I used the Warbird helmet and Trailstar armor throughout the past season and I was very pleased with the durability and comfort of both items.
Warbird Helmet:
The fit and overall comfort of the Warbird was excellent right out of the box. It vented well for a DOT certified helmet and I never felt as if I were over-heating with it on. The liner and cheekpads were easy to remove for washing and the liner held up well all season. I had a few decent crashes while wearing the Warbird and I’m happy to say that it protected extremely well. My last crash involved a large tree and the foam inner padding has become loose in the shell which means it’s time to retire it to the shelf. Considering it’s retail price of around $130.00 I would have to give the Warbird very high marks in the value category.
Pros: Great looking graphics (objective), quality of materials and construction, price, tough, excellent protection, DOT certified.
Cons: Large round outer shape, doesn’t breath as well as a bike specific helmet, heavier than a bike specific helmet, D-Rings a bit cumbersome with gloves on.
Bottom Line: An excellent value in a helmet that is comfortable, durable and protects extremely well.
Trailstar Body Armor:
The Trailstar was my go-to upper body armor this season. It proved to be extremely versatile, comfortable, cool and non-restrictive. Once I had the fit dialed in with some help from Mark at Rockgardn I barely noticed that I was wearing it while riding. The optional Hydropack that attaches to the back of the armor was really convenient. No extra straps to worry about and enough room to carry some energy bars, multi tool, pump, point & shoot camera and 1.5 liters of water. Perfect for a day of shuttling, park riding or even a trail ride.
Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, breathability, non-restrictive, adjustability, excellent chest/upper back/shoulder protection, integrated hydration pack, durability, quality of materials, can be worn over or under a jersey
Cons: Doesn’t protect lower back/kidney area
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for comfort, range of motion and versatility in upper body protection and don’t want to feel like you’ve been put into a straitjacket and shrink-wrapped look no further than the Trailstar.
For more detailed specifications on both items visit ROCKGARDN.com
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