I’ve been a fan of Sweet Protection helmets since testing them early on during my time at Singletracks when the brand was new to me. They usually have an update to at least one helmet every year and for 2023, it’s the Bushwhacker 2Vi Mips. We tested the last version of the Bushwhacker in 2017.
The 2Vi Mips gets an overhaul in basically every department, from aesthetics to protection. The new lid is “built for the speed of modern riders,” writes Sweet Protection and it has Mips Air, a multi-density EPS shock absorbing foam, increased coverage compared to the last version, STACC ventilation to bring air over the temporal arteries, an adjustable visor, eyewear grippers, a Fidlock buckle, and a new fit.
The Bushwhacker 2Vi comes in six colors and three sizes, SM, ML, and LXL. It retails for $250.
Ride impressions
Sweet Protection’s Bushwhacker 2Vi Mips is on the larger side for a half-shell helmet. For my very medium head, it fit just fine, but it sat lower and had a bit more bulk to it than other helmets I’ve tested recently. Depending on your riding specs, the helmet may clash a bit. With the full-frame KOO sunglasses I’m wearing above, both the glasses and the helmet were in contact, though Sweet Protection says the helmet is optimized to fit with Sweet Protection eyewear.
By adjusting the fit, I brought the brow of the helmet a little higher, but it still sat a touch lower than I would have liked. That’s my preference though, and some may like that it wraps around all the necessary portions of your noggin. The Fidlock straps were easy to dial in and fit, and it’s a comfortable helmet without any other noticeable fit voids.
Some of the comfort is surely thanks to the Mips Air system—a liner that works like any old yellow, plastic liner, but instead, this has more fabric or soft material where it meets the skull, and the system is fitted to the helmet’s ventilation channels, rather than covering the entire interior. Somehow, Mips helmets keep getting more and more comfortable and the Bushwhacker 2Vi is no exception.
Ventilation on the Bushwhacker is decent, but not exceptional. At a casual pace, you can feel the helmet bringing air in under the brow and throughout the skull. There’s a good amount of air—I’d says a reasonable amount of ventilation considering the Bushwhacker 2Vi is on the heftier side for a half-shell, but it is certainly not the most airy helmet, which Aaron mentioned when he reviewed the original helmet six years ago. On cooler, spring days like we’ve had lately, I haven’t had issues with it, but in the summer I’d probably save this for higher, alpine rides if I had the choice.
Sweet Protection nailed a modern helmet aesthetic and colorways. The rubberized contacts on the vents in front will help keep sunglasses where they need to be and the magnetic Fidlock buckle is also a pleasant touch for ease donning and removing the helmet.
Pros and cons of the Bushwhacker 2Vi mountain bike helmet
Pros
- Colors, aesthetic
- Comfortable
- Mips Air and Fidlock features
Cons
- A little bulky
- Not the most ventilated helmet
Closing thoughts
Riders who want a solid enduro half-shell helmet with modern aesthetics and features like Fidlock and Mips Air will love the Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2Vi helmet.
- Price: $250
- Buy from Moosejaw (size LXL 20% off) and Backcountry.
Check out our mountain bike helmet buyers guide and our picks for the best mountain bike helmets.
