A while ago I had a chance to test the Outdoor Master Kevin ski helmet and I was quite impressed so when they offered me their GEM bike helmet I jumped right on it. Especially because I don’t own a regular bike helmet, I always use the full face one. An open face helmet would be a nice addition to use on easier rides. First, a few words on Outdoor Master brand and what to expect when you buy their gear. The main goal of OM is to produce high tech gear at a reasonable price. With most of their products you can expect to get top of the line technology without paying loads of money. And usually they fulfil these expectations very nicely.
Their MIPS GEM bike helmet is no exception. It is a well produced helmet with a nice design/look and with top safety rating including MIPS technology, which is the norm in top of the line helmets. At the same time it’s very affordable and at the end of the article there is even a DISCOUNT CODE to lower the price even further.
Technical Data
The material used for the helmet is shock-absorbing EPS foam covered with reinforced PC Shell (Polycarbonate) which is standard in most of the helmets. The helmet comes in two sizes M(21.6-22.8 inches) and L(23-24 inches). The weight of the helmet is 399 grams which puts it somewhere in the middle of open face mountain biking helmets.
Features
MIPS
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is the norm in most of the high end helmets. MIPS technology emulates the brain’s protective mechanisms by mitigating rotational forces from angled impacts to the head. In a MIPS helmet, a low-friction layer separates the shell and liner, enabling the helmet to slide 10–15mm depending on the impact. This significantly reduces brain trauma during oblique impacts. When wearing the helmet you won’t notice any difference, but it is definitely a good thing to have.
Ventilation
I was using the helmet in the middle of summer and the ventilation is very good, no complaints. I usually use a full face helmet during descents so an open face one was obviously much cooler, but I used the helmet when pedalling uphill as well and I felt not extra warmth. 25 air vents do their job.
Size and Fit
GEM bike helmet comes in only two sizes, M and L but it also comes with adjustable fit. There is a rotation knob at the back of the helmet that helps you tighten or loosen the helmet. Tighten it until the helmet feels snug against your head. A loose helmet means much worse protection. After a few adjustments I have to say that this is a really comfortable helmet that feels like it’s the perfect fit for your head.
Colors
The helmet comes is 10+ different colors. Here are a few examples:
Other Features
Helmet comes with a removable riding visor and removable lining. There is a spare set of liners in the package, so you can replace them in case you destroy them.
Final words
A really nicely done helmet. Cool design, lots of vents (25 vents) for good air flow, light weight and really well fitting with adjustable sizing, shock absorbing EPS foam and MIPS technology protection and lots of nice matte colors. A very good bike helmet for the price. It doesn’t matter if you need it for lighter enduro mountain biking, cross country riding or biking to work and around town.
GEM Bike Helmet Discount Code
You can get an additional 10% discount on your GEM bike helmet if you use this code when you check out:
CODE: 360GUIDE