MRC "Grudge" Open Face Helmet - Solution to motion sickness?

We have all heard about it, most of us have someone in the group that suffers from it, and even worse is when you experience it, the dreaded "Motion Sickness". It starts off you leave camp and everyone is happy to finally be in the toys that we spend so much money on, but the dream quickly can turn into a rather uncomfortable situation where the passengers are ranging from "Stop" to "let me out!" The bigger the Dunes and the better the rhythm, the bigger the nightmare.



Having done a little experimentation with my own family and group, it would seem that things have more to do with "open air" then it actually has to do with motion sickness. Even in a situation where you are using a "Parker Pumper" or forced induction Into the helmet it doesn't help those that suffer from it. However if you take the helmet off it goes away almost instantly.

This leaves us a couple of solutions to the problem.
1. Don't wear a helmet
Trade Off : You will eventually end up getting a ticket unless you are in a vehicle that is legal to do so.
2. Wear what is commonly referred to as a "skull cap." Which is a solid solution and did seem to work for myself and a few others in my group.
Trade Off : We were unable to wear headsets (or any kind of Comms that we had) with them on, goggles didn't work well with them, and then there's actual safety concerns with regard to how it's actually going to perform just because of the nature of there design, and how they are secured with the long around the ear chin straps.
3. The MRC Grudge
Trade Off : We couldn't find one.

The MRC Grudge combines everything we loved about the helmets from yesteryear and adds in modern technology to bring everything we love about a modern day helmet with virtually zero tradeoffs that we could find.



Firstly they are extremely light with a size large helmet weighing in at a featherweight 2.24 pounds! When the box arrived at my house with both helmets in it and I picked it up, I actually assumed it was something else because I figured it had to be something else because the box was so light. What that means? I have cowboy hats that feel similar in weight when you are wearing them. The fiberglass composite construction is a much better solution for this application than high impact (heavy) plastics like so many have tried. This is one of two things that gets rid of that "bobblehead" feeling that so many helmets have.



The second thing it the actual shape of the helmet internally. They don't "slip on" quite as easily as some of the helmets we have worn, but once they are on, they are the most comfortable helmet I have worn PERIOD. They conform comfortably to your head shape, and do not slip and slide around like some open face helmets are prone to do. I am not a helmet expert, but in my research I discovered that helmet manufacturers use the term "headform". This is the general shape that they use for helmet fitment, (speaking only for myself) I can say it works extremely well for me.



A lot of manufacturers will stick actual inches of padding inside with a massive shell in an effort to fit all shapes and sizes, and that ends up with a giant shell again adding to that "bobblehead" feeling. That also turns into a sweaty mess for obvious reasons of venting being further away from your scalp etc.

Which brings us to the most important part COMMUNICATIONS! These helmets are "Comms" ready and can be purchased with rugged radios installed or PCI if you choose. For our purposes we tried 2 with Comms, and 2 without.



Now what is not mentioned on MRC's website is that these helmets are in fact "vented" and have block off plates that are easily removable to switch back and forth from closed to open at your discretion.

If you are looking for an exceptionally lightweight helmet that makes a great purchase for your kids riding in the backseats, or a solution to your "motion sickness" problems, I highly recommend checking out "The Grudge" from MRC. I don't think you will be disappointed in the product, the price point, or the style!

Check them out on their website, or at your local retailers!

Written by : RiverDave
Photos by : RiverDave