Apr
19
2010
Bolle Shellmet Helmet
Posted by Blogmaster in Ski Helmets, tags: Bolle, Helmet, Shellmet
- Removable ear pads
- Removable and washable liner
- Goggle strap channel and retention clip
- Air ventilation intake / exhaust system
- Integrated Brim Design optimize perfect fit with goggles
Product Description
Technical design, great looks, light weight, and snug fitting. Designed to protect against impact injury and the elements such as wind, snow, chill and UV rays.
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Let’s be honest. When you’re looking for a helmet when you’ve just started snowboarding, you’re only looking for one thing: CHEAP.
I somehow managed to snag this helmet for $25, which was the only real reason I went with it.
However, don’t be fooled. Even though Bolle only seems to make goggles and sunglasses, they actually do a decent job with helmets too. And to think, I was so close to going with Giro, R.E.D., Smith or Bern.
When the helmet arrived, it was in a really dated looking box. The guy on the box actually looked like he was photographed in the 1970′s. But no matter – the point is the helmet.
Accurate description of Matte Black.The helmet comes with a nice cloth sack for when you’re not using it. Other than that, that’s it – no manuals, no papers, nothing.
I’m about 5’9″, 160lbs and I went with a medium sized helmet. I personally think I have a medium size head, so it seemed logical at the time. When I put it on, it was a pretty snug fit, something I expected out of the helmet. However, there’s NO ROOM for a beanie or anything underneath. The only thing I could put on was an UnderArmour skull cap. And don’t expect your hair to look good after you wear this thing.
Helmet hair is an apt description after using this thing.
Sizing is easy to do, lengthen or shorten the strap on the chin. Clip in and you’re good. The chin strap looks puffy because it’s being wrapped by a piece of soft foam. Pretty good for your bare face. No need for me because I wear a face mask when I ride.
One thing I noticed after riding for half a day was that my ears felt sore from the ear pads. What that really meant was that the ear pads were pressing my ears to my head. There was a ‘space’ in the ear pads meant for your ears to go so it wouldn’t be pressed so hard against your head, but the ear pads were just a little bit too high and didn’t actually ‘cup’ my ears.
In the end, I took them off and just wore my face mask a little higher around my ears. No biggie. A little sad that I can’t wear the ear pads, but nothing I can’t handle. Sadly, I had to take a star away for that.
I rode a whole day without ear pads and the helmet was great. It felt fine, it felt comfortable. The goggles stayed put and everything was great.
I ate it pretty hard a couple times, tripped up on a stray tree branch and hit the back of my head. Did pretty good. I fell on my face once. Helmet totally had me.
All in all, definitely a decent product as it did exactly what I asked for it to do. I’d recommend getting one!
Rating: 4 / 5
The Bolle Shellmet Helmet is a very nice helmet. Considering the high cost of winter sports equipment, this was a no-brainer to pick up as an extra. Just be warned, it sizes somewhat tight. So if you are normally between medium and large, get the large. If most large helmets feel tight on you, the large size may be too tight for you.
All of the standard features of a good snowboard helmet are here. There are some nice air vents to keep your head cool, and good ear pads that can be removed on warmer days. Of course the front vents do not have sliding guards so they are always open, unlike some of the alternatives that let you close them on very cold days.
As for durability, only a full season’s use will tell. One of my vents seemed out of alignment when I received it. There was a residue of glue around the edge of it. But I was able to remove the inner lining and line it back up. The rear goggle holder seems somewhat thin with a snap that comes open rather easily. But once again, these are minor gripes considering the cost.
One thing that was different from the product picture is that the surface of the helmet is a lot shinier than I thought it would be. It’s reflective, which means it will scuff if handled rough. That’s not a huge deal. There is an included cloth pouch for transporting and storing it, which is a nice extra.
The chin strap has an extra foam fabric so that this hurts a little less when snug to your face. It’s adjustable so you can let it out a little if necessary.
The only other comment I will make is that mine came in a box that was either sitting in a warehouse for a few seasons or perhaps was just jostled about in shipment. No big deal, as the helmet inside was in perfect condition. Just a warning that they may be clearing out old stock.
This is a nice helmet, and given the price it’s hard to nitpick too much. Definitely give this a try if the sizing works out for you.
Enjoy.
Rating: 4 / 5
Ok. so most people look before they change lanes while driving. I find that its not true of most beginning snowboarders on the slopes. It can be a dangerous sport if there are beginners around. I need to protect my head, and this is perfect for doing just that. I have a round head and this fits well. It doesn’t obscure my peripheral vision too much and it keeps my head warm, not sweaty.
Rating: 4 / 5
This is a very cool helmet. The price was a steal ($14) so I bought one first then 3 more for the occassional guests.
We installed the headphones for Ipod and worked fine. The black is matte but has a few details in shiny that gives a very cool appearance. The vents are better located than the ones in my old Gyro.
It fits true to size, has some extra padding to adapt and some other padding can be taken away for a different shape of head.
A great, great buy.
And we use it in snowboarding, skiing, rafting and even bicycling!
Rating: 5 / 5
This purchase was a gamble, but surprisingly it fit very well and looks fine. I am a tall woman with an average-size head, and the helmet fits perfectly. Nice warmth around the ears. The ventilation is enough for me, I am a light skier. Overall I have been very happy with this great deal.
Rating: 4 / 5