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OFF SNOW REVIEW:
The
K2 Ultramatic was designed with Snowboarders specifically
in mind but closely represents many of the newer
skier inspired helmets.
It's high cut, and open feeling is indicative
of a rider inspired style. Due to it's broad range
in sizes the Ultramatic seems to fit relatively
even between a round head and an oval head.
In the Ultramatic, K2 created a very well ventilated,
protective helmet with pronounced peripheral vision
capabilities. The helmet comes standard with Outlast
technology. Outlast is a fabric that was originally
designed by NASA to trap warmth when the body
was hot and release that heat as the body began
to cool. Outlast is supposed to keep your body
temperature "Not to Hot, Not to Cold - Just Right."
The Ultramatic is a great buy at an affordable
price for incorporating an advanced material.
The Ultramatic is average weight - you certainly
realize it's on your head, but don't feel burdened
by it's weight. The foam that makes up the bulk
of the helmet is much thicker at the top of the
head and tapers thin towards the ears and back
of the head. This helps insure that the top of
the head is well protected while lightening the
load and ridding it of the mushroom look that
has become indicative of so many helmets.
The padding on this helmet is relatively thin
but still offers support where you need it. The
high cuts on the helmet have only one downside
- the helmet does feel as though it is sitting
a bit high on the head.
The venting on the Ultramatic is wonderful for
those warm days. With removable earflaps and plenty
of vents it proves to cool the body more than
adequately. It offers two rider controlled intake
vents but the ten exhaust vents are always open
with no option of plugging them. The Outlast should
help control those temperatures but I'd be a bit
skeptical of taking this helmet out on a really
cool day.
Aesthetically the colors offer nothing flashy
but that's what many consumers are looking for.
The soft ridges on the helmet offer a bit of dimension
without popping it with unnecessary flash.
Overall I give the K2 Ultramatic an A-.
The venting, weight, and tapered shell is great.
This is simply a land review so commenting on
how warm or cool the helmet may be is a bit premature.
However, from years of wearing different helmets
I would initially steer someone that lives in
a predominantly cold climate away from this helmet.
If you can afford two helmets - one for cold weather
and one for warm weather; or you ride in mainly
warm weather, this helmet is perfect.
Dan - SkiHelmets.com Team
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