ProView – Julbo Forest Evo Trail Helmet Review

Julbo’s Forest Evo helmet takes on a saturated market sector not by trying to reinvent the mountain bike helmet, but to offer one with a few innovative details you never knew you wanted…and can’t live without.   

Most mountain bike helmets are pretty great these days with most offering the protection of MIPS, a highly adjustable fit, adequate ventilation, and style and color choices to suit just about any taste. And so it’s become a game of details, which is exactly where the Julbo Forecet Evo sets itself apart from the herd. 

I tested the Julbo Forest Evo in two very different environments; the lush maple jungles of Vermont and the arid western alpine zones of Summit County, Colorado. Previous to this offering, I’d be running a variety of helmets from Sweet Protection, Fox and Smith. My rides consist of everything from after work rips to all day epics, and just like you, I have needs. 

1. I like my helmets to fit and ventilate really well
2. I like to store my sunglasses on them while climbing (especially in Vermont where sweat and fogging are way more prevalent than out west)
3. Vanity, yes. I like my helmet to look reasonably good.

Fit/Comfort

The Fidlock magnetic chin strap works as advertised, offering a secure clasp and super easy release.

The boa style retention system works as it should with zero issues. It’s mounted on a three position vertical slider to provide for a variety of head shapes. I tried them all, one fit really well, the others didn’t. And that’s exactly why those three options are there.

The coolmax pads and nineteen vents also lend a hand in the Forest Evo’s fantastic fit, providing a nice skin feel at the touch points and allowing plenty of air flow.

Look/Style

The Forest Evo’s form factor is consistent with its competition with stylish lines, a multi-panel construction and plenty of colorways to choose from. It’s worth noting that Julbo has designed this helmet with sunglasses in mind as noted by the forehead area being slightly elevated between the temples to reduce unwanted sunglass interference. You know, that incredibly annoying tendency for the forehead lip of the helmet to contact and push on the top edge of your sunnies? Not a factor here. And, I’ll discuss it more below, but the hero of this helmet design is the sunglass management sleeves, or as Julbo calls them, the Dual Eyewear Storage System. 

Features

Julbo’s sunglass storage system is among the best I’ve used, so long as you’re running glasses with straight arms. The rubberized sleeves used to achieve their unique offering could be galvanizing to the style critics out there, but their efficacy far outweighs any fashion issues in my book. You’ve got the option to carry sunglasses forwards or rearward with the same system. My preference was forward, paired with the visor in its lowered position, as it provided the most bullet proof sunglass carrying solution I’ve used to date. I’d rotate the visor up, pop the glasses into the sleeves, lower the visor and essentially lock my glasses into place. 

Speaking of the visor, it’s got two positions to choose from. Basically a standard unobstructive visor height and a “get the hell out of the way” height. I rode, nearly exclusively, with the visor in its lower position, only lifting it to load sunglasses into the storage sleeves and then lowering it again to lock them into place.  

Weight/Packability

I don’t weigh my bike helmets but the Forest EVO felt on par with the competition. And if you’re into weighing your bike helmets, this likely isn’t the kind of helmet you’re after in the first place.  
 

Function/Performance

To reiterate, the mountain bike helmet market is thoroughly saturated with great offerings. And so when I say the helmet worked well, what’s that really mean? Sure, it fit great and ventilated as much as a bike helmet can. And so not taking into consideration the small details that truly set this helmet apart, sure, it works like a bike helmet should. But, zooming in on those small details; the Fidlock magnetic chin strap, the brilliant sunglass storage solution, and the refined boa assisted fit, the Forest Evo does start to carve out its own lane. 

Durability/Construction

Durability seems in line with what you’d expect at this price point. I didn’t crash in it, drop it, or really test its durability beyond several plane flights, countless miles in the backseat of my truck, and obviously, a lot of riding. Other than a scratch or two, it’s essentially as it was on day one. I’ve had zero issues with premature or unexpected wear.

Value

I came away quite impressed with Forest Evo’s earthbound (or at least competitive) price point particularly when compared to their sunglass offerings. And for a modest variation in the shell construction and without the Fidlock chin buckle, you can buy the non-Evo version of the Forest for even less, which would be my suggestion to most folks. You still get MIPS protection, the sunglass storage sleeves, nineteen vents, and customizable fit, making the standard Forest a massively compelling helmet, IMO.

One gripe

I could have done without the included soft fabric storage bag and in its place, I’d love to see a second set of coolmax liner pads as some companies offer. I find this to be a huge perk, especially as you enter your second or third season with a helmet.

The Final Word

Julbo’s debut entry into the mountain bike helmet market is thoughtfully done and very well executed. While they’re not reinventing the wheel with the Forest Evo, they are separating themselves from the herd with a few details I’m confident you’ll love. 

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