Editor's Note: This review is part of the Mtbr All Mountain Helmet Shootout.

Overview

Troy Lee, a brand with rabid customer loyalty and a long tradition in downhill clothing and helmets sought out to make their first half shell helmet with the A1. They gave it full coverage, an adjustable visor and excellent padding and ventilation. What they've come up with is the A1, a ground breaker for them in terms of design and comfort.

A1 is a fine helmet indeed with a great shell design but the graphics can be polarizing. But not to worry, if this design is not your favorite, you can always opt for the new A1 Drone which shares the features of the A1 but in a a 'flat gray' graphics package.

And $165, it is full featured and on the more expensive side of the helmets in this round-up.



Fit, Pads and Retention System

The fit of the A1 is one of the best, It is able to accommodate the 'oval' head shape quite well as the top back of the head is not irritated by the foam shell. The padding of the A1 family of helmets is best-of-breed as well as a thick anti-microbial pad wraps around the helmet shell. It minimizes head contact directly with the hard shell so it gives a 'pillow-like' fit as one of our users reviewed.

The retention system is good with a cam wheel system that is easy to turn and has 20mm adjustment in small increments. Straps are out of the way and stay straight with good routing. The straps loop together as well and don't have those annoying strap ends that fray or get in the way of your chin.



Ventilation

Ventilation is quite good. It scored well on our heat ventilation test which put it near the top of the helmets in our All Mountain Helmet Shootout.



Continue reading for more on the Troy Lee Designs A1 and the full photo gallery.

Goggle and Glasses Compatibility

Goggle compatibility is ok but tight. The helmet sits low so it's imperative that cycling specific goggles like Scott bike goggles are used. Glasses compatibility is fine.



Extras, Weight and Value

Weight is 342 grams and that is 11 grams lighter than the our Troy Lee A1 Drone in the same size. Some different, hardware may be the source of the extra weight of the Drone. The A1 is well in the middle of the range of helmet weights in the shootout.

The visor is adjustable and it is removable. Although removing the helmet reveals a strange bmx-like shell shape in the front that is not really that attractive.

Bottom Line

The A1 is a great helmet but if the graphics don't speak to you, then we recommend that you check out the A1 Drone as well. That makes the A1 and A1 Drone a good choice in the face of stiff competition in this popular category. In the end, good looks is brought home by good coverage and awesome fit and comfort.



Specifications

  • Price: $165.00
  • Claimed Weight: n/a grams
  • Measured Weight: 342 grams
  • Number of Vents: 16
  • Visor: Adjustable
  • Retention System: 3 position vertical adjustment
  • Padding: Anti microbial
For more information visit www.troyleedesigns.com.

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