Believe it or not the Sweet Protection Strutter helmet has been around for 20 years, and 2017 marks the 20th anniversary. The Strutter was first made in 1997, that is even before Sweet protection actually existed. We’ve had at least one of the Strutter models at Unsponsored HQ from the very start.
To celebrate 20 years Sweet have released a couple of limited edition models of the Strutter. Both helmets are based around the latest iteration of the Strutter which was released in 2012. Since its first release the Strutter has significantly evolved.
The shape and fit has been improved and Sweet have taken advantage of developments in material technologies. Unlike the original helmet that was constructed from carbon fibre the new Stutters are constructed using long fibre thermoplastic (LFT) with a carbon fibre reinforced polymer in the temple area. The carbon is visible below the outer shell and is designed to offer greater protection to the temple area. The chin strap is protected from the carbon by a strip of black trim.
The two limited edition colour options are white with purple straps and the metallic blue with orange straps. Both have the 20-year logo. This logo and the Sweet S are protected by the clear coat on the helmet. The other stickers including the CE marks and the LFT sticker on the peak can be removed if you wish.
The helmet comes supplied with two sets of red pads that Velcro into the liner. This offers a fairly decent level of customisation given the helmet is also available in three different sizes. Now the Strutter will not fit everyone but there is a size/pad combination that will fit most.
The baseball cap design offers pretty good temple protection but does not offer the same level of coverage as say the Sweet Rocker.
The OCCIGRIP is a ratchet system that Sweet uses to tighten and secure their helmets on the back of the head just above the occipital lobe. Once positioned and fastened correctly the Stutter is both stable and comfortable. The OCCIGRIP can be seen in the images below with red padding.
The strap system is very straight forward to adjust and the clip used feels robust. The little piece of “buckle up” material helps to prevent getting beards or skin caught up in the fastening.
The helmet comes supplied with its own storage bag in a very nice and shiny/stretchy white fabric.
I have been using a 2012 (same design) Stutter since the updated models were released and it has really stood up to the test of time and a fair bit of abuse. The Strutter has been used in a wide range of paddling and has always performed well.
I think that it is fair to say that the Sweet Stutter has become an iconic design. It has evolved over the years but still seems to be as popular as ever.
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