To stand out in a sea of helmets, you have to be unique. That applies to both style and the feature set. Rudy Project is no stranger to unique designs, and their latest helmet is a continuation of that – just with a lot more features. Their new Racemaster helmet includes advances in safety as well as a number of useful touches that should make this helmet appeal to a wide variety of users. Though the price might be a discouraging factor…
One of the biggest advancements for the Racemaster can’t be seen from the outside. Following industry trends of EPS liners with multi-density foam, the Racemaster uses Rudy’s new Hexocrush technology. Using hexagonal pyramids instead of cones, the idea is almost identical to Conehead technology with two different foam densities which combine to dissipate impacts horizontally and radially. On top of the Hexocrush EPS liner, the Racemaster also gets the option of a MIPS liner which could potentially increase the helmet’s protectiveness even further.
Even though it seems to be primarily designed as a road helmet, the Racemaster does include a removable visor in case you want to rock this for XC racing – or just like visors. At the back of the helmet, the Garage Eyewear Dock provides a place to store your shades in a way that you won’t lose them, but they also won’t hit your head while in storage. Rudy even claims that the helmet’s tail has been designed to “reduce vortex formation, thus reducing overall drag and neck strain.”
An adjustable fit is provided through their RSR 9 dial Retention system, while the Divider Pro side buckles keep the reflective straps in check. Reflective decals are also found at the back of the helmet for increased visibility. Customizeable inner padding includes a removable/washable bug net, and the helmet includes a microfiber pouch – which is almost required at this price point. Pricing for the Racemaster starts at $349.99 for the non-MIPS version. Adding MIPS ups the price another $100 to $449.99. Sold in S/M (54-58 cm/21.2-22.8 in) and Large (58-61cm/22.8-24in), Racemasters are available for purchase now (white, non-MIPS), or pre-order for the remaining colors and models.
