PieProof Helmet Product Roadtest and Review
In September PieProof Pty.Ltd reached out to me and sent me their magpie proof helmet to review. After seeing their helmet appear many times in my Facebook feed I was very intrigued and eager to get my hands on the product. Swooping season is upon us so how magpie proof was it?
I've been riding with the helmet for the past 3 weeks and doing the very opposite of avoiding the birds.. it's quite against my nature, I created magpiealert.com to actively avoid the swooper's and here's me trying to find them to swoop me!
I'll split this review into two sections, firstly I'll review the cycling helmet and then review how it got on defensively against bird attacks.
How's it go as a cycling helmet?
Currently priced at $109.95 it is priced within the lower price range for MTB helmets. It's light too for its budget and form, coming in at 270g compared to my usual road helmet, POC Ventral Air at 260g. The helmet comes in two colours black or white and is unisex. It is certified to Australian standard AS/NZS 2063:2020.
Technical Specifications:
- Magpie-Proof design
- Certified to AS/NZS 2063:2020
- Designed in Australia
- Patent Pending
- Certified for cycles, e-Bikes
- Detachable ear protectors
- Strong, integrated protective mesh
- Detachable Visor
- Rechargeable LED tail light
- Lightweight at just 270g/S/M 280g/L
Unboxing the helmet
The helmet sits within a clear plastic bag inside a black box and includes a small usb-c cable to charge the integrated rear light. Nice to see the newer usb-c cable rather than an older micro usb used on many cycling products.
My head circumference measures 57cm so I opted for the Medium size, in white and with visor and ear pads attached it weighs 320g.
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Side view showing padded ear protection -
Rear view showing vents and LED light -
Close up of ear protection -
Close up of ear protection -
Mesh protection allows airflow while stopping bird beaks and insects too. -
Helmet padding, protective mesh and certification stickers -
Ready for the road!
Having owned many cycling helmets over the years I was really impressed with the quality of the helmet, with everything finished nicely. The straps were easy to adjust and there's a nice padded sleeve that sits on the chin strap which feels nice and comfortable. The rear adjustment ratchet feels and sounds solid, reliable and adjusts nicely without slipping.
The medium size fitted me really well with enough room for my bandanna too. With the straps adjusted and ratchet tightened the helmet feels nice and snug. I've a bald head and a big sweater (hence the bandanna) and I was concerned that with the ear pads I'd be running hot. Some cold morning starts in NSW the extra warmth was actually quite welcomed. The large air vents let air flow quite nicely through to cool and ventilate the head. It was a little warmer than I was used to but that's to be expected with the ear covers but that's offset by the piece of mind the protection provides.
Worth mentioning, the ear protection didn't hamper my hearing whatsoever and could pay full attention to the road and surrounding hazards. Wind noise-wise, no worse than my other helmets.
So how did it go protecting me from bird attacks?
PieProof's statement on their website states: “You won't stop a determined Magpie from attacking you, but you can protect yourself from direct injury and reduce your risk of a crash with a PieProof helmet.”
The statement pretty much sums up the helmet. If you go out for a ride in the Aussie spring you are going to get swooped at some point and over the years since starting magpie alert I've read many injury reports from riders. Most injuries recorded centers around the scalp, ears, cheeks and eyes. So I'm impressed that the helmet covers the common attack vectors when worn with the ear pads, visor and sunnies.
During testing my helmet took multiple assaults, from beak pecks, bashes, scratching and even a full on assault to my ear and I'm happy to say I remain unscathed! Normally I'd be close to panicking when under attack but as the weeks have passed and encountered many bird attacks I'm starting to remain cool, calm and collected.
There was one incident with a butcher bird (aptly named in this instance), I'd stopped at a junction and it flew straight at my ear, full force! It then flew up and perched on a road sign giving me the loudest squawk, pretty much saying “Bugger off!” and then the bugger hit me again!
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Taking a hit to the ear pads -
This would have drawn blood without the helmet!
Without a shadow of a doubt if I wasn't wearing the helmet I'd be missing a bit of my left ear and would have paid a visit to A&E. The padding around the ear and cheek did a great job, not only protecting me but really cushioning the blow too.
Over the last 3 weeks I've taken more magpie hits than the previous 8 years! After each ride I've checked the helmet and it's remained dent and mark free - have almost been disappointed that some of my biggest attacks left no evidence whatsoever.
Conclusion
I'm really impressed by this helmet! It's kept me safe and calm under attack which allowed me to focus on riding safely. If I wasn't wearing the helmet, without doubt, I'd have been nursing some injuries today.
The PieProof helmet is in my opinion, excellent value for money, it's a fab helmet for the price. The diehard roadies may not want to wear the visor, but for me, I'd place my safety over road cycling aesthetics any day! Not forgetting that the visor and ear protection is also detachable so the lid can be worn all year round.
When I get swooped now, even though the magpie may be relentlessly attacking me, I no longer have a panic attack and it's given me confidence to ride it out. I Love it, it's a thumbs up from me!
Currently priced at $109.95 - Buy from PieProof.com.au
Disclaimer: PieProof Pty.Ltd sent me the helmet to review, I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own. Thanks for reading, if you have any questions about the helmet please leave a comment below.
Happy riding!
Jon - MagpieAlert.com
October 7th, 2024 By Jonny