The Sweet Protection Primer helmet delivers a high-end feel at a mid-range price point, making it a solid option for mountain bikers looking for comfort, safety, style, AND affordability. While it has some minor drawbacks, it still offers great valueespecially with the inclusion of MIPS technology.After several months of testing the Primer on my daily trail rides, I thought highly enough of it to add it to our list of the best mountain bike helmets for women.Review In A NutshellPros:Includes MIPS technology for added safety Doesnt snag hairHigh-end feel at a mid-range priceComfortable fit with no pressure pointsGood breathability, even on hot daysCons:Visor doesnt lock into place, limited adjustabilityNot rated for use with e-bikesPonytail-friendliness is overstated; works best with low ponytailsPrice: $150Buy at Backcountry.comBuy at Amazon.comBuy at SweetProtection.comMIPS Technology for Added SafetyOne of the standout features of the Primer is its integrated MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. MIPS helps reduce rotational forces on the brain in the event of a crash. While Im not a die-hard MIPS evangelist (there is still limited third-party data on the efficacy), it still provides extra peace of mind when Im on the trails. Additionally, the best third-party safety ratings around come from Virginia Tech. While the Primer is a newer helmet and has not yet been rated, the other Sweet Protection helmets rate VERY high in the Virginia Tech study, so we can assume the Primer would too.There are several different types of MIPS systems. The Primer has the MIPS Evolve, which presents as a thin black liner. I dont like this quite as much as the MIPS Integra or Air Node which are integrated into the helmet rather than as a distinct separate layer. But, unlike some helmets Ive used in the past (the Smith MIPS helmets in particular) with attachment points for the liner, this design didnt pull or snag my hair, which is a welcome relief.Ponytail-Friendly? Sort of.The Primer advertises itself as ponytail-friendly, but I was a bit baffled by this claim. Theres nothing, in my opinion, particularly special about the ponytail compatibility here. The helmet is cut a bit higher at the back of the head, but it still requires a low ponytail or braid.Color Options: Some Fun, Some DrabI absolutely loved the lavender color of my Primer helmetits a gorgeous and fun option. However, the color choices for women seem limited, with only one other feminine option (a turquoise) available. The remaining color choices feel pretty drab, so if youre someone who likes to add a little pop of color to your gear, you might feel the same.High-End Feel at a Mid-Range PriceFor a mid-range priced helmet, the Sweet Protection Primer feels higher-end than its price suggests. With the exception of the visor (which Ill get to in a moment), the helmets build quality was on par with my POC Tectal, which is a more premium offering. (The MIPS version of the POC Tectal is $260, for comparison).The materials and fit felt durable and reliable, giving it that quality feel youd expect from more expensive helmets. It also has that trendy, cool factor, and I got several compliments on the helmet while wearing it.Me (on the left) in the POC Kortal, my friend Kristi on the right in the Sweet Protection PrimerThe Visor: A LetdownNow, onto the one big drawback for methe visor. Like the POC Kortal, it has several pre-determined positions you can set it at. This is different than the POC Tectal, for example, which slides freely and allows you to lock the visor into a position with a screw wherever you please.Once you determine the height youd like to set the visor at, it rests on a little plastic nook. It doesnt lock into place, meaning it tends to slip upwards. Thankfully, it didnt slide downward, which would have been more annoying, but I found it frustrating that I couldnt keep it in a lower position.Additionally, the lowest position wasnt quite low enough for my liking. I would have loved the option to angle it down more, especially when riding in bright sun. That said, the size of the visor was perfect offering plenty of sun protection without being obtrusive. It is also designed to break away easily in the event of a crash, which is an important safety feature.Comfort & FitThe helmet was super comfortable, with no weird pressure points or hot spots, and the straps were easy to adjust and didnt twistalways a bonus! Based on the sizing chart, I went with the M/L size, which is the same size I wear in both my POC Tectal and Kortal helmets.In hindsight, I wish I had ordered down a size. While the fit dial and cage snugged the helmet down enough to be secure, it still felt a little loosealmost like it was floating on my head. Ive found that MIPS helmets, in general, dont feel quite as snug as non-MIPS ones, and this was no exception.Its also worth noting that the rear fit dial is a little smaller and less grippy than many others Ive tested which made it more of an effort to adjust on the fly. The inside of the dial, however, is padded and prevents hair from getting snaggedonce again, a feature I appreciated.Breathability: Great for Hot DaysThe Primers breathability really impressed me. Despite being a mountain bike helmet, I found myself using it for commuting when I didnt want to arrive at my destination with a sweaty head. Even on 100-degree Boise summer days, the helmet kept my head surprisingly cool, making it a great option for hot-weather riding.On visual inspection, there are fewer vent holes on the Primer than the POC Tectal, but on the trail, I didnt notice any downgrade in terms of airflow. A Few Missing ExtrasWhile the Primer excels in comfort and safety, it does lack a few extras that would have been nice to see, like sunglass storage or Recco reflectors. Also, its not certified for use with e-bikes, so if youre looking for a helmet specifically for that, youll want to look elsewhere. At this price, however, Im willing to give up extras to get all of the must haves.Crash ReplacementAs is pretty standard with most helmet brands, Sweet Protection offers a crash replacement program. (Because you should never ride in a helmet that has crash damage). What is not standard is the discount on a crash replacement (40%) which is higher than most. (Smith offers 30% and POC offers 35%).Bottom-Line: A Stylish, Safe, And Affordable MTB HelmetThe Sweet Protection Primer offers great value with its combination of MIPS technology, comfort, and stylish design, all at a mid-range price. While the visor could use improvement and there are a few missing extras, its still a solid choice for riders looking for a high-quality helmet without breaking the bank. If safety and style are your top priorities, this helmet is definitely worth considering.More Stuff You Might LikeBest Womens Mountain Bike ShortsWhat To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!Best Womens Mountain Bike JerseysAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristens favorite disciplines are mountain biking andbike commuting, although youcan also find her crankingout a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.IG:@femme_cyclistThe post Sweet Protection Primer MIPS Helmet Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.