Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings …Specialized Align II, at $50 and better rated than helmets costing several times more
Posted by Cheap-Patient919@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 26 comments
Ok_Lunch16@reddit
$65 now. Still not terrible for a MIPS equipped helmet.
On an ebike and gravel/trail riding I use the Specialized Tactic. It’s rated a bit higher than the align. Designed for more off road use. A bit bulkier and takes impacts better, plus it’s made to accommodate eyewear. I’m in San Diego and sunglasses are not optional most of the time
ajscherer@reddit
A couple online retailers appear to have the tactic on sale (clearance?) for $60 right now
RXrenesis8@reddit
That thing is always on sale. Got my first one for $60 and second for $40!
I swear they can make em for like $5 or something once the R&D and tooling are all set. It's all foam and plastic.
Great helmets, but no need to pay $120 for one.
RoundSyrup4424@reddit
A little after I bought my e-bike, I heard that MIPS and NTA-8776 Certifications were very important to have in a helmet when riding at a high rate of speed, which I do all the time.
But I also wanted a helmet with lights built in.
And I also wanted a helmet that was highly rated on this Virginia Tech list.
The best combination of all of that I found on last year's list was the UNIT 1 Aura Hybrid which I've had for over half a year now and couldn't be happier with it. I've since added the UNIT 1 Turn Signals Remote which gives me Turn Signals and a Brake Light when paired with the helmet. Then a few months ago, I got the UNIT 1 Smart Light Pro Dual Pack with Wireless Charging Case which connects to all of those things and adds Additional Turn Signals / Brake Lights. And a week ago I picked up a pair of the visors too on eBay to save a little money, they are very well made now I know why they charge so much for them.
All of that was pricey, but the majority of my riding is in the dark, and there are a lot of cars around me where I live, so it was important.
Curry_courier@reddit
Was it $260 back then?
rshetts1@reddit
Its hard to find a good smart helmet for under $150 and the highly rated ones can run over $300. The Unit 1, for its safety ratings and smart devices, is actually fairly well priced.
rshetts1@reddit
Specialized has a number of sub $100 helmets that are very highly rated.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
there is one ranked #10 p2r a20 mips that's $55.
Veggyhed@reddit
Safety and protection are extremely important but is this helmet comfortable to wear? People who wear an uncomfortable helmet will generally leave the smash hat at home
Serious_Wing_7940@reddit
Super comfortable and it doesn’t slide back on my head like every other helmet I’ve tried.
celeste_ferret@reddit
That's a good point. I have both the Align and Chamonix and vastly prefer the latter because it fits me better.
wturber@reddit
Yep. Very comfortable. Twist adjuster in back. It is a pretty typical general purpose helmet in fit, look and feel. Mine is old an faded now and I should probably replace it this year.
AntEaterApocalypse@reddit
I've noticed that helmets in general are a lot more comfortable and better looking than they used to be. You can get some really nice helmets for good prices these days, and like the OP pointed out they can top rated for safety too.
Also it seems like the cost of safety tech has dropped too. I was checking out helmets the other day and noticed the cost of MIPS helmets has dropped significantly from the last time I was helmet shopping.
Veggyhed@reddit
I guess this is all very true. The price really has dropped
HombreDeBrandon@reddit
Love the Align II, I used to sell a boatload working at a Specialized dealer 30 minutes from VT. Great helmet, very comfortable, and lots of color options. Just a great all around purchase.
Legitimate-Lab9077@reddit
That particular helmet is consistently one of the best inexpensive helmet you can buy. Has been for a very long time. Price has almost nothing to do with the helmet safety. Safety is based upon design not material materials. Price is basically all about comfort fit, and aerodynamics.
wturber@reddit
... and style/looks as well as branding and marketing. Gotta look like the pros - right?
wlexxx2@reddit
why does walmart or amazon not have them?
wturber@reddit
To get product placement in Walmart you need to make special deals. Specialized doesn't need these deals. Walmart doesn't need Specialized helmets. The helmets in Walmart meet minimum standards and should be fine. They fill the need for $20-30 helmets that actually work.
Medical-Border-4279@reddit
because reputable and quality brands may choose to distribute through different channels. In this case, you can buy from Specialized directly, or your friendly neighborhood Specialized dealer!
wturber@reddit
My favorite helmet. But they cost more than $50 these days. They are up to $65. Though sometimes you can find certain colors at sale prices.
I designed a visor for this helmet and it is available on Thingiverse for people with 3D printers.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7191330
Bueler77@reddit
The lower the score the better the helmet
sentinel_of_ether@reddit
I’m still surprised the Virginia Tech study didn’t recommend just not falling on your head. Its incredibly effective. The downside is it makes the helmet useless.
YogurtclosetDull2380@reddit
That's a hot price. I just outfitted my family with P2R helmets based on this study. They were like 60 bucks and have cool features like back lights and visors.
Dangerous_Ice17@reddit
Yes cost doesn’t always mean better or even safer. The same is true for car seats.
Cheap-Patient919@reddit (OP)
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/