Rudy Project Sterling Helmet Review

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Pros of the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet

• Lightweight build with exceptional quality
• Excellent ventilation
• Engineered with comfort in mind
• Highly adjustable for a custom fit
• Sun glasses dock and visor compatible (visor included)

Cons of the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet

• Pricing is a bit higher than other industry offerings
• The color palette is extremely well chosen for style and safety (wait, that’s another positive, not a negative)

Bottom Line on the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet

The Rudy Project Sterling Helmet offers the best blend of lightweight build materials and comfort inspired features in an all encompassing genre spanning package. The color palette is great (just name a color, they’ve got it) and it’s highlighted in all the right spots for a blend of styling and safety that just doesn’t really have any competition in the industry. Really – I don’t need to say more about this helmet – you should just buy it already, especially if you find that Rudy’s offering a deal like they are now – but since we’re a review site (dedicated to bringing you only honest opinions about the product YOU use to get out there to get active) I’ll go ahead and give you a tour around the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet.

The Rudy Project Sterling Helmet

A helmet’s a helmet… until you’re about to smash your face into the concrete at 25 mph. Granted, right before impact I didn’t think about the ramifications of riding in Rudy Project (here at AGR we’re pretty clear on where we stand on Product – yes, Rudy Project sent the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet along to us to test and yes, I also buy Rudy Project products; I test a lot of items and know what I like). In fact, right before my impact I didn’t have a whole lot of time to think. Going down on a road bike is a scary thing. You don’t have time to pull a helmet around, adjust for the impact, and make sure you hit in the “safest” way possible. You just hit. I can tell you from first hand experience that the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet is designed with your safety in mind ’cause I’ve crashed one. Fairly hard. Take it from me, it’ll be the difference between being able to walk away and being taken away by stretcher. Alright, enough with the PSA announcement – let’s just say that when you select a helmet, select a good one – it’s something you hope you’ll never have to use, but when you do you’ll be glad Rudy Project is stamped on the front.

In selecting a helmet it’s truly important to get a good, comfortable fit. After testing out several helmets (both for AGR and not) I can tell you that the comfort from Rudy Project is second to none. This is definitely the case with the Rudy Project Sterling helmet. Now, before I get killed for being a fan boy – I get it, everyone’s head is different, and everyone’s crashed a helmet + came away without a major concussion/face rearrangement. All I’m saying is next time, try on some Rudy Project, ’cause a.) it fits my head b.) it’s super adjustable and c.) I try on a stupid amount of helmets for this job. The Rudy Project Sterling helmet offers the three usual ways to dial in a precise fit, but they manage to do it just a bit better than the other guy. First, they offer an array of different size pads for the interior. These function well, but I haven’t needed them – I was able to get a great fit right out of the box. Second, the helmet strap is adjustable in length with two clips on either side for changing where the straps join. Most helmets have these, but the nice thing about the one from Rudy is that is opens and closes securely, and seem durable. Third, and most importantly, an adjustable wheel on the back of the helmet allows you to easily tighten the circumference of the helmet itself. Once again – a similar offering to this is seen from virtually all companies, but only Rudy Project clicks securely into place but smoothly releases without any annoying pulling, pushing, or locating a super secret button (you know who you are, helmet company of total confusion) – once again, the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet has similar features to the industry that are just done a cut above the rest.

Testing the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet

We had a great testing phase on the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet, taking it on rides of over 60 miles in length several times. Conditions varied from slightly chilly to slightly warm, as it’s been a relatively mild spring here in Colorful Colorado (unless you count freak blizzards). When testing out a helmet, comfort is typically our primary concern – the helmet needs to fit well without irritating in any manner. It may feel great when in the store, but 20 miles down the road if the chin strap doesn’t have the right padding, the side strap holders rub your face raw, the rear brace digs into the back of your head… it all makes for a miserable bike ride. As I said above, a helmet is best when you DON’T remember you’re wearing it. And this was the case with all outings in the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet. As mentioned above, I had a great fit right out of the box, needing only a quick strap adjustment and a couple turns of the dial (done while wearing the helmet, of course) to get the job done. It’s pretty self explanatory, but if you get confused Rudy Project includes a little handy dandy fit instruction Manual to show you the way.

Much of the key to this comfort level relies on the mesh webbing included in the Rudy Project Sterling helmet. This webbing serves two purposes – one, it creates a snug fit over your head to keep the helmet firmly in place and two, it helps to wick away sweat and moisture. Granted, I didn’t test the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet in super hot conditions ’cause we haven’t had any yet, but I definitely sweated enough to know it works, and works well. OH, and I should mention that Rudy Project labels the webbing as “BUGSTOP PADDING” which also makes really good sense, since it WOULD keep any bugs out of your hair. I don’t really get that problem in Colorado (much), but I’d imagine it’s a pretty handy feature for those that cycle in locales that produce enormous bugs that congregate over highways in the summer – Texas, I’m looking at you. I’ve seen grass hoppers the size of small cats down there, and if any helmet is gonna keep those mutant grasshoppers out of your hair, it’s this one.

Final Thoughts on the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet

I know two things about the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet – it fits great, and keeps me from death when I hit the pavement at 25 MPH head first. While I can’t promise you that you won’t die when you crash, you’ll definitely have a much better chance wearing Rudy Project. It’s a great blend of comfort and functionality, and has doesn’t completely break the bank in terms of price point. It comes with a bunch of accessories in the box such as a handy helmet bag, fit pads, and even a visor (if you’re into that sort of thing) – plus, you can buy it directly from the Rudy Project website. With a whole host of colors, the Rudy Project Sterling Helmet comes in a look for just about any kit, and if you’re not into matching your favorite kit – there’s always the go to black/gray that we tested. Pair them with the Rudy Project Tralyx