Review Addendum: Bluegrass Legit Carbon Helmet - I Tested It More by Crashing

May 31, 2023
by Alicia Leggett  
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A helmet that has lived a full life. Saved a life too, I guess.


The Bluegrass Legit Carbon is, as the name suggests, both legit and carbon. It's a high-performance helmet that offers comprehensive head and jaw protection, looks nice in my opinion, and weighs in at 1100g for size medium, which is a respectable weight for the level of protection. It's also the helmet I was wearing when I crashed eight months ago and hit my head.

I want to preface this article by including a massive caveat, which is that it's nearly impossible for me to compare this helmet to any other helmet in the world. I'll never test any product, especially (thankfully) any helmet, to the same limit as this one. (Hey readers, do you see how far I'm taking this whole testing thing? That's dedication. Or something.) I actually reviewed this helmet last year after the normal amount of testing - wearing it for a while until I could write about how it feels to wear it - but then I did exactly the thing this helmet is designed to protect against - crashed and hit my head - so I figure it's worth writing an addendum to the original review.
Legit Carbon Details

• Carbon outer shell with EPS liner
• MIPS
• Varizorb EPS Liner
• Safety-release, flexible, anti-twist visor
• 15 vents
• Weight: 1100g (medium)
• Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
• CE, AS/NZS, ASTM standards
• MSRP: $549 USD
www.met-helmets.com

Last September, I was riding jumps at the Hangtime Jump Jam in Bellingham, WA. I was incredibly honored to have the opportunity to ride there and excited to spend time with other strong female riders who would spend two days hyping each other up, working together on sessioning the line, and having a good time. Most of the first day did play out that way, but that evening, I crashed hard. I don't know exactly what I did, and even the people who saw it happen say something like, "I don't know, you were riding and overshot the jump and didn't stay on your bike."

Somehow, my spatial orientation changed pretty dramatically so that I landed with my head on the ground instead of my tires. From there, I was evacuated to the hospital, spent some time in a coma, eventually started recognizing my family members again, was moved after a few weeks to another hospital that specializes in treating brain injuries, started to regain some memory another few weeks later, and left the hospitals after a little over two months.

Now, I've done my fair share of outpatient therapy, have just barely started to (slowly and with very bad balance and coordination) trail ride again, and have what looks like a relatively "normal" life ahead of me again. My injury was undoubtedly bad. Like, I recently saw in some medical notes that I was in a "state of impending death" for the first nine days, which seems like a while. I've always been painfully indecisive, but come on - between life and death for that long seems a little excessive. (If you're curious to learn more about the crash and recovery, here's an article and here's a podcast episode.)

All of that said, things would have been much, much worse if I had not been wearing a helmet, of course. I'm here, I can string words together enough to write an article about the helmet I was wearing, and I have a decent enough recovery ahead of me. For all of that, I'm thankful beyond what I can express.


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I really like that Bluegrass opted for classic design on the straps, rather than anything too new-agey. The cover can be removed and washed.


Details

The Legit Carbon is meant to be the top-tier offering from Bluegrass, the gravity-oriented subsidiary of MET Helmets. I also appreciate that Bluegrass seems to have put real thought into including only the details that matter: the chin stap uses a simple D-ring closure and a lot of the design feels very traditional, but it also uses MIPS and minimizes weight.

The helmet meets or exceeds European, Australian and New Zealand, US, and more stringent US standards for helmet safety testing, so there's more backing up its effectiveness than my "it seems to work" opinion, or my experience of still being alive.

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The back still looks relatively unharmed. I still think the styling is clean and really nice.


Ride Impressions

I really like this helmet. I wore it for most of my bike park days last summer and of course wore it again for my last big hurrah of the season, the jump jam. This helmet was always comfortable for me, and I like the way it looks. The D-ring closure makes more sense to me than any other more complicated, more modern system, and while that doesn't make or break a helmet's appeal, it makes me appreciate this one more.

In my actual review of this helmet, I wrote but will reiterate that the helmet worked flawlessly, with easy goggle integration and no movement, even over rough stuff. It stayed comfortable, too, the right amount of snug. The vents seem effective enough that I never felt overly hot, though I opted for a purpose-built helmet whenever I'd be pedaling and wanted an ultralight full face.

