmet does not fit right, you can stick all those safety rating in your *ss.It took me like 2 weeks of buying/sending to find something which fits me, not because I have a strange head shape, but because there are sizing gaps in FF helmets.
  • 1 0
 I hear you, I have the same issue with my head sizing exactly in the middle between ranges. I've ended up with Endura MT500 Full Face which fits almost perfectly. And now they made MIPS version too (as previously it was only Koroyd version, now it has both technologies)
  • 1 0
 I'm in the same boat as you.
  • 1 0
 Same here. 58cm, between M and L. It seems a bit easier for open face helmets as the 4/5 sizes they come are different enought to fit one. Fox Dropframe M too small, L somehow better but feel a bit odd. I'm starting to look for a new ff but the few I tried now were uncomfy in M and too big in L.....
  • 7 0
 Right there with ya, 58cm head here. Most comical one I’ve found so far was an IXS Trigger, S/M wouldn’t got on, M/L was like sticking my head in a bucket
  • 7 0
 @lkubica one of the reasons I bought IXS Trigger FF is its adjustability spindle. Not only it made me sure the size will fit, so I could order it online without returning hassle, but also means that in winter I can adjust it for a thicker head cover.
  • 1 0
 @Velosexualist: been trying to grab one of them for the past 12 months as stock for the large size is absolutely terrible here, or when its in stock by the time I go to buy it it's gone again! Frown
  • 1 0
 When buying FF Dirtbike helmets, it took me a while to realize the shells are pretty much the same size, it's the pads that are thicker or thinner based on size chosen...so I just buy 2 different sized pads if the first don't fit. I'm not sure if MTB helmets work the same way. Also manufactures base the shape of their helmet molds to different shaped heads...no matter what you do, certain brands will never feel just right because our head is the opposite of what they design around.
  • 1 0
 Finding helmets that fit is a legit nightmare. I have a true XL head (probably XXL but nobody makes those) and anytime I see a brand offering a L/XL I know right away I can just cross them off. I know brands dont want to have a ton of SKUs but given the importance of helmet fit I would love to see more microsizes to fit every head size.
  • 3 0
 Seriously? I'm also 57.5. I just bought a Fox Proframe and had to return it because the Medium was too small even though it fits up to 58cm. WTF!?
  • 3 0
 @mountguitars: helmets and heads are different shapes too. Makes things even harder when sizing is marginal. After . . . some. . . years of riding I’ve finally realised my head is a bit oval, suddenly loads of helmets are useless right away
  • 1 0
 @mashrv1: Yes, many heads are this "oval" shaped. If an adjustable helmet does fit, sometimes you still feel the pinch to the temple area after riding for a while where your skull kind of expands due to the heat. If I wear a balaclava to help get around the issue even though it just makes you sweat a bunch MORE in warm weather.
  • 1 0
 Nightmare by taking 2 weeks buying a helmet...
  • 23 0
 I'd love a proper and independent test that compares "proper" DH helmets with these lightweight helmets. They all pass the same safety measurements ... so, on paper, you're an idiot to buy a heavier one.
Real world scenarios seem to differ from that rule significantly (as pointed out by yourself in the latest podcast), but where is the evidence based on proper test protocols that show which on is true, so that we as consumers can make an evidence based decision?
@darioDiGIulio THIS would be very high on my "things I would love to read on Pinkbike" list ...
  • 4 0
 The difference is, dh lids pass with flying colors, whereas lightweights just barely pass so theyre even legal to wear. So dh lids are always safer
  • 4 1
