Sweet Protection - When Norway Redefines Protection
We all know helmet brands that are content with just meeting standards. Sweet Protection, however, has chosen to exceed them. And when you discover the history of this Norwegian brand, you quickly understand that it's not just marketing. It's been in their DNA since the first prototype made in a garage.
A story that begins… with illegal skateboarding
Not the usual "two friends in a garage" story. This one is more intriguing. In 1986, Norway banned skateboarding. A group of friends from Trysil, a mountain village deep in the country, decided to make their own anyway. Smuggled from Sweden, the materials crossed the border. The boards were assembled in Ståle Møller's father's garage. The halfpipe? Hidden in the forest.
That's where the philosophy was born: to make something better than what already existed. Not to copy. To improve.
"What existed was holding us back in our practice."
— Ståle Møller, Founder and Material Design Director
In 1997, freestyle kayaking entered the scene. The boats of that era? Mediocre. Møller developed a Kevlar model for a high-level kayaker friend. Then, in 2000, he created a carbon fiber helmet for the World Championships. The design stood out from the "Soviet agricultural" aesthetic of existing equipment. Everyone wanted one.
Sweet Protection was officially founded in 2000. The garage was back in business.
Trysil, between Scandinavian design and field testing
Headquarters: Trysil, Norway. A ski resort, endless forests, mountains. No coincidence. The brand designs where it tests. Design, engineering, prototypes, everything stays in one place. Production moved to Italy when demand exploded, but the brains behind it remain.
The result? Products conceived by riders, for riders. Every helmet, every piece of apparel, is tested by the team before reaching the market. No need for focus groups when the office empties at 5 PM for a ride.
"When we entered the market, helmets went from being equipment worn out of obligation to a natural part of the outfit. Today, protection is as much a part of style as glasses or clothing."
— Atle Enberget, Sales Director (2000-2025)
Technology for Protection
Sweet Protection doesn't just incorporate MIPS technology, which reduces rotational forces during an impact. The brand has developed its own platform: 2Vi®.
The concept? A composite structure that combines rigidity, to absorb violent shocks, and flexibility, to deform progressively. The result: a helmet that protects better, without sacrificing comfort or weight. And with a more precise fit, thanks to an optimized occipital adjustment system.
Certain models, such as the Trooper 2Vi® Mips for skiing or the Falconer 2Vi® Mips for road cycling, have achieved the maximum 5-star rating from Virginia Tech, one of the most demanding independent tests in the world.
A Range Designed for Every Discipline
Sweet Protection doesn't make generic helmets. Each model is designed for a specific use.
| Model | Use | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Falconer 2Vi® Mips | Road, gravel | Aero, lightweight, ventilated, 5 stars Virginia Tech |
| Falconer Aero 2Vi® Mips | Road, competition | Optimized aerodynamic version for fast stages |
| Outrider Mips | Road, gravel, urban | Versatile, well-ventilated, excellent value for money |
| Bushwhacker 2Vi® Mips | Enduro mountain biking | Enhanced protection, precise fit |
| Fluxer Mips | Versatile mountain biking, gravel | Maximum ventilation, versatile |
| Fixer 2Vi® Mips | Downhill mountain biking, freeride | Full-face, total protection, carbon fiber available |
| Trailblazer Mips | Trail mountain biking | Lightweight, well-ventilated, 5 stars Virginia Tech |
| Tucker III 2Vi® Mips | Ski, snowboard | Full protection, Scandinavian design, 5 stars Virginia Tech |
Each helmet incorporates MIPS technology. Some models add the 2Vi® platform for even more advanced protection.
Sweet Protection also offers body protection, knee pads, back protectors, and wrist guards, designed with the same philosophy. Not sold at Quilicot, but worth knowing about if you're looking for complete equipment.
From the Tour de France to Mountain Trails
In 2023, the Uno-X Mobility Cycling team made its debut at the Tour de France with Sweet Protection helmets. This brought global visibility to a brand that, until then, had remained discreet outside the circles of dedicated riders.
The following year, Sweet Protection signed with two top athletes. Emil Johansson, the Swede considered one of the most creative freeride riders in the world, multiple winner of Red Bull Rampage, the planet's toughest freeride event. And Vali Höll, the Austrian who has dominated the World Cup downhill circuit for several seasons with remarkable consistency. Two disciplines, two styles, the same demanding protection.
The brand is now visible on all terrains: from the World Tour road races to freeski lines and high-speed descents.
Available at Bicycles Quilicot
Sweet Protection has arrived at Quilicot. Four models are available in store, covering both road and mountain biking, as well as skiing.
- Falconer 2Vi® Mips - $309.99 - The high-end road helmet. Aerodynamic, ultra-ventilated, 5 stars Virginia Tech.
- Fluxer Mips - $249.99 - The versatile one. Mountain biking, gravel, trail, maximum ventilation, everyday comfort.
- Outrider Mips - $189.99 - The entry point. Road and gravel, excellent ventilation, ideal for starting with the brand.
- Tucker III 2Vi® Mips - The ski and snowboard helmet. 2Vi® protection, sleek design, for those who want the same quality in winter.
Helmets designed to last, tested by pros, accessible to all riders in Quebec.
See all Sweet Protection helmets in store
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MIPS technology?
MIPS, for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a low-friction layer placed inside the helmet. It allows the head to move slightly relative to the helmet during an oblique impact, which reduces the rotational forces transmitted to the brain. A scientifically proven technology, integrated into all Sweet Protection helmets.
What is Sweet Protection's 2Vi® technology?
2Vi® is a protection platform developed by Sweet Protection. It combines a composite structure that better absorbs violent impacts while remaining lightweight. Some 2Vi® helmets have achieved the maximum 5-star rating in Virginia Tech tests, a global benchmark for safety.
Is Sweet Protection a Quebec brand?
No. Sweet Protection is a Norwegian brand, founded in 2000 in Trysil, a mountain village in Norway. The brand designs all its products locally, with a team of riders who test each product before it goes to market.
Which Sweet Protection helmet should I choose for mountain biking?
For enduro and all-mountain biking, the Bushwhacker 2Vi® Mips is an excellent choice: enhanced protection, precise fit, 5 stars Virginia Tech. For trail and cross-country mountain biking, the Fluxer Mips offers maximum ventilation and good value for money. For downhill and freeride, the Fixer 2Vi® Mips, a full-face model, provides total protection.
What makes Sweet Protection such a high-end brand?
Sweet Protection relies on a demanding combination of research and development, advanced materials such as carbon fiber and 2Vi® composites, as well as independent testing among the most recognized in the industry. The brand designs products built to last, to protect beyond minimum standards, and to offer a level of finish worthy of high-end.
Conclusion
Sweet Protection is not just any brand. Born out of frustration with existing equipment, driven by riders who refuse to compromise, it has made protection an art. Scandinavian design, advanced technologies, validation by top athletes, and a history that begins with illegal skateboarding in a Norwegian garage.
Available at Bicycles Quilicot for those who want to protect their heads without sacrificing style.