Product: R.E.D. Mutiny Helmet
Features:
- CE 1077B Certified
- Durable Injected ABS Shell
- Low-Profile Design
- Removable Ear Pads
- Removable Goggle Clip
- REDphones™ Compatible
- Goggle Gasket
- Weight: 557g
MSRP: $89.95
Size: Large
Days worn: 7
Test Locations: Summit County, Colorado
A subtle trend started rolling through the snowsports world shortly after Seth Wescott won snowboarder cross in the ‘06 Olympics. The Bern helmet Seth wore, with its small distinctive brim, started appearing on the heads of weekend warriors all over the place.
A few seasons later, a number of companies were putting out their own version of the small-brim style. Everyone seems to be doing it now, but that’s not to say all mini-brim skull-buckets are created equal.
After a week of riding with the R.E.D. Mutiny, I have to say I think Burton has improved upon an already simple and functional design.
First, the Mutiny fits comfortably with no pressure points. The foam lining is far from bare bones (as is sometimes the case with basic, more-affordable helmets) and includes extra padding to dial in the fit. The ear pads and chin strap are also soft and snug.
The number one complaint floating around shops seems to be “helmets make my head too hot.” No doubt venting is important and can be very convenient on a hike or during spring riding, so I don’t usually opt for hard-shell helmets and their typical lack of adequate venting. (I do own the Bern Watts, the same basic helmet that Wescott made famous—only with holes punched in it for airflow.)
With respect to air vents, the Mutiny looks every bit like the Bern Watts with its solid, continuous outer shell, but it isn’t. The Mutiny gives you more sticker real-estate and a sleeker look, yet doesn’t sacrifice venting capabilities.
The inner foam body of the Mutiny has holes cut into it like a vented helmet. There’s about a ⅛” of space between this foam and the inside of the solid outer shell. Closeable intake vents hidden beneath the helmet’s brim, along with slits cut in the rear, allow air to flow through the space within the helmet and keep your head cool. The design works surprisingly well.
I put in more 55-plus-degree days this season than I can remember, many with the Mutiny, and my head never got too warm. As far as I can tell, the Mutiny’s airflow is every bit as good as the Watts (which doesn’t feature on-the-fly adjustable venting, only permanent holes that can be sealed from the inside by rubber plugs).
A quick note on sizing, just for reference. I wear a medium in the Bern Watts (55-57cm). The helmet just barely fits correctly. Any smaller would be too small, and rocking the goggle strap under the helmet isn’t an option, nor is wearing a beanie—there’s no room. The Mutiny reviewed is a large (59-61cm in R.E.D. sizing); as you might expect, the fit is a little roomy, but it is not too big. I could downsize to a medium without any trouble.
R.E.D. also supplies a “Goggle Gasket” with the Mutiny. It’s about an inch-wide strip of material with puny velcro tacks that can be installed where the helmet padding meets your forehead. R.E.D. describes it as a “fully removable, waterproof/breathable shield that eliminates the gap between goggle and helmet.”
OK, c’mon, now. The engineering on the venting is great, but something makes me think the R&D folks put a little too much time into the gaper gasket—I mean Goggle Gasket. Frankly, I’m not sure what’s more gaper: a true gaper gap (which would be much larger than an inch wide, by gaper standards anyway) or a gasket to cover up your gaper gap.
Regardless, I’ve bravely gone without the Goggle Gasket and have worn the Mutiny with the Oakley Crowbar, Smith I/O, and the new Anon M1 without any gaper gap issues—or at least my friends haven’t been kind enough to tell me about them.
One slight gripe I have with Bern helmets is the rear goggle catch. Bern’s are flimsy and definitely wouldn’t keep a pair of goggles tethered to your helmet in a yard sale. R.E.D., on the other hand, employs a design similar to what Smith is doing with their new helmet line. The goggle catch on the Mutiny is composed of a short bungee cord secured by a locking rubber notch. It’s easy to use with gloves on, and it works perfectly.
The Mutiny is a great helmet that should serve many people well. The build quality, protection, and functionality are top notch, and the price isn’t bad either. The Watts’ and Baker’s MSRP is $99.99 (same with the comparable Smith Maze), whereas the Mutiny retails for $89.95—including that gaper gasket.