Simpson Outlaw Bandit 3.0 Helmet Review: Style Meets Modern Performance

Simpson Outlaw Bandit 3.0: Iconic Style and Updates

• 🏍️ The Simpson Outlaw Bandit 3.0 is highlighted as a helmet with an iconic, aggressive look, inspired by Simpson's auto racing helmets and often associated with a "Stig vibe."
• ✨ This third generation retains the beloved style while introducing key updates, focusing on modern performance and protection.
• 💡 Simpson, a brand since 1959, has a history of producing stylish helmets, with the Outlaw Bandit being a perennial favorite.

Construction and Safety Features

• 🛡️ The helmet features a tri-composite shell made from fiberglass and other materials, offering a strong construction that is not plastic polycarb or pure carbon fiber.
• 🏅 It meets the Snell M2020 certification, with Simpson aiming for Snell 2025 certification in the future.
• 💰 Priced at $550, it aligns with the cost of previous versions, offering a balance of style and safety.

Fit and Comfort Enhancements

• 👤 The 3.0 model is designed for intermediate oval head shapes, offering a slightly longer front-to-back fit, which is closer to the average US rider's head shape.
• 📏 An extended chin bar provides a bit more space between the rider's face and the front of the helmet, improving comfort without altering overall sizing.
• ⚖️ The helmet weighs approximately 3 lb 6 oz and comes in three shell sizes to accommodate a range of head sizes.

Design and Ventilation

• 💨 It features six non-closable vents (three on each side) that direct air into the face, though the reviewer wished for closable vents like those on the Mod Bandit.
• 🧐 The exterior boasts a clean design with a prominent "angry eyebrow" texture on the front and a straight jawline, with removable Simpson stickers for customization.
• 💨 While there are no rear exhaust vents, air is intended to flow out the bottom, and deep channels within the EPS liner help circulate air.

Shield and Pivot System Updates

• ⚙️ The most significant update is the new pivot system on the side, featuring reinforced detents that keep the shield stable even at highway speeds (60-70 mph).
• 👓 The shield is a flat 3mm thick, offering robust protection against impacts and accommodating sunglasses, though larger arms might be a tight fit.
• 💨 A lifting tab on the shield makes it easy to operate, but a slight lip can create minor wind turbulence noise at highway speeds.

Interior and Customization

• 🧼 The interior features Velcro-mounted cheek pads and a brow mount for the top liner, allowing for some adjustability.
• ⚠️ The reviewer notes the presence of aggressive male-facing Velcro inside the helmet, recommending careful alignment to avoid facial irritation.
• 🎧 There are no dedicated speaker pockets, but ample space exists for mounting communication systems, though speakers may press into the head.
• 🎨 The helmet is available in various finishes (matte black, gloss gray, white) and Simpson offers a range of customizable shield colors (gold iridium, dark smoke, etc.).