If you don’t like the idea of breaking your nose on a rough-and-tumble singletrack, you probably want a helmet with a bit more protection than those worn by the average bike commuter.
That’s where full-face helmets come in, and ABUS just released its first product aimed directly at mountain bikers looking to protect their beautiful money-makers.
Long known for its bike accessories, ABUS calls the AirDrop “the new flagship helmet” of its mountain bike line. It’s the result of several years of research and development, the company said, with input from team riders Cédric Gracia, Richie Schley, and Gabriel Wibmer. Whether you’re racing enduro events, tackling downhill runs or just taking laps at the bike park, it’s a good idea to have a helmet you can trust.
“I really enjoyed riding with the new ABUS AirDrop helmet,” MTB pro Wibmer said in a press release. “The fit, the performance, and of course the light weight makes it a perfect choice for riding technical trails on my enduro bike. Besides the performance, the new helmet has an awesome look that fits my style.”
ABUS AirDrop: Details
In its listed features for the AirDrop, ABUS highlights the fitting system, adjustable visor, breathability, and, of course, its durability in crashes.
The fit can be “precisely” dialed in with the company’s Zoom Ace adjustment system, and there’s also a fully integrated MIPS system, which helps reduce rotational motion in the brain during crashes. ABUS also integrated padded layers on the underside of the helmet’s face guard to protect the collarbone.
A height-adjustable visor comes with a breakaway mechanism in the event of a crash, and the front’s open design will work with a variety of goggles. There’s also an action-cam mount on the visor, for capturing your wicked moves on the trail.
While ABUS claims to have boosted the helmet’s strength against collisions, it also added larger vent openings for breathability. It comes with 11 air inlets on the front and six outlets on the back, maintaining a cool head even during climbs, ABUS said. Large openings near the ears allow riders to “stay aware” of their surroundings.
The AirDrop’s cheek pads are removable, washable, and come in two thicknesses for personalizing the fit to your noggin. If you like the idea of automatic alerts in the event of a crash, you can also upgrade the AirDrop with ABUS’ crash detection system, known as QUIN.
“I am so happy about this project,” downhill and freeride veteran Gracia said in the press release. “What I love the most about the helmet is the fitting system. It’s super easy to put on and fits perfectly. Also, the breathability is working when I am riding uphill. My head is never overcooking.”
ABUS AirDrop: Pricing & Availability
The AirDrop has two sizes: S/M (52-58 cm) and L/XL (58-62 cm). They weigh 790 g and 890 g, respectively, the company claimed.
Customers can choose from four colors: Black Gold, Concrete Gray, Polar White, or Velvet Black. MSRP for the AirDrop will set you back $300, and it’s now available on the ABUS website.
