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Difference in Rudy Project Helmets

Laura BeckerLaura Becker
in General Training Discussions

Ok I am in need of an aero helmet. It's time I got one. I am looking at Rudy Project- mostly because they offer us a discount and I like to support that! I am open to other options tho....

Main question is- what is the biggest difference between the Wings57 and the Wingspan??? Anyone have advice on either of these?? 

THANK YOU in advance!!!

Comments

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    No comment either way for either helmet, but I'd suggest to size in person; they don't seem to fit fatheads like mine!
  • Scott RenickScott Renick
    No science in my answer, just user opinion...I just replaced a Wingspan I've used for years with a Wing57.  The 57 has a bit shorter tail (though there's a magnetic piece you can add if it fits your riding style/setup).  Setting them side by side the 57 appears to be a bit taller top to bottom than the Wingspan.  Both have similar venting front & rear.



    The Wing57 comes with a removable shield so you don't need sunglasses.  I've only raced in it for one OLY so far and it was fine, though by the end of the bike I missed having some wind on my face to dry sweat.  I won't use the shield for longer races.



    @Scott is right, they are known to be tight.  The Wingspan was only offered in 1 size (medium), the Wing57 added a large.

    I went with the Wing57 because I tend to not have great discipline in keeping my head still when aero and I thought the shorter tail would mean less material waving around in the wind.  The reality is it isn't a lot shorter.  Good pricing and the Wingspan held up well with a lot of use.  Thankfully I don't have any crash test experience to report on it's capabilities there 

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I have them both and like them both. The testing on the Wing57 "claims" to have better aerodynamics and the slightly shorter tail is nice if you drop your head a lot (like I do). The visor on the Wing57 is TOTAL CRAP... Mine broke pretty quickly, but I still use the helmet with sunglasses. Conflicting info on how the visor affects aerodynamics.

    The Wing57 is their "2nd Generation" helmet. They either made it better or they figured it would be a good way to convince a bunch of stupid triathletes (like me) to spend more $$... But it "seems" better to me. Both ventilate very well and I actually prefer it to my road helmet when it's super-duper hot. (or if it's super cold, you can put in the solid vent closure piece and it stays quite warm.)

    I don't think you can go wrong with either. If $$ is the limiter, get the Wingspan. If you'd rather have the shinier toy that is "probably" a tiny bit faster, then get the Wing57. FWIW, I found a random 50% off coupon code when I bought mine a couple of yrs ago that actually worked on the Wing57! Channel your Google-Fu and you might get lucky.
  • Laura BeckerLaura Becker

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your responses guys!! SO incredibly helpful. I am thinking of just going with the Wingspan because I am also trying to save to upgrade my wheels....which I think will make a bigger difference than a slightly better aero helmet. BUT before i do that I am searching Google John 

    Appreciate your feedback! THANKS again!

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