Troy Lee Stage helmet in review
The stealth-looking Stage helmet is the first super light full-face helmet from Californian cult brand Troy Lee. It’s designed to be a well-ventilated alternative for the popular D3 downhill helmet and is therefore mainly addressed at enduro riders.
Straight away, you can tell that the Stage is one more creation of TLD’s design team. The lightweight, enduro-specific helmet hits the scales at XXX g and shares many of the features with Troy Lee’s legendary D3 downhill helmet – unfortunately, the finish is not as high quality though. In order to save weight, the outer shell of the Stage isn’t stretched entirely over the edges and air vents of the helmet, which leaves quite a few visible spotsof less attractive ESP foam. Following another TLD tradition, at € 329,90 the Stage is also sinfully expensive. The numerous vent holes allow for optimal ventilation and make the Stage the optimal choice for enduro riacing – which also explains the open design of the chin guard. Despite its lightweight, the Stage meets the ASTM downhill standard. For improved safety, Troy Lee relies on two different density foams for better shock absorption and an additional MIPS system, which proved to reduce the rotational forces of impacts. A Fid-Lock magnetic closure system rounds off the overall solid concept.
The Stage features Troy Lee’s typical design features. The helmet is available in stealth black, like the one in our test, and in many other colour options.
Visible foam patches on the shell edges and transitions.
Under the visor there’s not enough room for the goggles. We recommend wrapping them around the arm or putting them inside the backpack – but not at the back of the helmet.
Although the TLD Stage is only available in three sizes, our tester Thomas was really happy with the fit. The helmet comes with a multitude of interchangeable pads with different densities, which allow you to finely tune the fit of the helmet to the shape of your head. Once you figure out the right pad configuration, the Stage sits comfortably without slipping around or causing unpleasant pressure points – not even on rough trail sections. Thanks to the light weight and generous vent holes, the Stage feels comfortable even on long climbs and with hot temperatures. Due to its wide field of view, the stage is compatible with all common goggles. However, when you get to the bottom of the trail and want to make your way back up to the trailhead, you can’t just push the goggles under the visor – there isn’t enough room. If you want to take full advantage of the good ventilation on hot long climbs, you should wrap the goggles around the arm or put them in your backpack – but not just turn them around and store them at the back of the helmet.
The light weight and good ventilation make the Troy Lee Stage Thomas’ first choice for long shuttle days and enduro races. Alongside the many safety features, the Stage sports the Troy Lee’s trademark (and cool) look. Considering the quality of the finish, however, the price is steep.
Tops
- Good ventilation
- Light weight
- Many pads included
Flops
- Goggles don’t fit under the visor
- Poor quality finish
- Price
Tester Thomas Weiss
Price € 329.99
Weight 694 g (size M)
More info Troyleedesigns.com
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Words: Thomas Weiss Photos: Felix Stix
