Brazilian Brothers Review the Mystic Vandal Pro for Kiteboarding

Helmets are for kooks, right? Real kiteboarders ride with the wind blowing through their hair. Yep, tell that to an increasing number of pros and everyday riders who swear by the benefits of protecting their noggin from a knockin'. There are enough people out there with helmets that you won't look out of place, and it may just save you from a painful concussion or worse.

Do I Really Need a Helmet?

If you do freestyle or big air, a helmet can protect your head from a hard impact with the water, the same way your impact vest protects your core. And your board is unforgivingly hard. Whether it's a board-off gone wrong or a crash, the board will win against your brain every time. If you foil, it's even more important to be protected from contact. Finally, as every driver knows, it's not just your mishaps you need to worry about, but the mistakes of others sharing the same space. If you've got people jumping around you, you may have an unexpected encounter with them and their gear, too.

Is the Mystic Vandal Pro a Good Fit for Me?

You can certainly find cheaper helmets, but the best helmet is the one you actually wear, and the Vandal Pro gives you a lot of reasons to put it on rather than leaving it in the car. Remember, it's an investment in your brain, and the Brazilian Brothers feel that it's worthwhile.

Is the Vandal Pro Comfortable?

The Vandal Pro is by far the most comfortable helmet they've tried. It's got padding in all the right spots, especially around your forehead and your occipital lobe in the back. It's got a 360 dial in the back that lets you customize it perfectly all around your head, not just in the back. If you're on the fence between two sizes, go ahead and size up since you'll be able to use this dial to get a good fit. It's also incredibly lightweight, and the EPP foam doesn't absorb water, keeping it light throughout your session. Once the brothers are out and riding, they forget they're wearing it.

Is the Vandal Pro Durable?

Obviously, you should inspect your helmet after an impact and replace it if there's any damage, but for everyday use, it's very durable. The brothers toss their helmets in the back of the car and they're still going strong after two years of frequent use. The cushioning is still soft and comfortable after exposure to heat and lots of salt water.

The Suggestion Box

The brothers didn't love the Fidlock release system at first. They didn't find it to be intuitive and they actually got stuck in their helmets. But once they got used to it, they did appreciate that the magnet made it almost impossible for the strap to release accidentally on the water. So it's a good system, but you might want to practice with it before you put the helmet on.

Purchase or Pass?

Choosing a helmet is a fairly personal decision, but the Vandal Pro does have a lot going for it. It's lightweight, it's comfortable, it looks pretty slick, and most importantly, it protects your head. Whether you're just learning, practicing your first backroll, or pushing through big air or foiling, you want to protect your head. The brothers recommend it very highly for any level rider.

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