FIRST LOOK:
This Hi-Fi definitely distinguishes itself off of the rack. You can tell right
away that this is going to be a very popular helmet with the snow boarders that
prefer the park.
COMFORT: 5
- The Hi-Fi sits as comfortably as any helmet I've tried on. It doesn't ride
too low on the head and offers just the right amount of padding. The textured
fleece lining provides a cozy feel that I miss when taking off my Beanie.
FIT: 5 -
The Hi-Fi has great coverage the whole head around. Due to the nature of the
padding there is some give that will allow this helmet to fit folks with a roval
head perfectly and should provide enough comfort to those with a moderately
round or oval head as well. It fits just perfectly that when goggles are being
worn there will be no space between the frame and the helmet; and the goggles
will not push the helmet back on the head.
STYLE: 5
- This is a subjective rating as I'm sure many folks would be turned off by
the "skater" look but for those that enjoy the 'X' sports culture
the Hi-Fi is right on the money. Remember Tony Hawk? He popularized a skateboard
helmet that is very similar in style and is still wearing a similar looking
skate helmet today. The shape is fairly plain but that's how it's designed.
FEATURES: 3
- The venting in the Hi-Fi is great for a warm day. This baby's got 10 large
vent holes to provide maximum air movement. I am a little concerned, however,
that there is no way to close the vents. If it's a chilly day the minimal insulation
on the earflaps combined with the always-open vents could promote heat loss
and is certainly a cause for concern. The removable earflaps are a nice feature
but as I stated above, the thin insulation on the flaps may not provide much
protection for anything beyond a moderately cool day.
CONCERNS:
I am concerned that the Velcro that holds the removable earflaps in place may
wear down over time. This problem is easily remedied by heading to the fabric
store and buying some self-adhesive Velcro but it's certainly worth noting.
COLOR: The
colors are derivatives of the basic primaries with such names as M.A.S.H Green,
Blue Tombstone Scrawl, and Crow Black among others. The colors all fit very
well into the "boarder" style. I like all of the colors so pick your
preference and be psyched about your new digs.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
4.5 - If you're looking for that ultimate snowboard helmet, you need not
look much further than the Hi-Fi. If you're turned off by alternative styles
you may want to look another direction. Burton Red hit the nail on the head
this time.
First Look:
The 2003 Red Hi-Fi helmet is a super light-weight helmet designed for riders who
are going BIG in the park or are airing off of kickers all over the mountain.
Its light-weight feature makes it easy to forget that it's on until, of course,
you've tested its strength after a little head-to-snow action. The 8 large vent
holes on the top would be awesome on really hot days, yet could also make for
a pretty wet head at the end of a snowy day. For me, the removable ear flaps are
essential, and these flaps have a large mesh area to allow for almost unimpaired
hearing. I dig the round, yet low-profile look, and I have to say I really like
the "hifi" graphic just on one side. Overall it looks great, however
at first look I was unfortunately questioning the comfort and fit.
Fit: Just
as I suspected! Not the most comfortable helmet ever. Although the extra padding
that comes with the helmet helps with comfort, the pads do not have a Velcro
or sticky system to keep them in place (meaning I would eventually lose them,
thus having less padding). Despite the fact that I have more of an oval head,
the Hi-Fi actually fits quite well…..until I nod my head forward. The chin
strap is set so far back that it puts pressure on my throat, and then when I
nod forward it throws the top of the helmet back consequently exposing my all
important frontal lobe. Now that's not very comfortable.
Final Thought:
Although I love the light-weight design, the removable ear flap feature, the
low-profile look, and the cool graphic, the Red Hi-Fi just isn't a great fit
for me. If this is the perfect fit for your head, I would suggest using a thin
skull cap to keep you warmer on cool days since you cannot close the huge vents.
Also, good luck finding the perfect goggle fit. The slightly curved front of
the helmet makes for a bit of a tricky goggle fit.
