The 2Vi® Helmet Technology Platform built by Sweet Protection features a 2-Layer Mips Safety System, variable elasticity shell technology, and a complex geometry multi-density shock absorbing. Found in both their bike and snow helmets, the 2Vi® tech was developed to increase safety and improve comfort without adding much weight or volume, but how does it actually feel to ride and ski in one of these helmets?
I spent the second half of this ski season wearing Sweet Protection’s Trooper 2Vi® Mips Helmet, and there’s quite a lot to like about it. I was in their 25th Anniversary Edition, featuring a gnarly, limited one-of-a-kind graphic, but the standard colors include Dirt Black, Gloss White, Graphite, Cream, Maze Green, and Misty Turquoise. The helmet weighs around 750 grams (L/XL).
The freeride-focused helmet does fit fairly snug (I’ve been wearing the L/XL), so it could be a bit of a squeeze for someone with a larger head, but the comfortable padding and Occigrip Fit System (featuring a low volume adjustment dial) do a great job at preventing the helmet from rolling around on your head.
The integrated goggle vents do a great job at preventing foggy goggles and create a perfect no-gap fit when paired with Sweet Protection goggles (the Boondock RIG® pairs beautifully). That said, I’ve worn a few pairs of none-Sweet Protection goggles with this helmet as well, and they’ve all fit just fine with no fogging. Additionally the Goggle Retainer on the back of the helmet is very easy to fasten and release, so switching goggles is absolutely no trouble.
Beyond the already explained 2Vi® Technology Platform, the Trooper features a mono-shell design with Thermoplastic Laminated Carbon Fiber. It uses a variable thickness to provide balanced rigidity and elasticity for the best impact performance, keeping your head safe in the event of a wipeout.
Two vents on the front of the helmet and two vents on the back keep the air flowing over your head and hair, and the front vents can be closed on colder days. My head and hair can wind up quite sweaty on a warm day of skiing, but this helmet did a great job at preventing that. Additionally, the Fidlock Magnetic buckle makes popping the helmet on and off quite easy, even when you’ve got thick gloves on.
Sweet Protection’s ear pads feature an Audio Ready system, allowing you to easily slip in a pair of Audio Chips so you can bump to music throughout the day. If you’re like me and can’t stand the feeling of ear pads on your helmet, these slip out with little trouble. Getting them back in is pretty much just as easy as pulling them out, too, so getting that extra bit of warmth on a frigid day shouldn’t be a probelm.
The Trooper 2Vi® Mips currently costs $340 on the Sweet Protection website, and if you’re looking for a high-end, good looking helmet to keep you safe while you’re charging down some choppy terrain or jumping off some cliffs, it’s absolutely worth it.
