BQ Tests: PieProof Bike Helmet

Avoiding being swooped by magpies is an annual challenge for bike riders, walkers and e-scooter riders. There are numerous ways that people try to avoid getting swooped by magpies, and a couple of them even work! At Bicycle Queensland, we will always suggest that if your route is dangerous for any reason, the first choice for a rapid change is to see if you can change the route you take – and this works for magpie swooping season as well. That won’t always be possible, and there are a number of products available that claim to deter magpies from swooping.

PieProof helmets are an Australian company, with a helmet that does not intend to directly prevent a magpie from swooping you. Instead, it aims to make sure you don’t get injured. Magpie injuries can involve a small cut to your ear – but the larger danger is losing focus on riding your bike. The PieProof helmet has lightweight padded mesh ear covers, to protect your ears from the beak of a magpie. The vents have a fine mesh that prevent a magpie holding onto your helmet – and handily they keep bugs out as well. The removable visor also adds some more protection for your eyes.

What really stands out is how these added features aren’t gimmicks on a basic helmet – it’s a high quality helmet regardless. From a full coverage in-mould shell, through to an integrated rechargeable rear light, three shell sizes (in either black or white), with a fully adjustable retention system and high quality straps and buckles. All for about $110.

In use

Fitting the helmet was no problem, with a true to size fit and a very comfortable finish thanks to good pad coverage inside. Depending on your choice of eyewear, you may find the arms of sunglasses foul on the ear covers, but putting them on the inside of the ear covers proved to be the best option.

There was a concern that the ear covers may reduce hearing when riding, but the opposite was almost true. They are not a form fitting ear cover as they are not pushed firmly over your ears like noise cancelling headphones. They did reduce wind noise a little, but their main bonus is protection from an angry magpie – and the sun.

With very few magpies on my regular rides, I did need to venture a little further to coax some swooping. What the PieProof helmet will not change is the initial shock of when a magpie swoops you – but your chance of getting injured from the magpie strike is near zero.

For $109.95 including delivery, the PieProof helmets are a high quality helmet with a size range to suit many riders. While it won’t deter a magpie from swooping, it is a well-made helmet with smart design for year-round use, with some added features to call in in swooping season.