Reevu Helmet review - RVDLX 2003

July 2003

I got the chance to review this helmet a couple of weeks ago, and since I normally wear cycling-style skate helmets anyway, awaited the helmet with eager anticipation.  I understand this helmet has been featured on the BBC's Tomorrow's World, so it's not surprising that it's generated so much interest.  The subject came up a couple of times on our forums already:

http://www.londonskaters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4205

http://www.londonskaters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1435

Mirror System

The mirror system makes this helmet stand out in functionality, and it's fairly unobtrusive.  Until I used this helmet I'd no idea how often I look back over my shoulder when skating down the street, and this is where this helmet really shines.  It not only makes me feel safer but allows me to skate much faster than I otherwise would since I have plenty of confidence in what's coming up behind me.

Whilst skating in the park the mirror wasn't of a lot of use apart from the odd case where I saw vehicles on the Serpentine Road or caught someone trying to sneak up behind me (because of the mirror no doubt!).

I also used the helmet at the team e2xn race event at the Lea Valley Cycle circuit.  Since the race is on a 1 mile closed loop, you have the problem of watching out for people at a similar speed to you trying to pass, plus the additional faster racers that are lapping you.  The mirror was just too small to tell who it was behind me, but very useful in telling me when I needed to look to see who was catching up.  That left me most of the time only needing to peek up at the mirror and concentrate on skating fast.

The mirror is made of polycarbonate and won't shatter into sharp shards, in case you were wondering!  The mirror is one piece, and has three reflecting surfaces that channel the view from behind to your eyes.  You can pop the top of the helmet off to access the mirror for cleaning.

Reevu Helmet

Ventilation

The ventilation is quite good, although it is more passive and less force-fed than my Salomon TR 2003 helmet.  Perhaps this is because it is originally designed as a bike helmet and thus intended to be used at higher speeds than are usual on skates.  It's perfectly adequate, though, and of a similar level to my Salomon TR 2001 helmet.  I only draw the comparison because the TR 2003 helmet is perhaps even over-ventilated - if the air is cold that helmet can leave your head feeling frozen.

Straps and adjustments

The helmet comes in a one size fits all, and has an elasticised band that adjusts at the back.  One thing I noticed is that this strap doesn't always stay in the position you adjusted it to, so occasionally you need to readjust it.

Close-up of the head size adjustment strap

Chin straps are standard cycle helmet fare, comfortable and easy to use.

Conclusion

This is a great helmet and I really like the mirror system.  It's comfortable, light enough, and the mirror helps a lot when skating on the street.  The helmet gets a definite thumbs-up from me and gets used regularly, especially when I skate to the shops.

Of interest is that the IISA (International Inline Skating Association) recommends using either cycle helmets or purpose designed inline skating helmets, which dispels what seems to be an urban myth about cycle helmets not giving enough protection to the back of the head for inline skating.

Web links

See Reevu.com for more product specifics and a manipulate-able 3D image.

BBC article from 2nd December 2002

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Disclaimer

As usual, this review is only my opinion, and your mileage may vary.  You should always carefully judge whether what you intend buying is best suited for you and for the purpose you intend using.  Inline skating is dangerous and is performed at your own risk.

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