The main new piece of my testing of this helmet is that it was also user-friendly when I crashed, friendly both to me by protecting my head and to my rescuers who presumably were able to remove it. I don't know whether they removed the cheek pads before taking the helmet off. When I found the helmet again, the chin strap was undone so presumably my rescuers figured that part out, but the cheek pads were in their usual spots. (I don't actually remember the experience as I was very unconscious, so this is mostly guesswork.)

I was not wearing a neck brace when I crashed. (I don't know exactly how that's relevant since I don't have neck or back injuries, but people keep asking me.) I don't think I had goggles on either, but I could be wrong about that.

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The main damage sites. I don't think I've ever seen a more compelling argument for wearing a full face helmet. My face was relatively okay. The forehead EPS is also cracked inside.

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The most structural damage visible from the outside is this crack in the chin bar. Again, I'm glad that was between the ground and my chin.





Alicia's Take
bigquotesThe last time I wrote about this helmet, I wrote that it checks all the right boxes, but comes with a high price tag. I still fully stand behind that, I'll just add that I'm alive when I wasn't expected to be, which seems like a pretty big plus for this helmet. (Though, once again, I have no comparison to any other fully certified, thoroughly tested helmets.) Life is going to be different now: I probably won't get my right-side hearing back, I may not get all my vision back, I may never feel as grounded and oriented as I used to. Still, that all feels small-scale compared to the fact that I get to see the people I love, do the things I care about, even go mountain biking again. I'm a little bit sad that this helmet is damaged and I won't get to wear it anymore, because I still think it's comfortable and thoughtfully designed and stylish, plus there's some sentimental value there now.  Alicia Leggett


Author Info:
alicialeggett avatar

Member since Jun 19, 2015
738 articles

100 Comments
  • 423 1
 @alicialeggett just to be clear, you're not approved for any more of these kinds of reviews. So good to have you back!
  • 62 3
 Levy is though, right?
  • 2 0
 @DizzyNinja: that was doddy's predecessor right?
  • 36 0
 I hate that this "review" (the crash) happened.

But, I love that this review happened (that Alicia is able to write coherent thoughts, and chose this writing style to talk about it).

Welcome back.
  • 13 1
 @DizzyNinja: where is Levy?
  • 8 1
 Yes. RELEASE LEVY!
  • 132 0
 Good to see you back, Alicia!
  • 65 1
 The best review of any product here in Pinkbike. God bless you and hope you still recovering well Alicia,best wishes and for sure you will be great soon!!!!
  • 39 1
 one way of looking at it is that this helmet saved your life which it certainly did had you not been wearing one at all. but i also wonder, did it do as good as a helmet can do and how much better can be achieved? we need more helmet development and less electronic shifting development
  • 13 1
 what makes you think companies like bell and fox aren't dumping big dollars and engineering time into helmet R&D? You can have both things...
  • 11 0
 Huge amounts of research investment is going into helmet tech by multiple companies. The Legit is a good example of that effort paying off. I am bummed that Alicia was hurt so badly, but am happy she had a great, well designed and researched lid that most likely prevented something far worse from occurring. And kudos to Mips as well - they helped change the narrative and standards in a very positive way.
  • 2 9
flag Balgaroth (May 31, 2023 at 23:03) (Below Threshold)
 @jdkellogg: because many of these products are made in China, and how much of those are proper R&D vs restyling/logo of a catalog model from the Chinese manufacturer is open to debate. One thing that isn't is how outdated our helmet certifications are. Lets hope bike helmets will soon follow the motorbike helmets with the latest ECE certification that is a lot more stringent and takes into account rotational and low velocity impacts. Since I've heard of Virginia Tech scores I also use it to pick my new helmets, wether the helmet is good because the Chinese manufacturer did a good job or because the occidental marketing company did doesn't matter much as long as it can prove it is doing a good job at keeping my brain safe.
  • 7 0
 @Balgaroth:

Pinkbike commentators have some pretty interesting takes.

You don't get to have it both ways - Chinese companies making catalogue helmets bad, big players aren't doing any research, there's no helmet development, AND Virginia tech ratings showing clear signs of development and significant safety improvements being made being used to judge if a helmet is good or not...

These companies aren't just throwing shit at a wall and seeing what sticks. There's a reason its the same players over and over coming out with new, better helmets.

I agree though that helmet rating systems are pretty outdated. The fact that the US is leading the pack as far as certifications go is frankly insane, especially since the rating system was developed before we knew how rotational impacts played a part in concussions.
  • 3 1
 @William42: yes and no, I just think most people give way too much credit to brands like TLD or Fox that have you pay a massive premium for stuff that is outsourced. Being outsourced isn't necessarily bad and if you mandate your contractor to do an amazing job you will get products that score well, no issue there, the Chinese are not more stupid than we are. It is just that that credit should go where it is due.
Another hot take right now would be to consider that buying a light dirtbike helmet that pass ECE 22.06 is safer than buying a full face MTB helmet. Unless VT start testing a lot more full face helmets I think this might be a better indicator that you are getting what you are paying for rather than PR fluff.
  • 1 0
 @jdkellogg: Fox Bell Giro are all the same company now… their owner sacked a bunch of staff and moved them (if they wanted to move state) to the same office.
Interesting that they were all profitable but corporate leaders needed more?
  • 3 0
 @NZRalphy: shareholders want 2 digit growth and profitability so you buy brands with good image and reputation, sack everyone and outsource production in order to raise profits. Few years down the line product quality is rubbish, loyal consumers finally move on as they are sick of paying premium price for low to average quality stuff, shareholders sale what remains of the sucked dry brand and buy another one. I still have Fox gear from the early 00's that is in better nick than Fox stuff I bought last season and that did 1/10th of the riding. So despite being a Fox fanboy at heart I am not buying their stuff anymore as it isn't any different than the copy you buy on AliExpress. My GF is still attached to the brand so I keep buying stuff for her but it is garbage. Coporate isn't happy with profitable, they only want MORE.
  • 1 0
 @Balgaroth: If anyone is truly interested in helmet safety and standards. Please go listen to these two podcasts: Bob Weber of 6D on vital, and Brad Waldron of Kali on mtbpodcast. In general, both mention helmet engineers are hamstrung by out of date standards that were developed based on motorcycles. After that it's really just hard to design a helmet that's prefect in every scenario. However, both are super passionate about the engineering which is awesome to hear.
  • 1 0
 @jdkellogg: im not convinced that much is being improved upon tbh. people are praising this helmet, but personally its one i wouldnt ever wear after seeing this. its just heartbreaking and i bet they could do so much better
  • 35 5
 So glad you are alive and something people I don't think realize that in many crash scenarios, no helmet is concussion proof.

Would like to see the internal damage to the helmet;
• Was the EPS fractured or dented?
• Did the MIPS rubber bands come dislodged or stay in tact, and did MIPS liner get hung up on edges of EPS?

I have ridden in this helmet model before, It fit my head well and was comfortable and a decent weight.

Wishing you continued healing and progress from this big one you had, but glad the helmet kept you alive. Thanks for writing this.
  • 36 0
 Good questions, thanks for asking. Yes actually - the EPS liner is cracked. As for the MIPS, there are no bands accessible since it is the type of MIPS that uses a foam shell inside another foam shell. I don't think I can access any of it while keeping the helmet intact, though I'm no helmet expert so anyone who has experience can let me know if I'm wrong!
  • 11 0
 @alicialeggett: Great to hear your follow-up on the helmet and glad you are still with us!

I was interested to hear about how the MIPS held up as well. Your storey inspired me to up my helmet game. I’m now rocking a Lazer Cage, the first full face to receive 5 stars from the Virginia Tech rating system.

