February's Top Vital MTB Member Reviewer Award 2

Every month we award the Top User Reviewer with a little prize, and this month Jenson USA pitched in another $100 gift card! Vital member Carraig042 took home top honors in February after writing several great reviews. Here's a recap of his best:

MarshGuard Front Fender - "I have had several mudguards in the past beginning with a THE fender for a Dorado fork I used to have. I then designed several iterations of my own and used those over the years. The latest is this MarshGuard Fender that I received in my VitalMTB Gear Club box last month. The material used on this one is thicker than what I have used in the past on the ones I made, but feels like a similar nylon-like plastic material. It easily attaches to your fork with four zip ties.

You can instantly respect the mud fender the very first time you ride in snow, rain, mud, etc. It really helps keep your eyes clear and your fork stanchions and seals cleaner. I personally leave mine all the time and do not think I would ever run without it.

I wish it had a little more rounded profile. I do believe this could be from a ‘Boost’ fork arch that is wider. I did take it off and roll it like a ball cap bill to try and round it some. That did help some, but a little heat may be required to get it more round. This is purely for aesthetics for me.

As cheap as these things are and as much as they help, I am not sure why everyone does not have one. I recommend these to any rider looking to keep their face cleaner and help extend for maintenance out a bit..." - Read more»

Lezyne Macro Drive 1100XL Light - "I changed out the standard handlebar mount to a Go-Pro style mount for more versatility and stability versus the rubber ring style. I made my own, but Lezyne does sell one for around $5. I use this light on my helmet since the battery is made into the body. This light puts out an even and medium width light span. It does not have any hard edges of light cutoff like some lights have (mostly your cheap Chinese ones). The light does not get too hot to touch at any point and the manufactures claim of 1hr 20min seems accurate when on high. It has seven light settings on the light from dim to full on to strobe. It has a race mode setting that can be used. In this setting when you turn the light on, only economy and the brightest settings are selectable. This is nice so you do not have to go through all of the light modes to get to the brightest for trail riding when you need all you can get.

This is a very nice light for the money. Bike lights can go well over $200, but is that really necessary? I do not think so as this light proves. There is a version that can have a battery pack added to it for longer run times if you need more than this standard one has. Light output for my trail and occasional downhill use is good especially when paired with a handlebar light. In my opinion using a Go-Pro style mount is the way to go for versatility and stability on rough trails. Lezyne has a great product here at a comfortable price..." - Read more»

iXS Trail RS Helmet - "I was happy to start using a new helmet as I have had my other one for a couple of years and it had taken a few smaller hits. I never enjoyed the fit of it either. The iXS Trail RS fits really good on my noggin and does not have any noticeable pressure points. The adjustable visor moves just enough to be out of the way for me. I can maybe see it slightly in my peripherals as well as the front lower part of the helmet. I adjusted the back retention piece the has three adjustments points and it moved it up on my forehead enough that it was not a bother.

The vents seem to do a fine job of keeping my head cool, doing better than my previous full coverage trail helmet. It has a relatively small profile similar to other high end offerings. The padding on the inside effectively moves the sweat from your head and most drips out in the front portion. I do not wear glasses while riding and do not have any problem with the sweat drips hitting me in face.

If an adjustment is needed while gloves are on or while riding on the trail, the retention system is a cinch to use..." - Read more»

Big congrats to Carraig042! Thanks for helping out the riding scene with your thoughts on these products.

Want to be in the running for March's award?

Start reviewing the parts you use in the Vital MTB Product Guide and keep an eye on the Top Reviewer leaderboard. We'll announce the winner in early April.