The Lab: Troy Lee A1 Helmet Long Term Review

Our global test team has been pushing products to the very limit on the world’s toughest trails. In The Lab, durability is rewarded and weaknesses have nowhere to hide. With the words “For the World’s Fastest Racers” emblazoned across the back of the shiny silver Troy Lee A1 helmet, Christoph has rarely taken this lid off his head for the past two years of riding.

The reason is simple: the A1 couldn’t be much more comfortable while sitting securely on his head. In fact, it’s so secure that you could argue there’s no need to fasten the chinstrap. Neither the strap nor inner cushioning show any sign of wear and tear, and the adjustment dial still works flawlessly. And to be honest, given the hefty price tag of around 200 €, the manufacturing quality is as high as you would like to expect. No matter which goggles or glasses Christoph chose to ride during the testing, the A1 always proved a willing and satisfyingly stylish companion.

Thanks to the winning fit and the low-slung back of the helmet, the Troy Lee A1 delivers (subjectively) a decent amount of protection. The only bugbears that Christoph could point out are the helmet’s slightly heavy weight and the slightly less-than-ideal ventilation. But surely the fact that this is the only decent helmet in existence, according to our tester, speaks for itself.

The Troy Lee A1 just knows how to fit on a head and serve its purpose.

Tester: Christoph
Price: € 198
Testing: 2 years
Weight: 420 g
Sizes: XS/S; M/L; XL/XXL

You can find out more information on the Troy Lee Designs website.

Words and Photos: Christoph Bayer

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