Earlier this summer at Crankworx Whistler, clothing and gear manufacturer O’Neal had a booth full of their upcoming hard and soft goods on display. I swung by and took a look at their newest full-face and open-face helmets, plus a few sets of knee pads.
This article might seem pretty late for Crankworx news, but some of these new products aren’t even available yet, and some have just hit stockroom shelves. We’ve gathered all the info we could get about each, so please enjoy this overview of O’Neal’s latest and greatest protective gear.
Pike 2.0 helmet:
The 2019 Pike 2.0 will be O’Neal’s new lid for Trail/Enduro riders. The Pike 2.0 is made from a compact, two-piece polycarbonate shell with oversized ‘Dual-Flow’ vents to keep your head cool. Like most enduro helmets, the Pike 2.0 features a deep cut to provide maximum coverage. O’Neal felt it was important to protect the occipital lobe, which sits at the top of your neck and performs the vital function of processing vision.
For optimal crash protection, O’Neal has included IPX ACell absorbers in the top-tier Pike 2.0. The IPX ACells use what’s becoming a popular design concept; not only do they reduce rotational forces from all directions, they also act as the helmet’s third density layer to reduce the severity of slow speed impacts similar to Kali’s LDL and Leatt’s Turbine technologies . The IPX ACells will come in the Pike 2.0 IPX only (Black/Grey), but the basic Pike 2.0 can also be upgraded with optional ACell liner kits.
The Pike 2.0’s adjustment cradle uses O’Neal’s 3D Positioning System, which adjusts in three directions to achieve a snug and comfortable fit all around. The helmet’s liner is also removable and washable.
It’s important to note that the helmet seen in my Crankworx photos is a prototype. The final version’s visor will be a different color, and will feature a ratcheted height adjustment. When in the highest position, the visor will accommodate a pair of goggles underneath. The Pike 2.0’s liner material will also change on final versions, and the Fidlock buckle will have an O’Neal logo printed on it.
The helmets will come in S/M and L/XL sizes, with Black/Grey, Black/White, Blue/Red and Green/Neon Yellow color options. Weight is quoted at approx. 390g. The Pike 2.0 IPX will sell for $154 USD, and the Pike 2.0 will retail at $132 (all pricing converted from Euros). Availability is expected for January 2019.
Blade Full-Face Helmets:
With input from World Cup DH superstar Greg Minnaar, O’Neal has developed their new Blade full-face helmets. The Blade is designed to provide maximum safety while staying lightweight and ventilated enough to be used by both DH and enduro riders.
The Blade helmet will be available in carbon or fiberglass versions (the Carbon version is Greg Minnaar’s pro model). Both the carbon and the Synapse Blue/Neon Yellow fiberglass models will come equipped with IPX ACells, and all other fiberglass colorways can be upgraded to include them.
With two shell and EPS liner sizes, the Blade helmets should offer a precise fit for a wide range of heads. Other features include pull-out cheekpads on both the carbon and fiberglass models, an included GoPro mount and Fidlock chin buckles. The Blade liners are removable and washable as well.
The carbon Blade weighs 980g, and the fiberglass versions come in at 1050g (size medium). Sizes XS-XL will be available. Pricing for the Blade helmet is as follows; The Carbon sells for $440, the Synapse fiberglass with IPX costs $275, and the Charger, Rider, Synapse, and Solid fiberglass models will be $220. The 2019 Blade full-face helmets will be available soon.
Dirt Knee:
The Dirt Knees (above left) are lightweight, slim knee guards that are ideal for hitting the streets or dirt jumping. Redesigned for 2019 these pads rely on an IPX foam insert for protection, which remains flexible while riding but stiffens upon impact.
The Dirt Knee’s sleeve is made from sweat absorbing neoprene, and abrasion-resistant material was added to reinforce high-wear areas. The pads were kept slender enough to fit under jeans/pants, and top and bottom Velcro straps allow you to adjust their fit.
The Dirt Knees are available now in Gray, Hi-Viz and Black color options. Sizes range from S-XL, plus there’s a Youth size available in the Hi-Viz colorway. The pads’ MSRP is $55.
AMX Zipper Knee III:
For those who like to get their pads on and off easily (without taking off your shoes), O’Neal has created the AMX Zipper Knees. These pads protect your legs with an impact-reactive IPX foam pad, and feature pre-shaped construction for an ergonomic fit. The AMX Zipper Knee carries its award winning design into 2019.
The zippers O’Neal uses on the AMX Zipper Knees actually stretch and flex to make the pads more comfortable in motion. The bendable zippers also make the pads easier to stuff into a pack.
Lycra-covered 3-D mesh fabric ensures good ventilation, and two Velcro straps help you fine-tune the fit. Sizes S-XL are available, in Black only. The AMX Zipper Knees sell for $110.
Flow Knee:
The all-new 2019 Flow Knees are the lightest knee pad O’Neal has yet produced. This light-duty pad is ideal for longer trail rides where comfort is key and you don’t need high levels of impact protection. The slim, low-bulk design also makes the Flow knees easy to fold up and carry in a pack.
The Flow Knees use IPX soft gel padding to provide a bit of protection with minimal bulk. The sleeve is made from lycra, and has a cut-out on the inside of the knee for additional ventilation. The Flow knees will come in five sizes from S-XXL, in Gray only. Their retail price is $77.
*Please note, some of the latest product information is not yet posted on O’Neal’s USA website, but you can find all the info on the European site linked below.
