Bluegrass drops the Vanguard, a new lightweight full

The Bluegrass Vanguard and Vanguard Core are a new family of lightweight, full-face helmets that aim to address how mountain bikers are riding today.

While the core XC mindset is still a strong part of what makes up mountain biking, it's safe to say that more people are going bigger, harder and faster on the dirt that ever before. It's also safe to say that the level of protection has probably not kept up with the evolution. The Bluegrass Vanguard is designed to go above and beyond what has been normally accepted as the norm in regards of protection, design and style.

The Vanguard is downhill ASTM F1952 and e-bike NTA 8776 certified. In its Core version, the Vanguard includes also Mips brain protection and was rated five stars at the virginia tech Helmet Lab. The Vanguard leads from the front, keeping your head as safe as possible while you shred the trails.

The innovative C-shaped cheek pad design ensures maximum ventilation, helping to keep you cool when you're riding hard. They have two adjustable positions and are designed to make putting on the helmet supremely easy. The Vanguard is at the forefront of mountain biking protection, designed in-house in our cutting-edge labs, and backed by our decades of experience.

With the chin guard, the Vanguard aims for breathability and safety – and over-delivers on both. Hot air easily escapes via the central vent, helping you to breathe easy on even the steepest climbs. The removable mud grill clips easily onto the chin guard, protecting you from splashes on the sloppier days.

When the action is heating up, having a stable helmet makes for greater safety, more comfort and a better all-round ride. Thanks to the Safe-T Heta retention system, the Vanguard is exceptionally balanced and steady on the head, with no discomfort and a perfect integration with any eyewear you choose.

The visor is an integrated part of the shell of MTB helmets, and it has to be carefully designed to be protective, stylish and safe. The Vanguard features a flexible breakaway visor to avoid twisting of the neck in impacts from any angle.

Thanks to its 24 vents and wide internal air channels, the Vanguard lets the air move freely from the inlet ports to the exhaust holes, when you're riding at both low and high speed.

Lightness with no compromise. The Vanguard hits the balance of excelling in multiple safety standards while weighing just 725g for the Vanguard Core, and 690g for the Vanguard in medium size.

Specs:

• Weight M size (Vanguard Core): 725g• Weight M size (Vanguard): 690g• Sizes: S (52-56cm) | M (56-58cm) | L (58-61cm)• Certifications: ASTM 1952-15/2032-15 | NTA 8776 | CE | AS/NZS | US

Key Features:

• Mips® C2 rotational management system (Vanguard Core)• Fiive-star rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab (Vanguard Core)• Fidlock® magnetic buckle (Vanguard Core) | Easy-to-use ratchet buckle (Vanguard)• In-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner• Adjustable C-shaped cheek-pads with two different thicknesses included• Integrated fixed chin bar for full face protection• Safety release and flexible injected visor to avoid extra rotation of the neck in case of a crash• Removable mud-grill (included on the Vanguard Core)• Safe-T Heta fit system• 360° head belt and vertical adjustments• 24 vents work in concert with internal air channeling system

MSRP (on sale in early July):• Bluegrass Vanguard Core: 330€ | £290 | US$350 | CAD$450 | AUS$450• Bluegrass Vanguard: 270€

Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.

Websites:

Bike World NewsHardtail MTBRon's Bike Garage

Current Bike Quiver:

All-City Electric Queen 27.5+/29″ hardtail mountain bike commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike Felt ZA 700c race bike Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike Salsa Horsethief 29″ full suspension mountain bike Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike We The People 20″ BMX Street bike

Day Job: Digital Marketing

Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor