author: DAVID QUER
Co-founder of Trialworld. Instructor at Trialworld School. More than 20 years as a trial expert in specialized motor media.
Choosing the right equipment to enjoy our trial bike is one of the great challenges that we have to face at one time or another in our time as riders.
Of all the elements that make up the equipment of a trial rider, perhaps the ones that we reflect on and have the most doubts about is the choice of boots and the trial helmet. Well, in this article we are going to focus on the latter, breaking down the time sequences and the most important aspects to choose a trial helmet correctly.
WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TRIAL HELMET?
To consider looking for a new trial helmet, one of the following cases must first occur (usually):
Old or run-down town
In this case, we are considering a change with a certain degree of emergency, either due to the expiration of the materials that ensure the protection of the helmet (here we explain it in detail), or as a result of a fall – impact The hull has lost its properties And it’s not safe to keep using it. In any case, the important thing is that we already have prior information about previous satisfaction with this model and it can serve as a premise for a correct choice.
Initiation in the specialty
Either because our first hours were spent with an enduro helmet (for example) or because we bought our first trial bike. In this case, the previous information to make the right decision is non-existent, so we have to follow the advice that you will see in the next point.
Opportunity, Offer, or Pleasure
Here we start from the premise that we have a helmet that fulfills its function and is in a condition to continue to be used. We may well consider a change of model (increase in range) based on recommendations, for chromatic reasons, the appearance of a good offer or due to lack of satisfaction with the current brand or model.
How do I know my trial helmet size?
To know your size, you should measure the circumference of your head at the height of your forehead with a tape measure. The value will tell you which size you should choose. If you are very close to a size, it is preferable to take a larger size.
The values are as follows:
Size XS: 53 – 54 cms
Size S : 55 – 56 cms
Size M: 57 – 58 cms
Size L: 59 – 60 cms
Size XL: 61 – 62 cms
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT TRIAL HELMET
During these years at Trialworld Store and, obviously as users, we have learned well how to recommend the perfect trial helmet for each user. Yes, for every user, as there is no perfect helmet for everyone. And below I explain in a simple sequence all the reasons.
What should I ask myself before buying a trial helmet?
- What kind of use am I going to give it normally? Technical trial, excursion trial or a hybrid. And if it’s a mix, how much each side of the scale weighs.
- Am I going to use this helmet for anything else? For example, to combine it with urban use on a trail bike or scooter.
- What do you value most? Versatility or lightness?
- Climate of use. Do I need a more ventilated helmet?
If you are able to answer the above questions with crystal clarity, the decision is much easier. And we haven’t talked about price yet.
And why is the price so far not relevant?
Simple, because if, for example, our previous answers have been: trial excursion, yes to versatility and the climate of use is mild, the helmet we are going to recommend is in the low price range. Conversely, if we are looking for a very light and ventilated helmet for a sports trial, we will focus on more expensive materials and more evolved designs.
Let’s take a closer look at the previous profiles.
CHOOSING THE BEST TRIAL HELMET FOR HIKING
Practically all brands have products designed based on two materials:
- Polycarbonate – ABS
- Fiberglass or carbon fiber
The first of the materials, polycarbonate, is the most common in multipurpose trial helmets. The weight is usually higher (about 1,100 grams) and the common denominator is that they usually offer some comfort accessory, such as a retractable screen or some lighting element.
Logically, these extras are in favor of an increase in weight, but the fact that the user values this versatility in protection more than the lightness itself, makes it a winning option.
In this segment, three major models stand out: Mots Jump, Hebo Zone5, Hebo Zone and Jitsie HT1. The difference from the latter is that it does not have a retractable screen.
Within this segment of cheap trial helmets we have the Hebo Zone, which is the most basic range of the Girona firm and takes advantage of a shell that has years behind it. A basic trial helmet that gets the job done, with no aesthetic or functional frills.
As for the Jitsie HT1 helmet, the advantage is its price and design. As we can see, the design is committed to a perfect integration of the visor-helmet set. And as a disadvantage, the poor upper ventilation, the lack of a retractable screen and the fact of using a single shell for all sizes.
Fiberglass Trial Helmets
- Lighter (+-950 grams)
- Increased ventilation
- More compact structure
- Sportiest type of use
- Micro-serrated closure
- Removable and replaceable visors
- Removable interiors
- Prices from 140€
Polycarbonate Trial Helmets
- Weight of approximately 1,150 grams
- Less ventilation
- Extras on some models, such as retractable screen, lights...
- More versatile use and closer to trial excursion
- Micro-serrated closure
- Detachable and replaceable visor
- Prices between €80 and €140
TRIAL HELMETS WITH SCREEN: HEBO ZONE5 - MOTS JUMP
The retractable screen is an increasingly valued extra among hiking lovers, as it offers instant protection against wind, water and mud, ensuring perfect vision at all times. Another great advantage is that as they are integrated into the helmet itself, the rider does not need external enduro-type goggles .
The advantages of the Hebo Zone5 helmet In addition to the retractable screen, it includes a rear lighting system called “Lights for Life” that is activated by a small battery (not included) that It activates LEDs that act as both position light and brake light (with a second device). The downside of the Hebo Zone5 is that the ventilation is quite poor, especially at the top.
