Bluegrass, a more gravity-orientated affiliate of MET helmets, has unveiled a brand new full-face helmet. The new helmet comes in two models: the Vanguard and Vanguard Core, both designed to exceed what has been normally accepted as the norm in regard to protection, design and style, according to the brand.

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In terms of protection, the Vanguard is downhill ASTM F1952 and e-bike NTA 8776 certified and complies with European, Australian and US helmet standards. The Core model - which is the only version available on the UK market - also features the multi-directional impact protection system Mips and scored five stars at the American Virginia Tech Helmet Lab testing. 

2023 Bluegrass Vanguard helmet test models, by Bluegrass

Bluegrass has re-shaped the Vanguard’s cheek pads to be c-shaped so that they provide maximum ventilation. These pads have two adjustable positions and have been designed to also help put the helmet on easily. 

Ventilation has been added elsewhere on the helmet, too. The Vanguard features 24 vents and wide internal air channels around the helmet, allowing air to move freely from front to rear at low and high speeds.

2023 Bluegrass Vanguard helmet riding, by Bluegrass

The chin guard has a central vent, too, which should aid the rider to breathe easily even on steeper climbs. The visor on the Vanguard is a flexible, breakaway visor which should avoid twisting the neck in case of an impact from any angle.

The two models have minimal differences on the outside, but the closure system is one of those. The Vanguard gets a ratchet buckle, whereas the Core model has a Fidlock magnetic buckle. The Vanguard Core’s chin guard also features a removable mud grill that protects from trail splashes. 

2023 Bluegrass Vanguard helmet studio, by Bluegrass

The two helmets have been made to be safe, yet still as lightweight as possible, Bluegrass said. The Vanguard Core weighs 725g and the Vanguard 690g in size medium. There are three sizes options: small, medium and large, and both helmet models come in various colour options. 

The Vanguard helmets are available from early July 2023 and cost £290 for the Vanguard Core and €270 for the Vanguard model, which is not available in the UK.

• www.met-helmets.com

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