Les Ateliers Ruby, a French company, is celebrating their 5th anniversary with the release of their first full-face helmet named “The Castel”. It was on Octonber 2007 that the company released its first model named “The Pavillon” followed by “The Belvedere”. These 2 models have been interpreted into 286 versions as well as in limited series and in a few unique pieces.
The new Ruby helmet, “”The Castel” was imagined as the full face version pf “The Pavillon” It is sold without a visor because intended to be worn with glasses. For the most nervous bikers, a full-face model intended for superior speeds will be unveiled in 2013. All Ruby helmets are sold throughout their 100 dealers network and of course at the Parisian shop located at Herold Street. Les Ateliers Ruby.
Very nice, very expensive.
That’s like buying an expensive car without a windshield!
I love Ruby and I love the original Pavillon (open face model). I own two. But I will never pay for what looks like a half-completed helmet made in China for $1200. My old Bell will do just fine. They don’t even include a cheap plastic visor at that price. That’s like selling a motorcycle jacket with no zipper because it’s meant to be worn open. But zippers can be bought for an extra price. Get real.
Makes no sense to me to sell it without a shield.
People PLEASE! this is all about fashion- style and image. Value for money and practicality have no place here…… ( I still want one for my livingroom cabinet!)
Okay, I know they are expensive. Agreed. With that said, they are exquisite! The fit & comfort is like no other helmet I have ever worn. The style is amazing. I own 1 each Pavilion & Belvedere Ruby helmets. By far – the best helmet ever. I can’t wait to get this new full face model. Just have to get my wife’s approval. She thinks I have a helmet fettish. If you are going to wear a helmet, how much is protecting your head worth…with great style? Merry Christmas to all and a healthy & prosperous New Year.
Its awesome helmets if you Vespa owner !
@Dar
How much is my lid worth? Well, the best in the world are Arai and that’s $500-$800.
What about great style? Well, that would be the Davida at $300 or Ruby Pavillon at $750. Not a Bell wannabe at $1200 (made in China for $10).
BTW, if an open face Pavillon is $750 does that mean the face guard on the Castel is worth an extra $450?
@Sollis
Are they great on Vespas because you’re never going fast enough to need eye protection?
I’m all for style but this one is just a plain affront.
Ruby,done, next …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iAuYD7CxPdI
As PT Barnum once said, “There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute”
It has always amazed me how helmets can spark such a debate amongst riders. Back in 03 or 04 a certain magazine did their own testing of helmets. The retail prices ranged from $49-$600. Their impact tests showed that price really did not matter as all “performed” about the same. I have a bunch o helmets and the higher priced ones are definitely more comfortable to wear. These above are NICE. If Dar says they are comfortable I believe him. Yep I want one. peace
I joined the “conversation” a bit late, so my comments will likely be lost in cyber space, but nonetheless..,
Let me assure you – these French lids are comfortable in ways that will remind you of that pair of shorts your wife keeps dumping and you keep digging out again…
“The Castel” is uber cool. All it needs to go with it, is a 1980 Moto Guzzi Le Mans, 90% completed as a stripped down custom cafe racer and a pair of vintage gold rimmed Ray Ban ‘Aviators’ (obviously not recommended for an ‘ol geezer with hard contact lenses – albeit most likely the only protagonists,,,).
HOWEVER.., it just does not seem right, for the helmet to cost more than half of what you spent on the machine in the first place – but such are things French, it should not have been another country, it should have been from another planet..!
A helmet for Hipsters. I think we have a new target audience
Hipster ware at ‘never give a sucker an even break’ prices. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a Ruby helmet. It’s only a small jump from there to wearing ‘man makeup’ and ‘man purses’. etc., ….lol.
@Mick they sell them at Vespa stores here in US so i assume they targeting Vespa riders . Iif you go to France girls on Vespas wearing Rubys or on the cat walk ))) all i am, trying to say they represent fashion statement more then a safety i woulnt wear ruby on 180 HP bike