It would be great if PB could give us an article of how their testing works and the rating system. I feel like a lot of us pick our helmets for aesthetics and comfort, but your story is a reminder that safety should be a top priority.
  • 3 0
 @alicialeggett: can you send the helmet back for testing and please tell me they gave you a new one gratis
  • 1 0
 @alicialeggett: I’m to see that you are making major strides in recovering, especially after reading about your initial day to day status. It’s a joy to see you writing again. I hope you continue recover. What would be interesting is to have the helmet cut in half to show the internal damage with an explanation of how the helmet did its job. That’s assuming you are willing to have it cut.
  • 17 0
 @Jswail: very cool, I'm glad you've moved to the more protective helmet! If my story can inspire anyone to do anything, that seems like one of the best possible things to do. And also be caring and kind toward the people in your life! And live your dreams now because you never know when they might not be realistic in the future!
As for the article about helmet safety standards, that's actually on my list of articles I want to write! I'm not promising anything, especially since I'm currently working part-time and not exactly getting things done quickly, but since head injuries are now a special interest of mine, I'd really like to try to make that article happen sometime. This industry could definitely use more conversation around head injuries and risks and balancing the things we want to do with the ways our lives might change.
  • 4 0
 It'd be interesting to have Bluegrass take the helmet back and see which bits got crushed etc. Perhaps compare to their own testing paradigms and perhaps they could figure out that the impact was, say, 15 G in such-and-such a direction or something like that. The force was within their testing etc.

We've seen before that sometimes destruction testing gets a good rap on PB (e.g. aluminum versus carbon Santa Cruz frames).

We don't expect that helmets will save everyone from every accident. I don't think anyone is not going to buy Bluegrass after this, most likely the opposite.

I feel for you Alicia. My sense of taste took a year or two to gradually come back after concussion. I still don't know if chocolate tastes like it used to or just how I am now used to tasting it. Beer tastes terrible to me now, but it tasted terrible to me before that accident so, all good there. I wish you continual improvement.
  • 2 0
 The fact that the EPS is only cracked and not squashed (like I've seen from other crashes) and the fact the trauma was so severe I wonder if the helmet absorbed a lot of the crash's energy. Not that another helmet would've been better, but people tend to overestimate the degree of protection that these equipments actually offer.
  • 1 0
 @alicialeggett: tyt! And maybe consider keeping that helmet as is for your own personal collection rather then cutting it up!
  • 2 0
 @iamamodel: 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
 @manybrouce: I agree. If the failure point is set so high, does it make the helmet cause injuries where failing would not? If I have a terrible crash, I want to know that the helmet absorbed as much energy as is physically possible

I'm not a structural engineer, not sure that these are mutually exclusive issues.
  • 1 0
 @alicialeggett: That is a heavy hit to crack EPS! and you are right, that lid doesn't have the old school MIPS, it uses the E2 I think it's called, the 'beanie' style. No worries and again, glad you are recovering. Cheers.
  • 26 0
 Just please don't test any helmet that way anymore 3
  • 14 0
 Great read. Glad to hear things are back on track for you Alicia. I've had 2 massive head impacts wearing MET full face helmets. Both times the helmets were destroyed (crack through the area around the temple), both times I only suffered mild concussion and both times MET replaced the helmet for half price.
  • 14 0
 It's a great review, the most inspiring helmet review of all time. The line about being indecisive and staying between life and death had me straight up guffawing. It's obvious Alicia is an extremely talented writer and the blend of product review and life insights was special -- like the hairs on my arms shouldn't be raising when I read a helmet review. Needless to say, I hope Alicia continues healing and writing absolute fire!
  • 13 0
 Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words. This community's support has seriously meant / continues to mean the world to me.
  • 1 0
 That was be line of the whole interview. Positive attitude helps facing life's challenges.
  • 10 0
 I’ve got nothing but praises for Met and Bluegrass, got a close friend who landed head first on a 15ft drop, one of the worst accidents I’ve ever seen, the helmet cracked in the middle and he actually walked out of it, now all my homies use Met parachutes or Bluegrass Legits
  • 3 0
 Met Parachute, that's not quite a helmet to wear for 15ft drops, is it?

Either way, out of the serious helmet brands, I think it is super hard to tell which is the best. Somehow I've got the feeling that Kali is great because Rogatkin got away quite well from his Rampage tumble and they're quite transparent about what they do and why. But that doesn't necessarily mean other helmets are so much worse. At the end of the day it is like a life guard. You can be happy that your protection gear is saving you when it does, but you can't blame it when you still get injured worse than you were expecting.
  • 7 0
 @alicialeggett Whoa - being able to write this about the helmet you wore when you almost died, and after all you've been through, are still going through, and will continue to go through, shows a remarkable degree of equanimity, perspective, and general badassitude. Good on you for being able to communicate your gratitude - in a sport/community where progression is a huge driver, and where risk of serious injury is real even for recreational riders, you're providing real community service by keeping it real.