 Interestingly, the SNELL, ASTM and BS/EN standards all use 300 G's (that's right 300!), as the point of failure. There are concussion studies out there suggesting that the threshold for sustaining concussion is 89 G's. So while we all want a helmet that will protect us against a massive head injury (light weight and "normal" full face helmets will both do this), there's a good chance that the normal full face helmet would protect against concussion better.
Reece Wilson and the RAAW Gravity team are working with a company to gather head injury impact data for the 2023 season. Should be interesting to see the results of this.
www.pinkbike.com/news/british-cycling-reveals-concussion-protocols-and-powers-to-withdraw-concussed-riders-from-events.html (search for @hustht in the comments)
www.hitrecognition.co.uk
  • 2 0
 absolutely, test these lightweight FFs vs. their "heavy" counterparts against ASTM DH1952 and publish the absolute terms/figures of the performed tests.
  • 4 0
 @manybrouce: SNELL and EN have a limit of 275G, which is still a lot and way too much. FIM helmet certification seems to be the best in terms of moto helmets. It seems that EN 1078-2012 allows for 250G max transmited to the brain so that better than a MX helmet but this is also tested at slower speeds so not sure how it translate. Also I haven't found if ECE 22.06 have a limit of 275G for high, normal and low speed impacts or if this is just for normal speed which was ECE 22.05 test I think ? Pinkbike should definitely do an in-depth article about this and in conjunction with Virginia Tech.
  • 1 0
 Interesting statement in this test: "According to the manufacturer, the lightweight Vanguard offers the same level of impact protection as their Legit DH helmet"
enduro-mtb.com/en/bluegrass-vanguard-core-edition-fullface-helm/?_gl=1*1qq7vnu*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTgwNjYxNjY1LjE2ODU3MDk4NjI.*_ga_Z0KRTSH17Y*MTY4NTcwOTk2NC4xLjAuMTY4NTcwOTk2NC4wLjAuMA..*_ga_5QNR92HBLY*MTY4NTcwOTk2NC4xLjAuMTY4NTcwOTk2NC4wLjAuMA..
  • 2 0
 @qbensis: this feels like a case where they both pass the same set of standards but even though the DH helmet is likely overdesigned and well surpasses those test the company opted against making those claims without an official standard (and corresponding test result) to point to.
  • 16 0
 Perfect time to drop this advertisement for Bluegrass after the article yesterday involving a certain helmet.
  • 8 0
 My main reason to be excited about this is more competition in this space will hopefully lead to lower prices, for a while Fox Proframe and Troy lee stages had you by the goolies charging silly money if you wanted a lightweight full face (which is all i ride now i've got one) those 2 are still silly money but nice to be getting cheaper options now, and there some good discount's now there's more on the market.
  • 5 0
 They probably are all more expensive than they need to be, but as you say, there are discounts to be had. Just replaced my Stage after a minor headbutt of a tree - I could feel the dent under the shell, so it had to go. Managed to find one in the right size and colour for £150, which while painful is probably a fair price for this sort of lid. Don't think I'll be splashing out full retail of £300
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex: TLD offers a crash-replacement discount(In the US at least. Not sure if the same program is available in the UK.). You have to email their customer support and after you send a picture of your helmet with the chin-straps cut, they'll email you a coupon code that can be used on their website. Made replacing my last crashed Stage sting a little less. I used the discount code on one of the reduced-price helmets on their site (They often discount the "less desirable" colorways.), and paid about half what I would have otherwise. Sounds like in your case the sale price was just as good though.
  • 1 0
 @SoCalTrev: must admit, I didn't even look at crash replacement policy, and perhaps I should have!
  • 6 1
 In addition to wearing a helmet, you should supplement
5g+ of Creatine Monohydrate every day.

