Briko Spark Helmet
By Jon Sharp

I've never really used a helmet before. That is to say, I've never really used one for its intended purpose: to save my noggin from a severe blow to the head. I've known people who have, though, and they've always thanked some sort of deity that they were wearing a helmet. Helmets aren't very fun, and most people look dorky in them--no matter how expensive the helmet is. Not all helmets are the same, however. (All helmets meet the same government-defined standards of crash-protection, though.) Here reviewed is the Spark helmet, made by Briko.

Like most mountain helmets, the Spark comes with a detachable visor. The visor snaps on to the inside of the side vents. This design makes for a very secure fit and is still easily removed. Also like most helmets, the Spark comes with a retention system to make sure the helmet fits comfortably and stays put in the event of a crash. Theirs is fairly precise with a ratcheting buckle on each side. I found it to be very comfortable, and precise enough to adjust it differently even according to my hair growth from week to week.

Probably the most unique feature in the design of the Spark is its Double Shell construction with Air Thru Technology. Basically, there are two shells on the Spark. The outer shell is separated from the inner shell by a small section of channels and grooves. The inner shell also features vents--much like the standard helmet does. The vents in the outer shell don't match up with the vents in the inner shell. This protects the wearer from any object entering the vents during a collision. Two shells also provide an extra level of impact resistance in the event of a multiple-impact accident.

Briko designed the channels between the layers for cooling. As air passes through the outer vents and flows along the channels, it draws hot air off the head, through the inner vents, and pulls it out the rear of the helmet. I found the ventilation to be good--I never had problems of overheating. The Air Thru Technology lived up to its design and kept my head cool.

Summary: The Briko Spark is a comfortable helmet that can be used for road or mountain use. Even with two shells, it still only weighs a reasonable 268g. I found that even on very long rides, the Spark was quite comfortable. For around 129 USD, the Spark sits at the high-end of mountain bike helmets, but with all the technology and design that goes into it, I feel this is probably justified. Unfortunately for this review, I wasn't able to test out the impact strength of the Briko Spark. I guess I'll have to go out for another ride and try my luck again.

Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.

For more information, contact:
Briko
1-800-GO-BRIKO
Sales: sales@briko.com
Warranty: warranty@briko.com
www.briko.com