Your comments about the standards this helmet meets, and how that compares to your n=1 sample size, brings up an interesting point. We don't know nearly enough about how brain injuries happen - what kind of impacts, rotational forces, etc. cause what kind of problems in what kind of scenarios; how much do prior injuries exacerbate them, and so forth. There's a lot of informed guess work, but no real data.

I wonder sometimes whether it would be possible, with sufficient grant money, to develop a sensor kit that could be added to a significant number of helmets, not just for mountain bikers but others who are at risk for brain injuries - whitewater kayakers, skiers/snowboarders, skateboarders, what have you. Accelerometers are cheap enough to be included in all kinds of consumer gadgets; memory chips and batteries and basic circuits are cheap as well - and none of these things are big. Make the kits available with helmets at retail (please opt in - no cost, the industry hopes to gather data to make helmets safer...).

As much as we would wish that nobody had any more crashes and we never had anyone get hurt again... - some people continue to have crashes, and when they do, they send in their helmet (with sensors) for a crash replacement along with a short description of what effects the crash had on them (blessedly uninjured? mild concussion? full on TBI?). The manufacturers turn the data (and the user's narrative) over to researchers, and over time we get actual data that tells us what kinds of forces were experienced with which kinds of injuries. And that, in turn, informs how to evolve the standards for what helmets should protect against.

It would be an awfully big lift, and require coordination in industries incapable of working together for stuff as simple as standardizing bottom brackes, but man, there's an awful lot of misery caused by brain injuries, and in terms of fundraising for research dollars, this would probably be relatively minor, especially if you think about how universally useful that kind of data could be beyond just action sports.
  • 1 0
 I agree with that and there are already a variety of widget that exists that record all the characteristics of an impact/ They are glorified accelerometer you can stick on your helmet. Specialized has one and there is another company in UK.
It's great to share @alicialeggett experience but it doen't really say if another helmet would had a better or worst outcome.
I feel like there is a lot of form over function in current helmet design.. especially half shell...with all kind of gimmick like glasses holder instead of a focus on safety..
I don't own a 6D helmet but they are one brand that seems to focus on safety with larger and softer helmet. There is an interesting podcast with the 6D company owner explaining his thinking...
  • 1 0
 @jejsd: I was stoked for the UK brand accelerometer but bummed to find out that they ditched the basic and affordable one for one that’s basically a super fancy one that does GPS and etc and unneeded in my opinion for 100s of $$$ more. Bit a bummer
Was gonna order a couple before I found out
  • 10 0
 Really unique perspective and a great read, thanks Alicia!
  • 7 1
 I still have my Fly Racing Default helmet on a shelf in my room as a reminder that helmets work after it undoubtedly saved me a concussion and some pretty gnarly dental work after a crash that was hard enough to crack the chin bar and push it into my chin. While it sucked recovering from spinal injuries, it would definitely have been much more miserable if those were paired with a brain injury and a wired jaw, which I try to remind myself of whenever I look at it, still covered in the dirt I never cleaned off after the crash. Kind of makes you realize full faces are probably justified way more often that they’re actually worn. Idk, something to think about I guess. I still take my chances unless I’m riding lift anyway so who knows. Glad you’re alive Alicia, definitely would’ve been a much more uncomfortable review update otherwise lol
  • 6 0
 It is fantastic to see that you are working through your terrible crash with a fantastic attitude and positive outlook. Could have been worse, could be dead. Without a doubt, the helmet saved your life. It is comforting to know that all the certifications that helmets and other protective gear need to me actually result in safer gear. I am willing to guess you will always seek out products from MET/Bluegrass.

Next time I am in the market for a new lid, I will be giving MET/Bluegrass a try.

