IXS Trail RS

The IXS Trail RS comes away with the title of the most universally comfy trail lid on the market. While most helmets might not fit the odd person, the Trail RS is the only helmet we know of that sits comfortably for everyone who tried it on. This is thanks to a great shell shape, high quality padding that is well positioned inside the shell, and a superb retention system. Not only does the helmet fit and feel great, it is also a looker and comes in a range of solid, bold colours to complement your riding kit. The deep shell offers great side and rear protection for the head, so you know it’ll do the job in a crash. On the subject of crashing, the crash release system in the fully adjustable peak is a welcome touch. The full in-mould construction and 22 sizeable vents both keep the weight at an amazing 320g, and those vents do an outstanding job of keeping your head from cooking. A helmet of this quality should surely be more expensive, so this helmet offers great value on top an already excellent package. The RS stands for Richey Schley and it’s evident at every point that a rider as experienced and knowledgeable as Richey has been involved in this helmets development.

Sizes: S/M (54-58cm), M/L (58-62cm)

Vents: 22

Weight: 320g

Price: £84.99

Hotlines 01313 191 444
www.ixs-sportsdivision.com

Giro Feature

Well ahead of the times, Giro were the first to mix the pisspot helmet with an XC lid, but back then it never caught on. The Feature is just a modern version though, with extra refinements like the adjustable retention system which is attached to an in-mould polycarbonate shell with an EPS liner. Details like the angle adjuster on the moto–style peak remain, and although the number of vents is low they’re well designed and channelled so certainly work well. The low volume, deep shell offers massive coverage, more than a lot of helmets here, so protection is definitely up there. Size-wise, three sizes mean most of you should be happy, and the good selection of bold, solid colours means you should be equally happy on that front too. Weight is at the lighter end of the spectrum for the protection it gives, thanks to the in-mould shell; coming in a fraction over that of the Trail RS. The low price is also something worthy of a mention and makes the Feature a serious contender for the bargain title. Lighter than the Fox Flux at the same price, this really is a great value helmet and a popular choice out on the trails.

Now available with the MIPS protection system.

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

Vents: 12

Weight: 300g

Price: £69.99 (standard version), £89.99 (with MIPS)

Zyro 01485 521 700
www.giro.com

POC Trabec Race

We love the unique styling of POC lids, but more than that we love this Swedish company’s drive to offer the best possible protection. A serious amount of multi–impact EPS foam goes into each Trabec helmet and then this is reinforced further with aramid filament. Full in-mould construction ensures a strong, lightweight shell and the Race model sees an increase in aramid reinforcement. The aramid fibre grid covers a greater area of the helmet for increased protection compared to the standard model. Coverage is of course excellent, the deep shell dropping low around the back and sides of the head. The outer polycarbonate shell has had its seams positioned where they are least exposed, proving POC have really thought of everything here. Despite all this superb protection, at 340g, POC have also managed to make on of the lightest trail helmets going. Three sizes cover most heads and the superb retention system ensures a perfect fit. The 16 well-positioned vents do the job of getting the heat away from your head. Cheap this helmet is not, but this attention to detail rarely is. A benchmark design.

Sizes: XS/S (51-54cm), M/L (55-58cm), XL/XXL (59-62cm)

Vents: 16

Weight: 340g

Price: £150 ( £190 with MIPS)

2Pure 0844 811 2001
www.pocsports.com

Mavic Notch

The Mavic Notch is certainly one of the most frequently seen helmets on the enduro circuit and with good reason. At a 310g claimed weight, very few other helmets get close to the weight of the Notch. While the Notch might not go as far down the back of the head as some other trail lids, protection is still ample. You should easily be able to forget you’re even wearing this helmet until things go sour. The Egro Hold SL retention system ensures a snug comfortable fit once you’ve picked one of the four sizes on offer. 18 vents perform the task of head ventilation and do it very well indeed. Nothing fancy here, just well sized and positioned vents to ensure maximum airflow. Three colours are available, including the obligatory Mavic ‘enduro’ yellow, or two slightly more sedate options. Reflective elements are a nice touch should you have to use the road to get to the trails or home from work, as is the fully removable peak. At £80 the Notch is great value, and anyone looking for a super lightweight trail lid would be hard pushed to find something lighter, even at double the money.

Sizes: S (51-56cm), M (54-59cm), L (57-61cm), L Maxi (58-63cm)

Vents: 18

Weight: 310g

Price: £80.00

Mavic UK 01276 404 870
www.mavic.co.uk