Half-shell Helmets with "Ball In Socket"-style Protection

I've been working on upgrading my helmet quiver to ones that incorporate some sort of spherical rotational protection. I've taken care of the full faces, but now looking for a half-shell. I'm looking for something with a "ball in socket" design similar to the MIPS Spherical that Giro uses or MIPS Integra Split that Fox has in the Proframe RS. My instinct is that a design like this will do a lot more than a silly thin sheet of plastic (traditional MIPS). What are some models out there with designs like this?

Here's my list so far:
Giro Manifest
Giro Tyrant (3/4)
6D ATB-2T Ascent

I know the Leatt Turbine things claim to do the same thing, but I'm a bit skeptical about that, having worn one and also worn a Giro Insurgent and Fox Proframe RS with true ball-in-socket designs.

It sounds like the MIPS Integra that POC uses in the Kortal Race is basically just making the inside of the foam smooth so the pads slide, so not what I'm looking for.

Bell has their "Spherical" tech.
https://www.bellhelmets.com/technology/spherical.html

The only true half shell they make at present is the XR Sperical. I have the Super Air R Spherical, which is an enduro-style helmet with a removable chin bar.

Thanks, somehow forgot about Bell, which is ironic considering they're the sister company of Giro.

Looks like they have a "Super Air Spherical" which is just the half shell with no hardware to attach chin bar.

If a giro fits you, a bell almost certainly will not (and vice-versa). Bell's are the only helmets I've found that I can't even come close to wearing - they just fit a very different head shape than what I have.

Also, I haven't messed with the newer 6d helmets, but my old 6d ATB-1T is big, heavy, and hot. I wouldn't want that to be my only "uphill" helmet.

Thanks for the input. Yes, several years ago I owned a Bell Super <whatever their first convertible was>, and it was really uncomfortable in the temples. My Giro Insurgent is super comfy in terms of fit, but too warm / heavy to wear outside lifts/shuttles. I've tried on POCs before, and their M/L I can't even get on my head, and the XL/XXL is so big it swims on me even fully ratcheted.

I do live in a warm, humid place, so that's good to know about the 6D. The few reviews I found on them also indicated that they are "big, heavy, and hot" too.

I'm leaning towards ordering a Manifest from somewhere that will do returns if it doesn't fit.

The manifest is likely my next helmet for the spherical thing. I have one of their MIPS helmets now and really like it… so much so I use it for most gravel rides as well despite it’s heft compared to my more ‘road’ looking lids


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I have a Super Air R and ride it both full face and half shell. I like it quite a bit.

I found a Manifest on sale, so got that coming. I know the looks are sorta funny, but it reminds me of the speeder bike trooper helmets in Star Wars ROTJ, which is kinda cool in my book. If it doesn't fit, I'll give the Bell a shot.

Manifest fits weird and small.
I use a Montaro and tried a Manifest in same size and it was a complete no go - couldn’t even get it on my head despite ostensibly being for same measured size.

FWIW, my Manifest arrived today. Ordered a size large to go with my 59-60ish gourd, fits me great. I'd say it fits a smidge smaller than a Fox Speedframe (size L have to ratchet it super tight), similar to a TLD A3 (do a little bit of ratcheting with thick pads). It's got nice deep coverage all around (forehead, ears, back of head). That was honestly a sort of pleasant surprise - some of the photos of it look like it sat higher up. Keeping this for sure.

Safe to assume that if I like my Manifest I should also get along with the Insurgent? Also really liked the fit of the Proframe RS


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny Utah

Safe to assume that if I like my Manifest I should also get along with the Insurgent? Also really liked the fit of the Proframe RS


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I always find that full faces fit a little different than their half shell counterparts. That goes for every brand. Most FF's don't have the same sort of adjustable head retention system that half shells have, and the cheek pads are pretty critical to a good fit, so it's still worth trying them on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnny Utah

Safe to assume that if I like my Manifest I should also get along with the Insurgent? Also really liked the fit of the Proframe RS


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I have all 3 of those helmets now, for different uses. The shape seems similar among all, but they all seem to fit slightly different. Manifest seems to have the smallest shell size, and I didn't have to tighten up the dial very much and left the rear vertical adjustment where it was. The Proframe RS, I am running the thicker cheek pads (I think there's only 2 sizes), moved the rear vertical adjust up quite a bit, and use a moderate amount of the dial. One quirk with the RS is the chin strap sits quite far back against the throat, so someone with a thick neck might have issues. The Insurgent is very large, and I'm using the thickest pads (I think there's 3?), plus tighten up my goggle strap quite a bit or else it rotates down. Part of it might be due to the weight of it. In hindsight I wonder might be able to squeeze into the medium Insurgent, but that ship has sailed.

Very helpful! I’m in a medium Manifest, which fits quite well.. a touch shallow if anything. Medium insurgent might be spot on.


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