I hope your recovery journey progresses even more. All the best.
  • 9 0
 This is straight up gnarly. Y'all have me looking at my lightweight full face thinking it's time to up the protection
  • 2 0
 Just bought a proframe.. questioning that decision a bit
  • 1 0
 @therealnobody you would be surprised. I crashed onto my shoulder and head at about 20 mph wearing an older design leatt enduro (convertible full face, not even fully dh rated) and while it definitely has some damage and my collarbone was toast, it held up well and kept anything from happening to my head.
  • 3 0
 @kestrel: I'm pretty confident that the Proframe is a good one. I've seen a massive face-first smackdown into the ground (rider blown off bridge by badly timed gust of wind, landed at bottom of ravine head first) - helmet destroyed but head inside just fine.
  • 1 0
 @isaacwmtb04: good to know! I have a Leatt Enduro DBX 3. It's a few years old. I've had minor crashes while wearing it but no head impacts. I like it, it's a nice and light helmet. I wear it with the chin bar for most trails intermediate and higher. But looking at Alicia's helmet, makes me wonder if I should go for a true full face for more advanced trails.
  • 2 0
 Nah mate it depends, if you are really going hard attacking every jump and corner Dh world cup mode, then you probably are undergunned, if you are a normal bloke you'll be just fine. Worst head crash i've seen in years my friend was using a Met Parachute MCR and he just walked. So they are quite strong IMHO.
  • 1 0
 @kestrel: for its intended purpose, its just fine. its a trail helmet with extra protection, does not occupy the same space as a traditional FF like this one. The proframe is what you grab when you would otherwise be wearing a half shell.
  • 5 0
 I'm curious as to what industry safety people think of the drop off in neck brace use. Feels like 10 years ago everyone was advocating for them in DH and lately I haven't seen anyone rocking them
  • 4 0
 This brought tears to my eyes. As a fellow TBI and helmet aficionado, I don't have the words to say how happy I am for you. That might sound weird, but I'm happy because you have started the same journey I started so many years ago, and now your future looks as bright as mine does. My life deviated massively from the path I thought it would take, but I'm still riding and working in the industry, and it is just amazing to see the same is happening for you Alicia. I wish you the longest and happiest life, even the weird bits that no one else will understand!
  • 2 0
 The same helmet saved me not so long ago...
Honestly, had a few bad landings in the past and while going down, I was sure, that I will need a new face, teeth etc...
Fortunately, my face is still the same (ugly, but it was like that before the crash Smile ) and I am able to add some digits and number in memory Wink
So, as the author, I can recommend this helmet as a really good one!
  • 3 0
 I have a TLD one that looks very similar or worse even. I can say almost say for sure if I wasn't wearing a full face I wouldn't be here. Looks like you can also say the same thing.
  • 1 0
 So good to see Alicia back. I know the feeling with having sentimental feelings towards a helmet that you had your worst crash in. My 100% Aircraft that's cracked nearly in half still lives prominently on a bookshelf as both a reminder and as a piece that saved my life which I feel sentimentally connected to. Glad to hear you're recovering so well Alicia.
  • 1 0
 Also, there is great research on hyperbaric chamber, and helping with TBI and it can also help with your eye and hearing issues. Everyone who read this go to Alicia‘s go fund me page and let’s get her into hyperbaric chamber sessions!
  • 1 0
 There is a lot more to helmet safety then just the certifications as one might guess. If only everyone who rides could listen to this podcast before they make their next helmet purchase.

open.spotify.com/episode/4HuvqzMvCzZwWQXEEiUA4M?si=a-ghW0OyQv2l_TnBV2H4nw
  • 5 0
 Thank you, helmet, for keeping Alicia alive.
  • 3 0
 @alicialeggett - legit had some laughs. Good to see the crash didn't harm your sense of humor. I'd suggest displaying the helmet as decoration, it's earned a spot
  • 2 0
 I went and got the helmet after the first review. Was in need of a full-face but all the 'lightweight' options out there seemed flimsy. Agree with all of this, and lucky enough to not have tested it to this extent
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the review and promoting full face helmets. A novice MTB family member crashed a few yrs ago and had a mild concussion, but her FF helmet also saved her face. I wear one too now - I hate the dentist and don't want to wait until after I crash to get one.
  • 4 0
 Perhaps it should be renamed the Bluegrass Leggett. It's pretty close already.
  • 1 0
 While I do think a good review should include pushing stuff until it breaks, ideally that's the tested product and not the reviewer. Fortunately, the helmet did its job and I hope you'll be able to make a full recovery eventually. All the best Smile
  • 1 0
 Had a crash at a local dh trail a few years back. From the "dirt trail," it looked like it started at my head and ended up down my backside. I was wearing a full face at the time, not a $400+ carbon one with Mips, but an economy helmet. I have no doubt that this helmet saved me. While the severity of my post-crash experience was nowhere in the neighborhood of Alicia's, I suffered significant memory loss from that day. Friends who've never experienced memory loss as a result of a concussion don't quite understand why it took me so long (literally a couple weeks ago was the first time I really rode it in over 3 years) to even consider riding that trail again. The crash and subsequent gaps in my recollection of that day were a kind of trauma that extended beyond the physical; the realization that such an injury could potentially change your life or even end it, was absolutely terrifying, and it caused me quite a great deal of anxiety when friends would casually invite me to ride that trail.

