There was a time when Bell, Arai and Shoei were the only serious choices in the world of motocross and off-road helmets. Each brand was distinctly different in its approach and design. There was no mistaking one for another.
Over the last five years the landscape of the helmet business has changed dramatically with the introduction of the Shoei-style helmets from Korean-based companies such as HJC and KBC. These looked the part of the racing-inspired helmets but cost a fraction of the price. It wasn't long before various clothing companies jumped on the more-economical bandwagon and had their own "private label" helmets made in the same factories. Some within the industry believed it was the beginning of the end of the "real quality" helmets, but what has occurred is quite the opposite. There are now at least four well-defined levels of helmets for the consumer to choose from. At the top of the scale are lids that run in the $600 range, while the lower end of the economic ladder is full of helmets (usually injection-molded plastic) for about $100. Smack-dab in the middle is probably the sweet spot, where features, quality and price balance to provide riders with the best bang for their buck.
Enter Vemar Helmets in the U.S. market. V-who? Vemar, an Italian company that has been making helmets since 1985. The company is hugely successful in the European motocross and supermotard theater. Vemar's name comes from vetroresina, the Italian word for fiberglass, and Maremma, which is the region of southern Tuscany where the factory is located.
We tested the VRX4 motocross model ($329.95 to $399.95). Sure structural integrity and cranial safety is important, but let's face it, the first thing you notice about any helmet is its style. Would you buy an ugly helmet just because it did a good job of protecting your melon? Most of us would not, so the designers at Vemar made sure not to disappoint. The graphics are decidedly different but clean, with a European flavor. The quality of the outer shell finish is most definitely upscale and in the league reserved for much more-expensive helmets.
The shell itself is constructed from Vemar's Tricom fiber, which is a blend of carbon, aramidic and fiberglass weaves. The net result is a lightweight helmet of only 3 pounds (for size-large shell). Crush Zone Technology provides improved safety through controlled chin-bar compression, while the energy-absorption lining features dual-density inserts with deep channeling for airflow.
The list of bells and whistles for the interior of the VRX4 reads like the window sticker on a Hummer H2. Standard features include optional thicker cheek pads, a removable/washable inner liner, an integrated roost shield on the chin bar, a molded goggle channel, three chin vents, two eyebrow vents and four rear extractor vents, which allow air to exit the helmet through an extra-cool chrome fin that looks as if it came straight off a '57 Ferrari. Remember, we are talking Italian styling!
When sliding your head into the VRX4, which is DOT- and ECE 22.05-approved, you immediately notice the ample interior padding. In some places, such as the area around the ears, it's a bit much before the helmet is broken in. The next thing you notice is the roost shield jutting up toward your face. At first it seems a bit intrusive in the opening, but after three corners, it disappears from your peripheral vision. The eye port does not cramp the average motocross goggle on the sides or the top, and the overall feel of the helmet is light.
The only character flaw with this hot number is it doesn't want to let go. Removing the helmet (at least until it breaks in) feels as though you are pulling off your ears. The padding is so abundant it tends to grab parts of your head. This isn't as much of a problem once the helmet is broken in, but it's still noticeable. However, once it's on your head, it's really comfortable and fits the way a helmet should. We also must note that all head shapes vary, and not all helmets fit all riders, even when the right size has been chosen.
Vemar is also set to debut a carbon-fiber version of the same helmet this summer that will weigh an unbelievable 2 pounds 13 ounces.