Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS – Can this gravity helmet punch above its price?
Everyone has a favourite colour and Manne has loved red since he was a child. His first scooter, his first bike, they were all red! When the dark red metallic/black Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS arrived at the editorial office, Manne’s interest in the chic helmet was immediately piqued. However, looks alone don’t make a good helmet! At second glance, the connoisseur immediately noticed the FIDLOCK closure for the chinstrap and the MIPS protection system, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Bluegrass are a subsidiary of helmet brand MET and target the gravity market. The Bluegrass Rogue Core is designed as a trail or enduro helmet. The helmet extends far down the nape and around the sides to offer more protection from injuries to the back of the head and temples.
Cooling is provided by a total of 16 sufficiently large ventilation ports, preventing a build-up of heat even in summer temperatures. We were impressed with the two ventilation channels below the visor, which direct airflow down over your face and effectively prevent your glasses from fogging up while riding.
The two ventilation openings below the visor direct airflow down your face and effectively prevent your glasses from fogging up while riding.
The visor can be folded up so that you can park your goggles under the visor on the climbs, keeping them within quick and easy reach if necessary.
The inside of the helmet reveals the MIPS technology, consisting of a low-friction layer placed between the inner padding and the protective shell of the helmet. This additional sliding layer on the inside of the helmet can reduce rotational forces and reduce the severity of brain injuries, according to a study done by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (bfu). The Bluegrass Rogue is available in a simpler model without the MIPS system for € 100 and in this, the Core MIPS version, for € 150, which is the one we’d recommend. If you’ve ever experienced the convenience of the FIDLOCK system on your chinstrap, you’re unlikely to want to go back. We’re absolute fans.
The MIPS system can be recognised by the yellow liner inside the helmet. When buying, you can choose from a model with the additional safety system and one without. Surcharge: € 50.
JIf you’ve ever experienced the convenience of the FIDLOCK system, you won’t to want to go back. Opening and closing the chinstrap is super easy and safe.
You can feel how securely a helmet fits only when you hit the trails. In the case of the Rogue Core MIPS, we experienced no wobbling and no pressure points even on extended rides. In short, the fit of the helmet is ideal for the shape of Manne’s head. The ventilation of the Bluegrass helmet proved to be excellent, with Manne riding in temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees.
Conclusion
Our tester, Manne, wasn’t only convinced of the style of the Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS. The magnetic FIDLOCK closure for the chinstrap is extremely convenient and is easy to use even when wearing gloves, while the helmet’s design in conjunction with the MIPS system instils you with confidence. Rounding off the positive impression is an excellent and comfortable fit as well as good ventilation.
Tops
- comfortable to wear
- FIDLOCK closure
- high-quality workmanship
- fair price
Flops
- none
Tester: Manne
Duration: 2 months
Price: € 150
Size: M (56–58 cm)
Other sizes: S (52–56 cm) and L (58–61 cm)
Weight: 354 g
More information: met-helmets.com
Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: Thomas Weiss, Peter Walker
About the Author
Manne Schmitt
Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.