It has a number of positive effects, and no negative ones.

One of these effects is reducing the severity of concussions/traumatic brain injury, and improving recovery from these injuries.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6094347

Creatine is very cheap, very effective, and very safe (it is the most studied supplement in the world).
  • 1 0
 This does look promising, though that lit review notes:
"Few studies have looked at creatine supplementation after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with none investigating mTBI." (mild traumatic brain injury), which I believe is equivalent to concussion/post-concussion. So I wouldn't jump to any conclusions, as the authors themselves only said it's promising, not that it has been demonstrated in a clinical study.

Thanks for the post!
  • 4 0
 Can we get a helmet manufacturer that makes a helmet that falls within 61-65?? I'm sorry buy my big azz head and long hair do not fair well with most L or XL helmet. I'm always limited out half the time with the dials. Give me something I can put on and crank down a few clicks to give me a "Custom" fit. Please. Thank you.
  • 2 0
 Fellow big headed fellow here, 7iDP offers a XXL that actual fits me.
  • 1 0
 +1 for 7iDP and big heads. Only thing that works for me.
  • 4 0
 I can't see this helmet on the Virginia Tech rating page. This is the page if you google it: www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html Have they not updated it yet or is there another page somewhere else? Maybe where they have other full faces because there is only 1 full face on this page
  • 4 0
 I also would like to know where the full-face ratings are...
  • 2 0
 Came here for this-they historically have not done FULL FACE helmet testing, I think that is an area that would have more value for the consumer than half shells! Show us the full face link/page!!
  • 1 0
 Also, which full face do you see? I don't see ANY?
  • 1 0
 @stiksandstones: LAZER CAGE KINETICORE
  • 1 0
 @DHROB92: Got it, thanks....odd it is only one as you said. Well, hope that means they are starting to do Full face lids!
  • 1 0
 Hmmm... I was waiting for a Proframe RS price drop, but this is def a compelling option - and a looker. Similar price to a Bell Super DH (not on sale). Also, it says MIPs rotational, but not sure if that means liner or spherical.
  • 2 1
 I would say pass on the Bell Super DH regardless. I definitely felt safe in it, but after wearing other FFs it just felt cheaply made and like a toy.
  • 2 0
 @iduckett: Bell Super DH are on sale, 25% off, at Backcountry and some other spots. My local shop price matched it for me. I'm pretty happy with with so far.
  • 1 0
 So, honest question, but does MIPS like do anything in the real world? I understand the theory behind it for sure, but I've also heard and read from other people in the helmet/head protection space say that one's hair (provided you have some), is a slip barrier as well, basically making MIPS kind of useless.
  • 1 0
 Nobody knows. But I came to the same conclusions concerning hair etc. as many others and buy the cheaper version without MIPS, if there is one.
  • 1 0
 Bald bastard here but basically I heard the same thing from some peeps in the PPE sector.....Does nothing protective.

However I do have a helmet with MIPS and one without (same brand) and the MIPS seems to allow better circulation of air.
  • 3 0
 He’ll yes it does make a difference. I full flight head butted a tree slightly to the LHS - shell and multi stage foam 100% munted, and the mips frame was twisted to f**k. It seriously took some rotation out of the impact v skull.

Well worth the money and I bought the same again. Totally park your: noisy, poor venting, no use if bald arguments.
  • 1 0
 I honestly prefer a heavier duty helmet with removable chin bar AKA Giro Switchblade. These lightweight NFL kicker helmets don't feel confidence inspiring to me. I think the arms race to get the lightest shell is also pushing toward the edge of compromised protection. Standardized impact tests are good but not the whole story.
  • 1 0
 More weight is not more protection. I would skip the removable chinbar, it adds weight. Any increased weight on your head in an impact will amplify the force exerted on your head.
  • 5 0
 Well played pinkbike
  • 2 0
 They know their audience, “click bait”
  • 1 0
 @sanchofula: especially when everyone's favorite author just wrote an article about how a helmet from this brand saved her life. I would call that a good timeline. What's clickbait about it? "blue grass' new vanguard helmet"?
  • 2 0
 Bell super DH ftw. Spherical MIPS is the bomb. I dont need a 690 gram helmet with less material to absorb impact. It is a stylish helmet though.
  • 1 0
 I have the same helmet. Always run it in full face but it is really nice being able to take it apart. I can fit my helmet in a carry on for the plane with most of my clothes. Dont even need to check a bag other than bike bag. Just carry on and backpack
  • 2 0
 The real question is whether the increased mass of a DH full face will transfer more energy to the head in an impact. I suspect it will, and ride with the second-lightest DH certified full face on the market because of this. You certainly wouldn't want to add lead weights to your helmet, for example.
  • 1 0
 Tried one of those -- felt great on my head, but like most helmets with centered buckles, the buckle rubbed terribly against my Adam's apple when properly adjusted and made it painful to look downward.

What's the point of a downhill rated helmet if you can't look down when the straps are properly adjusted?

Making things worse, the product photos for bike helmets rarely show the straps, so it's difficult to determine before buying whether or not they use a centered buckle.

The bizarre thing is that the same manufacturers almost always include the straps in product photos of their ski helmets (which are far more likely to include offset buckles because they usually have centered chin pads).
  • 4 0
 No XL, so not for me.
  • 3 0
 The Core option is for fest guys
  • 1 1
 I have not found a more ventilated non-DH helmet than the Kali Invader. It's not MIPS, but if you're looking for a ventilated full face for daily riding, the Kali is worth a look.
  • 1 0
 What's the design difference between this (or something like Smith's) and a Troy Lee D4? Different foam? Thicker foam?
  • 8 8
 I hate Bluegrass music so much, I don't think I could ever buy something from this company.
  • 19 2
 Well that's certainly a unique way to approach safety equipment.
  • 1 0
 No size for big headed riders, sad.
  • 1 0
 Good to see pinkbike covering full face helmets.
  • 2 0
 But is it Alicia-proof?
  • 1 0
 Looking for sex without commitmentwrite to me ➤ u.to/mWPGHw
  • 1 0
 Looks like a Proframe
  • 1 0
 This is a compliment.







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