Specialized has released details on their new carbon full face helmet called, Dissident. It’s very lightweight and has lots of features to keep the rider safe and comfortable. Check inside for a video on the helmet and detailed photos.

Specialized’s goal with Dissident was to make the lightest, safest and most technologically advanced full-face, DH race/gravity helmet in the world. Previously they’ve made many helmets and with over 100 years of combined helmet experience within their team, they are trying to raise the DH helmet benchmark.

Sam Hill's Specialized Dissident (click to enlarge)

Three years in the making, Dissident was designed and shaped in-house by the “godfather” of full-face motocross helmets, Bob Lakes. The idea was to have no corners cut, utilize the world’s best helmet designers, and deliver the ultimate, no-holds-barred dh race/bike park/slopestyle helmet. They’ve even added built-in recesses for ear phones as well as a channel in the back of the helmet for the earphone wire.

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Helmet Fit

They started with a highly absorbent yet fast drying liner and matched it to an EPS-lined chin bar and titanium D rings on the chin strap to save weight. Their liner is designed to fit just snug enough to eliminate any gaps that could result in side-to-side or forward-to-back play. An easily removable liner can be washed or replaced to ensure consistent comfort.

liner detail (click to enlarge)

D-ring detail (click to enlarge)

Lightweight Carbon Shell

An ambitious overall weight target of sub 1000 grams, Specialized sought out a super light and strong 3k carbon weave matrix outer shell, with a tri-weave (carbon, kevlar, fiberglass) layer underneath. This was chosen to keep the weight down while upping the safety.

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EMT Removal System

Dissident has an EMT removal system built into the liner and shell. The snap basket secured cheek pads are easily removed with the helmet still in place thanks to special built-in release pockets. Should a crash happen, the helmet can be removed without disturbing the position of the rider’s head or neck. Specialized also designed the shell to fit seamlessly with all current neck braces on the market.

cheek pad pull tab (click to enlarge)

cheek pad removed (click to enlarge)

Eject Airbag System

First appearing on motocross helmets, the eject system consists of an inflatable plastic bag under the liner to allow helmet removal with no neck strain. As part of the Specialized EMT removal system they’ve made the Dissident compatible with the eject airbag. The removable airbag fits in a custom recess at the top of the helmet (riders never even know it’s there). Medical personnel can slowly pump air into the air bag on an injured rider, which will gently lift the helmet off the head without putting pressure on the neck.

Eject air bag detail

air bag detail (click to enlarge)

Eject air bag action detail

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4th Dimension Cooling

You’ll find the Specialized 4th dimension cooling system aligns the intake vents with the internal channels (see channels in photo above). These in turn blast air straight out the exhaust ports. Specialized says that there is no other full-face helmet offering this amount of airflow or cooling potential.

front air vents (click to enlarge)

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Available

• December 2011/January 2012

Sizes:

• Small – 54-55cm
• Medium – 56-57cm
• Large – 58-59cm
• X-Large – 60-62cm

Safety:

• Passes CSPC and ASTM 1952 DH

Price:

• $350 USD

With popular helmets such as the D3, FOX offerings, and many more the helmet market is a tough one. Specialized plans to come out with create additional color options for consumers throughout the season that will help get them excited to try out a Dissident. With the protective features and lightweight aspect of this lid, it should make for a good alternative option for consumers.