That said, it's amazing that Alicia has bounced back so well after this. To be able to confront those demons and get back on the bike, plus write about your experience with so much self-reflection, is quite awe-inspiring. I have no doubt that she still has more challenges to face, but she should be back to where she wants to be in no time.
  • 4 0
 Thanks for the comment and reflections on your own injury, though sorry you've had to go through that. The memory loss is definitely a tough piece to sort out. I'm fully missing about six weeks, then it's pretty spotty for another few weeks after I crashed, and I think that's really messed with my perception of time passing. Even now, it blows my mind that it's already June, and that eight months have passed since I went to ride my bike (just like almost every day) and happened to crash in a way that changed my life. It's also really changed my thoughts around experiences being subjective/objective, just because I was apparently interacting with people in the hospital, having full conversations, telling friends on the phone about how I was traveling hyperspace, etc., but all of those experiences I was technically there for have gone into some black hole of memory loss, while other people who were around me remember them just like anything else. I don't know, it's all a very weird place to be. I'm glad that you are doing better, back on the bike and back to having ridden that trail!
  • 2 0
 While I appreciate your commitment to thoroughness in product testing, maybe take it down a notch for the next review. Seriously though, glad you're doing better and back.
  • 4 1
 Oh your words thank you. May god or whoever you turn to bless you. Thanks be to helmets
  • 3 0
 Speechless, Alicia. Just speechless. And just know that we are all SO glad that you're still here. Smile
  • 1 0
 I always wondered what helmet you were wearing and listened to your podcast with Levy.

I wear a Smith Mainline for more enduro type stuff and 100% Aircraft 2 for bike park days.
  • 1 0
 Glad You are fine now. Last time a helmet saved my life my neurologist advised me "You are a different person from now on - get used to it".

And to attempt a joke - who needs helmets? Simply don't crash. Dyh.
  • 3 0
 Best helmet review of ever.
  • 1 0
 That's a pretty well-written review. I like that she gets to her points, keeps an objective outlook, but still finds ways to make her writing relateable.
  • 1 0
 Where did Bluegrass come from? They weren't around "back in the day" so how did they gain such a following
  • 1 0
 bluegrass is like the gravity division of MET
  • 1 0
 MET is in Italian company that started in 1987 (remember the original MET Parachute). Bluegrass is an affiliate of MET, it was started in 2008 as a brand for Enduro, DH and BMX.
  • 1 0
 Im ok with spending money on a good helmet. Like the old saying goes ‘ if you have a $10 head buy a $10 dollar helmet’
  • 1 0
 So happy to see you back! I’ve always told people buy a good helmet, orthopedics can fix everything else!
  • 1 0
 Woohoo missed you on video segments I think you were the most clear spoken and ones opinion I trusted most!
  • 1 0
 Old style straps are a huge no go for me. I get a bit of panic when I can't get my helmet off immediately.
  • 1 3
 Sucks that stoke encouragement caused this. Sometimes you don't have it and it's not just a matter of letting go and hitting it. The cheering on and you got it's are not always wise. Especially if it's blind leading blind. Could happen to anyone of course. No judgements on Alicia. But the sentence about everyone "encouraging" sending it bigger is a huge red flag and is becoming a thing. There seems to be more cases of especially females that get encouraged to do things over their head by other unqualified peers.
  • 1 0
 What a legend! Glad you are back!
  • 1 0
 Great to see your words here again Smile
  • 1 0
 once lost my hearing from one side completely.... stay strong alicia
  • 1 1
 Bluegrass marketers are you still sleeping?
I smell a opportunity.
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