The Mots Jump helmet is a more up-to-date helmet than the Hebo Zone5, something that can be seen in the commitment to a structure with greater ventilation and a much more perforated interior. It keeps the screen retractable and also equips a ” Go Pro” type camera mount that sits very comfortably on top of the helmet. The downside of the Mots Jump is that it doesn’t offer the lighting system of its rival.
Hebo Helmet Zone5
- Lighter (+-950 grams)
- Increased ventilation
- More compact structure
- Sportiest type of use
- Micro-serrated closure
- Removable and replaceable visors
- Removable interiors
- Prices from 140€
Mots Jump Helmet
- Weight of approximately 1,150 grams
- Less ventilation
- Extras on some models, such as retractable screen, lights...
- More versatile use and closer to trial excursion
- Micro-serrated closure
- Detachable and replaceable visor
- Prices between €80 and €140
LIGHTWEIGHT TRIAL HELMETS: FIBERGLASS
If zones are your territory, it’s clear that the above options aren’t the most attractive for your next trial helmet. We ditched polycarbonate and got right into fiberglass and carbon.
Well, the first thing we need to know is that none of the brands share the shell design between their polycarbonate helmets and their fiber helmets. They are totally different.
The common denominators are as follows: a weight of around 950 grams, a more compact and racing design, more vents and the absence of any extra that could represent an unnecessary weight for the rider’s helmet.
We have a wide range of competences in this range. The most popular are
Hebo
with its Zone4 model,
Mots
with the GO2 On,
Jitsie
with the HT2, Airoh, Shoei, Arai, Kenny, Shiro and Comas Trial.
Carbon fibre TRIAL HELMETS
Although there are fewer and fewer brands that offer them (currently only Hebo and Mots), carbon fiber trial helmets are the most desired by enthusiasts.
On the one hand due to its aesthetics, which breaks with traditional designs and gives it a more timeless approach, with the addition of the spectacularity provided by carbon fiber. Its weight is about 100 grams less than its fiberglass namesakes, i.e. approximately 850 grams.
In terms of structure, the shell and structural design is identical to its fiberglass counterparts (Hebo Zone4 and Mots Go2 On).
Hebo Zone4 vs MOTS GO2 On vs Jitsie HT2 Helmet
These are the three great models par excellence. Although you see different models of each of them, deep down it is because of the decorations and collections that are represented. In other words, there are no technical variations between models of the same brand.
Let’s start by talking about the best-selling trial helmet in its segment: the Hebo Zone4. It is available in both fiberglass and carbon fiber and its weight ranges from 850 to 950 grams, depending on the material we choose.
One of its differentiating points is that it is a compact helmet, very well resolved at the design level to offer us perfect freedom of movement in all directions. Good ventilation, with two front, two top and two rear intakes. In addition, it comes with transparent removable top lids to minimise the entry of air and water, something especially interesting for cold or rainy days. As a bonus, there are also two detachable side clips that allow you to attach the enduro goggles to the helmet for safety.
Now let’s talk about the Mots Go2 On. Mots has worked this helmet and it shows from the moment you take it out of the box. It is possibly the best finished helmet on the market in terms of exteriors, gaskets and seals. It is made of laminated fibre following the “bad-molding” technique. In terms of ventilation and weight, very similar to the Hebo: 1,000 grams for the fiberglass model.
Another of its strengths is the interior, with more perforations and breathability between the foams. Comfortable, effective and a top-of-the-line helmet. Available in three colours: grey, red and yellow.
Now it’s time to analyze the Jitsie HT2. The difference from the helmet of Belgian origin is that the vents are front (2) and rear (4), but it chooses not to insert intakes at the top. It is also a top quality helmet with very well maintained details. On the rider’s head you feel that the size of the helmet is somewhat large, but in terms of weight it is in line with its rivals.
The Jitsie HT2 helmet is updated with annual collections. Right now, the Voita model is in force.
Hebo Zone4 Helmet
- Weight 950 grams
- 2 front vents
- 2 top vents
- 2 rear vents
- Eyewear clips
- 2 shell sizes
- Micro-adjustable closure
Helmet Mots GO2 On
- Weight 1,000 grams
- 2 front vents
- 2 top vents
- 2 rear vents
- 2 shell sizes
- Bad-molding fiber
- coolmax© fabric interior
- Micro-adjustable closure
Jitsie HT2 Helmet
- Weight 950 grams
- 2 front vents
- No top ventilation
- 4 rear vents
- 2 shell sizes
- coolmax© fabric interior
- Micro-adjustable closure
photos and price hebo zone4 helmet
In the 2020 – 2021 range of Hebo Zone4 helmets, the models are as follows:
photos and PRICE helmet MOTS GO2 ON
In the 2020 – 2021 range of Mots Go2 On helmets, the models are as follows:
In the 2020 – 2021 range of Jitsie HT2 helmets, the models are as follows:
photos & price jitsie ht2 helmet
In the 2020 – 2021 range of Jitsie HT2 helmets, the models are as follows:
