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Ruroc Helmet - Impressions

20K views 20 replies 17 participants last post by  griffin1324 
#1 · (Edited)
Consider the Ruroc helmet. It can be either one, depending on your mood. And I'd kind of like someone on this forum to actually buy one so I can find out what they're really like.
This is exactly what I hoped for before I got my Ruroc and unfortunately even now there is very little user feedback to be found on the Internet. So I thought I'd start off my contribution to this forum with my thoughts on the Ruroc.

Here's my Ruroc - RG-1 Signature




Why Buy?
I was in the market to purchase some new goggles and wanted a pair that had a larger peripheral viewing area than my current VonZippers. I wanted Oakley's and as you all know a good pair will run you about $200.

I'm a huge Formula 1 fan and actually seen these helmets for years used in the Pit Lane by the likes of Mclaren and Red Bull. Did some research and to my surprise the helmets actually originated from a snowsport company. Being used in F1 is a good indicator of quality for me having worked in motorsport.

I did some research online in March and from Ruroc's website I was able to get one on sale and shipped to Canada for $230 all in (they have random sales all the time). Mulled it over and for just a bit more than a pair of Oakley's I was able to get a goggles and full helmet system. I took the plunge.


Impressions

The helmet is very solidly built and the quality is top notch (made in the UK). It slightly thicker than most helmets and whether that equates to more protection is something I never hope to discover.

The season started for me two weeks ago, so I've now been out quite a bit in all kinds of conditions from rain to pow.

Fogging is absolutely NO issue. Even standing still and breathing the goggles do not fog. My VonZippers are pretty good, but when I have my facemask positioned over or very close to the goggles, I will get fog from breathing standing around. Doesn't happen with the Ruroc.

The facemask part: The most criticism I've found is about the fully assembled look. That part is subjective and you like it or your don't.

The mask itself doesn't have to be worn, so it works like a standard setup and you can use whatever goggles you prefer. That said if you're worried about the quality of these goggles, don't. They are every bit a match for any goggle in the $200 range with super wide viewing window. My kit also came with a free low light lens, so that was a bonus. If you wear glasses, there is room to accommodate that here.

FYI: The goggles measure 10.25 inches side to side.

The facemask portion is great if you're worried about hitting your face. But the biggest every day benefit is how it replaces a scarf. No longer do I deal with a wet or frozen mask. You still may need one if you want to keep your neck warm, but otherwise it keeps your face warm. Opening day here was literally a rain day and the benefit there was instant.


Viewing wise I find no difference between my standard setup. Up, down, side to side, is all the same.

The mask itself is quite easy to take on and off once you learn how to snap it in efficiently. Harder with gloves though.

That's my take. I think the biggest issues for most will be the looks. I love it (love helmets in general) and some won't. That aside the price makes it comparable to buying all the pieces separately and the benefits of the mask, especially when the Mercury dips are truly factors that will be appreciated on a daily basis on the hill.

Hope that helps add some answers to questions people might have about this helmet.

Any questions, I'll do my best to shed some light.
 
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#4 · (Edited)
I have Fubars and have tried other brands such as Oakley, Scott ect..

They all fit fine without the faecmask portion, just like any other helmet.

If you want to use your own goggles with the facemask, it fit won't seamlessly - there will be gaps. The Ruroc goggles are integrated in the helmet design for air flow.

That is another drawback for some - to lift off the goggles, you do need to remove the facemask first.
 
#7 ·
If you have a goggle size pocket it will fit no problem. Since its not directly against your skin like a scarf I have had no temptation to take it off while riding. When I stop for say lunch I'm taking everything off anyway and reassemble so no issue.
 
#8 ·
Nice review. :thumbsup:

My friend had been going on about getting one of these for a long time, and on crizmas day he finally got one. He got it from the dealer in Michigan mentioned above, so I'm pretty sure they're still selling them.

I haven't been boarding with him yet, so I've still yet to see a Ruroc in person. The picture he posted of himself wearing it looked pretty badass, so I doubt anyone on the hill will give him shit about it.
If someone does, I will consider that person to be a loser. One does not simply defy the shear power of looking like a boss on the hill! :cool:
 
#9 ·
It keeps coming back to buying one without actually seeing one and trying it on first. If they were in stores I'd probably have one by now.

The problem I find with balaclavas is that when they get wet they become harder to breathe through. And when I'm hauling ass full-on, I don't need to have to fight for breath too!
 
#10 ·
I have seen them around vail a couple times. They look ok. The face portion does not look like it would do anything but be an air shield or very small branch deflector. If you need it for the true qualities of a full face helmer, just get a full face. Giro makes a nice carbon fiber helmet for about the same price or a regular one for $120ish. We have them for dh in summer.... I could totally snowboard with the giro and my electrics fit fine in it....
 
#16 ·
I tried one the beginning of last year, or year before.

I got it because I will ride in stormy weather and needed better protection from the snow and wind than everything else I've tried.

It did block the snow, sleet, and wind.

But I only used the helmet a few times. Too heavy and I had problems with goggle fog. So I don't, and haven't used it since.

Besides, IF there's anyone out riding in conditions where the full face helmet is needed, they are miserable from what they have going on not working. See it all the time.



I tried about everything on the market and nothing performed to my liking.

So I made several different face shield / masks until I finally came up with something that wasn't heavy, worked good enough, and the parts I used are 1/4 of what the Ruroc costs.

Show some bizalls and put function over fashion!
 
#17 ·
Ruroc RG1-X helmet review

This is exactly what I hoped for before I got my Ruroc and unfortunately even now there is very little user feedback to be found on the Internet. So I thought I'd start off my contribution to this forum with my thoughts on the Ruroc.

Hi guys I just spotted this forum looking for feedback on the Ruroc lids. I reviewed one in detail last year and though you might find my comments helpful.

I only wore it for a few days as I found it wasn't very comfy. This was mainly because I have a large neck and the helmet base comes down low and is too small for my neck - thus making it uncomfortable and even limiting my head movement by about 5 degrees (not good). I also didn't get on with the facemask, too fiddly to put on and needed to be put on after your goggles which was annoying. It is also too big to put in a pocket.

You can read my full Ruroc RG1-X helmet review here - I go into 1500 words worth of detail.

Whether you wear a helmet or not, or think the Ruroc helmets look awesome or look awful is a personal preference. But they provide additional protection compared to other helmets. They are also doing something different that may encourage more people to wear a helmet. So for innovation sake I respect them even if I personally didn't like the helmet.
 
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