Troy Lee Designs A1

Troy Lee did take their time entering into the trail helmet market, but it was certainly worth the wait. At first some might not think the A1 is the prettiest helmet on offer, but we think it’s a bit of a grower. Put one on your head though and you really won’t care what it looks like anyway, we can promise you that. Troy Lee fit has been legendary ever since the days of the Daytona full face lid and there just simply isn’t another trail helmet going that fits like this one. The fit of this helmet makes you feel that you are properly ‘in it’, and as well as feeling supremely comfortable it also feels extremely confidence–inspiring. Like most modern trail lids the A1 covers more of the back and sides of the head, so coverage is superb in the event of an off. If you can’t afford the slightly hefty price tag, then don’t put one on your head. If you do you’ll only want one. On top of the fit, like all other Troy Lee helmets there is excellent venting and details like the machined aluminium bolts on the adjustable peak gives you the quality to go with the price.

Sizes: XS/S (54-56cm), M/L (57-59cm), XL/XXL (60-62cm)

Vents: 16

Weight: 320g

Price:  From £129.99 – £139.99 (Depending on colour/finish)

Fisher Outdoor Leisure 01727 798 340
www.troyleedesigns.com

Bell Super 2

With more experience than most, Bell are no strangers to the helmet market, being born in the 1950s California hot rod and racing scene. It comes as little surprise that this helmet ticks all the boxes. The helmet itself keeps the visuals simple and you would be hard pushed to find one of the eight colours that didn’t please your eye. At 390g you will barely notice the Super perched atop your head but thanks to the full in-mould construction and internal reinforcement, it will do the job in a crash as well. The Speed Dial retention system combined with Bell’s X-Static removeable, washable and anti-microbial padding offers superb fit, and four sizes cover all the bases. 25 channelled vents ensure maximum ventilation including four brow vents, a neat touch unique to Bell, which only add to the excellent venting. The integrated, yet removable, GoPro mount is a well thought out addition. The price is pretty much smack bang in the middle of trail helmet territory and puts the Super in contention with all of the main players. Bell’s GoggleGuide visor adjustment system is another unique touch and ensures you will be able to run goggles without worrying about the strap slipping around. Also now available (and very well received) is the new Super 2R with removable chin-bar, weighing in at only 694g (with chin-bar attached); ideal for Enduro racing.

Both the Super 2 and 2R are available with or without the MIPS brain protection system.

Sizes: S (51-55cm), M (55-59cm), L (59-63cm)

Weight: 360g (Super 2)

Price: £99.99 or £124.99 with MIPS brain protection system (Super 2)

Zyro 01485 521 700
www.bellhelmets.com

Fox Flux

The Fox Flux trail lid has been around for some time now and it has definitely been our chosen trail helmet in the Dirt 100 since 2013… It offers far more coverage than traditional XC lids, especially at the rear thanks to the deep EPS shell, and that extra protection is certainly reassuring when you’re hammering down tracks. Excellent venting is taken care of by 20 large vents that will keep your head cool even on the hottest of days. Fox have always been a company with a good sense of style, and we think they’ve definitely hit the nail on the head with this lid. We don’t know anyone who doesn’t think it’s a bit of a ‘looker’. Check out their great range of colours and styles for the 2015 season. Fit wise, most riders seem to get on well with it too, thanks in part to the decent adjustable retention system, and realistic sizing. At £70 it is one the best value trail lids here and even manages to come in at a sensible weight. If you’re on a budget and like a dash of style then look no further than the Flux.

Sizes: S/M, L/XL

Vents: 20

Weight: 354g

Price: £70.00

Fox Europe 01914 876 100
www.foxhead.com