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OFF SNOW REVIEW:
The Boeri Axis Rage is the
newest incarnation the Axis Series. It's essentially
the Axis Performance with a shorter shell.
The
helmet seems to fit a bit smaller this year than
it did in previous years, and still remains true
to it's fairly round fit. The Axis Rage will fit
some oval heads as well, unless you have a very
long head, in which case you may get pressure
on the front and back of your head.
The profile of the Axis Rage is fantastic. The
shape is stylish and sleek, forget the days of
the old "bowling ball" helmets! The
colors this season are a bit more conservative,
but still classy and sleek. My favorites are the
Platinum and the Shark Skin.
The goggle strap has been redesigned from the
old helmets and provides a solid and safe haven
for your goggles. Very easy to use snap. The chin
straps are padded to avoid chin rub with a wrapped
fleece. The buckle system is simple and easy to
use with its' plastic fast-tek buckle and single
adjustment points.
The most technological feature in the helmet is
the Outlast technology. Outlast is designed to
help maintain a constant body temperature. When
I first heard that Boeri was going to use Outlast
(designed by NASA) I was a bit skeptical, but
I can now tell you that it is not a gimmick at
all, it's a fantastic feature. It really works!
I'd like to get a pair of ski boots with Outlast
now! The Axis Rage has simple venting, just two
scoops in the front and exit ports in the back,
but with the Outlast you will never have to wear
a hat underneath, even on the coldest days.
I do have some issues with the Axis Rage though...
I do not like the design of the lower soft shell.
It's a great idea. A removable ear flap for the
warmer days and a nice flap for the colder days.
A great idea in theory, but the design is not
ideal.
The entire ear flap is attached with a long strip
of Velcro. From our experience over the years,
Velcro is not the most efficient material on a
ski helmet. I can definitely see material problems
with the Velcro tearing out, getting stuck on
the fleece liners of jackets and tearing up the
inside of goggle straps. The removable piece is
hard to get back into the proper position and
doesn't really feel like it fits that well into
the helmet.
This is not to say that this is a bad design,
but I would guess that in the next few years we
will start to see the Velcro disappear and get
replaced with a stronger and more efficient system.
The Axis Rage is CE Certified and ASTM certified.
Overall, the Axis Rage is a very good design,
but I am skeptical about the removable ear flaps
and the Velcro system.
Matt / SkiHelmets.com Team - Grade B
OFF
SNOW REVIEW
I
have always had a hard time fitting into this
helmet. I would describe the fit as round, because
even when I go up a size I tend to get pressure
on the front and back of my head. So, if you have
an oval head, you might not like the fit as much
in the Rage.
The design, though, is great. The mold of the
shell breaks traditional helmet design. It is
stylish and innovative in its appearance.
The Rage has a higher cut shell, which makes it
a great helmet for all conditions. Since it comes
with a removable ear-flap, the helmet will keep
you warm during the winter and cool during the
summer. All you have to do to remove the ear-flap
is tear it off at the Velcro connection points.
Although sometimes the simplest of designs are
the best, I do worry about the integrity of Velcro
over the years with heavy use. Snaps may be the
wave of the future for helmets.
Not only does the ear flap help with temperature
control, but the venting system, a series of small
openings over the top of the helmet direct air
flow throughout the interior of the helmet and
through the exit ports in back.
The most technological temperature control mechanism
exists in the internal fabric of the helmet. The
fabric, called Outlast, helps to store and release
heat, which keeps you comfortable in varying conditions.
The goggle strap in the back is a simple snap
design, and the chin-strap is a fast-tek buckle,
with a quick, one pull tightening system. These
features are important, because when your fingers
are cold and you have to mess with your helmet
or goggles, you definitely want the easiest adjustments
possible.
ASTM and CE certified I would feel safe and comfortable
in the Axis Rage.
Other than my personal concerns about the Velcro
flaps, this is a top of the line, high quality,
worth every penny helmet!
Erin /
SkiHelmets.com Team - Grade B+
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