Shred Ready's Sherlock Helmet on Wetdawg.com

Upside: Will stay on your noggin in the severest of beatings
Downside: Not owning one
Rating: ^^^^^ (5 out of 5 peaks)
Ideal User: Good for playboaters and creekers

Sherlock Helmet

Photo courtesy of Sherlock

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Looking for that play move that keeps eluding you? Searching for that mystical 50 footer that rolls over into a bottomless aqua marine pool? How about your first combat roll to get you stoked for that next horizon line?! The new Shred Ready Sherlock helmet will accompany you through your continually expanding search for that whitewater fix. When you need to keep your head clear and your thoughts straight, the Sherlock will be there to keep those rocks from interrupting your concentration at those moments where it matters the most.

Shred Ready has once again expanded their full arsenal of bomber helmets that fit like a glove. This time they've improved on prior designs and have introduced this double brimmed helmet that will help you find your next adventure. Days after receiving their latest creation, we found ourselves on the rugged Oregon coast, staring at swells rolling in from the mighty Pacific ocean. The swells promised huge aerial moves and even bigger beatings at times. Pushing off the sand we started paddling towards the intimidating break and waited for the first swell that said, "c'mon, let me take you for a ride."

With the HOT (Hold On Tight) lock system adjusted tight, the interchangeable compression molded closed cell foam pads put securely in place, and the three point retention system holding the Sherlock snug to my head, the next set began rolling in. I found my swell. Lined up, paddling to gain speed so I could match the swell building behind me, I grinned, "let's go!" The swell built to heights that made me speculate just how hard am I going to get hit and will my skirt blow. Cresting, the wave picked me up and started to tube out under me, "oh sh!t!" The world turned to a violent maelstrom of chaotic froth as metric tons of salt water inundated my head - let the beatings commence!

As I lost count of my involuntary cartwheels and back loops, my thoughts drifted to the Sherlock firmly glued to my head - the only part of my day that was under control. I thought of the adjustable fit system that allowed the helmet to mold to my head, preventing the sure separation of my new brain bucket during this momentary lapse of paddling skill. The Sherlock sat in firm disbelief on my head. I could hear it saying, "Of all the people Shred Ready could send a helmet to, they picked you - the seeker of award winning carnage." It never failed me though, holding steadfast to my head as I rolled up in the enormous foam pile that allowed control to be regained. The Sherlock never missed a beat in helping me to discover the intricate details of the Pacific ocean floor.

Technically and aesthetically, the Sherlock will not mystify you. The double brim of this helmet serves more than one purpose. The front brim will shield your eyes from the blinding sun and welcomed rains. It will also allow your nose to remain intact when that 50 footer you just discovered has a bit more green water at the base than you expected (no guarantees about your back though). The HOT lock retention system, conveniently tucked away in the back of the helmet, will allow it to remain shiftless while throwing repeated attempts at that reverse helix that keeps stumping you. No need to worry about shallow play spots and throwing big moves - you're covered. Count on it!

The brim cleverly integrated into the rear of the Sherlock will protect the back of your head and neck when dialing in your combat roll on those shallow reaches of your first trips down a local river. Get up into your setup position and nail that roll. No worries of peculiar encounters with rocks - you're covered! The Sherlock will absorb the biggest of hits without blinking. I've taken my fair share of knocks with it, but it keeps telling me, "C'mon - let's go find that next adventure!"

I have no doubt now that the Sherlock will accompany me on many quests that incessantly raise the question again and again, "will it go?" I have no idea if that next drop is good to go, but the Sherlock is ready to find out when you are.