Looking for a different look on the slopes without compromising protection from your helmet? Then the Ruroc RG1-DX Disruptor Helmet might be the one for you. Ruroc Helmets are creating the next chapter in skiing and snowboarding helmet protection. Just as full-face helmets have come to dominate mountain biking, Ruroc has new helmet protection that is starting to make its way into the snow sliding world.
A unique feature of the Ruroc RG1-DX Helmet is its removable faceguard that gives this helmet the protection of a full-face helmet. The faceguard provides protection against impacts as well as the elements Mother Nature always throws at you. Safety-tested to -20 degrees celsius, you can wear it for added warmth as well as to protect your face when the conditions get nasty.
Ruroc uses a proprietary helmet liner in all their RG1-DX series called the Rheon impact absorption liner. Rheon gets its name from Rheology, a branch of physics concerned with the flow of matter and how that matter reacts when force is applied to it. Developed by the scientists at Imperial College London, the liner is made of a non-Newtonian fluid that hardens upon impact. This technology can reduce the chance of brain injuries by up to 30%.
The RG1-DX goggles that come with the helmet have integrated Magloc technology which makes lens changes fast and easy. Each lens connects into place with magnetic water-tight security and they also have a high-performance anti-fogging technology coating.
Ruroc uses what they call Raid Ventilation in the RG1-DX goggles, these are small channels integrated into the goggles that redirect cold air past the lens, through the helmet and out the top vent. This helps eliminate fogging of the goggles when the integrated face shield is used.
The RG1-DX Helmet also has the ability to add RG1 shockpods that can be fitted to the RG1-DX so you can have music delivered directly to your ears through the side vents on the helmet. The shockpods have an easy-to-use button configuration built right into them.
Ruroc also has a more traditional style helmet, the Lite Helmet - Core. This helmet has a sizing wheel for adjustability, removable ear pads with Bluetooth compatibility and Fidlock magnetic buckle. The Lite Helmets do not use a Rheon impact liner but do integrate a low-density crush zone in the helmet’s EPS liner. With the integration of gaps in the EPS liner, it increases the time it takes impact energy to reach the rider's head which means the brain has more time to slow down and soften the blow. You can also pair the Lite Helmet - Core with one of Ruroc’s frameless goggles that have the same Magloc magnetic technology for easy lens changes. The Ruroc Lite Helmets are for the rider or skier looking for a more traditional helmet style.
Out of the box, the quality and craftsmanship of the Ruroc RG1-DX Helmet are evident. Ruroc has a long heritage in the motorcycle helmet industry and has taken this knowledge to the slopes with its new RG1-DX Helmet. The RG1-DX brings all the protection you might need for big air, park slopestyle or high-speed tree skiing.
The feature I like most on the RG1-DX Helmet is the removable faceguard. From mountain biking, we see face and teeth trauma becoming one of the biggest issues in high-speed crashes. With the increased speeds in skiing, the added protection of the faceguard is great for your pearly whites, cheekbones, nose and other important parts of your face. Another benefit to the faceguard is the added safety it can provide in avalanche burials. In the event of a burial, the built-in faceguard protection can provide an air pocket in the snow which can provide precious extra minutes in a rescue situation. The ability to remove the faceguard when needed is another great feature of the RG1-DX Helmet design. There are times when skiing at the resort that I did not need this added protection so being able to convert the RG1-DX to a regular helmet was a welcome option.
On the fit side of things, I found it pretty much perfect right out of the box. The helmet's fit is more from a moto-style design and as such, it has a beefy 2-inch neck pad that helps hold and protect your head. I did not find the helmet moving around on my head at all even when skiing at high speeds. I do think that some folks might miss the sizing wheel found on more traditional helmets since it would provide more customization as we do not all have the same size heads. The adjustability offered by a sizing wheel is also great if adding a beanie for warmth under your helmet.
The integration of goggles with the RG1-DX Helmet and the faceguard are ideally suited. Usually, when you combine faceguards and goggles you get a fogged-up mess. But Ruroc has taken a different approach integrating both to create a unique airflow system that helps prevent the typical fogging issues. I rode the helmet for several days in various weather conditions and temperatures and did not find any fogging issues even when going from the cold outside to the warmth of the snowcat while guiding. I also really liked the quick-change magnetic goggle lens as this makes changing the lens a snap when conditions on the mountain change.
Overall the RG1-DX is a great helmet with lots of versatility. I liked the ability to add more protection as the conditions warrant and found it a great fit right out of the box.
If the look of the RG1-DX Helmet is not for you then consider the Lite Helmet - Core with its more traditional design. It also provided a good fit and shared the great quality construction found in the RG1-DX. If someone was looking for a good helmet but did not need the faceguard protection then the Lite Helmet - Core would be one to check out.
PROS:
|
CONS:
|
Price: $495CAN / $375US (with goggles)
Weight: 815g/1.8lb without faceguard / 945g/2.08lbs with faceguard
Sizes: Y/S 52cm-57cm, M/L 57cm-60cm, XL/XXL 60cm-64cm
Safety certifications: EN1077A, EN1078, ASTM F2040
Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.
Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.