Helmet for water sports enthusiasts - a test of the NeilPryde Freeride Helmet

Manuel Vogel

 · 23.01.2023

NEILPRYDE Freeride Helmet
Photo: Oliver Maier
Photos: Oliver Maier
The NeilPryde Freeride Helmet also scores points with its impact-resistant shell, but also has slight weaknesses. Find out what these are in the test.

Similar to the Mystic MK8 X, the NeilPryde Freeride Helmet also has an above-average thick outer shell made from solid-looking plastic. The padding also appears generously dimensioned, is a full 15 millimetres thick and consists of a very soft and supple foam material. The helmet is adjusted to the head using the familiar adjustment wheel at the back of the head. Because the helmet does not enclose the sides of the head as much as some other models, the NeilPryde Freeride Helmet does not sit quite as firmly on the head, but can still be secured quite well by tightening the chin strap. Thanks to the generous padding, the fit is extremely comfortable. The ear pads are fixed in place with solid press studs and can be removed in seconds in warm temperatures or for better hearing. However, the ear covers don't qualify as fully-fledged protection against the cold anyway, as the material is quite rigid and not exactly cosy. We don't know why ear holes are needed in bonnets and helmets at all. Instead of hearing better, there is always a slight wind noise in your ears.


WING conclusion:
The NeilPryde Freeride Helmet is extremely comfortable and cosy to wear and appears very solid. Only the ear section doesn't seem quite mature.

Wearing comfort

Slight wind noise

-

The complete test with many more helmets is available HERE .

Manuel Vogel

Manuel Vogel

Editor surf

Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.

Most read in category Wingsurfing