Bluegrass has filled a gaping hole in its helmet lineup with an all-new, lightweight full face helmet for enduro racing. We don’t have our hands on one just yet, but at a claimed 725 grams for a MIPS-equipped size medium, the Bluegrass Vanguard Core looks to be striking a good balance between protection, weight and ventilation.
On top of its ASTM 1952-15/2032-15 certification for downhill mountain biking, and its NTA 8776 certification for eBiking, the Vanguard Core also gets a 5 Star rating from the independent helmet testers at Virginia Tech. Its actual score? Virginia Tech don’t publish that until the helmet is available in stores so, not until early July.
![bluegrass vanguard mtb full face helmet testing](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bluegrass-vanguard-mtb-fullface-helmet-tests-impact-800x503.jpg)
Priced at $350 USD, the Vanguard Core nears the top-end of the spectrum for a helmet in the lightweight full face enduro lid category, but it boasts a couple of neat features that, if well-executed, could make the extra dollars worth it. Here’s an overview.
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Bluegrass Vanguard Core Full Face Enduro Helmet
The Bluegrass Vanguard is available in a MIPS-equipped Core Edition that retails at $350 USD (330 €), or a more basic version that lacks any rotational impact protection – that one comes in at a more affordable price point of 270 €.
It’s not just MIPS that sets them apart; the Core Edition also benefits from a removable mud-grill that covers the main vent on the chin guard, while the basic model lacks one entirely. The Core Edition also gets a Fidlock buckle at the chinstrap, whereas the basic model has an “easy-to-use ratchet buckle”.
![bluegrass vanguard full face enduro helmet](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bluegrass-vanguard-mtb-fullface-helmet-top-vents-800x503.jpg)
Aside from those points, the two helmets are identical. A polycarbonate shell sits at the exterior with an EPS layer underneath taking charge of impact absorption. It is of the modern day in-mold construction.
The Vanguard boasts an impressive 24 vents with internal air channeling, something that has become a bit of a must-have in recent years with the rise of enduro racing. It has spurred on the creation of this category of helmet that needs to offer downhill-level protection in a package that is light enough and well ventilated enough to be worn on all-day missions in the heat of summer.
![vbluegrass vanguard full face enduro helmet astm certified chinbar](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bluegrass-vanguard-mtb-fullface-helmet-fixed-chinguard-astm-approved-dh-800x533.jpg)
Bluegrass supply two sets of cheek pads with the Vanguard and Vanguard Core, offering up different thicknesses – 25mm and 35mm – to fit varying jaw shapes. Importantly, these are shaped such that they don’t block airflow through the massive air vent that runs down the side of the chin guard.
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Though the construction may make you wonder otherwise, the Vanguard chin piece is actually fixed in place. It will flex inwards to a maximum of 30mm during an impact; that’s in the context of the maximum of 60mm flex permitted by the ASTM testing.
The peak also has a fixed position, though it is designed to break away easily in the event of a crash to prevent it causing undesirable neck rotation.
For retention, the Vanguard relies upon the so-called Safe-T Heta system which can be cinched down via a dial at the rear. The position of this 360° head belt can be adjusted vertically, too.
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Pricing & Availability
The Bluegrass Vanguard Core retails at 330 € | £290 | US $350 | CAD $450 | AUS $450, and is available in White Black Matt, Black Matt Glossy, Blue Fluid Matt and Green Fluid Matt.
Meanwhile, the more basic model, simply named the Vanguard, is priced at 270 €. That one is available in Black Matt, Blue Ochre Matt, Solar Gray Matt and Lime Matt. Both models are due to be available this coming July.
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Vanguard Specifications
- 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