Jan. 12, 2022, 11:06 a.m. -  DanL

I had a switchblade for 3 years and loved it - it was a little hot but the coverage really was fantastic and the chinbar strapped to my waistpack. I also really appreciated the D ring as motorcycle helmet muscle memory just took over there.  Then it started to inhabit a bit of a grey area for usage. I was always wearing it as fullface when I rode as it seemed silly not to use the full helmet protection when I always had it to hand. Unless it was really cold or wet, I'd often have the helmet on my bars or hanging off something so then when it was time to retire it, I just went for a fullface - a project23 as well - and with the cheekpad trick I haven't looked back. It's also a lot lighter and the padfit works well. I do miss the fully enclosed plush Arai helmet feeling of the switchblade but I figure if I really wanted that I'd just pick up a Disciple and hang it off my bars like I would the Switchblade. I only wear a halflid if I'm riding anywhere other than a trail. btw - the kneepads but not elbow pads position many adopt is also fascinating.