Jet

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.

cav0011

Have you tried to use the mask with your von zippers?

Also which model of von zippers?

Powhound97

Thanks for the post jet, I've been considering one
I wish they would get a place in the USA to buy them.

Shipping from UK to me is ridiculous

Jet

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.

Jet

Colossus Sports in Michigan was a dealer, not sure of what's happening now.
http://shop.colossussports.com/main.sc

In Alberta, Canada, there is a new official dealer (no webpage available yet)
http://www.facebook.com/ErniesSports

Shipping to my door from UK was $25. Reasonable cost wise, but yes it is quite the journey.

Donutz

Is the mask carryable when not using it? Like, will it fit in a goggle pocket or side pocket? Doesn't much look like it from the pix, but I should ask.

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Illegitimi non carborundum

Mountain Days: 30

Jet

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.

Gdog42

Nice review.

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!

Donutz

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!

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Illegitimi non carborundum

Mountain Days: 30

Argo

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....